The Versatile Cardigan

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

The Versatile Cardigan

If you could ask a Cardigan Welsh Corgi what he wanted to do today you might get a number of answers. Cardigans are a very versatile breed and they love almost any activity that gives them an opportunity to work with their owner. They are comfortable in a city apartment, on a farm or in the suburbs so location does not dictate or limit activities.

Cardigans compete in and excel at most AKC activities. This hardy little dwarf dog likes obedience and rally. He LOVES Agility. (Cardigans placed 1st and 3rd in the 2014 4″-preferred NAC) Look for smiles on their faces whether going over a jump or twisting through those weave poles. Herding is their raison d’être. Bred to drive livestock to market or clear the field of a neighbor’s cattle so his owner’s cattle can graze, the sturdy Cardigan of today can still be seen working on farms and ranches as well as competing at AKC Herding trials.

Cardigans also participate in tracking. It is just another facet of their ability to do almost anything. Some Cardigans are enjoying the new AKC Coursing Ability Test. After a quick chase of the lure, they happily return to their owner with a sense of accomplishment. The Barn Hunt test is also a place you might find a Cardigan. Their history as an all-purpose farm dog makes them a perfect candidate.

On those rainy days when everyone is lazy and just wants to ‘hang out,’ a Cardigan will be happy to lie at your feet or, preferably, next to you on the sofa.