Before the 20th century, Corgis were classified and considered as a single breed. In the modern era, they’ve been divided into two groups. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and its younger, smaller cousin, the Pembroke Corgi.
Though they have similarities, some factors separate them from each other. The Cardigan Corgis came around earlier so they are considered the Pembrokes’ older relatives. As the name suggests, Pembroke Corgis came from the South-West region of Wales called Pembrokeshire.
Both breeds are native to Wales. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are great herding dogs despite their size. Their loyalty is also one of their strong points.
What Is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog breed that originated in Wales. Though previously considered a similar breed to Pembroke Corgis, now they’re in a group of their own. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are small to medium dogs with long bodies and short legs.
They are good for herding livestock and protecting crops. Cardigan Corgis are also useful in vermin hunting. The structure of their bodies is a little limiting but their size is still ideal for protecting crops.
This breed is more reserved compared to a Pembroke Corgi. They’re very competent workers when it comes to farm-related duties or jobs. You can say that a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is naturally a farming ally and assistant.
They’re also members of the double-coated dog club. Not exactly an official club but you get the gist. Their coats are usually a combination of white and other colors.
These coats come in black, different shades of red, blue merle, and sable or dark brown. These colors are commonly seen on their backs while the neck, tummy, and paws are usually white. Some Corgis have tanned coats while the others don’t.
Why Is It Called a Cardigan Corgi?
Corgi means dwarf dog in Welsh and the name is a way to describe their appearance. Because they are short dogs with short legs. But their bodies are, in a way, comically long.
This breed came from the Welsh county of Ceredigion or Cardiganshire. Their appearance and place of origin are the main reasons behind the name Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The name suggests that they are dwarf dogs from Ceredigion county.
Like their Corgi relatives, Pembroke Corgis got the name because of appearance and place of origin. Pembrokeshire is another Welsh county and Pembroke is a town within the area. These smaller Corgis are considered natives of the said county.
Whichever team you’re rooting for, they are similar dogs with minor differences. Their names have been based on their appearance and places of origin. Though the Cardigan Corgi is an older, bigger dog than a Pembroke, both of them are proud Welsh dogs.
What Is a Welsh Corgi Cardigan Mix?
A Welsh Corgi Cardigan mix is a cross between two kinds of Corgis. It’s a mix of a Pembroke and a Cardigan. It’s common for them to inherit their parents’ traits.
A Cardigan mix is an example of crossbreeding. Though the parents share a lot of similarities, the offspring is still considered a crossbreed. Both Cardigans and Pembrokes came from two different Welsh counties.
Are Cardigan Corgis Purebred?
The Cardigan Corgi has been around for 3,000 years. This breed predates the Pembroke Corgi by 2,000 years. Cardigans also came from the same ancestry as the Dachshunds, from the Teckel breed.
Daschunds share some physical attributes with the Corgis. They’re also short-legged dogs with long bodies. Some Daschunds are double-coated like the Corgis but some are not.
They were recognized as purebred dogs by the UK Kennel club in the 1920s. Cardigan Corgis share a lot of similarities with Pembroke Corgis. But they don’t share the same ancestry with Pembrokes as Pembroke Corgis came from the Spitz family.
Where Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis Come From?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to Wales by the Celts back in 1200 BC. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the British Isles. These dogs are Cardiganshire county locals, hence the name Cardigan came about.
Like Dachshunds, they came from the same family of dogs known as Teckel. This breed is an extremely loyal and excellent herding dog. Even though they are big barkers, Cardigan Corgis use their bite or nipping in herding.
They know how to protect livestock and crops. But their size and structure don’t make them ideal as guard dogs. But you can always count on their loyalty and hard work.
What Is the Original Purpose of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred for herding to help farmers in watching crops and livestock. Their short height is an advantage when herding cattle. Because this protects them from getting kicked by a cow’s hooves as they walk.
This breed is a competent companion on farms as they also hunt vermin. Vermin are types of animals that are considered dangerous to crops and farm animals. This is due to the diseases they carry and their destructive nature.
You can count on your Cardigan Corgi to prevent a farming disaster from happening. They will do their best to keep these pests away from your marvelous harvest. Cardigan Corgis are kind of laid-back dogs but very hardworking in farming duties.
Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis Rare?
Despite their popularity in Wales and some parts of the globe, they are rare. The population of this breed is pretty low according to the Kennel Club. The number of registered Corgis doesn’t even reach 500.
Their population is possibly lower in other parts of the globe. The low number is a little worrying and it’s a challenge being faced by canine organizations. The higher popularity and visibility of Pembrokes can also lead to confusion.
Because of their similar traits, some people might mistake a Pembroke for a Cardigan. This confusion can endanger the older Corgis’ existence and survival. It’s important to keep an eye out regarding this low population issue.
How Rare Are Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very rare and this is due to their low numbers. It came to a point where their breed is officially considered vulnerable. When a dog breed’s population is lower than 500, it’s not wrong to sound the alarm.
The extinction of some animals happened in the past as part of nature’s evolution. But humans can help in preventing a sad and alarming extinction from taking place. The low population is very concerning and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are worth keeping and protecting.
Corgis in general are on the verge of becoming endangered and that’s not something you can ignore. Even Pembroke Corgis’ population is also declining in recent times. The decreasing numbers must be slowed down to keep these awesome dogs alive.
What Colors Do Cardigan Corgis Come in?
Cardigan Corgis come in different colors and these colors are in different shades of red, sable, and brindle. Their coats can also come in black or merle and some of them have tans in their coats. You can find a wide variety when it comes to a Cardigan Corgi’s coat colors.
The common thing you’d spot is the white flashings in their necks and chests. These cool dogs usually sport different patterns and colors. Spotting a Cardigan Corgi with a pure colored coat is very unlikely.
If you ever find one, that particular Corgi is possibly a mixed breed. Sable is used in describing a pattern rather than a color. Cardigan Corgis are colorful dogs so you can expect variety when it comes to coat color.
Can Cardigan Corgis Be Merle?
Merle is a color combination you can find on a Cardigan Corgi’s and other dog’s coats. This combination has the base color of red, brown, or black. While the patches or spots are in shades of blue or gray.
Merle Cardigan Corgis are purebreds and these types have noticeably spotty coats. You can find patches or spots on their backs, sides, and face or eyes. Aside from the flashings and tans, the other colors are bluish or grayish in tone.
Are Merle Cardigan Corgis Purebred?
Merle Cardigan Corgis are purebreds and they are rare. Considering that Cardigan Corgis are already rare in general, a merle coated one is even rarer. This pattern or color for Corgis is exclusive to Cardigans.
Pembroke Corgis don’t have this type of coat. They also have fewer varieties in coat color compared to Cardigan Corgis. Both are very loyal and protective, though Cardigans are more reserved and short-tempered.
In some cases, breeding two merle Corgis is considered dangerous. Doing so may put the offspring at risk of having eye or ear problems. A merle Corgi inherits the coat of a merle parent’s stronger, dominant gene.
Does a Cardigan Corgi Have a Tail?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have fluffy, prominent tails. It’s one of their breed’s distinguishable features that separate them from Pembroke Corgis. Pembrokes are also born with tails but they’re usually docked at 2 to 5 days old.
Cardigan Corgis, on the other hand, retain their tails into adulthood. In some cases, a Cardigan Corgi goes through tail-docking if he’s going to work as a herding dog. This is to prevent the tail from getting in the way while doing dog duties because a long tail can be a hazard for an active dog.
But tail docking was deemed unnecessary and it’s only needed when the tail is causing difficulties. Especially if the said Cardigan Corgi is not being raised to be a working dog.
Tail docking is done to prevent injuries, increase mobility or speed and strengthen their back. It was once considered a way to prevent rabies. But in modern times, the practice is being discouraged if not backed by health-related reasons.
Are Cardigan Corgis Born With or Without Tails?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are born with tails. Their long and fluffy tails separate them from their Pembroke cousins. Because a tail is traditionally considered a liability and a hazard for working dogs.
But despite the tradition, the practice is not commonly applied to Cardigan Corgis. They’ve been that way for so long that they rarely need tail docking. But with Pembroke Corgis, some organizations require their tails to be docked as a standard.
A Cardigan Corgi can keep his tail as long as it’s not putting his safety at risk. In serious cases, a tail must be removed to prevent a disease like cancer from spreading. A badly injured tail and gangrene may also require it to be surgically removed.
