A Cardigan Welsh Corgi poses for a photo.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Height

10-12"

Weight

25 - 35 lbs

Type

Herding

Life Expectancy

12 - 16 years

Area of Origin

Great Britain

The easiest way to differentiate between a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the long tail, since Pembrokes are typically tail-free. The Cardigan was one of the first British Isles breeds. They are known for their energetic and strong personalities.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis From?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi arrived in the British Isles in 1200 B.C., when the Celts of Central Europe traveled to Wales and settled in Cardiganshire. They’re believed to be from the same family as the Dachshund.

Originally, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi protected its owner’s cattle by chasing off predators, but they eventually developed into a herding breed that drove cattle to market. The breed’s popularity expanded beyond Wales in the 1800s, gaining popularity in England before making their way to the states in the 1920s. The Cardigan is much less popular than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and they’ve almost disappeared from their native Wales on multiple occasions.

Caring for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi

What Kind of Diet Does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Need?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires a nutritious diet, but feedings should be monitored closely. This breed is prone to obesity if not given enough exercise. Measure your Cardigan’s meals, and only offer occasional treats as well.

How Often Should I Groom My Corgi?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is typically groomed once a month, but pet parents should increase grooming efforts during the spring and fall seasons.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis Healthy?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a healthy dog with fewer medical concerns than most breeds. A prevalent health concern is disc disease, which is caused by the breed’s long back. The average lifespan of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 12 – 16 years.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are predisposed to: hot spots, epilepsy, glaucoma, corneal ulceration, lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, cervical disc disease, obesity, and birthing difficulties.

How Easy Is It to Train a Corgi?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a perky and social dog. It is easily trained, especially in herding, which comes naturally to them. Obedience training is vital, since they can be possessive or aggressive otherwise.

How Much Exercise Does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Need?

This breed requires frequent exercise, training, and a sense of purpose (even if it’s just fetching the newspaper). Multiple daily walks are preferred over long runs, due to their short legs and long back. This moderate, yet gentle, exercise will keep your Corgi’s back muscles strong and less prone to injury.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

What Does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Look Like?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is low-set with a deep chest. They are long rather than tall. They are alert dogs, but not skittish or overly aggressive. The desired height is 10 – 12 inches at the shoulders and the desired weight is 25 – 35 pounds.

What Color Eyes Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis Have?

The eyes of a Blue Merle Corgi may be blue, either fully, partially, or unilaterally. They are larger, but not protruding. Ears stand erect, and are suitable for the size of the dog. The nose is black, except in Blue Merles, where partially pigmented noses are permitted. The head is well balanced, yet bulky, with a wide skull.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis Muscular?

The body of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is muscular, long rather than tall, and low to the ground.

Are Corgi's Tails Curly?

The tail should be straight (never curly), carried fairly low, and reach below the hock in length.

Cardigan Welch Corgi Front Legs

The chest is broad. The shoulders are long, laid back, and are of equal length to the upper arms. Dewclaws are usually removed.

What Type of Coat Does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Have?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a dense and medium length coat, which sheds seasonally. The outer coat is slightly harsh in texture and is never wiry, curly, or silky. All shades of red, brindle, and sable are acceptable. Black with or without tan or brindle points and Blue Merle with or without tan or brindle points are also acceptable.

Cardigan Welch Corgi Back Legs

The thighs are muscular and strong, but not as wide as the shoulders. Removal of the rear dewclaws is expected.

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