The Welsh Corgi has been part of the pastoral history of Wales since Medieval times, being mentioned in
Welsh laws of the 10th Century. It is interesting that two breeds of Welsh Corgi developed. The dogs in
the West and South of the region differed from those in the North and it has become generally accepted
that the Cardigan, which was developed in the west and southern regions, is the older of the two breeds
and is descended from the short legged TECKEL group of dogs which roamed central and eastern Europe
and which were brought to Wales by the ancient Celts.
THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE BREED WAS USED
Welsh manuscripts mention the Corgi as a working dog and old Welsh laws recognised the traditional high
values placed by Celtic farmers on their working dogs which were assessed on his ability to do his job of
work, his age and degree of training. The worth of a herdsman's dog was comparatively high and if proved
to be a genuine herder or drover was of equal value to that of an ox. Historians have recorded that the
Corgi occupied a special place in the pastoral history of the Welsh Counties and was found on every farm.
Originally the dog was used to guard and herd cattle on the unenclosed pasture of the high lands by day
and as a guard and companion dog by night.
In the days when the raising of beef cattle for sale in the English markets was a major factor in the
Welsh economy, the ancestors of today's Corgi were much valued by Welsh farmers.
The earliest known centre of the breed was Bronant, mid Cardiganshire, which is a rugged mountainous
area. The dog was developed to be a hardy dog suitable to work over very rocky terrain where grass grew
short and where the weather was all too frequently cold and wet.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOG
By the end of the 19th Century the dog was confined to the Dyfed region of the southern area of Wales
known as Cardiganshire and was named after that area becoming known as the CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI.
As befits his original use as a herding dog in fairly rugged terrain, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a sturdy,
active and intelligent dog. Although short in leg, he is not so low to ground that his mobility is restricted
and he is capable of a good speed and quick turn. His front legs are slightly bowed to fit around the chest
and the front feet turn out slightly. He is broad and deep in chest and moderately long in body with a level
topline. He has a rather large head, broad and flat between the ears and slightly domed over the eyes.
The ears are quite large, erect and carried rather wide. The expression is intelligent and kindly, yet
watchful. The dog is finished off with a long tail rather like a fox's brush, which should be carried
elegantly, low or in line with the body.
His coat is of short or medium length, hard in texture but not harsh, and preferably straight with a good
undercoat - a good waterproof jacket for a true working dog. The colours of the coat are red, sable,
brindle, black, black and tan and blue merle. All usually smartly marked with white on legs and feet as well
as head, collar and tip of tail.
THE CARDIGAN OF TODAY
Many centuries of development, from medieval times to the present, have resulted in the hardy, strong,
intelligent dog we know today. Affectionately known as the "Cardi" he is very loyal and makes a delightful
companion in town or country. His attractive appearance, kindly expression and ever wagging tail have
endeared the breed to the general public with whom he is popular as a companion dog. With his sensible
coat he is easy to keep clean and smart. He often takes a few years to come to maturity, but if you are
lucky he may live to between 15 and 17 years of age.
AUSTRALIAN HISTORY OF THE BREED
The first Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to Australia in 1953 by an English migrating couple, Mr. and
Mrs. W. Lewis. They were already established breeders under their LEWDUX prefix in England, when
they emigrated to live in Western Australia. They brought with them five Cardigans, two males and three
females. From these small beginnings, the breed quickly became popular and kennels were established
throughout the States of Australia. Enthusiasts imported other dogs and bitches from England and New
Zealand and the breed prospered enough for a Club to be formed in 1966 called The Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Association of New South Wales. In 1989 this Club was formally incorporated into The Welsh Corgi Club
of New South Wales which now caters for both breeds of Welsh Corgi. There are also Welsh Corgi Clubs
in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania which cater for
both breeds of Welsh Corgi.
Welsh laws of the 10th Century. It is interesting that two breeds of Welsh Corgi developed. The dogs in
the West and South of the region differed from those in the North and it has become generally accepted
that the Cardigan, which was developed in the west and southern regions, is the older of the two breeds
and is descended from the short legged TECKEL group of dogs which roamed central and eastern Europe
and which were brought to Wales by the ancient Celts.
THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE BREED WAS USED
Welsh manuscripts mention the Corgi as a working dog and old Welsh laws recognised the traditional high
values placed by Celtic farmers on their working dogs which were assessed on his ability to do his job of
work, his age and degree of training. The worth of a herdsman's dog was comparatively high and if proved
to be a genuine herder or drover was of equal value to that of an ox. Historians have recorded that the
Corgi occupied a special place in the pastoral history of the Welsh Counties and was found on every farm.
Originally the dog was used to guard and herd cattle on the unenclosed pasture of the high lands by day
and as a guard and companion dog by night.
In the days when the raising of beef cattle for sale in the English markets was a major factor in the
Welsh economy, the ancestors of today's Corgi were much valued by Welsh farmers.
The earliest known centre of the breed was Bronant, mid Cardiganshire, which is a rugged mountainous
area. The dog was developed to be a hardy dog suitable to work over very rocky terrain where grass grew
short and where the weather was all too frequently cold and wet.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOG
By the end of the 19th Century the dog was confined to the Dyfed region of the southern area of Wales
known as Cardiganshire and was named after that area becoming known as the CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI.
As befits his original use as a herding dog in fairly rugged terrain, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a sturdy,
active and intelligent dog. Although short in leg, he is not so low to ground that his mobility is restricted
and he is capable of a good speed and quick turn. His front legs are slightly bowed to fit around the chest
and the front feet turn out slightly. He is broad and deep in chest and moderately long in body with a level
topline. He has a rather large head, broad and flat between the ears and slightly domed over the eyes.
The ears are quite large, erect and carried rather wide. The expression is intelligent and kindly, yet
watchful. The dog is finished off with a long tail rather like a fox's brush, which should be carried
elegantly, low or in line with the body.
His coat is of short or medium length, hard in texture but not harsh, and preferably straight with a good
undercoat - a good waterproof jacket for a true working dog. The colours of the coat are red, sable,
brindle, black, black and tan and blue merle. All usually smartly marked with white on legs and feet as well
as head, collar and tip of tail.
THE CARDIGAN OF TODAY
Many centuries of development, from medieval times to the present, have resulted in the hardy, strong,
intelligent dog we know today. Affectionately known as the "Cardi" he is very loyal and makes a delightful
companion in town or country. His attractive appearance, kindly expression and ever wagging tail have
endeared the breed to the general public with whom he is popular as a companion dog. With his sensible
coat he is easy to keep clean and smart. He often takes a few years to come to maturity, but if you are
lucky he may live to between 15 and 17 years of age.
AUSTRALIAN HISTORY OF THE BREED
The first Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to Australia in 1953 by an English migrating couple, Mr. and
Mrs. W. Lewis. They were already established breeders under their LEWDUX prefix in England, when
they emigrated to live in Western Australia. They brought with them five Cardigans, two males and three
females. From these small beginnings, the breed quickly became popular and kennels were established
throughout the States of Australia. Enthusiasts imported other dogs and bitches from England and New
Zealand and the breed prospered enough for a Club to be formed in 1966 called The Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Association of New South Wales. In 1989 this Club was formally incorporated into The Welsh Corgi Club
of New South Wales which now caters for both breeds of Welsh Corgi. There are also Welsh Corgi Clubs
in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania which cater for
both breeds of Welsh Corgi.