Black and White Cardigan Corgi: Complete Guide

The Black and White Cardigan Corgi is a beloved breed known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. They have a thick, coarse coat that is black and white in color, with a distinctive pattern of black patches on a white background.

Their short stature and stocky build make them a popular choice as family pets, and their friendly, outgoing nature makes them a great companion for people of all ages. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.

Black and White Cardigan Corgis are a relatively small breed, with adults typically weighing between 25-38 pounds and standing between 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Overall, the Black and White Cardigan Corgi is a wonderful breed that makes a great addition to any family.

On a similar theme: Long Haired Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized breed, weighing between 25-38 pounds. Their original job was as a herder, and their short stature is the result of a mutational event.

This breed's coat can be any color or combination of colors, including white, black, and brindle. They have a medium-length, double coat that requires regular grooming.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs, making them a great addition to active families. They have a moderate exercise need and require early and consistent training to thrive.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a wonderful breed, and here are some quick facts to get you started:

This breed originates from Wales, which is a great start for any dog lover interested in a heritage breed.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 25-38 pounds, making them a great fit for many families.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 12-15 years, which means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy their company.

Their coat is medium-length and double-layered, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

They're known for being intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making them a great addition to many families.

Here's a quick rundown of their exercise needs: they require moderate exercise, which means daily walks and playtime will keep them happy and healthy.

Early and consistent training is recommended for this breed, as they can be strong-willed at times.

Some common health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems, so be sure to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes health testing.

Related reading: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Issues

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a low-set, small dog that's close to the ground and very long. They have a wide range of colors, including brindle, black, and red, with accents on the ears and toes.

They typically have white patches on their chest, underarms, muzzle, and tail tip. The shape and size of these white patches vary from dog to dog.

This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it a great watchdog for active families. They're also playful and affectionate, which makes them a wonderful companion.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred as herders, but genetic research has placed them in the herding dogs and sighthounds cluster. Their short stature is the result of a mutational event that inserted an extra retrogene into their DNA, resulting in short legs.

They weigh between 25-38 pounds, making them a relatively small breed.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, dating back to when Celtic tribes brought their ancestors to Wales from central Europe.

These early dogs were transitional forms between the Teckel and Spitz families, and were later crossed with Spitz-type dogs brought by the Vikings to produce the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were working dogs, helping farmers herd cattle and protect them from predators, and were so valued that an ancient Welsh law imposed severe penalties on anyone who harmed or stole one.

Their versatility earned them the roles of cattle dogs, guardian dogs, family pets, and vermin exterminators, making them an indispensable part of Welsh farming life.

Readers also liked: Black and Tan Breeds of Dogs

In 1919, Cardigan Welsh Corgis were first shown in English dog shows, and the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was founded in 1926, but at that time, the breed was still considered the same as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The breed's popularity began to increase after the Kennel Club of Britain separated them in 1934, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935, allowing them to compete in the show ring.

Thanks to the importation of some Corgis to the United States in 1931, the breed was introduced to the American public, and they quickly gained popularity in the country.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America was founded in 1935, and today, the breed standard is maintained by the club, which has always been committed to preventing commercialization of their dogs.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has undergone a group change at American Kennel Club dog shows, moving from the Non-Sporting to the Working to the Herding Group.

On a similar theme: Kinds of Corgis

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an intelligent and endearing pup worth the effort to find.

Their stockier build and natural tail set them apart from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which has a docked tail by breed standard.

Owning a Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes with a significant financial commitment, with the first year being the most expensive due to initial supplies.

Average annual costs run about $1,200, although this can vary from dog to dog.

It's essential to purchase from a reputable breeder and get a health guarantee.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Are Corgis Born without a Tail

The Corgi is a breed that's perfectly suited to its name, and it's not just because of its short stature. The word "Corgi" comes from the Welsh words "cor" and "gi", which means "dwarf dog."

The name is a nod to the breed's origins, and it's a fitting description given their compact size.

The black and white cardigan corgi is a unique breed with some distinct physical characteristics. They typically weigh between 25-38 pounds.

Their short stature is another notable feature, with most cardigan corgis standing between 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short legs are a result of their breeding history, which emphasizes a sturdy, compact body.

Their distinctive coat is a mix of black and white, with a thick undercoat and a water-resistant outer layer.

When it comes to the size of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, they're actually quite compact. Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall. Males can weigh anywhere from 30 to 38 pounds, while females typically weigh between 25 to 34 pounds.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat is a double-coat wonder, with a short undercoat and a longer, thicker topcoat that sheds continuously.

Cardigans come in a variety of coat colors, including red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle, often with white markings on their legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip.

Daily brushing is a must to keep flying hair under control, especially during shedding season when warm baths may be necessary to remove excess coat.

The length of the coat varies on the body, and some Cardigans have soft, fluffy coats that aren't ideal because they don't protect the dog from the elements.

A "fairy saddle" marking over the back is a common feature, named after the legend that fairies rode the dogs in their home country of Wales.

Brushing your Cardigan's teeth at least two or three times a week is crucial to remove tartar buildup and bacteria that can cause gum disease and bad breath.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a family companion with an adaptable personality and responsible nature. They are highly trainable, but also independent thinkers who may choose to do things their own way.

Early socialization is crucial for Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies, ideally before four months of age, to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. This involves exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are loyal, loving, and even-tempered dogs that love spending time with their family. They are extremely adaptable and can thrive in big houses or small apartments.

This breed does very well with small children and other pets, and they thoroughly enjoy having another dog to keep them company. However, be sure to train your pup young and have them properly socialized so they know how to behave around humans and dogs alike.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are highly intelligent animals that are eager to please and make delightful pets for families willing to do their part. They have a tendency to bark, which isn't unusual given their history and size.

Their high prey drive comes from part of their history as hunting partners, so awareness of these traits can help with training and cultivating good canine manners.

A fresh viewpoint: The Dog Corgi

The health and care of your black and white Cardigan Corgi is crucial to their overall well-being. They are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

You should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org) and the CERF web site (vmdb.org/cerf.html).

To keep your Corgi active and happy, daily exercise in the form of a walk or training for a dog sport such as agility is necessary. This will also help prevent back injuries, as their skeletal development is not yet complete.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

Regular grooming is also essential, including weekly brushing to manage shedding, and regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent infections.

To keep your Cardigan Welsh Corgi happy and healthy, daily exercise is a must. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day, which can include a rousing game of fetch.

Their herding breed background means they're prone to back injuries, so be gentle when picking them up, and avoid letting them jump on and off furniture. You can also try training them for dog sports like agility to keep them active.

Their short legs and long back can make them prone to back injuries, so it's essential to support both their front and rear legs when picking them up.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are highly people-oriented and thrive on human interaction, so they shouldn't be left alone for long periods or relegated to the backyard with minimal attention.

If this caught your attention, see: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Lifespan

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Cardigans will get any or all of these diseases, but it's essential to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

You should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that eyes are normal, and a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy.

The most common health issues in Cardigan Welsh Corgis include Intervertebral Disk Disease, which can cause unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, knuckling over of limbs, weakness, and paralysis. Early signs of Intervertebral Disk Disease can be subtle, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's behavior closely.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another common issue in Cardigan Welsh Corgis, which involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, and as the disease progresses, they lose sight during the day.

To keep your Cardigan Welsh Corgi's eyes healthy, you should ensure that their eyes are certified normal by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

Here are some common health issues in Cardigan Welsh Corgis:

Feeding your Cardigan Welsh Corgi is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Their recommended daily amount is 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and their food needs will vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Cardigans love to eat and will over-indulge if given the chance, so it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day.

You can use the "eye test" to check if your Cardigan is overweight: look down at them and see if you can spot a waist.

If not, use the "hands-on test": place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward, and see if you can feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.