Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy, isolated on white background

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Breed Characteristics

Active, powerful, hardy. Good watchdog. Enjoys family activities. May bark.

Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi allowed as a pet in a Singapore HDB flat?

No

Origin

Wales. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is older than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, with the latter being bred out of the former. The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgis were interbred and considered the same breed up until 1934 when a show judge thought they were too different and separated them into two different breeds. The Pembroke gained in popularity after the separation and is to this day more popular than the Cardigan.

Original Purpose

Cattle herder; cattle drover, vermin hunters and farm guards. They drove cattle by barking and nipping at the cattle’s heels. The dog’s low physique helped him roll out of the way of kicking cows.

Behaviour and Temperament

Devoted, stable, alert; more introverted, less playful compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

What are some Physical Features of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

25.5 to 30.5 cm; 12 to 17.5 kg. Colours are red, sable, brindle, blue merle, black, and tricolored; anything except all white. Usually white around the neck, chest, legs, stomach, and tail tip. The most observable difference between the Pembroke and the Cardigan is that the Pembroke lacks a tail while the Cardigan has a long tail. The Pembroke generally has straighter legs, as it is not as long-bodied as a Cardigan; the Pembroke’s head is usually more wedge-shaped; the ears are tinier and closer together than the Cardigans; also the Pembroke tends to be lighter than the Cardigan.

Coat Type and Recommended Grooming

Double coat, dense, medium length; outercoat harsh, undercoat soft and thick. Moderate maintenance; a thorough brushing twice a week suffice, bathe only when necessary. Moderate to heavy shedding twice a year.

Life Expectancy of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

12 to 15 years.

Have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

Health Concerns

Degenerative myelopathy, hot spots, eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, PRA), PDA, epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease. Do not overfeed to prevent obesity, which can cause back problems.

Exercise Needs

The Cardigan is comparatively more active than the Prembroke; he must have regular exercise, including a daily long walk.

Housing

Can live in urban areas if sufficiently exercised. Corgis can get restless indoors when lacking the required workout. An averaged sized yard is desired, although daily long walks can be the workaround.

Sociability

Bonds to whole family, very devoted to children; can be protective of “his” kids. The Cardigan has more inclinations to “nip” than the Prembroke. Reserved with strangers. Not always good with other pets. Should be socialised when young.

Trainability

High.

Recommended Activities

Therapy dog, cattle drover, herding, agility.