If you’re after a dog that’s going to slot right into your lifestyle, say hello to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. This dog is known for its adaptability. One day, it’ll be hitting the bush walks with you. The next day, it’ll be happily cuddled up on the couch. Although this isn’t a dog that will be happy chilling out all the time, they need daily physical and mental stimulation. Playful, smart, loyal and affectionate, Cardigans make great family pets - as long as you include them in all the adventures. Small they may be, but they’re packing a mighty bark which they’re not afraid to use (a lot).
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Facts
Check out that deep chest, sturdy build and powerful (although short!) legs - Cardigans are surprisingly speedy and graceful herding dogs.
- Breed Group: Herding
- Height: 26-32cm
- Weight: Female: 11-15kg; Male: 13-17kg
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Coat: Medium, double
- Colour: Various colour and white mixes
What Does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi Look Like?
Long and low best sums up a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They might have short legs, but these are powerful, speedy, agile dogs. Not surprising really, as they were originally bred to herd cattle where they’d nip the cows’ heels to get them moving, sharpish.
Unlike their cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigans rock a medium-length, double coat that comes in a wide range of colours. A Cardigan’s coat is never solid, it’s always got markings, which are usually white. You can find Cardigan coats in red, sable and black, plus brindle (subtle tiger stripes) and merle (mottled colours). A Cardigan also rocks an impressively bushy, thick tail that’s low set and sticks up when they’re excited.
As well as their distinctive coat, a Cardigan has a distinctive pair of ears. They’re large (especially compared to the size of their head) and upright and gently rounded at the top. They perch on top of a sweet fox-like face and sparkling eyes.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament: Up for Anything
Breeders of Cardigan Welsh Corgis did the best job. Not only is a Cardigan perfectly suited to its job of moving cattle, it looks so adorable (with an adorable temperament to match) that it makes the ideal canine companion even if it never sees a cow in its life.
Sweet looking they may be, but a Cardigan has a big dog bark and it isn’t afraid to use it - Cardigans will always let you know when someone’s at the door. This, combined with their protective instincts, make Cardigans great watch dogs.
Although Cardigans are social dogs with their family, they can be a little shy and wary around new people and animals at first. But socialising your Cardigan from when they’re a puppy can help them gain the confidence they need to welcome new friends into their life. Early socialisation is really important for Cardigan Welsh Corgis, helping them to get along well with kids, other dogs and maybe even cats. Fun-loving, loyal and affectionate, it’s always worth keeping an eye on Cardigan playtime with the kids. They can try to herd and nip kids if anyone moves too quickly around them.
What people love most about Cardigans is their versatility. This is a dog that is up for anything, as long as they’re doing it with you. Marathon TV and snuggle on the couch sesh? Count them in. Training for a triathlon? Keen as. Saying that though, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi does need daily mental and physical stimulation so couch cuddles can come after their walk, play and training sessions. Smart pups, without a big enough outlet for their energy, they’ll turn their talents to destroying whatever they can get their paws on.
Keeping Cardigan Welsh Corgis Healthy: 5 Issues to Watch Out For
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a healthy lifespan of up to 15 years. There are still a few health issues to keep an eye on, which preventative care (like regular vet check-ups) can help with.
Back Problems
With their long and low build, Cardigans are at risk of developing back problems. This is especially true if they jump off the bed or couch or have to handle stairs on a daily basis. Avoid letting your Cardigan jump from heights and take them to the vet straightaway if you spot any distress or discomfort. The sooner the problem is caught, the sooner it’s treated.
Joint Issues
A lot of small dogs like Cardigan Welsh Corgis are prone to joint issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia. A hereditary condition, it’s when the joints don’t form correctly which leads to rubbing and pain. A Cardigan with dysplasia will experience lameness and ‘bunny hopping’, where they’ll skip a step or two. It can be treated in a range of ways, including weight management, physical therapy and surgery. Responsible breeders should screen for dysplasia.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Make sure that your breeder tests for DM - spinal cord disease. This is an inherited, chronic, progressive and usually fatal neurological condition that causes Cardigans to lose function in their hind limbs, which typically leads to the shutting down of many bodily functions.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
All short-legged breeds are more prone to developing IVDD (also known as a slipped disc). It causes a disc in a Cardigan’s spine to suddenly degenerate, which seriously impacts their mobility. Symptoms include an instant loss of mobility and a reluctance to move or exercise. Treatment options include pain relief and surgery, depending on how severe it is.
