Cardigans in Agility

Recently on a few blogs I read there has been some discussion about Cardigan size, and athleticism. I thought I'd chime in on the subject.

I love my dogs. They love agility (if they didn't I wouldn't make them play). I keep my dogs fit, and in shape. Are they structurally built for agility? No. But they play to the best of their abilities and I am realistic about their abilities.

But. Like I said my dogs are fit. And in shape. (yes, those are two different things.)
They are small for their breed- Pixel at 24lbs and Wicca at 28lbs. They are not 50lb Cardigans (they do exist, just look in your nearest conformation ring). My dogs have muscle, not fat. (well, wicca might have a little fat). My dogs are also small- not just thin. They have light bone, and are not clunky dogs. What I am trying to say is that there is a right way and wrong way to play agility with a corgi. The right way is to have a smaller dog, kept lean, and in shape. Part of being in shape means regular exercise. Not going to class once a week and trials on a weekend. Every day full out running- as fast as they can go. That is staying in shape. And that is what my dogs get every day.

I think that there are a lot of dogs who play agility (not just corgis) who really shouldn't be. Either by being too fat, or out of shape, or just structurally not sound enough to do what the owner is asking. On the other hand, I don't think it is fair to deny the dog something they love just because you are worried about the what ifs. But you need to take precautions- warming up, cooling down, fitness games, exercises to build strength, physio, supplements. All of that will help to keep any dog (even a less than ideal agility candidate) fit and healthy. I think that the key to doing agility with a dog that may not be best suited is to train as safe as you can, teach the dog to do their job, handle your dog!, and above all else keep your dog in shape. Sounds simple eh?

Vito is long, really long, and is kind of noodle like. He has a horrible front, and a narrow rear. He is not built for agility. We putter, but that is all. He doesn't LOVE agility which makes it an easy decision. :)

Wicca is an incredilble agility dog- she gives it all every single time. She is only six years old and has had numerous injuries, she also will be retired at a young age. She is not built well, even for a Cardigan. With a weak topline (just a tad roached!) and a bad front...Most of her injuries are due to her not understanding her job, and my bad handling. All the late cues I used to give, and asking her to stop on the aframe contact, not teaching her to collect into poles- all play a part in the injuries...

Sam had the makings of a great agility dog- until a disc problem cut his life short. He was a dog that again was just not put together well. A major, very visible roach in his back should have been an idication of a problem. I don't know for sure that agility was the cause but I don't think it helped. I actually think it was leaping off the stairs and into the neighbors fence is what did it...

And Pixel. She is built well. She has a nice front, lots of power, but light on her feet. A solid topline, and a small frame. Oh, and good training. This dog should last a long time in agility.

Will my next agility dog be a Cardigan? No. I love the breed. A lot. But I am realistic and know that it is not the best choice for agility. Also, I like to try new things. :)

anyway, just as an example of two dogs who love what they do, and who do it two very different ways..

Wicca


Pixel


I am off my soapbox now... :)