Cardigan Welsh CorgiCharacteristics, history, training and care

The name “corgi” means “dwarf dog” in Welsh. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the two corgi breeds from Wales and one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles. It herded poultry, sheep and cattle.

At first, The Kennel Club registered the two types of corgi as a single breed, in 1925. In 1928 they were recognised as different varieties, and from 1934 they were shown separately.

How the breed developed

• December 1925 – The Corgi Club is founded in Carmarthen; The Kennel Club registers corgis as a single breed.
• 1926 – A separate club is founded for the Cardigan.
• 1928 – The Cardigan and the Pembroke are recognised as different varieties.
• 1934 – The two breeds are shown separately.
• 12 November 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2006 – The official name becomes Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a sturdy, tough and mobile dog, long in relation to its height, with short legs and a deep chest. The AKC says it is a powerful worker, surprisingly fast and graceful.

General appearance

The ears are erect and fairly large for the size of the dog. The tail, like a fox's brush, is long and reaches almost to the ground. The eyes have a gentle, alert but watchful expression. In blue merle dogs, one or both eyes may be blue.

The accepted colours are blue merle, brindle, red, sable, tricolour with brindle points and tricolour with red points, with or without white on the head, neck, chest, belly, legs and tail tip. White should not predominate.

It is intelligent and trainable, and the AKC says it is a loyal, alert watchdog with a “big-dog” bark.

Early, ongoing socialisation is very important. The AKC recommends training classes that the whole family attends.

Tips for effective training

• Keep socialising it. New people, places and situations, throughout its life.
• Do not tolerate unwanted behaviour. Correct it calmly, from the start.
• Work on barking. It has a powerful bark and uses it often.
• Try dog sports. It does well at agility, tracking, obedience and, naturally, herding.

The AKC describes it as a very adaptable dog: it happily goes on hikes, but will also settle quietly beside you on the sofa. It needs daily walks around the neighbourhood.

Tips for a balanced life

• Do not let it jump off the bed or sofa: its long back is vulnerable.
• Lots of stairs can be a risk for its back.
• In summer, black dogs heat up faster in the sun.

Coat and skin care

One thorough brushing a week is enough. The AKC says it should not be clipped short in summer: a proper coat helps it regulate its temperature. The hair under the paws can be trimmed so that it brings less dirt into the house.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally very healthy. Responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• At the first sign of back pain, go to the vet.

The AKC says Cardigans put on weight very easily, so their weight must be watched carefully. Weigh it regularly.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it two smaller meals a day, not one large one.
• Do not overdo the treats, even if it can hear a cheese wrapper from 50 metres away.
• The dog is at the right weight when you can easily feel its ribs with your fingertips.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The tail sets it apart. The simplest way to tell a Cardigan from a Pembroke: the Cardigan has a tail.
• “Corgi” means “dwarf dog”. The name comes from the Welsh language.
• It has a big dog's bark. The AKC says that, although it is small, it has the bark of a big dog.
• It does “zoomies” around the house. When it is happy, it suddenly races around the house and over the sofa.
• Blue eyes only in merles. Blue eyes are allowed only in blue merle dogs.

What is the difference between the Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The Cardigan has a long tail like a fox's, while the Pembroke has no tail.

How big does it get?

It measures around 30 cm at the withers and weighs about 11–17 kg.

Does it put on weight easily?

Yes, very easily. Its weight must be watched carefully.

Can it live in an apartment?

Yes, if it goes out every day and does not climb lots of stairs.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 12–15 years.