General Information

Dog NameCardigan Welsh Corgi
Other NamesCardigan
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCorgi
GroupHerding
Breed ForHerding cattle
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited Kingdom (UK)

Physical And Size

SizeSmall to Medium
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male13
Max Ideal Weight for male15
Min Ideal Weight for female11
Max Ideal Weight for male15

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSmart, Loyal, Active
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyHigh
Dog FriendlyMedium
Office FriendlyHigh
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginWales
Nicknames and Other NamesCardigan,
Cardi,
CWC,
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebreed (herding dogs)
GroupHerding Group
Bred ForHerding cattle and
driving them to market
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, NZKC, KC, CKC, UKC, ANKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal WeightMale: 30-38 pounds
Female: 25-34 pounds
Ideal Height10-13 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeSlightly harsh outer coat,
dense and soft undercoat
Common ColorsRed and White, Sable and White,
Brindle and White, Blue Merle and White
MarkingsBlack and Mask, Brindle Points, Ticked
Brindle Points and Ticked, Tan Points
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToPembroke Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a trainable, faithful, and vigilant breed of dog with a “big dog” bark. These dogs are well-socialized among other dogs and children.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed is sensible and affectionate and loves to spend time with his family. It is an active and fun-loving companion.

Origin and Behavior of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest dog breeds that was originated from the British Isles for herding and protection purpose. These dogs were brought to the British Isles by the Vikings around 1200 BC.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed which is commonly known as Cardi was bred as an all-around farm dog in Wales. They can nip stubborn cattle on their heels and then duck them because of their low-slung short legs.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a devoted work dog. Image Source: Pet Gear Lab

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was separated from the exact same family of dogs that gave origin to the Dachshund and the Basset Hound. Their ancestors are believed to be brought to Wales more than 3,000 years ago by Celtic Tribes who migrated to Wales from Central Europe.

The Cardigan Welsh was a breed for work dogs, which helped to herd farmers’ cattle and keep them safe from predators. These dogs also helped farmers drive their cattle to the fields and to the market.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed was trained as cattle dogs, guardian dogs, family pets, and vermin exterminators. The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh corgis separated into two different breeds in the early 1930s.

Are the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Child-friendly?

Yes, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are very child-friendly and socialize with them easily if raised with positive reinforcement.

Despite the Cardi being so child-friendly, it is not better to leave your infants and the dog unsupervised. He may not harm your child intentionally but may cause damage if provoked.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a very child-friendly dog. Image Source: Instagram@Vilathecardi

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

Personality – The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a loving and good-natured breed that has a desire to please people. However, it is an intelligent and independent breed, so the dog may become stubborn sometimes.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a good-natured dog. Image Source: Scoop.it

Temperament – The Cardigan dogs have an even-tempered, affectionate, adaptable and loyal temperament. Despite being small, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a powerhouse in itself.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an ideal candidate for training and even obedience. The dogs are affectionate, devoted, intelligent, alert, companionable and active dogs.

Trainability

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are strong willed dogs that like to take the charge in his hands. As they are independent breed, they like to do things on their own and consider themselves as the Alpha.

A lot of patience is required while training a Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog. With positive reinforcement and lots of care and love, you’ll be guaranteed a responsible Cardigan.

Little Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies being clicker trained.

Early socialization is a must-do thing while training a Cardigan dog. You can take him to parks, pet-friendly stores, and gardens, beaches to socialize him with other dogs and new people.

Facts about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed

Here are some facts about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi that you might want to know:

  • The Cardigan Welsh Corgi originated from Wales more than 3,000 years ago.
  • Its name means Dwarf Dog in the Welsh language where ‘cor’ refers to Dwarf and ‘Gi’ refers to Dog.
  • It is a small dog with a big personality.
  • It was originally bred for herding purpose.
  • It is an intelligent and determined breed.
  • They have very accurate ears.

Some Common Health Issues Seen in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesEpilepsy, Hip Dysplasia,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
Cystinuria, Patent Ductus Arteriosis,
Cataracts, Intervertebral Disk Disease
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus,
Canine Coronavirus, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
SheddingModerate to high Shedding
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 20%-24%
Fat: 8%-10%
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Multivitamins

During the lifetime of 12 to 15 years, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi suffer through various minor as well as complex health issues. According to Canna-Pet, here are some of the health issues seen in the breed:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition which refers to an abnormality in the dog’s hip joint on one or both sides. When a dog has hip dysplasia, his thigh bone will not fit properly into the hip joint.

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi after the treatment of Hip Dysplasia. Image Source: Pinterest

Eye Conditions

The eye conditions seen in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed are Cataracts, Progressive Retinal atrophy (PRA), and Retinal Dysplasia.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand Disease is a blood disorder where the dog will have nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles, etc. In such a condition, the blood of the dog will not clot well.

Epilepsy

When a dog is suffering from Epilepsy, he will have mild or severe seizures and may frantically run around as if he is being chased, stagger around as if drunk, hide, fall down and sometimes lose consciousness also

Color

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi are found in six different colors. They are as follows:

  • Merle
  • Sable and White
  • Brindle and White
  • Red and White
  • Black and White
  • Blue Merle and White

Puppies

If you are willing to own a Cardigan puppy, you’ll have to be sure that you are washing him once a week and provide vaccination timely.

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi playing with a ball.

You’ll also have to make sure that your house and garden is puppy-proofed before bringing the little devil home.

Cost of a Cardigan Puppy

If you are willing to buy a Cardigan puppy, it will cost you somewhere around $600 to $1000 approximately depending on the breed’s quality.

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some of the dog breeds that are very much similar to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi:

Visit Doglime for Dog breed information and behavior.

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