Q&A cardigan welsh corgi
flows into the body. On exam, I look for and feel the egg shaped chest. A correct front is the hallmark of this breed. The dog should not be flat when I place my hand between the front legs and I should see a slight crook to the upper arm that gently holds, or will hold if I am evaluating a puppy, that egg shaped chest in place. Next I want proper shoulder placement and a short loin. The elbow should not be forward of a line from the with- ers to the ground and the length of body should be two thirds ribbing and one-third loin. I complete the exam by checking for bend of stifle and short hocks. The proof that all these parts work together becomes apparent once the dog is on the move. I want to see a smooth easy gait, one that is balanced, doesn’t bounce or roll and appears effortless. This is a dog that was bred to work, all day if necessary. One that labors when he moves will not be able to do so. 3. What are the most important traits that distinguish a Cardigan from a Pembroke? Living in horse county, I’d be rich if I had a nickel for every time I had to explain, “No, this is not a Corgi cross.” When people comment on the tail and that they are a different color than most Pembrokes, it gives me the opportunity to explain their different origins, which allows for a difference in coat texture, allowable colors and generally a difference in temperament. The Pem- broke is smaller than the Cardigan. The top line squares off at the croup and the underline is flat. The Cardigan top line slopes slightly at the croup and the body has a definite tuck at the waist. A Pembroke temperament is more obviously happy-go-lucky. They will engage you on the table when being examined as well as on the floor. Cardigans appear more serious. They tolerate the table exam but their sometimes clown-like personality is better judged when they have their feet on the ground. 4. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? In the ring, I can live with a Cardigan whose head planes or ear size are not perfect, and while I do not like a truly gay tail, those tails don’t always stream out behind them as the standard suggests they should. I prefer not to see an oval foot because that indicates oval bone, not the correct round bone, but it is the structural faults, includ- ing an incorrect front set too far forward, that leads to labored movement that I find takes away from the overall type. 5. How has the breed changed since you became involved with it? Do you see any trends you think are moving the breed in the wrong direction? Any traits becoming exaggerated? The Cardigan is no longer the red-headed step child at the end of the line in the herding group. There is noth- ing in the standard that says a Cardigan can’t be pretty. They are a more handsome, attractive dog today than
Eng Ch Parmel Digger
share the photo of Eng Ch Parmel Digger, a dog from the 1960s that I think can illustrate what I’m talking about breed type, class and style. 8. Anything else you ’ d like to add? I would say the Cardigan is as much a specialist type of breed as any there is. Every detail is specific and you will find variation from ideal in every detail. Envision the ideal and then select those animals that, in your estima- tion, could be used to manifest that ideal. That’s really what judging should be about; your opinion on which animals should be utilized to produce the ideal Cardigan. I think if that can be done, everything else will sort itself out. VIVIAN MORAN
1. Please tell us about your back- ground in Cardigans, including kennel name, highlights, judg- ing experience. We ’ d also like to know where you live and what you do outside of dogs. Raconteur Cardigans began in 1987. Prior to that, our family had German
Shepherds and Shelties that we showed in obedience. I’ve attended all but one Cardigan National Specialty since then and believe that seeing quality dogs year after year is an excellent form of continuing education. At present, I only judge Cardigans. I love the Herding breeds and may pick up more of the group someday. For now I stay too busy with the Cardigans and Belgian Malinois I own, the small farm in the Bluegrass of Kentucky where we live and also serving as the AKC Delegate for the CWCCA. 2. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Cardigans? What do you consider the ulti- mate hallmark of the breed? When I look at Cardigans in the ring—or anywhere for that matter—I first want to see an outline that tells me this is a Cardigan. The dog should be long and low with soft curves defining the underline and a neck that
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