Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

11-17 kg

Height

27-33 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

Jump To

About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The first accounts of the Cardigan Welsh corgi are as old as 3000 years, so despite being one of the lesser-known corgi breeds after Pembroke Welsh corgis, their relationship with humans dates back much further.

These loyal and versatile dogs were originally bred to be working dogs on the farms of our ancestors, but nowadays they make adorable and adaptable pets.

What is the history & origin of the Cardigan Welsh?

When ancient celts migrated from Europe to the British Isles, they arrived in Cardiganshire in Wales bringing with them their working dogs. Known as corgis or ci-illathed, which means ‘yard long’ dogs, these short and stocky dogs were used for several tasks such as guarding livestock and chasing away wolves and predators.

In records that date back to ancient Welsh laws, there are references to ‘watch curs, ‘house curs’ and ‘shepherd curs’, each showing us the different important tasks this treasured dog had the responsibility for.

After the Vikings invaded wales they brought with them their Nordic Spitz breeds whose DNA eventually made its way into the Cardigan corgi, which would go on to make what would become the Pembroke Welsh corgi, which had smaller ears and a softer coat.

The Pembroke was perfect for cattle driving and as the raising of livestock became more prevalent it became the more popular variation on the corgi breed, though it wasn’t until 1935 when the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds.

The Cardigan is a lot less common to this day and though rarely used as working dogs they are still a popular choice for herding competitions where they can flex their ancient instincts.

What is a Cardigan Welsh Breed?

The Cardigan Welsh corgi is a small dog and a herding breed requiring plenty of daily physical exercise. They are natural at taking instruction, making them perfect for competitive dog sports.

They are thought to be related to the Dachshund and have a similar build. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have short legs, rarely grow taller than 30 cm in height, and weigh between 13 and 19 kg.

This breed requires minimal grooming of their weatherproof fur which can either be red, black, brindle, blue merle, or sable all with white markings.

Who is a Cardigan Welsh Best For?

These agreeable dwarf dogs make a great choice for first-time owners or as family pets. They love to be silly and entertain but maintain a high level of trainability so they are easy students to imprint good habits on.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi would be best suited to people who live near the outdoors or like to take long walks as they thrive in nature when taking long walks.

They fit well with old as well as young family members and will form a loyal bond with every family member, always displaying a keenness to work and please.

This breed will gel well with cats or other dogs, provided they have been socialised from a young age. They tend to be a better choice for homes with older children who know how to behave around dogs.

They like to play and will quickly pick up the ground rules on what makes a fun play session as their driving motivation is to satisfy their owner.

Cardigan Welsh Grooming & Shedding

The Cardi has a low-maintenance coat of extremely weatherproofed fur with a soft, dense undercoat. They are a naturally clean breed and have no doggy smell.

They are a high-shedding breed and will need to be brushed only twice a week to shift any loose or dead hair and then a once-weekly wipe with a chamois leather to maintain their natural sheen.

Be sure to check inside their ears regularly to stay on top of wax build-ups. If too much accumulates it can be difficult to clear and may lead to painful infections which are easier to prevent than they are to cure.

Do Cardigan Welsh dogs bark a lot?

Like most herding breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi can exhibit herding behaviours as they follow their hardwired instincts.

This is especially important in homes with other pets or small children who a corgi might feel an irresistible urge to herd from to time, leading them to give a few unwanted nips.

This needs to be socialised out of them from an early age but fortunately, the Cardi enjoys a high level of trainability so this shouldn’t be challenging as an owner.

What is the average weight & height of a Cardigan Welsh dog?

Male and female Cardis show little variation in size and weight with both sexes being between 27-33cm in height when fully grown and weighing between 11-17kg with males being a few kilos heavier.

Are Cardigan Welsh dogs easy to train?

For thousands of years, the Cardigan corgi has experienced a trainer/trainee relationship with humans and this is displayed by their intelligence and easy trainability. They pick up basic obedience skills and tricks easily and are often food and ball-motivated.

They love to rise to a challenge but will need to be shown who’s in charge consistently as their spirits are naturally dominant and they will take the reigns if they see an opening.

Keep sessions short and interesting and while they don’t react to overly harsh teaching styles they are hard workers and a firm touch will help them understand the message if they are being willful.

How do Cardigan Welsh dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Welsh Cardigan had a long list of responsibilities on the farm in older times so they had to learn to be adaptable and hardworking, traits that they retain to this day.

They have strong guard dog tendencies but they don’t have an aggressive tendency in their body and will simply alert you to danger than attacking the problem head-on. When they meet new people they may be cautious and a little standoffish but will soon warm up.

Despite their herding instincts, they are not as nippy as other dogs with high chase drives, making them a better choice for families with smaller children.

It’s important to remember how comfortable they would be working on a farm all day and that their high levels of energy will need satisfaction. Whether running around open fields or taking long walks, make sure you are providing them with plenty of stimulating outdoor exercise.

Does the Cardigan Welsh have any common health issues?

The Cardigan is generally a healthy breed with just a few issues that are worth taking note of –

Cancer: Cardigans can be prone to various types of cancer, including lymphoma and mast cell tumors, which may require early detection and treatment.
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD): This condition involves the degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, which can lead to pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive spinal cord disease that can lead to loss of coordination and paralysis over time.
Ocular Diseases: Cardigans may be susceptible to various eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can cause vision loss.

Like other dwarf dog breeds such as the dachshund, Cardigans are at high risk of a back injury which can occur from even mild impacts such as slipping on the stairs or falling off the couch.

Make sure they go upstairs gently, consider putting a non-slip carpeted runner on your steps to make it easier for them. Back issues can also be caused by weight gain, so be careful you aren’t overfeeding them.

What is the lifespan of a Cardigan Welsh?

When fed an age-appropriate diet and cared for effectively Cardis can be expected to have a lifespan of between 12-15 years.

How much does a Cardigan Welsh need to be fed?

If you’re buying your Corgi from a breeder they will supply you with a feeding plan to ensure you are giving them the right nutrition at the right intervals. If you stray from this plan ensure you do it gently to avoid upset stomachs.

Cardi corgis are big eaters if left to their own devices so make sure they aren’t gaining weight, especially after being spayed when dogs are more likely to gain a few extra lbs. Because of their tiny, compact size, willful any unnecessary weight can cause discomfort and health issues.

How much can you expect to pay for a Cardigan Welsh in Australia?

This little dog is disproportionately pricey and while not as popular as their Pembroke cousins, their rarity will have you paying anywhere between $1200-$3000 for a puppy from a breeder.

Cardigan Welsh FAQs

Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis like a cuddle?

While they are purpose-built work dogs, Cardis love to show affection and will gladly wind down on a busy day snuggling up on the couch.

How long can a Cardigan Welsh Corgi be left alone?

No dog enjoys being left alone for prolonged periods but they all handle it in their way. Despite being able to form strong attachments, the Cardi is good at being left alone for long periods and will tend not to show any undesirable anxious behaviour.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Cardis are heavy shedders who will require regular, weekly brushing to remove the natural build-up of loose and dead hair.

Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis get along with cats?

If it’s a cat from your home that they know and trust then they make perfectly agreeable companions to cats. They are liable to chase any strange cats if they spot them on their territory though.