Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the lesser known of two breeds of Corgis, the other being the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, renowned as the canine companions of Queen Elizabeth. Although they are two distinct breeds with different ancestry, they are often confused, as both are dwarf breeds with large heads, upright ears, long, heavy bodies in proportion to their height, and short legs. However, on close inspection they are quite different, with the most obvious difference being that the Cardigan has a long tail, while the Pembroke is tailless. Also, Cardigans are slightly larger than Pembrokes with heavier bone, generally weighing 11 to 14 kg and standing between 25 and 33 cm tall.

Cardigans, affectionately known as ‘Cardis’, are named for Cardiganshire in southwest Wales, an area of rough, rocky terrain. Bred to work with farmers to herd cattle and guard the farm, the low-set Cardis with their sturdy bones, short legs and deep chests are powerful workers with deceptive speed and endurance. Their ears are large and prominent in proportion to their size, and along with their bushy tails that are carried high when they are excited or on the move, give them a slightly fox-like appearance.

The Cardi has a medium-length coat which comes in a wide range of colours and patterns including red, sable, brindle, black, blue merle and black and tan. He usually has white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly and tail tip, and sometimes a blaze on his head. His dense, double coat – with a short undercoat and a longer, thick topcoat – was designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions of Wales, but also sheds heavily and requires frequent brushing.

He is an intelligent dog with an expression that is alert and gentle, watchful yet friendly. He is loyal, sensible and affectionate, making him a great companion dog. He loves spending time with his family and is an active, fun-loving playmate for school-age children. He is highly people-orientated and prefers interacting with his family indoors than being outdoors and alone. Cardis love to eat and will overeat if given a chance, so their food intake needs to be monitored so they don’t become obese.

As a herding breed, Cardigans are capable of moving cattle long distances each day. Even though they don’t usually do that kind of work anymore, they still have a herding instinct and a lot of energy, requiring daily exercise such as a long walk or training for a dog sport such as agility. If they get the activity they need, Cardis are happy in any environment, from city apartment to a country estate. However, they are vocal dogs who may bark at anything and everything.