HISTORY OF THE BREED

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is believed to be the oldest of the two Welsh Corgi breeds. The breed's long history is largely based on legend, with Dachshund (hound-type) dogs believed to be its ancestors brought to the Britons by the Celts around 1000 BC. – with a long body, short and crooked legs, with floppy ears at the time. Dachshunds and basset hounds are also believed to have been inherited from them.

In Wales, these "teckel" dogs quickly evolved into the cardigan type as they were crossed with local sheepdogs there. From these crossings, the peasants got a "multifunctional" dog with herding, guarding and, if necessary, rat-catching skills. This breed was also said to be useful for hunting.

The special talent of the Welsh corgi was herding - as a low dog, the kicks of cows and horses went over the dog's head and he remained unharmed. The dog was an indispensable help when the herd had to be driven to the market, sometimes to London. Herding during the day, guarding at night, such a hard life expected substance, flexibility and wisdom from the dog. They are characteristic of the breed even today.

The Kennel Club of England (The Kennel Club) recognized the welsh corgi breed in 1925. Since 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two different dog breeds that were no longer allowed to be crossed.

NOWADAYS

WCC is used as a family and companion dog. A versatile dog that can also be successfully used in obedience training, agility, etc.. The breed is also becoming popular in the breed's homeland and is no longer on the list of rare breeds.

BREED IN ESTONIA

The Estonian Welsh Corgi Breeding Association is registered as the Estonian Welsh Corgi Club "Gigi" already in 2007, when it also became a member of the Estonian Kennel Association.

The breed association deals with both Welsh Corgi Cardigan and Welsh Corgi Pembroke breeds. The association has always been an advocate of informed breeding choices, our breeding recommendations (official eye test, show grade) have been published on the website for years.

The breed association has advised puppy lovers who want to adopt a puppy. Similarly, they have advised when finding mates, if help is requested, we always recommend finding strange dogs if possible to expand the gene base. Information days, trainings for appearance judges and breed enthusiasts, as well as special exhibitions with breeding judges have been organized. Special exhibitions are always the biggest gathering places for breed enthusiasts, there are almost always many participants from abroad. Considering the development of the breed in Estonia and the need to expand the activities of the so-called association, it was decided to change the name of the association in August 2017.

As far as the breed association is concerned, the first Welsh corgi cardigan moved to Estonia. much earlier than indicated in the EKL database. According to the association, the first welsh corgi cardigan was brought from Finland to Estonia - Mackinlay's Pardon Me Boys (date of birth 24.06.1996). In 2007, the first welsh corgi cardigan (Pirtek Una Mela d'Maga) was registered as an import dog in the Estonian Kennel Association's public register.