Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Cardigan Welsh Corgis
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, one of the oldest herding breeds, originates (as the name suggests) from Wales. Known for their distinctive long body, short legs, and bushy tail, these dogs were originally bred to herd cattle. Cardigans are versatile and loyal companions with a history steeped in rural farm life. They are often affectionately called “Cardis.”
Weight, height & life expectancy
Cardigan Welsh Corgis typically stand between 25-33cm tall at the shoulder and weigh 11-17kg, with males being slightly larger than females. Their robust build complements their agility and stamina, making them excellent working dogs.
With proper care, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi can live 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi like?
Cardigans are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and affectionate nature. They are often described as loyal and devoted to their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. Despite their friendly demeanour, they can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
They have a playful side and enjoy spending time with their family, including children and other pets. However, their herding instincts may lead them to nip at heels during play, so supervision and training are important for households with small children. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential for nurturing their natural intelligence and ensuring they grow into well-mannered adults.
Our Cardigan Welsh Corgi Community
“Pippi is a small dog with a big character - she is quite bossy and will demand attention and is very Good at making her wishes known! While she’s not a lapdog, she will love you if you throw her ball for her and indoors, she loves belly rubs.”
Pippi’s owner, Nina from London
“Hettie loves people, attention and other dogs. She's been raised with children, and she's super active and loves kisses and playing. She follows lots of commands such as sit, lie down, roll over, leave, high five, paw etc.”
Hettie’s owner, Mollie from Northamptonshire
How much exercise does a Cardigan Welsh Corgi need?
Cardigans are energetic dogs with moderate to high exercise needs. They thrive on a mix of physical activity and mental stimulation. A daily routine of at least 1 hour of exercise, including walks, play sessions, and interactive activities, will keep them happy and healthy.
Their herding background makes them enjoy tasks and challenges, so agility training, obedience exercises, or puzzle toys can be excellent outlets for their energy and intelligence.
Puppies should have shorter, less strenuous exercise sessions to protect their developing joints and bones. Consult your vet for tailored advice as your Corgi grows.
Need an extra hand exercising your Cardi? Find a local borrower today.
Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis need a lot of grooming?
Cardigans have a weather-resistant double coat that requires moderate grooming. Weekly brushing helps remove loose fur, reduce shedding, and keep their coat in top condition. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing may be needed.
Bathing is only necessary when they’re particularly dirty, as their coat naturally repels dirt to some extent. Additionally, regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and daily tooth brushing are important parts of their grooming routine.
Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis easy to train?
Cardigans are intelligent and eager to please, which often makes them responsive to training. However, their independent streak and occasional stubbornness mean that training should be consistent, positive, and engaging. Short, varied training sessions with plenty of rewards like treats, praise, or play can maintain their interest.
Early training and socialisation are key to curbing unwanted behaviours and encouraging positive interactions with people and other animals. Cardigans excel in activities like obedience, agility, and herding trials, showcasing their natural intelligence and enthusiasm for learning.
Want to experience spending time with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Cardigan Welsh Corgi near you.
What do Cardigan Welsh Corgis eat?
A high-quality dog food tailored to their age, size, and activity level is best for Cardigans. Adult Cardigans typically do well being fed twice a day, while puppies may need smaller, more frequent meals. It’s important to monitor their weight, as they can be prone to obesity. Avoid overfeeding or giving excessive treats, and consult your vet for guidance on portion sizes and dietary requirements.
Puppies require a specially formulated diet to support their growth and development, most puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, when it should be reduced to twice daily. Puppies then transition to adult food around 12 months of age.
Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis healthy?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain genetic and breed-specific health issues:
Bones and joints
Hip dysplasia – Improper development of the hip joint, leading to discomfort and arthritis
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – Spinal disc issues that can cause pain or paralysis
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – Degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss
Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s lens, which may require surgical intervention
Heart
Degenerative myelopathy – A progressive spinal condition affecting mobility.
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Corgi or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Protect your Cardigan’s back by discouraging jumping off furniture or climbing steep stairs, especially as a puppy. Consider investing in ramps and always maintain their weight at a healthy level to reduce strain on their spine. Prevention is key to a long, happy, and mobile life for your Corgi.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