Why Do Some Cardigan Corgis Have Tails?
It’s natural for Cardigan Corgis to have tails. If you encounter one without a tail, it’s probably a result of a birth defect. It could also be a result of a surgical procedure.
Tails are usually removed for two reasons. The first one is tail docking which some folks believe will improve a Corgi dog’s mobility. But contrary to tradition and popular belief, this method is risky.
If you want a Corgi without a tail, it should be docked early on. Because removing the tail in adulthood could make adapting too difficult for a dog. Muscle and nerve damage are possible if tail docking or removal was not done with care.
Another reason for a tail’s removal is to remove malignant tumors. This is to prevent the cancerous cells from spreading throughout a dog’s body. Dogs use their tails to balance their bodies and express their emotions.
Some experts suggest that tail docking is unnecessary. Unless it’s causing major issues to your Cardigan Corgi’s health. Getting a dog’s tail removed for cosmetic purposes is being discouraged by many.
Because it’s considered vain, unethical, and downright cruel. Ask for a professional’s advice and clearance before opting for such a procedure. Make sure that you’re dealing with reputable and licensed people.
Stay away from puppy mills and breeders with shady practices. Don’t compromise your Corgi’s safety and consider what is best for him. Tail docking is suggested when a Cardigan Corgi was bred to work as a farm dog.
Though some Corgis can still work effectively with their tails intact. But again, the procedure must be done early on and with carefulness. The procedure must be approved and supervised by your vet to ensure your Corgi’s safety.
Are Cardigan Corgis Considered Small or Medium Dogs?
Though Cardigan Corgis look small in size, they belong to the medium-sized dog group. Their short height and legs make them look small. But their long bodies add to their weight, thus making them qualify as medium-sized dogs.
Despite the unusual proportions of their bodies, Cardigan Corgis have a sturdy build. This makes them effective as farm or herding dogs. They are larger and an older breed compared to their Pembroke relatives.
Cardigan Corgis are from the same ancestry as the Daschund. They are similar in having long bodies and short, stubby legs. Pembroke Corgis are from the Spitz family but they’re also closely related to Cardigan Corgis.
The said breeds are in the small to medium categories. A Cardigan Corgi’s genetic history will influence how big it will grow. Crossbreeding can make him smaller or larger depending on the genetically dominant parent’s breed and size.
How Big Will My Cardigan Corgi Get?
The average height of a Cardigan Corgi is 10.5 to 12.5 inches (266 to 304 mm). They might be short but they’re sturdy and strong enough to handle herding duties. A Cardigan Corgi’s tendency to get bossy makes him a good companion in managing livestock.
If you have a small house, your Cardigan Corgi wouldn’t have much issue with space. Unlike giant dog breeds, they can easily move around in smaller areas. There’s a lot of wiggle room for this short, medium-sized pooch.
How Long Do Cardigan Corgis Grow?
The average body length of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 24 to 29 inches (609 to 736 mm). Their horizontal measurement is longer than the vertical. Cardigan Corgis are short in stature while having the body length of larger breeds.
You’ll notice that a Cardigan Corgi’s body form is kind of odd. But this form is advantageous when it comes to herding. Their short height protects them from getting hit by a cow’s hooves.
It also allows them to hide and be less visible when hunting vermin. Despite their short legs, they are fast runners too. But they’re more suited for herding as they can’t match the speed and agility of hunting dogs.
How Much Should My Cardigan Corgi Weigh?
Cardigan Corgis have an average weight of 24 to 37 pounds (11 to 17 kg). The males are slightly heavier at 30 to 37 pounds (14 to 17 kg). Female Cardigan Corgis could weigh 24 to 33 pounds (11 to 15 kg).
Cardigan Corgis can give you the illusion that they are small dogs. But their long bodies have a mass that can match a medium-sized dog’s body weight. Their weight can still go above or below average.
Factors like diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle can influence your Corgi’s weight. Too much or too little nourishment and exercise may add or shed some pounds. Make sure that his health is in great condition by getting regular checkups.
