The medium-sized Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a herding dog breed native to Wales that is distinguished by its short legs, water-resistant double coat, pointed ears, and long tail. These dogs are adaptive, wholly committed to their family, and willing to accomplish anything.
When given enough time, this breed will typically warm up to new friends and provide a lot of love to their family. This breed may initially be reserved with strangers. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi gets along well with various animals, including farm animals, horses, and household pets like dogs and cats. They adore having kids in the house, and as members of their pack, they instinctively take care of them.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Profile – IMAGE
| Breed Name | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
| Other Name | Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
| Dog Breed Type | Herding |
| Origin | Wales |
| Parent Breeds | Pembrokes and Cardigans |
| Height | 10.5-12.5 inches |
| Weight | 25 – 38 lbs |
| Life Expectency | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Type | Medium |
| Common Colors | Red, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, with or without tan points, white flashings common |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate Grooming Needs |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Outgoing, gentle, friendly and playful |
| Apartment Living | Yes |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy |
| Overall Health | Medium |
| Intelligence Level | Highly Intelligent |
| Trainability | Easy to train but may give a tough time due to their independent nature |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Activity | High |
| Litter Size | 4 – 6 puppies |
Breed Characteristics- IMAGE
Adaptability 4 stars
Adapts Well To Apartment Living : 4 star
Good For Novice Owners : 4 star
Sensitivity Level : 4 stars
Tolerates Being Alone : 3 stars
Tolerates Cold Weather : 4 stars
Tolerates Hot Weather : 3 stars
All Around Friendliness 4 stars
Affectionate With Family : 5 stars
Kid-Friendly : 4 stars
Dog Friendly : 3 stars
Friendly Toward Strangers : 3 star
Health And Grooming Needs 3 stars
Amount Of Shedding : 4 stars
Drooling Potential : 1 stars
Easy To Groom : 3 stars
General Health : 4 stars
Potential For Weight Gain : 4 stars
Size : 2 stars
Trainability 4 stars
Easy To Train : 4 star
Intelligence : 5 stars
Potential For Mouthiness : 2 stars
Prey Drive : 4 stars
Tendency To Bark Or Howl : 4 stars
Wanderlust Potential : 3 stars
Physical Needs 3 stars
Energy Level : 3 stars
Intensity : 3 stars
Exercise Needs : 3 stars
Potential for Playfulness : 4 stars
Vital Statistics- IMAGE
DOG BREED GROUP : HERDING DOGS
HEIGHT : 10 INCHES TO 1 FOOT TALL AT THE SHOULDER
WEIGHT :25 – 38 POUNDS
LIFE SPAN : 12 – 15 YEARS
Highlights
These dogs are vocal and can scream and bark at everything. However, these dogs can be stubborn and intelligent at the same time. Crate training is suggested if housetraining is a challenge. If given a chance, cardigans enjoy eating and will overindulge. Make sure to keep an eye on their food intake to prevent obesity. Cardigans require daily exercise since they have a lot of energy. Never buy a cardigan from an ignorant breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet retailer.
History
The Dachshund and Basset Hound are members of the same dog family as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is thought that Celtic tribes that came to Wales from central Europe more than 3,000 years ago brought the ancestors of modern-day Cardis with them. This prehistoric dog was a hybrid between the Teckel and Spitz families. Some people think that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was created when the Vikings crossed the original Corgi with the Spitz-type dogs they brought with them when they invaded Wales. The English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was established in 1926, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first displayed at English dog exhibitions in 1919. The Cardigans and Pembrokes were regarded as one breed at the time and frequently interbred, leading to considerable conflict among breeders.
Working dogs like cardigans helped farmers herd cattle and protect their livestock from danger. Also, they are assisted by farmers in transporting their animals to the market and the fields. They were cherished as family pets, vermin hunters, cattle guardians, and guard dogs.
Size
Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall. The males weigh between 30 and 38 pounds, while the females weigh between 25 and 34 pounds.
Personality
Cardigan has a flexible temperament and a responsible nature for his family. The Cardigan frequently resides with horse owners who value his help loading their animals onto trailers. The Cardi is an excellent watchdog who is attentive yet might be wary of strangers, staying true to his herding dog lineage. At the sight, smell, or sound of anything strange, be prepared for him to bark in a warning. He is a strong companion for kids and is very trainable due to his intelligence. Despite this, he is a free-thinker and frequently goes on his route. Like other dogs, the Cardigan also needs early socialization for exposure to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences. Ideally, this should happen before the dog is four months old. Socialization is essential to guarantee that your Cardigan puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.
Heath
The Cardigan is a highly healthy breed, and reputable breeders will check their breed for diseases like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and degenerative myelopathy. As with any “long and low” dog, one should be aware of potential spinal problems. Avoid allowing the Cardigan to bounce off the couch or bed, and be mindful that stairs might be dangerous. Visit the veterinarian as soon as any pain or discomfort is noticed. The speed of healing depends on how quickly an issue is identified.
The Health Tests recommended by the National Breed Club are:
- Hip Evaluation
- Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test
- PRA Genetic Test or Clearance via Parentage (see CWCC website)
Care
The Cardigan has a low-slung body like a great sports car. He can daily travel vast distances with flocks because he is a herding breed. Even though he does work in that field now, he still needs daily activity in the form of a walk or preparation for a canine sport like agility. The Cardigan is comfortable in any environment, whether a downtown condo or a rural estate, as long as he has the needed activity. The Cardigan is not an outdoor dog; despite having a weatherproof coat made to survive the abrasive Welsh weather, the Cardigan doesn’t like to spend more time outside. He is a very people-oriented dog who wouldn’t want to spend time in the backyard where there would be little or no human contact.
Feeding and Diet
Cardigans can gain weight quickly. That is why you should carefully monitor their nutrition requirements and diet. High-quality dog food must be fed based on the Cardigan’s activity level and nutritional requirements. The digestion process will be improved if you provide them with two smaller meals each day rather than a large one each day. Don’t overdo the gifts of treats. Even though Cardigans can hear a cheese wrapper from 50 yards away, you shouldn’t offer them the whole thing. Feel your dog’s ribs with your fingertips; if you don’t find them, then your dog is probably overweight.
Coat color and Grooming
The Cardigan should maintain its best-looking and healthiest coat with a thorough brushing at least once weekly. Reduce the quantity of filth an animal can carry into the house each day by trimming the hair on the bottoms of the feet. Some dog owners make the incorrect assumption that they should cut their dog’s hair short for the summer. This is not required if the Cardigan’s coat is appropriate for the breed. As long as the weather is average, the right coat has the vital qualities to maintain a healthy body temperature. However, it should be remembered that a black dog will absorb more heat on a sunny day. Therefore precautions should be taken to prevent overexposure.
Exercise
It is well known that the Cardigan is a remarkably versatile dog. They are a complete package for walking or going on adventures. The Cardigan also likes to spend time with you if you want to watch TV chilling with your dog while munching on popcorn. Going for walks around the neighborhood is crucial for numerous reasons, including that cardigans thrive on everyday sociability. You and the dog will enjoy it while getting some much-needed exercise. Cardigan is trying to tell you that he needs to go out for some Exercise to burn off some excess energy and go play ball when he suddenly starts to make “power runs” through the house and over the couch. Make sure your dog doesn’t go upstairs and start jumping because it may cause serious back injuries.
FAQ on the Breed
What are the color options available for Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs?
Red, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, with or without tan points, and white flashings are the standard color options in Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog.
How much Grooming is required?
Cardigan Welsh Corgi has moderate grooming needs.
What are the common health concerns of Cardigan Dogs?
The common health issues of these dogs are hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.