Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Quick Summary
Intelligent, loyal herding dogs ideal for active families. Best suited for owners who understand working breeds and can provide consistent exercise and training.
Contents
Weight Range
25-38 lbs
♂ Male: 30-38 lbs
♀ Female: 25-34 lbs
Height Range
27-32 inches
♂ Male: 11-13"
♀ Female: 11-13"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #68
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Herding Group
Originally bred for Welsh farmers developed these dogs in Cardiganshire during medieval times for herding cattle, driving livestock to market, and protecting farmsteads
Popularity
#68
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 10.5"-12.5" |
| Female Height | 10.5"-12.5" |
| Male Weight | 30-38 lbs |
| Female Weight | 25-34 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1200-2000), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover quality food, regular vet care, and grooming supplies. Consider pet insurance for potential health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Alert and attentive with strong herding instincts. Combines intelligence with a friendly, outgoing nature. Shows loyalty to family while maintaining independence. May exhibit herding behaviors with children and other pets.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring regular family interaction. Generally good with other pets and children. Can handle alone time if properly trained but prefers company. Benefits from early socialization.
Breed Overview
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are distinctive herding dogs with long bodies, short legs, and fox-like faces. Their double coat comes in various colors including red, sable, and brindle, often with white markings. Alert and confident, these intelligent dogs combine a strong work ethic with affectionate companionship, making them excellent family pets while maintaining their herding instincts.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Intelligent and trainable
- ✓ Loyal family companion
- ✓ Good watchdog
- ✓ Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- ✗ Prone to back problems
- ✗ Heavy shedder
- ✗ Can be stubborn
- ✗ Requires regular exercise
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Smart |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise including herding activities, walks, and mental stimulation. Moderate to high intensity activities should be balanced with rest periods due to their short legs and long spine.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Consider weight management due to tendency to gain weight. Special attention needed for spine health through proper nutrition.
Feed high-quality dog food formulated for medium-sized, active breeds. Daily portion of 2-3 cups split into two meals. Monitor weight carefully as breed prone to obesity. Consider joint-supporting supplements.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to various homes but needs adequate space for movement. Ideal for houses with fenced yards. Tolerates different climates but needs protection from extreme heat.
Adapts well to various living situations but needs space to move freely. Ideal setting includes secure outdoor area. Can live in apartments with sufficient exercise. Requires room for activities despite small size.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Developed in the Cardiganshire region of Wales, these ancient herders descended from the Teckel family of dogs. Their unique body structure evolved to help them nip at cattle's heels while avoiding kicks.
Historical Purpose
Welsh farmers developed these dogs in Cardiganshire during medieval times for herding cattle, driving livestock to market, and protecting farmsteads.
Fun Fact
Despite similar appearances, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are older than their Pembroke cousins by about 2000 years!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular spine care needed due to long back. Requires consistent exercise but avoid high-impact activities. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons.