Dog Training, Breeds, Care, And Health! - Canine HQ
Home / Dog Breed / Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Fine By Breed Name

Explore By Characteristic or Group

View all Breeds

RESOURCES FOR NEW & PROSPECTIVE DOG OWNERS

Find Your Match

Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you

Compare Breeds

Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side

Find a Puppy

Nunc bibendum, purus eget tristique fermentum.

Choose your Breed

View the collection of dog breeds we have information on.

Why Get a Dog?

Nunc bibendum, purus eget tristique fermentum.

Breeders

Aenean feugiat metus ac nisi dictum tincidunt Interdum et.
Exclusive Deals, 50%+ Off Good & Toys, Health Information & More!
Register your Dog Today!

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

loyal / affectionate / smart
Herding Group >>

Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.

Height

10.5-12.5 inches

Weight

30-38 pounds (male)

25-34 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Breed Traits & Characteristics

Affectionate With Family
  • Independent Lovey-Dovey
    80% 80%
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
  • Not Recommended Good With Children
    80% 80%
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
  • Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs
    60% 60%
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Shedding Level

  • No Shedding Hair Everywhere
    60% 60%
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

Coat Grooming Frequency

  • Monthly Daily
    40% 40%
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.

Drooling Level

  • Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
    20% 20%
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.

Coat Type

Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.

Coat Length

Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.

Openness To Strangers

  • Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
    80% 80%
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

Playfulness Level

  • Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
    80% 80%
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.

Watchdog/Protective Nature

  • What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
    60% 60%
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

Adaptability Level

  • Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
    60% 60%
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.

Trainability Level

  • Self-Willed Eager to Please
    80% 80%
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!

Energy Level

  • Couch Potato High Energy
    80% 80%
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.

Barking Level

  • Only To Alert Very Vocal
    100% 100%
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.

Mental Stimulation Needs

  • Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
    60% 60%
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.

Affectionate With Family

  • Independent Lovey-Dovey
    80% 80%

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

  • Not Recommended Good With Children
    80% 80%
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

  • Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs
    60% 60%
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Shedding Level

  • No Shedding Hair Everywhere
    60% 60%
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

Coat Grooming Frequency

  • Monthly Daily
    40% 40%
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.

Drooling Level

  • Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
    20% 20%
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.

Coat Type

Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.

Coat Length

Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.

Openness To Strangers

  • Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
    80% 80%
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

Playfulness Level

  • Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
    80% 80%
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.

Watchdog/Protective Nature

  • What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
    60% 60%
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

Adaptability Level

  • Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
    60% 60%
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.

Trainability Level

  • Self-Willed Eager to Please
    80% 80%
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!

Energy Level

  • Couch Potato High Energy
    80% 80%
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.

Barking Level

  • Only To Alert Very Vocal
    100% 100%
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.

Mental Stimulation Needs

  • Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
    60% 60%
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.

About the Breed

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a marvel of the breeder’s craft because every feature of it is ideal for moving cattle while remaining so amiable and adorable that it would be a beloved companion even if it never worked a day in its life. Cardigans are muscular workers with deceptive grace and speed. They are long, low-set dogs with strong bones, short legs, and deep chests. Cardis range in weight from 25 to 34 pounds, with females weighing the least. They have a variety of coat colors, including red and the well-liked blue-merle pattern. Check the hindquarters to tell the difference between Cardi and their Pembroke Welsh Corgi cousins: Cardis have tails, whilst Pembrokes do not. Cardis are ‘big dogs’ barking, trainable, obedient, and alert protectors. The affection that well-socialized Cardis have for children and other animals is very strong. These fit, hardy herders enjoy being outside and get their energy from physical and mental exertion.

What To Expect When Caring For a Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.

