Cardigan Corgis are known for their distinctive appearance, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, which typically occurs in spring and fall.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including red, fawn, sable, and tricolor.
Cardigan Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and obesity.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to maintaining their overall health.
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General Information
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed with a rich history. They originated in Wales, a country known for its misty mountains and mysterious standing stones.
These dogs are part of the Herding Group and are recognized by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. They come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle.
Cardigans typically weigh between 25 to 38 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. Their dense double coat sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.
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Their alert, watchful, yet friendly expression makes them a joy to be around. They usually have white markings on their legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip, and may have a blaze on their head.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America maintains the official AKC breed standard. Cardigans are known for their long tails, which set them apart from their Pembroke cousins.
Physical Characteristics
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's physical characteristics are quite unique. Their short legs and long, stocky frame can be deceiving, as they can run with great agility and speed.
Their ears are erect with slightly rounded tips and are large in proportion to their small size. Cardigan Welsh Corgi eyes are wide-set, moderately large, and dark, with dark rims and a gentle, friendly expression.
A Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat is double-coated, with a thick, medium-length outer coat that's slightly thicker near the ruff, thighs, and tail. Their head and legs have soft, short undercoat hair.
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Here's a breakdown of their physical characteristics:
Their coat colors come in shades of red, sable, and brindle, as well as black and blue merle, often with white markings.
Highlights
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. Their long, bushy tails are a distinctive feature, and they come in a wider variety of colors compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
One of the most notable physical characteristics of Cardigans is their compact size. They have sturdy, low-set bodies and a slightly larger build compared to Pembrokes.
Cardigans are highly intelligent dogs, making them quick learners and excellent candidates for obedience training and canine sports. This intelligence is one of the reasons they excel in dog sports.
Their loyalty and affection towards their families are unmatched. Cardigans form strong bonds with their owners and are known for being loving companions.
Cardigans have a moderate exercise need, which means they require daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. This makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.
Cardigans come in a range of coat colors, including red, brindle, sable, and blue merle, often with white markings.
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Size
When you look at a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, you'll notice they're relatively small dogs.
Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.
Males are a bit heavier, weighing in at 30 to 38 pounds.
Females tend to be a bit lighter, weighing between 25 to 34 pounds.
Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's short legs and long, stocky frame can be deceiving; these little dynamos can run with great agility and speed.
Their fox-like faces look alert and gentle, and their bushy, low-set tails shoot up when they're excited. They have a confident bark.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi ears are erect with slightly rounded tips and are large in proportion to their small size.
Cardigan eyes are wide-set, moderately large and dark (blue merles can have blue eyes or one blue and one brown) with dark rims and a gentle, friendly expression.
The nose is black for all Cardigan colors, though blue merles can also sport patches of light pink.
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Cardigans are double-coated, with a short undercoat and a longer, thick topcoat. They shed continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year.
Here are the different coat colors of Cardigan Welsh Corgis:
- Red
- Sable
- Brindle
- Black
- Blue Merle
Their coat colors come in shades of red, sable and brindle, as well as black and blue merle. Patches of white are common on parts of the head, neck, chest, legs and tail.
Cardigans have a thick, low-set and bushy tail.
They usually have white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly and tail tip and may have a blaze on the head. The length of the coat varies on the body. Some Cardis have soft, fluffy coats, which are not desirable because they don’t protect the dog from the elements.
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Personality and Temperament
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their adaptable and responsible nature, making them a great fit for families with children.
They have a strong instinct to herd, which can sometimes manifest as trying to herd kids, so it's essential to supervise playtime.
Cardigans are generally loyal and affectionate with their families, but may take time to warm up to visitors, especially if they're not socialized properly.
They're highly intelligent dogs that require early training and socialization to channel their energy into good behavior.
Cardigans have a high prey drive, which can lead to barking at small animals, so it's crucial to be aware of this trait when training.
These dogs are just as happy to snuggle on the couch as they are to play outside, as long as they have their family's company.
With proper training and socialization, Cardigans can thrive as family pets and make wonderful companions for horse owners who appreciate their assistance.
