Cardigan Welsh Corgi: temperament, size, care and health

About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a low, long-bodied herding dog with heavy bone, a deep chest and a full, fox-like brush of a tail that nearly touches the ground. It stands roughly 10.5 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder and is built more solidly than its Pembroke cousin. The ears are large and rounded, the expression is watchful and kind, and the coat comes in a wide range of colors, with or without white markings. Blue merle patterning is seen in this breed.

It was developed to drive cattle in the rough hill country of Wales, using quick, low nips at the heels. That job selected for a tough, adaptable dog. Cardigans today are kept as companions and for activities such as herding, agility and obedience, by owners who like a sturdy dog with a thoughtful nature.

Temperament and family life

Cardigans tend to be steadier and less excitable than Pembrokes. They are devoted to their family, often choose one person as a favorite and are typically reserved with strangers. A good socialization program in the first year helps the dog accept visitors without barking or backing away.

With children the breed is usually affectionate and patient, but its herding instinct can lead to heel nipping when kids run. Teaching the dog what is expected prevents most problems. Cardigans often get on with other dogs and with cats they were raised with, although they can be assertive with unfamiliar dogs. They are watchful guardians and will give voice when someone comes to the door, without being nonstop barkers.

Exercise and training

Despite the low build, a Cardigan has stamina for a long walk and enjoys romping, hiking and games in a fenced yard. An hour of combined exercise and play suits most adults. They are good at agility and herding trials if their backs are healthy, and tracking is a fine outlet.

The breed is intelligent and willing but has an independent streak, so consistency and rewards are important. Cardigans learn well when lessons are brief and varied. Keep them lean, because extra weight is hard on a long spine, and discourage jumping from heights.

Grooming and shedding

The weather-resistant coat needs less attention than its density suggests. A thorough brushing once or twice a week removes dead hair, and the twice-yearly shed requires more frequent sessions. Cardigans do shed, and hair collects on furniture and floors. Bathing is only occasionally needed, as the coat resists dirt.

Check the large ears for wax and debris, keep the nails short and brush the teeth on a regular schedule.

Health

Because of the long back and short legs, intervertebral disc disease is a primary concern, and owners should manage stairs, jumping and weight. Hip dysplasia occurs, and breeders commonly screen hips. Progressive retinal atrophy, a hereditary eye disease, has been documented in the breed, and a DNA test is available for the form that affects Cardigans. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal condition, is also tested for in some lines.

Buying from breeders who test for these problems improves the odds. This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

Cardiganshire in Wales is the breed's traditional home, and the dogs are generally traced there as cattle drovers and farm helpers. They are often described as one of the older herding types in Britain. For years, Cardigans and Pembrokes were shown together as a single kind, and the two were formally divided in the 1930s, after which each followed its own breeding path. The Cardigan has stayed a less common dog than the Pembroke.

Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi right for you?

The Cardigan fits households that want a sturdy, medium-small dog with a steady manner, and that can manage regular exercise, shedding and weight control. It is not suited to anyone who wants a dog that never barks or that lives comfortably without much exercise.

For a livelier, smaller corgi, look at the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Swedish Vallhund shares the short-legged heeling background. If you want a tougher cattle dog with more energy, compare the Australian Cattle Dog.