Corgis

The Welsh Corgi is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. Two distinct breeds are recognized: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, with the Pembroke being the more common. Corgis are healthy dogs, living into their early or middle teens; however, both do suffer from a few hereditary diseases. Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by nipping at the heels; the dog's low stature allows it to avoid being kicked in the process. As herding dogs, Corgis work livestock differently than other breeds. Instead of gathering the cattle the way a Collie would, by running around the livestock, Corgis drive the herd forward by nipping at their heels and working them from behind in semicircles.

There are two breeds of Welsh Corgis, the Cardigan and the Pembroke, each named for the counties in Wales where they originated. The only difference to those unfamiliar with the breed often appears to be that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail, while the Pembroke does not. However, closer examination of the two breeds reveals differences in bone structure, body length, and overall size that indicate separate origins.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Health Issues

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is prone to the following health conditions:

Canine Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a polygenic trait, that is affected by environmental factors in the production of the final phenotype. It can be found in many animals and occasionally in humans, but is most commonly associated with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is prone to the following minor health conditions:

Degenerative Myelopathy - Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi occasionally has problems with the following health conditions:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs and, more rarely, cats. It is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss culminating in blindness. The condition in nearly all breeds is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, with the exception of the Siberian Husky and the Bullmastiff. There is no treatment.

Urinary Stones - Urinary Stones are obstructions in the Urinary tract.

About the Author:
Logan Winters is a long time dog owner and horseman, provides content for for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.