Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Breed Type: Herding
Coat: Double
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Playful, energetic, intelligent, friendly
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Color & patterns:
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi - brindle
Cardigan Welsh Corgi - brindle
Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Tri-color
You’d think that a breed that hails from the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire, Wales, would be prim and serious, but Cardigan Welsh Corgis are the opposite. These rough-and-tumble working dogs were bred to herd and guard cattle and relied on their tenacious attitudes and loud barks to scare predators and sound the alarm when there were signs of trouble. The strong working breed has origins dating back to 1200 B.C., making the Cardigan Welsh Corgi the oldest of all British breeds. The first pair of breeding Cardigan Welsh Corgi arrived in the U.S. in 1931. Through the generations, the breed has retained its working-dog roots, and it remains a popular herding breed, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has also become a popular companion. They make pretty great snuggle buddies!

Cardigan Welsh Corgi characteristics

Learn about about Cardigan Welsh Corgi basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Cardigan Welsh Corgi facts.

Average height

10-13 inches (25.4-33.0cm)

Average weight

23-42 pounds (10.4-19.1 kg)

Average lifespan

12-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionEager to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How big are Cardigan Welsh Corgis?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a small to medium-sized breed with a sturdy, muscular build. Adult Cardigans are 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 23 to 42 pounds, with males being slightly bigger than females on average.

How long do Cardigan Welsh Corgis live?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis live 12 to 15 years on average. With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups, they can live healthy lives well into their senior years.

When do Cardigan Welsh Corgis stop growing?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis stop growing in height by 12 to 14 months of age, but they usually fill out and gain muscle mass until they are around 18 to 24 months old.

What colors are Cardigan Welsh Corgis?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis come in a variety of colors and patterns, including mixtures of red, sable, white, black, and brindle; black with or without tan or brindle points; and blue merle (marbled black and gray) with or without tan or brindle points. In all colors, Cardigans may have small white markings on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, belly, tip of tail, and as a blaze on their heads.

What do Cardigan Welsh Corgis look like?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a long, low-set body with a sturdy, muscular frame. Despite their short legs, they are well-built and agile. They are longer than they are tall, giving them a “low-rider” appearance. Their feet are slightly turned outward, a characteristic that helps them be agile in herding cattle.

Cardigans have a thick, weather-resistant double coat, and a long, bushy tail that they carry low when relaxed. Cardigans have large, rounded ears that stand upright, giving them a distinctive alert expression. Their head is fox-like, with a slightly broader skull that tapers toward the nose.

Do Cardigan Corgis get their tails docked?

No, Cardigan Welsh Corgis do not have their tails docked. One of the key distinguishing features of Cardigans is their long, bushy tail, which they carry low when relaxed. In contrast, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are either born with very short tails or have them docked at birth in countries where tail docking is still practiced.

The practice of tail docking, removing a portion of the tail for cosmetic purposes, is unnecessary and outdated and, in many countries, tail docking for cosmetic purposes is now illegal and is otherwise widely discouraged as there is no medical reason for this procedure.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi temperament

