INTERNATIONALE WELSH CORGI KENNEL

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is descended from the Teckel family of dogs which also produced the Dachshund. The breed is believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years. It was brought in aboriginal form by the Celtic tribes who migrated to Wales from central Europe. This early dog was a transitional form between the Teckel and the Spitz families. The Cardigan’s original work was to go before his master’s cattle herd and clear the way by chasing off potential predators as well as trespassing herds, providing an area for grazing. Later, the Cardi began to act as a herder, working behind the master’s cattle and as a “drover”, driving cattle from the Welsh farms to the English markets. It is at this time the original Corgi may have been crossed with local sheepdogs to obtain a more versatile working dog. The faithful Corgi was put to good use in his heyday, acting as a cattle dog, family guardian and pet, as well as vermin exterminator. During the Viking invasion of 1,000 years ago, and subsequent influx of Flemish weavers, a Spitz-type of dog was introduced into some areas of Wales. These Spitz were crossed with the original Corgi to produce what is known today as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Those Corgis who resided in areas untouched by such influences, however, retained their basic original blood and were the descendants of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Mon – the last of the original Cardiganshire Corgis In the late 1800’s the beginnings of what we know today as dog shows began to take shape. At this period of time, many breeds’ usefulness in their historical roles began to wane with the advent of machines. If not for dog shows, many of these breeds would have died out. The Corgi was slow to take the public’s fancy. Near the turn of the century, classes were held at some livestock shows for “heelers” or “curs” but it was not until the 1920’s that the term “Corgi” was used regularly and any appreciable breed history can be documented. Beginning in 1925, the Corgi was exhibited under Kennel Club (Great Britain) jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the Kennel Club did not consider Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis as two different breeds and registered them as a single breed. This allowed for the two breeds to be crossed. At this time there was considerable strife for the fanciers of both breeds as judges were known to either prefer one breed or the other, causing considerable dissatisfaction at the dog shows. Finally, the Kennel Club corrected the error and separated the two breeds in 1934. Bob Llwyd (1917) A red and white dog named Bob Llwyd (out of unregistered parents) was the most influential stud dog in the mid and late ’20’s and the first breed standard is said to have been based on him. He sired the breed’s first champion in his red and white son, Ch. Golden Arrow, who was born in 1928 and finished his championship in 1931. It was shortly after this time that the Pembroke was selected by the British Royal Family as their pet which brought great fame to that breed. The Cardigan remained in the shadows of his cousin and only recently has his popularity begun to rise.

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