|
With responsible care, the average life span of a Cardigan is around 12-15 years with 16 and 17 not uncommon. All Corgis deserve good care, which includes a secure place, a good diet and water, exercise, routine veterinary visits and vaccinations, general grooming (including nails and teeth), socialization, training, and love. If not showing your Cardigan Corgi, then neutering or spaying should be considered for the convenience of the owner and the well-being of the Cardigan. This of course ensures that there are no unwanted puppies.
Owners should be careful about allowing puppy Cardigans, with their very distinctive front assembly, to jump down or walk down stairs. Try to ensure that your puppy does not jump on or more importantly off the furniture and never walk downstairs as this puts extra stress on the immature front leg bones and can cause damage to young joints.
Cardigans as very young puppies have drop ears; usually those big ears will come “up” on their own but occasionally ears are temporarily supported with tape. Even after their ears are “up”, puppies will sometimes have ears going up and down while teething.
A Cardigan puppy should be picked up by placing one hand under the chest behind the front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters. Never pick up your puppy by the front legs. This will be painful to your puppy and can cause joint dislocation.
Generally an active dog, the adult Cardigan does not get carried away with it. He has stamina and LOVES walks and romps, but does not absolutely require more exercise than he gets around the house and yard. With exercise and daily walks, he can be quite athletic with surprising ball-chasing speed.
The Cardigan’s coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless. It is best if brushed once a week to remove dead hear. Like most dogs, they shed roughly twice a year; in keeping with his moderate coat, the amount is not extreme.
|
