Conformation Judging of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, May 2014 issue.

Conformation Judging of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Judging the Cardigan Welsh Corgi makes some judges apprehensive. Oftentimes I hear judges say, “I just don’t get it.”

I like to compare Corgis to human dwarfs. They are both achondroplastic. This simply means a normal-size torso but no long bones (short arms and legs). The definition of achondroplasia (taken from Webster’s Dictionary) is:

“a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting in a form of dwarfism characterized by a usually normal torso and shortened limbs, and usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.”

Assessment of the Cardigan Should Start with the Head

The Cardigan head has a 3:5 ratio (muzzle to skull) with a moderately wide top skull that is flat between the ears. The muzzle is rounded but not blunt, with a well-formed jaw.

The eyes are widely set, medium to large, with distinct corners and dark rims. The Cardigan has large ears that are rounded at the top, wide at the base, and have strong leather. The ears are carried erect; large ears are a key point of the breed. The planes of the skull and muzzle are parallel, with a definite but moderate stop. A scissor bite is preferred.

Te Cardigan standard states ”low set with moderately heavy bone and deep chest.” Te chest is “moderately broad with prominent breastbone and deep brisket.” Te Cardigan front is the hallmark of the breed. Te forearms HAVE to be curved to fit the spring of rib. “Te curve in the forearm makes the wrist somewhat closer than the elbows.” Tis is what we call the WRAP. Its makes a cup for the heavy brisket to rest in and forces the large rounded feet to slightly turn out from the center. Te wrap is the major difference between straight legged dogs and the Cardigan. Remember the three L’s: LONG— LOW—LEVEL.

Te length is measured from the point of the breast to rear of the hip (1.8 : 1) . Te top line is level; the dog is low to the ground. Te Cardigan measures 10.5″ to 12 ½” at the shoulder. Te Cardigan has many curves and no sharp angles. When viewed from the top you should see an hourglass; the hindquarters appear slightly narrower than the shoulder. Tere is a slight downward slope of the croup into a slightly lower tail set. Te rear is then finished with short, let down hocks. Tis will allow the Cardigan free and effortless movement. I think if Rubens had been into painting curvy, voluptuous dogs, he would most definitely have chosen the Cardigan as his model.