Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Bospin - Breed Comparison

The Bospin is a fairly new breed of dog and is the result of cross-breeding between the Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

Mixed breed dogs are often healthier than full blood dogs and are becoming a popular choice. The origin of the Bospin is unknown. We know that the Boston Terrier hails from Boston in the USA and the Miniature Pinscher from Germany.

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.

The Bospin’s Looks

The Bospin, a cross between the smooth haired Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher can actually get any combination and characteristics of either of these two breeds. found in either breed. The Bospin in a small to medium sized dog who can live to be up to 15 years of age.

He has a short coat, but his looks will essentially depend on which is the more dominant breed. Regardless of which breed he takes after in looks, he will be a muscular little dog with long, lean legs and a long tail. They have small muzzles and a fairly long nose with brown eyes and upright ears. The short coat can be in a number of colours such as brown, beige or brindle, with black and white being a more common colour.

Temperament

The Bospin’s personality can be a blend of the Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. They’ve become such popular little dogs, full of fun and just loving to be with their human family. Because they are fairly even tempered, they make excellent family pets and will get on well with children in the home as well as other pets. This is a small dog but he isn’t a yapper. He isn’t going to make a wonderful watchdog as he can be quite friendly with strangers.

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.

The Bospin is an adaptable dog and can easily fit into farm life or city life. When he is trained and socialized he makes an amicable pet, ready to be a loyal and devoted companion.

The Bospin’s personality can actually lean more towards either the Boston Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher, but you’re always going to have fun and games with these entertaining little dogs. They just love the companionship of their human family.

A Bospin needs to be brought into a stable environment so that he can adapt to his new home easily and not be confused by constant changes. Be responsible with your pet and make him one of your family and you’ll be rewarded with an entertaining, fun, loyal 4-legged friend.

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.

Your Bospin is a healthy dog breed, but the most healthiest pets can fall victim to health problems. There are some conditions that are specific to certain types of dogs and smaller breeds have their own set of worrisome dog ailments.

Dental Problems

Smaller dogs or toy breeds have smaller skulls and sometimes their smaller mouths have to find room to house the 42 teeth that dogs have. This over-crowding can lead to dental disease.

Collapsed Trachea

This is a common problem in brachycephalic breeds – those dogs that have short, broad muzzles such as the Boston Terrier. Toy breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse, a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs where the dog develops a rasping cough and labored breathing.

Legg Calve Perthes Disease

This is a developmental orthopedic disease where you see degeneration of the femoral head and which can lead to arthritis. The disease affects young animals and more specifically toy breeds. Your dog will have trouble walking and will usually hold one leg up. Your dog can battle along with pain and arthritis.

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.

Grooming

Because of the short coat and minimum shedding, your Bospin will only require minimal maintenance. Brush him down at least twice a week to keep the short coat free of loose hair and to also keep it shiny and glossy. As with any other dog breed, he should have his teeth brushed at 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Don’t be tempted to use human toothpaste. Check his ears too to make sure they are free of dirt and infection.

Activities

The Bospin is a hybrid breed and because he comes from two energetic dogs, you’ll need to provide him with activities to keep him busy. He will love to go on a walk with you and you can play ball games with him in the garden or even indoors. He isn’t a working dog so he isn’t going to demand too much activity, but it is better to get into the habit of exercising him regularly to keep him in good shape and to maintain his good health.

Diet

Bospins need to be fed carefully to avoid weight issues or health problems. Puppies need to eat frequently - 4 times a day. For your Bospin, always go for top quality commercially produced dog foods where meat is the top ingredient. Home made foods are always a wonderful choice for your pet and this can include meat, rice and vegetables.

If you’re unsure about feeding your dog, get advice from your vet. Always have fresh, cool water available and make sure you wash out the water bowl regularly.

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.