The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small, low-to-the-ground dog has a sturdy body and short legs. His trademark tail is described as a fox-like brush. He is a hardy dog that makes for an excellent guard as well as a devoted companion. He is fond of children and has a gentler temperament than his close relative, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This breed is intelligent, sharp, and strong-willed. He is quite stubborn and may resist obedience training, particularly the “Down” or the “Come” command. Training should begin from puppy hood to combat his stubborn streak. Without early and proper socialization, he can become wary of strangers and has the tendency to bite them if he feels threatened. He makes a great watchdog with a big-dog bark. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a working dog that needs a job to do in order to feel confident.
Size: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands at about 10 ½ -12 ½ in at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40lb.
Health care: This Corgi is susceptible to eye problems and structural problems. Avoid letting him jump from high places because this could lead to painful spine trouble.
History and origin: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first developed in South Wales and was used as a cattle drover. He could also clear a herder’s land of a neighboring herder’s cattle. This breed made his first appearance in the British show ring in 1925 and was first classified as the same breed as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. However, he received a separate classification in 1934. Welsh folklore includes many references to this dependable ancient breed.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be ½ – 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 ½ cupfuls of a dry complete food.
Exercise: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a working dog that needs to be active and busy. An apartment is suitable for this breed as long as he gets plenty of exercise. Keep in mind, however, that this breed has a big-dog bark.
Grooming: This breed has a water-resistant shedding coat with a fine texture and would need to be brushed daily.
One of our members, Patty Gailey writes:
The Cardigan and the Pembroke Corgis are two separate breeds…not just because one has a docked tail.
Although both dogs are long and low, the standards have many very notable physical differences and the genetic makeup is not the same. The serious eye problems that face the Cardis, PRA, etc. are rarely found in Pems. Pem eye anomolies are usually PPM’s (the innocuous iris to iris variety) and retinal folds (non-geographic). Dogs with either of these conditions will CERF since they do not lead to vision impairment.