If you're considering bringing a Cardigan Welsh Corgi into your family, finding a reputable breeder is crucial.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, which is why you can expect them to conduct regular health checks and genetic testing on their breeding stock.
Breeders will also be able to provide you with information on the temperament and personality of the parents, giving you a better idea of what to expect from your new puppy.
A good breeder will also be transparent about the costs associated with owning a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, including the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses for food, vet care, and supplies.
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Health and Care
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
You'll want to ensure you're working with a reputable breeder who has done the necessary health clearances, including OFA certification for hip dysplasia and CERF certification for normal eyes.
Intervertebral Disk Disease is a common issue in Cardigans, causing ruptures in the spinal disc that can lead to unsteadiness, difficulty walking, and even paralysis.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another potential issue, causing gradual deterioration of the retina and potentially leading to night-blindness and loss of vision.
To keep your Cardigan happy and healthy, provide daily exercise in the form of a walk or training for a dog sport like agility.
Avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture, as this can lead to back injuries, and instead support their front and rear ends when picking them up.
A weather-resistant coat doesn't mean your Cardigan is an outside dog - they're highly people-oriented and require regular human interaction.
Here are some key health and care considerations for Cardigan Welsh Corgis:
- Health clearances from OFA and CERF
- Regular exercise and training
- Avoidance of back injuries in puppies
- Regular human interaction
Health
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, 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 is also crucial. A DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy is a must.
Intervertebral Disk Disease is a significant concern for Cardigans due to their long backs. Signs include unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, knuckling over of limbs, weakness, and paralysis. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a family of eye diseases that 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.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Cardigan Welsh Corgis:
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Regular health checks and monitoring can help identify potential issues early on. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to keep your Cardigan Welsh Corgi healthy and happy.
Care
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a herding breed that needs daily exercise, such as a walk or training for a dog sport like agility.
Their short legs and long back can make them prone to back injuries, so it's essential to avoid letting them jump on and off furniture, especially as puppies.
To prevent back injuries, support both the front legs and the rear end when picking up your Cardigan puppy.
Their weather-resistant coat is designed to withstand harsh weather, but they're not outside dogs - they're highly people-oriented and need plenty of human interaction.
With basic obedience training, moderate exercise, and standard grooming, your Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be a happy, well-adjusted dog.
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Breed Characteristics
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a breed that's full of energy and playfulness, with a high playfulness level and medium energy level. They're quick and agile, despite their short legs.
Their temperament is highly affectionate, and they adore their families. They're great with other pets and children, making them a wonderful addition to many households. These dogs are naturally attentive, which can make them excellent watchdogs.
Here's a quick rundown of some key breed characteristics:
Breed Characteristics
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a breed that's known for its playful temperament and larger-than-life personality. They're naturally attentive, which makes them excellent watchdogs that alert their owners to any sign of trouble with a quick bark.
Cardigans are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They have a medium energy level, which means they need daily walks and playtime to keep them entertained.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a joy to work with. They're also very affectionate and love to spend time with their family members.
One thing to keep in mind is that Cardigans are prone to barking, especially if they're not properly trained. They're also heavy shedders, which means they require regular brushing to keep their coats under control.
Here's a breakdown of the breed's characteristics:
Overall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a wonderful breed that's perfect for active families or individuals who are looking for a loyal companion. With proper training and care, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.
Size
When it comes to size, Cardigans are relatively compact dogs. Cardigans are 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall.
Males are generally heavier than females, weighing in at 30 to 38 pounds. Females typically weigh between 25 to 34 pounds.
Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a fun-loving dog with a loyal and loving personality. They adore spending time with their family and are extremely adaptable, making them happy in both big houses and small apartments.
Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, but they can be independent thinkers, so be prepared for a unique twist on obedience commands. With proper socialization, they'll learn to behave around humans and dogs alike.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are naturally attentive, making them excellent watchdogs that alert their owners to any sign of trouble with a quick bark. However, this means you may need to work on excessive barking if you live in an apartment.
Here's a quick rundown of their temperament traits:
As a herder, they have a strong instinct to alert their owners to any unusual sight, scent, or sound, which can sometimes be a warning bark. With patience and training, you can help them learn to control this instinct.
Care and Feeding
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a highly active breed that requires daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. This can be as simple as a walk or training for a dog sport like agility.
To prevent back injuries, it's essential to avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture, and instead, pick them up supporting both the front legs and the rear end.
Cardigans are highly people-oriented and thrive on human interaction, so they shouldn't be left alone in the backyard for extended periods. Give your Cardi plenty of attention and affection, and they'll be your best friend in no time.
A recommended daily diet for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. However, the exact amount of food may vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
To ensure your Cardigan stays in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time.
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Feeding
Feeding your Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires attention to their individual needs. They can be prone to overeating if left to their own devices.
Measure their food carefully, aiming for 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. This amount may vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Cardigans like to eat, so it's essential to keep them in check by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day. This will help prevent overindulgence.
A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, so consider your Cardigan's lifestyle when determining their daily ration.
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Breed Maintenance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes, so regular brushing is a must. Brush your Cardigan Welsh Corgi weekly using a shedding blade and slicker brush to manage shedding.
Their coat repels dirt and has no odor, making it relatively easy to maintain, but don't skip brushing altogether. Brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
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Cardigan Welsh Corgis have upright ears that don't tend to get too moist, but it's still crucial to check for ticks and mites regularly to keep their ears healthy. Regular ear cleaning is also a must to prevent infections.
Trimming your Cardigan Welsh Corgi's nails is another important part of their grooming routine. This will help keep their feet healthy and comfortable.
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Sources
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