Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

The medium-sized Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a herding dog breed native to Wales that is distinguished by its short legs, water-resistant double coat, pointed ears, and long tail.

These dogs are adaptive, wholly committed to their family, and willing to accomplish anything.

When given enough time, this breed will typically warm up to new friends and provide a lot of love to their family.

This breed may initially be reserved with strangers. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi gets along well with various animals, including farm animals, horses, and household pets like dogs and cats.

They adore having kids in the house, and as members of their pack, they instinctively take care of them.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

About The Breed

These dogs are vocal and can scream and bark at everything. However, these dogs can be stubborn and intelligent at the same time.

Crate training is suggested if housetraining is a challenge. If given a chance, cardigans enjoy eating and will overindulge.

Make sure to keep an eye on their food intake to prevent obesity. Cardigans require daily exercise since they have a lot of energy.

Never buy a cardigan from an ignorant breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet retailer.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed History

The Dachshund and Basset Hound are members of the same dog family as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

It is thought that Celtic tribes that came to Wales from central Europe more than 3,000 years ago brought the ancestors of modern-day Cardis with them.

This prehistoric dog was a hybrid between the Teckel and Spitz families. Some people think that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was created when the Vikings crossed the original Corgi with the Spitz-type dogs they brought with them when they invaded Wales.

The English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was established in 1926, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first displayed at English dog exhibitions in 1919.

The Cardigans and Pembrokes were regarded as one breed at the time and frequently interbred, leading to considerable conflict among breeders.

Working dogs like cardigans helped farmers herd cattle and protect their livestock from danger.

Also, they are assisted by farmers in transporting their animals to the market and the fields. They were cherished as family pets, vermin hunters, cattle guardians, and guard dogs. 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed Name Cardigan Welsh Corgi 
Other NameWelsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Dog Breed TypeHerding
OriginWales 
Parent BreedsPembrokes and Cardigans 
Height10.5-12.5 inches
Weight 25 – 38 lbs
Outgoing, gentle, friendly, and playful12 – 15 years
Coat TypeMedium
Common ColorsRed, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, with or without tan points, white flashings common
Grooming NeedsModerate Grooming Needs
HypoallergenicNo
TemperamentOutgoing, gentle, friendly and playful
Apartment LivingYes
Pet FriendlyYes
Health ConcernsHip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy 
Overall HealthMedium
Intelligence LevelHighly Intelligent
TrainabilityEasy to train but may give a tough time due to their independent nature
Energy LevelActive 
ActivityHigh
Litter Size4 – 6 puppies
What To Know
• Cardigan Welsh Corgis are sturdy, small herding dogs with a distinctive long tail.
• They’re intelligent and known for their herding instincts.
• Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for a happy Corgi.
• They have a dense double coat, which requires regular grooming.
• Socialize your Cardigan Corgi early for a well-behaved, loyal companion.

Characteristics 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

Adaptability

These small herding dogs can adjust well to various environments and lifestyles.

With their intelligence and eagerness to please, they’re great companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.

Corgis are equally content in apartments or spacious homes, provided they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Their adaptability shines through when introduced to new people, pets, and situations, making them wonderful, loyal friends for children and grown-ups.

Adaptability

Adaptive to Apartment Living

Suitable for New Owners

Sensitivity Scale

Comfortable Being Alone

Comfortable with Cold Weather

Comfortable with Hot Weather

Friendliness

Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are typically very friendly and enjoy the company of people, including children.

They are loyal and protective, making great companions for families. However, it’s important to teach children how to interact with the dog respectfully and safely. Supervision is key, as even friendly dogs can become overwhelmed.

All About Friendliness

Lovable with Family

Kid-Friendly

Dog-Friendly

Frank with strangers

Personality 

Cardigan has a flexible temperament and a responsible nature for his family. The Cardigan frequently resides with horse owners who value his help loading their animals onto trailers.

The Cardi is an excellent watchdog who is attentive yet might be wary of strangers, staying true to his herding dog lineage.

At the sight, smell, or sound of anything strange, be prepared for him to bark in a warning. He is a strong companion for kids and is very trainable due to his intelligence.

Despite this, he is a free-thinker and frequently goes on his route. Like other dogs, the Cardigan also needs early socialization for exposure to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences.

Ideally, this should happen before the dog is four months old. Socialization is essential to guarantee that your Cardigan puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.

Temperament

Friendly with Children

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for being friendly with children, making them ideal family pets.

These intelligent dogs have a natural herding instinct, which often leads them to be protective and gentle with kids.

However, it’s important to teach both children and Corgis to respect each other’s boundaries to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Amicable to Other Pets

Corgis are generally amicable to other pets, thanks to their herding background. They often get along well with other dogs and cats, but early socialization is key to ensuring a peaceful coexistence.

Their herding tendencies may lead to some nipping or bossiness, so supervision is crucial when introducing them to new pets.

Barking Tendencies

Barking tendencies in Cardigans can vary. They may bark to alert you to strangers or unfamiliar sounds, which makes them good watchdogs.

Training can help manage their barking tendencies, teaching them when it’s appropriate to bark and when it’s not.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are social dogs and may not do well when left alone for extended periods.

Loneliness can lead to separation anxiety, so consider their need for companionship and mental stimulation when planning for their time alone. Having another pet or a dog walker can help mitigate this issue.

Pros And Cons Of The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed 

Pros

  • Loyal, affectionate, and loving family companions.
  • Compact size, making them great for apartments.
  • Intelligent and easily trainable for various tasks.
  • Good watchdogs due to their alert nature.
  • Remarkable longevity with a generally healthy lifespan.

