Can I ask why the cardigan and not the pembroke?

It's a bit larger, and more vulnerable (although pembroke is not too far behind!)

Thank u

Have you looked at the Schipperke? I don’t know much about them, but I had a chat with someone who had one and they really rated the breed.

> As for dogs...  the Kooikerhonje (and Buhund, Vallhund) are all I believe pretty scarce/rare.

Your actually much better off going for these less known low number breeds as it is more likely they are bred by true enthusiasts for the love and good of the breed and not for financial considerations.

It's one reason I ended up with the Elkhounds, low numbers and breeders all knowing each other and all the liens you get a much truer picture of the breed characteristics than in popular breeds where different lines can vary wildly in physical characteristics and character.

Not to upset the Corgi folk, but I would recommend the Vallhund over both due to their less exaggerated(not as short) leg length, making them more agile, and less of a difference in height to the Spaniels OP used to.

One of the reasons that I will get another cardigan corgi as I no longer breed or show them is that like most vulnerable breeds we area close knit community and know each other . Even the ones that are imported are related to UK stock.

As a lot of you already know I have vallhunds (or vilehunds as my family calls them).... A friend has pem corgis, I must say that I'm very taken with them. They seem a much calmer breed than my vallhunds. Not so taken by the Cardigan. A single vallhund in the home is very different to the 5 I have here.

vilehunds ! love that :)

Yes I totally understand that and would love a rare or scarce breed but to be fair to the dog, I have to choose one which matches my capabilities. I love so many breeds (elkhounds are beautiful) but it would not be fair to choose one which demands a lot of exercise and lots of grooming or clipping. Also needs to be compatible with chickens (although I am sure I could train a puppy not to annoy the hell out of them!!).  Regarding corgis,When I read up it says they are herding dogs and suit a home with older children (of course mine have long flown the nest but the grandchild (aged 4) does come round). I love the cardis  but I am worried I cannot meet their exercise requirements with,say, about an hour in the morning and 30 mins afternoon. But I think I need an owner/breeder to advise me on this as some of the info on websites contradicts.
The other problem with choosing a rare breed is finding a puppy.  When I considered a tibetan spaniel, it was difficult to find one of those.  I am not impatient but at my age I would prefer one sooner rather than later. And I know having another dog will do me good, mentally and physically.
The search is still on but hopefully not for much longer!

Cardis can take as much or as little exercise as suits you. Today for example my 3 didn’t get a walk as I had a really bad backache and my OH was away. Just gave them breakfast and they were free to go into the garden and house as they wanted. No problem. Whereas my sister who has an English setter he goes frantic if he isn’t exercised. Although they were herding dogs have never found that they tried to herd people, we had young grandchildren and they were no problem with them. If you go on The Welsh Cardigan Corgi Club website and search for available puppies there are usually a couple of litters on there. I would realistically think that for either Tibbies or Cardis you should be able to get a puppy within 6months.
Which is a lot different to when I got my first Bernese as there weren’t many in the country and I waited 2 years.!

> (elkhounds are beautiful) but it would not be fair to choose one which demands a lot of exercise and lots of grooming or clipping.

This tickled me as I would say the vast majority of the owners and breeders I know in the show world in my breed, and the Vallhunds and Buhunds are of the mature demographic. Breeds with stamina do not necessarily need loads of exercise.

Mine are happy with anything from half hour to two hours on normal days, but can go on for miles right up to their teens.

My breeder told me you can groom them if you like.  In reality a comb though once a week, and every day when shedding will keep and Elkhound, Vallhund, Buhund etc in good shape, as they have natural double coats like wild canids.

In my experience all three breeds have an off switch.

As for scarcity, as long as your prepared to travel, and contact breeders belonging to their breed club there is no reason you should need to wait more than 6 months or so.

> She adored my old and gentle springer but she is nervous of other dogs since being knocked over by a boxer.

A nippy puppy may not be the best choice then.  You're clearly set in what you want, but I want to say it anyway for the benefit of anyone reading.  I go to far too many cases with young kids and puppies where the kids are frightened of the puppy because it bites and grabs at feet and clothes, as puppies do.  A child that's already nervous of dogs may not be the best match for a young pup, even if she's not living with you.

Well, I have finally decided. After researching more breeds than I care to count (and neglecting any other work i should have done), I am going back to a breed I have owned before (and grew up with as well).
Much to the delight of my eldest son, I am choosing the best dog we ever owned (in his opinion)..a wire haired dachshund.  But this time a standard wire rather than a miniature.
I had 2 (one long hair) before I had my spaniel and I know what to expect.  Difficult to house train (though looking back I think having 2 males at the same time made training more difficult), not keen on other dogs (griff, my wire quite feisty but all mouth, no action) and so devoted to the family that outsiders were greeted with disdain or indifference or vocal displeasure.  I have read that they are difficult to train...well mine were on the whole both very obedient with recall and stop command.   We lost our long hair at the young age of 8 to cancer but griff, the runt of the litter, lived a healthy life for just under 15 years...I think I was very lucky considering no health tests!  They were excellent with the children (2 boisterous boys) but not so good with one guinea pig and a rabbit (enough said) so the chicks will be confined to a large run.  I only have my grandchild visit a couple of days a week (and then only in the mornings) and she starts school next year..but I am sure she will be fine with a smaller dog and I will have a large crate den if pup does get a bit too lively or nippy.
I have met the standard wire on occasions and think it is a better size for me...and I am told by one owner that they love their walks. I can manage the coat as I did some hand stripping on mine although his coat was not too hairy and I usually let it grow because I liked that rugged look.
It would be interesting to know what you all think of my choice after I have dithered around for so long.   And a big thank you for all your comments, help and advice.  I have not been part of a forum before and it has been a good experience.  
Now I just have to source a really good breeder who has or will be having a litter this year but I want a black/tan rather than a brindle so I know I must be patient!

Well I didn't really join in aside from starting the thread, and have a very different breed, but I think dachshund are lovely dogs. And as you know the breed surprises will be less likely so all in all a good choice. Best of luck finding your perfect match.

> A child that's already nervous of dogs may not be the best match for a young pup, even if she's not living with you.

I had a lady come to me with a child that was terrified at the mere sight of a dog.  I let one of my oldest steadiest in the room and she climbed on her Mum's head.

I explained that a puppy would not be a sensible choice as it would be bad for the puppy to live with someone with that severe a reaction, let alone for the child.  She went to a fellow breeder, very respected in my breed but very plain speaking who also refused.

We both explained that she should work with the child first.  I had suggested finding a Dog training club where the child could watch the dogs at a distance and gradually become involved, as there it would be a controlle3d environment.

Eventually I believes she did get an adult with known history from Rescue or might have been one of our breeders with a retiree/returnee, a much happier outcome.

Love standard wires.

That is very positive. Thank you!

I have met and talked to a lot of the wire owners at shows.  I suggest you go and see some breeders and find one whose dogs you like.