Health

In general, the Cardigan is a highly healthy breed, and ethical breeders will check their stock for diseases like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and degenerative myelopathy. And just like with any 'long and low' dog, one needs to be aware of potential spinal problems. Avoid allowing the Cardigan to leap off the couch or bed, and be aware that stairs might be dangerous. Visit the veterinarian as soon as any distress or discomfort is noticed. The speed of recuperation depends on how quickly an issue is identified.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
  • Hip Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test
  • PRA Genetic Test or Clearance via Parentage (see CWCC website)

Grooming

The Cardigan should maintain its best-looking and healthiest coat with a thorough brushing at least once each week. Reduce the quantity of filth an animal can carry into the house each day by keeping the hair on the bottoms of the feet trimmed. Additionally, the nails ought to be kept short. Some dog owners make the incorrect assumption that they should cut their dog's hair short for the summer. This is not required if the Cardigan's coat is appropriate for the breed. As long as the weather is normal, the right coat has the vital qualities to maintain a healthy body temperature. On a sunny day, it should be remembered that a black dog will absorb more heat, thus caution should be exercised to prevent overexposure.

Exercise

It is well known that the Cardigan is a remarkably versatile dog. They're all for it if you want to walk and go on excursions. Or, no problem, the Cardigan is there for you if you want to watch TV while munching on popcorn. Going for walks around the neighborhood is crucial for numerous reasons, including the fact that cardigans thrive on routine sociability. You and the dog will enjoy it while getting some much-needed exercise. It is your Cardigan's way of saying, "Hey, Mom, I really need to burn off some fun'let's go play ball!" And yes, most Cardigans are "ball-o-holics." Use that to your advantage as he starts to suddenly make "power runs" across the house and over the sofa. It is well known that the Cardigan is a remarkably versatile dog. They're all for it if you want to walk and go on excursions. Or, no problem, the Cardigan is there for you if you want to watch TV while munching on popcorn. Going for walks around the neighborhood is crucial for numerous reasons, including the fact that cardigans thrive on routine sociability. You and the dog will enjoy it while getting some much-needed exercise. It is your Cardigan's way of saying, "Hey, Mom, I really need to burn off some fun'let's go play ball!" And yes, most Cardigans are "ball-o-holics." Use that to your advantage as he starts to suddenly make "power runs" across the house and over the sofa. Avoid jumping and using stairs, which

Training

It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial early and consistent socializing is to the growth of a contented, healthy Cardigan. Gently introduce the puppy to a variety of people, locations, and circumstances. Although this process lasts a lifetime, having a well-socialized dog has amazing benefits. Attend training sessions and allow family members to participate. Don't put up with unacceptable conduct, and if there's an issue you can't solve, don't be afraid to ask a trained trainer or behaviorist for assistance. Early effort will pay off with a dog that you and everyone else who meets him will adore.  

Nutrition

Cardigans are notorious for gaining weight quickly. They must have their weight carefully monitored. A high-quality dog food must be fed based on the activity level and nutritional requirements of the Cardigan. The digestion process will be improved if you eat two smaller meals each day rather than one large one. Don't overdo the gifting of treats, too. Even though Cardigans can hear a cheese wrapper from 50 yards away, you shouldn't offer them the whole thing. Feel the ribs; if you have trouble doing so with your fingertips, your dog is probably overweight.

History

The older of the two corgi breeds recognized by the AKC is the gorgeous yet tough-as-nails Cardigan Welsh Corgi, named after the Welsh medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire. They are actually one of the oldest breeds in Britain. The word “corgi,” which was originally spelled “kergie,” is an early form of the Celtic word for “dog,” and historians assume that ancient corgis were brought to Wales from Central Europe by the Celts during their massive migrations to Britain around 1200 BC. But we know for sure that corgis were driving Welsh herds a thousand years ago.

To better nip at the heels of calves and prevent being kicked, cardigans are constructed low to the ground. The adaptive Cardigan did double duty on long cattle drives, driving the herd by day and acting as a flock guardian at night (dogs who lead herds to pasture or market in this heel-nipping method are known as heelers). Throughout the long history of the breed, Cardigans have served in different capacities including all-around farm dog, hunting partner, family guardian, and athlete. Cardigans have a long history of being connected to British crofters, or tenant farmers, who relied on their dogs to help them eke out a modest livelihood from the pasture land that the crown granted them.

Cardigans and Pembrokes once freely interbred, and in the United Kingdom, they were regarded as one breed up until 1934. In June 1931, the country of the United States received its first breeding pair of Cardigans.