Cardigan, “Is That Your Final Answer?”

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2021 issue.

Cardigan, “Is That Your Final Answer?”

No, this isn’t a lost episode of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” with Regis Philbin. But getting the answer to the title’s question will add a cache of information with rewards, just like the hit TV show. The question, “These characteristics best describe what breed of dog?” may not win you a million dollars, but understanding the intricacies of this breed may allow you to be won over by the dedicated breeders and owners of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. We are not going to quote directly from the Cardigan standard in this article. Instead, we will assume that you have already read it and are prepared to apply that knowledge and understanding to the observation of examples in the show ring.

So, let’s start out with some basics. If you placed a Cardigan and a Skye Terrier, which has some very similar characteristics, at the end of a football field, you should be able to determine which one is which, merely by the silhouette. This unique outline is the starting position for anyone’s evaluation of the breed. After all, one very basic requirement of an example has to have breed type and must clearly exude those characteristics. The colloquialism, “if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck” certainly comes into play here. A Cardigan has flowing lines and no sharp angles. Besides, there is the effect of the Skye’s longer coat and body on the silhouette; this alone should allow you to easily choose the Cardigan from that distance.

As much as we breeders would like to think that ours is a very unique breed in its own right, there are a few points of interest that truly are the hallmarks of the breed. Starting at one end and moving to the other, the first thing that stand out about the Cardigan are the ears; those big, beautiful appendages that adorn the headpiece like a crown. Be it a judge or an exhibitor, the features do not change depending on where one is doing their scrutiny. A simple rule that applies to most breeds is that expression should be accessed on the ground and not on the table. So, getting those ears up and alert for the judge to see is ever so important for that first feature when returning from the down and back portion of your examination in the ring.

Remember, when erect, the tips of the ears are slightly wide of a straight line drawn from the tip of the nose through the center of the eye—a little trick of the trade. The erect ears are large and somewhat rounded at the top, and with heavy leather. For those of you who have an example that gaits around the ring with the ears up, you get a little extra credit for flash, but it’s that expression while standing that gets the most points with the judges.

Now we move on to that deep keel that provides the breed with lung capacity for a long day’s work in the rough terrain of Cardiganshire in Wales. An example that doesn’t display this key feature is lacking in breed type. Where the point of the brisket sets is important as well, but the lack of a deep keel that fills your cupped hand upon examination just means this entry shouldn’t be considered. The only exception would be in the puppy classes. However, even at six months of age, evidence of the development of the deep chest should be discernable. This somewhat egg-shaped feature should be wrapped around with the front leg assembly.

This leads us nicely to the next hallmark of the breed. We are an achondroplastic breed, meaning we have dwarf characteristics. The short, heavy, round-boned legs cradle the brisket in a closefitting manner. Some judges have been observed slipping two fingers between the upper leg and chest to see if it is a tight fit. As you run your hand down the leg, you should feel the round bone leading down to a rounded foot. A well-known breeder-judge once commented, “Round bone, round feet. Oval bone, oval feet.” So, when you look down and see those hare-shaped feet, you should know that not only are the feet incorrect, but so is the shape of the leg bone. Please don’t reward incorrect feet and bone.

Speaking of the front assembly, the next crucial feature that makes the Cardigan we all know and love is the unique turnout of the feet. It can’t be stressed enough that the turnout should not be any more than 30 degrees. Less than that is perfectly fine as long as the wrap is still correct as previously described. More than 30 degrees produces an exhibit that is called eastie/westie. The proper turnout requires the correct shoulder placement and wraparound of the chest. If you see too much turnout, chances are very good that other portions of the front assembly are incorrect as well, and that the exhibit would break down after a long day of working in the field.

As we now work our way back, remember that the length of body is mostly in the rib, not the loin. With this, we have reached the end of the dog and the last important feature; that flowing tail that never curls over the back. Envision that perfect silhouette in your mind, the flowing lines from head to tail. How that tail is set and how it’s carried can be two different things. The set at the base should flow off the back slightly, to blend with the croup. An abrupt, lifted tail certainly takes away from the picture of the flowing tail carriage on the gait around the ring.

Now it should be clearly understood that the proper Cardigan will most certainly have other characteristics that should be accessed during the judging process. Attendance at one of the judge’s education programs reveals 90 minutes of review, involving a detailed breakdown of the breed. Combine this with some quality ringside mentoring with an experienced breed expert, and a well-rounded entry, and you will have a solid understanding of what makes a good Cardigan.

In review, we have focused on what many would determine to be a combination of special features of the breed that provide you with the picture of a unique Welsh dog that was bred specifically for its duties; herding in the rough terrain of Wales.

As the crowd cheers, and Regis belts out that familiar phrase to provide a climactic end: “Is that your final answer?” you can confidently say—CARDIGAN! No need to phone a friend. You’ve done your homework and you know the hallmarks of this wonderful breed.