Vision Problems
Cardigans can develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). As the name suggests, PRA causes slowly progressive blindness over months or years. Although there’s no cure, most dogs adapt well to blindness and continue to have long, happy lives. As it’s an inherited condition, breeders should screen for it.
Caring for Your Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog
That distinctive coat needs a little weekly love, and your Cardigan needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. But in return you get a loyal loving pup, so it’s a small price to pay!
Grooming
Give your Cardigan a good brush at least once a week to keep them looking their best. Expect them to blow their coat in spring and autumn, when big chunks of fur will come out. You might need to bump up your brushing sessions to a few times a week to help get rid of the fur.
A great thing about a Cardigan is that it doesn’t need its coat to be clipped or groomed. That’s because it’s naturally designed to keep them comfortable, whatever the temperature. Baths should be kept to a minimum, to let their coat do its natural thing. If they do need a bath, Cardigans are water babies and should love the experience.
Oh and if you’ve got a black dog, their coat will absorb more heat on a sunny day. So, only exercise them in cooler parts of the day and make sure they’ve got access to plenty of fresh water and shade.
You can trim the hair on the bottom of their feet, to avoid them bringing too much dirt into your home. Another area you’ll have to trim or clip is their nails, to keep them comfortable as they move about.
Finally, as a small dog with lots of teeth in a smaller mouth, Cardigans are prone to dental problems, which can put them at risk of other health problems. Brush their teeth everyday to keep plaque and tartar at bay, and try incorporate dental treats or dry kibble into their diet.
Nutrition
Cardigan Welsh Corgis love their food, but a little bit too much - they’re known to become overweight really easily. Feed them high quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Small breed dog food is an option as it has smaller kibble / biscuits to fit their mouth better.
Keep an eye on how much food they’re getting versus how much exercise they’re doing. Bred to be active working dogs, Cardigans should be getting plenty of daily exercise. This will help keep their weight in check. Another thing to watch for is treats - treat calories can add up!
An easy way to check your Cardigan isn’t overweight is to feel their ribs. If you can’t easily feel them with your fingertips, then they’re probably packing a few extra pounds. Check with your vet if you are worried your pet may be overweight.
Exercise
With their adaptable nature, Cardigans will happily go for a long beach walk or just as happily cuddle up next to you on a couch. Although they love being outdoors with you, really they just want to be where you are. A Cardigan will fit into most lifestyles.
But they still need around 45 minutes of exercise every day. Ideally, this includes regular socialisation, like neighbourhood strolls where they can be exposed to a range of new experiences, sights, sounds, smells, people and pups.
Luckily, a Cardigan will tell you when they really, really need to burn off some energy - they’ll power run through your home, over the couch, on the beds, everywhere they can - it’s their way of saying ‘hey, it’s go time!’. Cardigans absolutely love balls so head out to the garden or park and get throwing.
Training
Happy, healthy Cardigans are grown, not born. Which means that early and regular socialisation is absolutely essential for a well-mannered Cardigan that will charm every person that they meet. Socialisation is a life-long thing for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and it can start with gently exposing them to a wide range of places, people, pets and situations. Puppy school is a great way to do this, as are neighbourhood walks and trips to the dog park.
Yes, Cardigans are smart and eager to please their humans which makes training a breeze. But the right motivation, positive reinforcement and constant exposure to new things is the key to a well-behaved Cardigan in every situation.
Get the whole family involved in the training - Cardigans love being the centre of their family’s attention. They’ll quickly master the basics like sit, fetch, roll over and walking nicely on a lead.
Some habits are really hard to break, like a Cardigan’s excessive barking. If you’re struggling, see a qualified trainer who can help.