Their independent nature can make them resistant to obedience commands, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to listen and respond.
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Care and Ownership
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are relatively high maintenance dogs that require a varied daily exercise routine. This can include daily walks, frolicking in dog parks, and romps in well-fenced areas.
They also need regular grooming, which should be a weekly brush and snuggle routine to help manage their double coat. This will be especially important during blowing coat season, when they shed heavily in the spring and fall.
Providing mental stimulation is also crucial, and can be achieved through early socialization, puppy kindergarten, and teaching them tricks, games, and agility courses. With the right care and attention, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi will reward you with love and loyalty.
Owning Essentials
Owning a Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires commitment and attention to detail.
Cardigans are double-coated, shedding continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year. You'll need to brush them frequently to keep flying hair under control. Daily brushing and warm baths may be necessary during shedding season.
Their coat comes in all shades of red, sable, and brindle, with black, blue merle, or white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip. Some Cardis have a "fairy saddle" marking over their back.
You'll need to check their ears weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Clean their outer ears with a cotton ball and gentle ear cleaner to prevent infections.
Establish a weekly grooming routine that includes brushing, examining their skin, and checking for sores, rashes, or signs of infection. This will help you spot potential health problems early.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Cardigans love adventure and require moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime. They're also intelligent and loyal, making them great companions.
Stock Photos
There are over 930 stock photos of Cardigan Welsh Corgis available to browse.
These photos showcase the breed's unique features, such as their short legs and long bodies.
You can search for specific characteristics, like "cardigan welsh corgi blue eyes", to find more great stock photos.
Many of these photos feature the breed in various settings, from forests to parks, highlighting their adaptability.
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Some photos, like the one of a young, healthy, beautiful brindle, black, tan, and white Welsh Corgi, demonstrate the breed's overall health and well-being.
Other photos, such as the one of a cute Welsh Corgi Cardigan dog sitting on a blue background, showcase the breed's various colors and patterns.
These photos can be useful for anyone looking to learn more about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed or for those who simply want to admire these adorable dogs.
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Family and Socialization
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are great with kids, they're gentle and patient, but it's essential to teach children not to pick them up, as their stature makes them vulnerable to back injuries.
They're also naturally protective of their family, but early socialization is key to prevent fearfulness. Introduce your Corgi to new people and experiences while young, and they'll stay adaptable and friendly.
Cardigans love having a second or third dog in the family to play with, especially another Corgi, but they can be aggressive toward dogs that aren't part of their family.
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Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally great with kids, they have a gentle nature and can even try to herd them, but it's crucial to train them not to do this to avoid any back injuries.
Early socialization is key for Cardigan Welsh Corgis, as they can be open to strangers and may require some training to stay adaptable.
They can learn quickly that nipping at kids' feet or ankles is not allowed, but it's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently to prevent any biting or pulling.
It's also vital to supervise interactions between dogs and young children, and never leave a dog unsupervised with a child, no matter how friendly the dog may seem.
Cardigans are usually friendly towards other pets in the household if they've been socialized with them, but they can be aggressive towards dogs that aren't part of their family.
Having multiple dogs in the household, especially another Corgi, can be beneficial for their socialization and provide them with a playmate.
Puppies
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an intelligent and endearing pup worth finding, despite being less popular than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Their stockier build and natural tail set them apart from the Pembroke, which has a docked tail by breed standard.
You'll need to factor in the costs of supplies for your new pet, with the first year being the most expensive, running about $1,200 on average.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder and getting a health guarantee is crucial to ensure you're getting a healthy pup.
It's better to allow Corgis to communicate with their tails by leaving them to grow naturally, rather than docking them.
Sources
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rescue Trust (cardiganrescue.org)
- American Kennel Club’s website (akc.org)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pictures, Images and Stock Photos (istockphoto.com)
- 1 (cardigancorgis.com)
- https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=corgi (etymonline.com)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/ (akc.org)
- Salty Creek Cardigan Welsh Corgis (wordpress.com)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America (cardigancorgis.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com