Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed characteristics
- Size: Small
- Traits: Adaptable, intelligent, trainable, active, friendly
- Maintenance: Moderate
- Best Suited To: People with time to groom, Active families
Adaptable, energetic and intelligent, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an adoring dog that loves spending time with its family. While it’s built for an active life in the countryside, this pooch prefers life indoors. With plenty of daily exercise it will thrive.
Where I'm From
Once upon a time, the beloved Cardigan Welsh Corgi was a working dog and it would nip at the heels of cattle to keep them in line. The breed is believed to be more than 3000 years old and as the name suggests it hails from Wales.
It’s not the only type of corgi though. The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were considered the same breed up until 1934 when the British Kennel Club ruled otherwise. The two breeds are easily distinguishable if you look at their tails. The Pembroke’s tail is usually bobbed whereas the Cardi’s tail is not. Nowadays the breeds are considered to have separate histories and characteristics.
What I Look Like
Cardigans come in a variety of colours and patterns. These include brindle, red, blue merle, sable, fawn and black, generally with white markings on the chest, neck, belly and legs. They’re compact yet powerful dogs which is the reason they could cover so much ground herding cattle.
While they definitely look as if they have long backs, they’re actually about the same length as other dogs’. The difference is their legs are extra short. The Cardi is a deep chested dog with a double coat. It’s coarse and provides protection from harsh weather conditions.
How I Act
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi may be small but it certainly gets around. This energetic breed loves to exercise and makes a tireless companion for children. You’ll need to keep an eye on it though as it may try to herd young kids by nipping at their heels.
Cardigans are more territorial and less sociable than their Pembroke cousins. If you choose to adopt one be sure to socialise it early so it will learn to tolerate different people, sounds and animals.
This breed is well suited to a patient owner as it tends to be independent minded and occasionally stubborn.
Looking After Me
If you don’t mind a dog that requires regular grooming, then the Cardigan could be the right pooch for you. It sheds continuously throughout the year so giving it a good brush down will keep its coat manageable. The Cardi will shed more heavily on at least two occasions throughout the year and daily brushing will be required during these times. Giving your a pooch a warm bath will also help you both get through shedding season.
These little pooches like to be heard and will bark at anything if they’re not taught otherwise from a young age. The breed is intelligent and highly trainable so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting the message through.
When it comes to feeding, the Cardi is an enthusiastic eater. You’ll need to monitor its meals to ensure it doesn’t overeat.
These adorable dogs are full of energy and like to get out and about each day. They’ll need a daily walk or activity to keep them satisfied. They can adapt to life in an apartment or in the countryside providing their exercise needs are met.
Cardigans are generally health but can develop Intervertebral Disk Disease. You should always be careful when you pick them up and make sure you support both ends of their bodies. You should also keep an eye out for symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Glaucoma.
Am I the pet for you?
Pros
- Good with children
- Likes to exercise
- Intelligent and highly trainable
Cons
- May nip at the heels of children
- Prone to back issues
- Loves food and may overeat