
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Also known as Cardigan Corgi, Cardigan
- Height at the withers
- 27 to 32 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 17 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Cardiganshire, Wales
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A low-set, solidly built herding dog with a long body, a bushy, fox-like tail and rounded ears, known for its intelligence and versatility.
History and origins
Considered one of the oldest British cattle dog breeds. According to tradition, its ancestors arrived in Wales with the Celts. Developed in Cardiganshire as a versatile farm dog, it drove cattle by nipping at their heels and guarded the farm.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Herniated disc
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Obesity
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Cardigan Welsh Corgi FAQ
How big does the Cardigan Welsh Corgi get?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands 27 to 32 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 17 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Cardigan Welsh Corgi shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Cardigan Welsh Corgi live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Cardigan Welsh Corgi need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Cardigan Welsh Corgi live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and herniated disc.



