Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, named after Cardiganshire, Wales, is an ancient breed, brought to Wales by the Celts about 3,000 years ago.

Small but tough, the Cardigan used to take part in cattle drives and his duties extended to protecting them at night.

The first pair of breeding Cardigans arrived in the United States in June 1931. The AKC granted full recognition to the breed four years later.The Cardi, as the breed is commonly called, was developed as an all-around farm dog in Wales. It is believed to be a descendant of the Pomeranian, Schipperkes, Keeshond and Swedish Valhund.

The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh corgis were separated officially into different breeds in the early 1930s. AKC recognition came in 1935.

There are some dog breeds whose history and origins are dubious. The existence of the Canadian Pointer is also a matter of debate, and research reveals very scanty information.

The dog seems to have been a gundog which originated in the United States. Another name for the dog is Adirondak Pointing Dog. The Canadian Pointer was developed from English Pointers, Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Pointers during the 19th century. He was used for hunting and retrieving prey such as birds and rabbits.

The long-shaped Cardiganshire Welsh Corgi is also nicknamed the ‘yard-long dog’ in Wales. Don’t be fooled by this low-to-the-ground dog, because when you look at him he isn’t a small dog at all, looking almost like a German shepherd with short legs, upright ears and a long, bushy tail.This is unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi whose tail is traditionally docked.

The Cardi stands around 270 to 330mm tall at the withers and weighs between 11 to 17kg. With those short legs he can gather up quite a speed as well. The dog has a double coat in fawn, red, black and with the outer coat being of medium length and quite harsh to the touch. You can also find some white on the neck, chest as well as on the legs.

Temperament:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is full of spirit and makes a fantastic companion for someone looking for a fun-loving, devoted friend. He is an easy going dog, making a wonderful pet, while being reserved with strangers. He isn’t a tall dog but he will guard the family too. He is good with children in the family and even with other pets, provided he is trained and socialized.

Temperament:

The Canadian Pointer makes for an excellent family pet. He is intelligent, excitable, loving and devoted, forming a strong bond with his human family. Active and excitable, it is this very energetic characteristic which will require him needing training and socialization. He is inclined to want to jump up against his family at the sheer joy of seeing them.

Although he loves country life, his love of human companionship allows him to adapt to city life and he is non-aggressive and can be a placid pet with children and other pets in the home.

Looks:

The Canadian Pointer is a medium- to large sized breed of gundog. He has a lean, well muscled body with a short, coarse coat. The coat can be dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white. The coat can also be freckled in parts.

He is a gundog belonging to the HPR group. HPR stands for hunting, pointing and retrieving. Weighing roughly 22–27kg, he stands about 56 – 76cm in height. Sometimes the tail is docked but otherwise it is left so that it’s medium length and is held straight out and level with the body. The ears of the Canadian Pointer are fairly short and floppy.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is full of surprises and he has been a strong working job, being quick and agile around cattle. He is good at everything and with training and socialization he is going to make an excellent pet.

They are good with children and other pets and he makes an excellent guard dog as well. He is strong willed and feisty but he wants to please his owner. With a dog like this in your life, you’re going to have a faithful and loving friend who knows how to entertain you as well with his antics.

The Canadian Pointer is a dog who thrives on hard work and they are strong-willed, confident and boisterous but never aggressive. They’re intelligent and alert and respond well to training and socialization. Once trained he works hard to please his owner.

The Canadian Pointer is independent and can be aloof around strangers, but he just loves his human family and makes every effort to please them and be around them whenever he can. Treat him properly and he will give you endless hours of enjoyment and companionship.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all dogs, they will have some health concerns, and recognizing the symptoms of some common dog illnesses can spare your pet.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a debilitating genetic joint condition that can affects any dog really. It occurs when the hind leg joint isn’t held properly by the hip socket. Bone is worn away and your dog can experience severe pain.

Unfortunately this is a common skeletal disorder and your pet will be reluctant to jump or play. Untreated, it can lead to arthritis and chronic pain, making him immobile. There are several types of treatments and you want to get your pet to the vet to relieve him of pain and discomfort.

Degenerative Myelopathy:

This is a terrible disease for your pet because the rear legs can actually become paralyzed and your pet won’t be able to control their bowels. It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease where the dog’s immune system cells attack the spinal cord sheath. If your vet suspects Degenerative Myelopathy, a blood sample will be required. Sometimes the dog has to be mercifully euthanized. Sometimes people even turn to holistic treatments to avoid this and help their pet.

Pointer dogs are looked upon as a healthy breed, but having said that, they aren’t immune to illness, and there are some common dog diseases that you should be aware of -

Hip Dysplasia:

This disease is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. This ailment can result in pain and discomfort for your pet as well as arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately there is no cure but the vet can do a lot to make life more comfortable for your pet.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a genetic eye disease where your pet gradually loses vision. The retina deteriorates and stops functioning.

Exercise:

Cardigan Welsh corgis are active dogs and he is going to need daily exercise. He’ll love a walk with you and will show you how agile he is when you throw a ball for him

Grooming:

The Cardigan is a low maintenance dog. His thick double coat does shed quite a bit but nonetheless it is easy to maintain. Simply give it a good brush to remove loose hairs and to get rid of dirt. This brushing distributes the dogs natural oils and helps to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Training and Exercise:

The Canadian Pointer was specifically developed to be a hunter so he is an energetic dog. When it comes to caring for him, training and socialization can make him an even more amicable pet. He is muscled and lithe and you want to keep him that way by ensuring he is well exercised.

Take him on walks, into the park with ball and frisbee or let him run while you cycle. Don’t leave him without exercise as he can become frustrated and ill.

Grooming:

The Canadian Pointer is a low maintenance breed with his short coat. You’ll need to give his coat a good brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs to keep the hair shiny and healthy.

Check for Ear Infections:

Dogs like the Canadian Pointer with floppy ears will need to have their ears checked for infections to avoid hearing loss. You’ll see your dog shake his head, the inside of his ears may be red and he could have a moist discharge.

Remember that yeast and bacteria are problems with floppy-eared dog breeds and you’ll need to ensure that the ears are cleaned and kept dry. Be careful if you don’t know how to do it, and get advice from your veterinarian on how to attend to the ears of your dog.