Cardigan Welsh Corgi, purebred dog

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Also known as Cardigan Corgi, Cardigan

109th most popular breed in France · 254 puppies registered in 2025 (LOF)
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
Is it right for me?

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.

AffectionateLoyalIntelligentAlertAdaptable

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.

Similar breeds

Same size and similar ratings. All sheepdogs and cattle dogs

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