The Cardigan Welsh Corgi descended from the Teckel family of dogs, from which Dachshunds were brought to Wales by Celtic tribes more than three thousand years ago. Over the centuries, they were used for general-purpose farm work, guarding, and flushing game. The dogs became famed for their ability to drive cattle by nipping at their hocks, and the term “corgi” came into usage in the 1920s to describe these long and low “heelers.”
The Cardigan and its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, were shown at British dog shows as the same breed in 1925. However, by 1934, the breeds were split. The first two Cardigans were brought to America in 1931.
Breed Standard
The Corgi with a tail is a long, low-set dog with the appearance of endurance and power. It is moderately heavy boned, with a deep chest and a long, low-set tail. The dog’s skull is relatively wide and flat, and the tapered muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the head. The Cardigan’s watchful expression is produced by its trademark significant, erect ears and wide-set eyes.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability |  |
| Exercise requirements | | Protection ability |  |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements |  |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs |  | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training | |
- Popularity: Somewhat uncommon
- Family Group: Livestock, Herding
- Country of Origin: Wales
- Date Developed: Ancient Times
- Original Purpose: Cattle drover
- Current Function: Cattle drover, herding trials
- Other Names: None
Activity Level: Moderate. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires exercise, whether daily walks on a leash, romps in a nearby field, or playing around the house and yard. The dogs can become expert bail-chasers. Young puppies should not be allowed to jump down, given their heavy front assemblies. Cardigans excel in herding trials, tracking agility, and obedience.
The dogs require a surprising amount of exercise for their small size. However, its needs can be satisfied with a herding session, but a moderate walk or vigorous play session will be enough.
Grooming: The dog requires daily brushing during the annual shedding season; brush weekly at other times.
Coat: The dog’s outer coat is medium length, smooth, harsh, and weather resistant. The undercoat is short and dense. The coat is smaller on the ears, head, and legs and longer and thicker on the ruff, back of the thighs, and underside of the tail.
Colors: All shades of red, sable, and brindle, black with or without tan or brindle points, and blue merle (black and gray marbled). White markings are typical.
Group: Herding
Year of recognition by the AKC: 1935
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Cardigan is even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal. The dogs are exceptionally adaptable, very attentive to their owners, and fast to learn commands and manners. However, they have an independent nature and the fleet-footed mental acuity of a herding dog. The parent club’s website mentions, “A big dog in small package who wants to be genuinely involved with its family. The Cardigan is full of fun and will shower that family with devotion and sensible affection.”
Cardigans are high-spirited and fun-loving, nonetheless easy-going. They make for amusing and devoted companions. This breed is hardy, agile, tireless, and fully capable of a hard day’s work where they’ll have to dodge kicks. They’re well-mannered within the home. However, they have the potential to bark. The dogs are reserved with strangers and can be aggressive with strange dogs.
Health
- Major Problems: CHD
- Minor Issues: degenerative myelopathy
- Rarely Seen: PRA, urinary stones
- Recommended Tests: hip, eye, (DNA for PRA)
- Life Span: 12 to 14 years
- Weight: male – 30 to 38 pounds; female – 25 to 34 pounds
- Height: 10.5 to 12.5 inches
Breeder and Buyer’s Advice
Great care is warranted when purchasing Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies for sale. A responsible, knowledgeable breeder should be your only puppy source. Another option for acquiring a Cardigan is through adoption. There are hundreds of dogs waiting for that one potential owner to offer them a forever home. Try to visit the breeder before purchasing or request that they send you pictures of the puppy. Visit the club’s rescue website for more information on potentially getting a Cardigan Welsh Corgi mix, which will be cheaper.
Visit the parent club’s website for information on reputable and approved breeders. You can also find a breeder by typing “Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies for sale near me” into Google’s or your favorite search engine. If you live in Georgia, you can also type “Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders Georgia” in the search engine. A list of potential breeders will come up, and you can choose whom you would like to purchase from. The price of the puppies is contingent on the breeder and the dog’s pedigree.
Parent Club: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America
Regional Clubs: Nine regional breed clubs are listed on the CWCCA’s websites