Cons

  • High energy levels require regular exercise.
  • Prone to obesity if not monitored closely.
  • Shed heavily, demanding frequent grooming.
  • Strong herding instincts may lead to nipping.
  • Need for early socialization to prevent shyness.

Male Vs. Female Attitude

Male Corgis are often more playful and energetic, while females tend to be a bit more reserved but equally loving. Share that both can make great pets.

Male Corgis might require more exercise, and females can be more nurturing. It’s important to stress that each dog is unique, regardless of gender, and a loving bond is the most important factor in any Corgi’s temperament.

Appearance

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

General Appearance

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi looks like a tiny but robust herding dog. They stand low to the ground and have a long body with a wagging tail.

Their expressive eyes convey intelligence. Cardigans wear a dense, weather-resistant double coat that comes in various colors.

These small but powerful dogs give off a sense of agility and strength. Their charming appearance makes them beloved pets, ideal for families who value both intelligence and adorable looks in a dog.

Coat Color

The Cardigan should maintain its best-looking and healthiest coat with a thorough brushing at least once weekly.

Reduce the quantity of filth an animal can carry into the house each day by trimming the hair on the bottoms of the feet.

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 average, the right coat has the vital qualities to maintain a healthy body temperature.

However, it should be remembered that a black dog will absorb more heat on a sunny day. Therefore precautions should be taken to prevent overexposure.

Shedding

Shedding is when your Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog loses old fur. It’s normal but can be messy. You can help by brushing them regularly to remove loose fur.

Corgis have a double coat and shed more in spring and fall. Shedding can cause allergies in some people, so keep the home clean. Cardigan Corgis are worth the effort, as they’re loving and loyal pets.

Size

Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall. The males weigh between 30 and 38 pounds, while the females weigh between 25 and 34 pounds.

Health 

The Cardigan is a highly healthy breed, and reputable breeders will check their breed for diseases like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and degenerative myelopathy. As with any “long and low” dog, one should be aware of potential spinal problems. Avoid allowing the Cardigan to bounce off the couch or bed, and be mindful that stairs might be dangerous. Visit the veterinarian as soon as any pain or discomfort is noticed. The speed of healing depends on how quickly an issue is identified.

The Health Tests recommended by the National Breed Club are: 

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test
  • PRA Genetic Test or Clearance via Parentage (see CWCC website)

Health And Grooming Requirements

Shedding Quantity

Drooling Capability

Effortless to Groom

Overall Health

Capable of Gaining Weight

Size

Maintenance And Care

The Cardigan has a low-slung body like a great sports car. He can daily travel vast distances with flocks because he is a herding breed.

Even though he does work in that field now, he still needs daily activity in the form of a walk or preparation for a canine sport like agility.

The Cardigan is comfortable in any environment, whether a downtown condo or a rural estate, as long as he has the needed activity.

The Cardigan is not an outdoor dog; despite having a weatherproof coat made to survive the abrasive Welsh weather, the Cardigan doesn’t like to spend more time outside.

He is a very people-oriented dog who wouldn’t want to spend time in the backyard where there would be little or no human contact. 

Grooming

Grooming your Cardigan Welsh Corgi is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Brush their dense double coat regularly to prevent mats and reduce shedding.

Pay attention to their ears; clean and check for signs of infection. Trim their nails to ensure comfort and prevent overgrowth.

Bathe them when needed, but don’t overdo it, as their natural oils are important.

Food And Nutrition

Cardigans can gain weight quickly. That is why you should carefully monitor their nutrition requirements and diet.

High-quality dog food must be fed based on the Cardigan’s activity level and nutritional requirements.

The digestion process will be improved if you provide them with two smaller meals each day rather than a large one each day.

Don’t overdo the gifts of treats. Even though Cardigans can hear a cheese wrapper from 50 yards away, you shouldn’t offer them the whole thing.

Feel your dog’s ribs with your fingertips; if you don’t find them, then your dog is probably overweight.

Exercise And Activity Level 

It is well known that the Cardigan is a remarkably versatile dog. They are a complete package for walking or going on adventures.

The Cardigan also likes to spend time with you if you want to watch TV chilling with your dog while munching on popcorn.

Going for walks around the neighborhood is crucial for numerous reasons, including that cardigans thrive on everyday sociability.

You and the dog will enjoy it while getting some much-needed exercise. Cardigan is trying to tell you that he needs to go out for some Exercise to burn off some excess energy and go play ball when he suddenly starts to make “power runs” through the house and over the couch.

Make sure your dog doesn’t go upstairs and start jumping because it may cause serious back injuries. 

Physical Requirements

Energy range

Intensity

Exercise Requirements

Capable for Playfulness

Trainability

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their trainability. They are intelligent dogs and eager to please their owners, which makes training a relatively straightforward task.

Starting from a young age, these Corgis benefit from early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training.

Due to their herding background, they may tend to try to control situations, so assertiveness and patience are key for successful training.

With the right approach, Cardigan Welsh Corgis can excel in obedience, agility, and various dog sports, becoming well-behaved and loyal companions.

Trainability

Effortless to Train

Smartness

Capable for Mouthiness

Tendency to Attack Prey

Urge to Howl or Bark

Wanderlust Ability

Conclusion 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a remarkable breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and herding skills.

These sturdy, small dogs need regular exercise, grooming, and early socialization. Their long tail and dense double coat are unique traits.

Owning a Cardigan Corgi can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to provide mental stimulation and a loving environment.

With proper care, they make wonderful, devoted companions for families and individuals alike.

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FAQs On Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed…

What are the color options available for Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs? 

Red, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, with or without tan points, and white flashings are the standard color options in Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog.

How much Grooming is required?

Cardigan Welsh Corgi has moderate grooming needs. 

What are the common health concerns of Cardigan Dogs? 

The common health issues of these dogs are hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

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