Cardigan Welsh Corgis: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi!

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not as popular as his cousin the Pembroke Welsh Corgi yet he makes an excellent pet who is loyal, affectionate and good with children. He is intelligent and easy to train but needs a firm hand when it comes to nipping. Wary of strangers and possessive of his owner's property he makes a good watch dog. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi likes to keep busy. An even temper and adaptability are his best qualities.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-15 years

Energy Level:
Moderately high.

Living Conditions:
Indoors/Outdoor. Fine for apartments.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
An hour of yard play or long walk. Likes being outdoors.

Breed Group:
Herding

Size:
Medium-small

Height:
10.5-12.5 inches

Weight:
25-38 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Tri-color (black, white and tan or brindle points), blue merles (mottled gray & black, with brindle or tan points), brindles (of various shades, i.e., black brindle, brown brindle, red brindle), sable, and red. The Cardigan normally has white flashings on the neck, chest, feet and tip of tail.

National breed club:
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Skills

The name "Corgi" comes from two words in Welsh; "Cor" for dwarf (or perhaps "cur" for working dog) and "gi" (with a hard "G" sound) for dog. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a heritage as companions and protectors in driving cows and sheep on farms in Great Britain. A good working Corgi was a valuable asset to the farmer. After tending the herd during the day, the farmer brought his Corgi into the home at night where he became friend, protector and companion to the family and children. Today, the Corgi likes going along with his family on their activities and is an avid mouse catcher.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Personality

Corgis are smart, brave, calm, and form a close bond with its family. This breed has been known to be somewhat reckless with other dogs. Early socialization is necessary in order for it to get along with cats and other household pets.

Exercise Needs

The Welsh Corgi likes to be outdoors. They get enough exercise running about in your yard. It should be taken for long and varied walks and enjoys sporting activities such as playing catch with a Frisbee. They also get a lot of exercise playing about the house, especially if they have another dog or cat for a companion.

Living Conditions

Cardigans are adaptable, living on country acreage or city apartments. They are ideal house pets and companion dogs, which means they are meant to be with you. Dogs can be outside to exercise but brought in several times during the day. Cardigans love to romp in the snow. As companion dogs, they love best being with you, especially if they can con you into sharing your lap.

Grooming Requirements

The Cardigan only requires minimal grooming. The correct double coat repels dirt through routine brushing with a shedding blade, slicker brush or with a fine pin brush. Check the ears to keep them clean also, and trim the nails. Show dogs can have their feet trimmed to tidy the feet.

Health Issues

The breed of Cardigans has a history of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This disease in Cardigans usually has an early onset and can be determined by two years of age. Most Cardigans affected with PRA will be blind by three years of age. This is a seriously debilitating disease, but a continuing research is undertaken to increase longevity of the breed.

If you liked this dog…

The Cardigan temperament is more like a Collie or a well-bred German Shepherd Dog. These Herding dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.characteristic appearance.