Learn about about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good with cats?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be good with cats, but each dog is unique, so their behavior will vary. Cardigans were originally bred as herding dogs, so they have a natural instinct to chase smaller animals, including cats. However, this behavior can often be managed with proper training and socialization. If a Cardigan is exposed to cats from a young age and learns to view them as part of the family, they are more likely to coexist peacefully.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good with other dogs?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are good with other dogs, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. Cardigans are generally friendly and sociable dogs, making them good companions for other dogs. Their playful nature often encourages interaction and play. Exposing them to various dog breeds and situations while they are puppies can help them develop positive relationships.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis playful?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are playful and energetic dogs who enjoy physical activity. They love to run, play fetch, and engage in other interactive games, making them great companions for active families. As an intelligent breed, Cardigans thrive on mental stimulation. Playtime can include puzzle toys, obedience training, and agility exercises to keep their minds engaged.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis active dogs?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are active dogs. Originally bred as herding dogs, Cardigans have a natural instinct to be active and alert. They thrive in environments where they can run and engage in physical activities. They enjoy hiking, walking, playing fetch, and training for dog sports like agility and obedience. They are great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good family dogs?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are good family dogs. They form strong bonds with family members and enjoy being involved in family activities. Their playful and energetic demeanor makes them great companions for children. They enjoy games like fetch and will happily join in on playtime. Cardigans can adapt to various living situations, including homes with yards or apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis bark much?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis bark quite a bit, but their barking tendencies can vary from dog to dog. They often bark during play to express excitement or engage with their family members. Cardigans are naturally alert and protective, making them good watchdogs. They might bark to alert their pet parents of strangers or unusual sounds. If they do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation, Cardigans might bark out of boredom or anxiety. Regular exercise and engaging activities can help manage this behavior.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis easy to train?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are relatively easy to train. This breed is intelligent and has a strong desire to please their pet parents, making them more motivated to learn and follow commands. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work particularly well. Cardigans can excel in various dog sports, including agility, herding, and obedience competitions. Just keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis smart?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are smart dogs. Cardigans are known for their ability to think critically and solve problems. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, making them good candidates for dog sports and activities that require mental engagement, such as agility and herding trials.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis friendly?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are friendly and sociable. Loving and affectionate, Cardigans enjoy spending time with people and forming strong bonds with their human families. They tend to get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, especially when properly socialized from a young age. They are known for their pleasant temperament, which makes them well-suited for living with children and other pets.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi history

Learn about where this Cardigan Welsh Corgi came from!

What were Cardigan Welsh Corgis bred for?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred for herding, specifically for driving cattle. In ancient Wales, they played a vital role in helping farmers move their livestock from one place to another. Their short legs, sturdy build, and agility made them well-suited to herd cattle, as they could nip at the animals’ heels while staying low enough to avoid being kicked.

In addition to herding, Cardigan Welsh Corgis were also used as guard dogs and to perform various tasks around the farm. Their working history has shaped their temperament, making them loyal, alert, and hardworking dogs.

Where are Cardigan Welsh Corgis from?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are from Wales, specifically from the ancient region of Cardiganshire. They are one of two distinct breeds of Corgis, the other being the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two breeds, with a history that goes back more than a thousand years.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis rare?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are rare compared to the more popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Although both breeds share similar traits, the Pembroke has gained much more attention, especially due to its association with the British royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II, who favored Pembrokes.

Their rarity can vary depending on the region, but fewer breeders specialize in Cardigans, leading to less puppy availability. However, the Cardogan’s loyal following appreciates their unique traits.

What’s the difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two distinct breeds. Cardigans have long tails, while Pembrokes are often born with short tails or have their tails docked. Cardigans are generally larger and more robust, with a longer body and heavier bone structure, and have rounded, larger ears compared to Pembrokes. Both breeds are smart, hardworking, and loyal, but Cardigans are typically a bit more independent.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi health

Learn about about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis healthy?

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are healthy as a breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Cardigans are at higher risk of injuries to their long backs. Preventive measures like keeping them from jumping off the bed or couch and minimizing trips up and down the stairs can keep them from getting hurt.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis predisposed to specific health conditions?

Yes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be predisposed to specific health conditions, as is common in many dog breeds. Here are some specific health issues they are susceptible to:

  • Hip dysplasia: This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness. 

  • Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, which can cause pain and mobility issues. 

  • Degenerative myelopathy: This progressive neurological disease affects the spinal cord and can lead to weakness and loss of coordination in the hindquarters. 

  • Eye conditions: Cardigans may be prone to certain eye issues, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that can lead to blindness over time.

  • Heart disease: Some Cardigans may be at risk for certain heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, which is more common in older dogs.

Obesity: Although not a genetic condition, Cardigans can be prone to obesity due to their short stature and sturdy build. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise is crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis hypoallergenic?

No, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are not hypoallergenic. Their double coat sheds quite a bit, especially during seasonal changes in spring and fall. Their shedding can release dander into the air, which is a common trigger for allergies in people sensitive to pet allergens.

Find Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies near you

Adopting a Cardigan Welsh Corgi

We don't see any Cardigan Welsh Corgis available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

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Details
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