Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi descends from ancient Celtic herding dogs brought to southwest Wales over 1,000 years ago. On small Welsh farms, Cardigans drove cattle to market, guarded homesteads, and controlled vermin. The Cardigan (with a full tail) and Pembroke (usually shorter tail) developed separately and were officially distinguished in the 20th century. Today, Cardigans are beloved companions and sport dogs (obedience, rally, agility, herding, scent work) prized for their humor and heart.

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A small, long and low herder with a broad chest, full tail, and large ears.

• Weight: 25–38 lb (11–17 kg)
• Height: 10.5–12.5 in (27–32 cm) at the shoulder
• Coat Type: Weather-resistant double coat; medium length, straight to slightly harsh outer coat with dense undercoat
• Coat Colors: Red, sable, brindle, black with brindle/tan points, blue merle (always with white markings; tan/brindle points possible)
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Full, brush tail; big rounded ears; long body/short legs; deep chest; strong bone; effortless, ground-covering trot

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Low trimming, regular de-shedding—especially during coat blows.

• Brushing: 2×/week; daily during spring/fall shedding (line-brush to the skin)
• De-shedding Focus: Breeches, neck/ruff, behind ears, tail base
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; fully dry undercoat
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Trimming: Light tidy of feet/sanitary only—do not shave the double coat
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavy seasonally

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An energetic worker that thrives on brain + body work.

• Daily Exercise: 60–75 minutes (split sessions)
• Great Activities: Herding foundations, agility/low jumps, rally/obedience, hikes, fetch, nose work, puzzle games
• Back-Safe Habits: Avoid repeated high-impact jumping or stairs; use ramps for cars/sofas to protect the long back

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Clever, biddable, and a touch opinionated—keep it upbeat and structured.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, varied sessions; mix food/toy rewards
• Focus Areas: Recall, loose-leash walking, impulse control, “quiet” on cue (alert barkers), polite greetings
• Herding Nips: Redirect heel-nipping instincts to toys/games; teach “leave it” and a strong “drop”
• Socialization: Early, cheerful exposure to people/dogs/surfaces/sounds; cooperative care for grooming and vet handling

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Keep them lean to protect joints and the long back.

• Food Type: High-quality small/medium-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.75 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to age/activity)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; count training treats; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; consider joint support (green-lipped mussel/glucosamine) for sport dogs

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Prioritize health testing, sound temperament, and lifelong support—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who show orthopedic/eye/DNA results and provide lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Corgi breed rescues and herding groups; request back/weight history
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club directory; Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of Canada; local agility/herding/nose-work clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training and community

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Generally robust, but the long back and herding build need thoughtful care.

• Spine/Ortho: IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) risk; hip dysplasia; patellar luxation (some)
• Eyes: PRA (rcd3 in the breed), cataracts; CAER eye exams recommended
• Neurologic: Degenerative myelopathy (DM)—DNA test available
• Cardiac/Immune: Occasional autoimmune thyroiditis; routine screening as advised by vet
• Weight: Obesity worsens back/joint risk—keep lean
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips (± elbows), CAER eye exams, PRA rcd3 & DM DNA where applicable; discuss family history of IVDD and hips/eyes

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Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–75 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and bark management.

Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed a lot?
Yes. Moderate normally and heavy seasonally; line-brush and de-shed tools help.

Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

Cardigan vs Pembroke—what’s the difference?
Cardigan: full tail, larger bone, wider variety of colours (incl. blue merle). Pembroke: typically shorter tail, slightly lighter build. Temperaments overlap; meet breeders’ dogs.

How much exercise does a Cardigan need?
Plan for 60–75 minutes daily plus brain work (tricks, nose games, rally/obedience).

Do Cardigans bark a lot?
They’re alert watchdogs. Teach a reliable “quiet” and manage window/door triggers.

How do I protect a Cardigan’s back?
Keep them lean, use ramps, limit jumping/stairs, and strengthen core with controlled exercises.

Are Cardigans good with kids and other pets?
Generally excellent family dogs with early socialization; redirect herding nips into toys and supervise play.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips (± elbows), CAER eyes, and PRA rcd3/DM DNA where relevant; ask for documentation.

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