Health issues like parasites and malnourishment can make your Corgi lose weight. Overfeeding and a sedentary lifestyle can do the opposite weight-wise. But the opposite side is equally harmful so keep everything balanced to ensure his safety.
How Much Should a Male Cardigan Corgi Weigh?
The average weight of a male Cardigan Corgi is 30 to 37 pounds (14 to 17 kg). He could weigh a pound heavier or lighter than average depending on different factors. His weight can be directly influenced by diet, activity level, and health condition.
Genetics can cause some deviations in a Cardigan Corgi’s weight. When his size and weight are way beyond the average, he could be a mixed breed. He may be suffering from a birth defect or abnormality.
If you’re worried about a Cardigan Corgi’s unusual weight, seek medical help. Your vet can determine what is causing such an anomaly and treat it accordingly. Even though his weight is on the normal side of the scale, checkups should remain on your list so that silent and less obvious issues can be detected and treated early.
A professional’s guidance is indispensable in keeping your Cardigan Corgi safe. Follow the recommended diet, exercises, and medications in combatting weight-related problems.
It might be expensive, but a DNA test will let you know if you’ve got a crossbreed in your home. Combined with other tests, this can trace his ancestry and also inform you about his health. If tests reveal that he’s fine despite being a little different, you can relax a bit.
When Do Cardigan Corgis Stop Growing?
Cardigan Corgis will reach their full form and size at 1 to 2 years of age. Their maturity and growth pace is faster than larger dogs. You can’t expect them to get bigger after reaching adulthood.
To determine an oversized/undersized Cardigan Welsh Corgi, ask for an expert’s opinion. Tests will reveal if he’s having health and growth problems or just a product of crossbreeding. Follow your vet’s advice to help him live his best life.
Normal, undersized, or oversized, every dog deserves the best treatment he could get. Being a responsible owner is important regardless of breed. Don’t let size deter you from giving him proper treatment and affection.
Do Cardigan Corgis Have a Lot of Health Problems?
The Cardigan Corgi is a healthy dog breed in general. But these canines are still susceptible to a few health problems. Back, hip, and eye issues are conditions that their breed could face.
Hip dysplasia can occur during a Cardigan Corgi’s developmental stage. It causes the joints and sockets to get loose which leads to discomfort or pain. The condition can affect muscle strength and mobility.
In a dog’s later years, the condition may even lead to arthritis. Hip dysplasia is not very common among Cardigan Welsh Corgis. But this doesn’t mean that their breed has already been exempted.
In a severe case of hip dysplasia, the best treatment is hip replacement. There are implants made of plastic and metal that will replace the damaged hip bones. This condition is a degenerative disease and surgical replacement is the best option.
The deterioration of joints is painful so getting early treatment is important. Intervertebral disc disease or IVDD is another health issue that Corgis could suffer from. This is a more common condition among Cardigan Corgis compared to hip dysplasia.
IVDD afflicts dog breeds with long backs or bodies and short legs. Since Cardigan Corgis have these traits, they’re prone to the said health condition. Surgery is a common treatment but there are noninvasive alternatives. These treatments involve weight management, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
IVDD is also a degenerative disease but it can be slowed down by adequate medical attention. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that can afflict Cardigan Corgis.
This is also a common condition among their breed. Genetics plays a major role in this condition. PRA directly affects a Cardigan Corgi’s eyesight and the risk of blindness is high.
Breeding two merle Cardigan Corgis can result in offspring with eye issues including PRA. Needless to say, pairing two merle Cardigan Corgis is a dangerous move. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for this condition.
An afflicted Cardigan Corgi could slowly go blind as time goes on. The best you can do to slow the deterioration down is through Antioxidant therapy. Ask your vet for additional methods that can delay your lovely Corgi’s blindness.
Do Cardigan Corgis Have Back Problems?
Cardigan Corgis are prone to a condition called Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It’s a type of degenerative disease that affects a dog’s back. This breed is at risk of getting affected by the condition because of how their bodies are structured.
This is common among dogs with short legs and long bodies or backs. The unusual form of a Cardigan Corgi’s body makes him susceptible to this disease. Large dog breeds are also at risk of getting IVDD.
The bodyweight of large dogs puts a lot of pressure on their bones and vertebrae. Though Cardigan Corgis are medium-sized dogs, their breed didn’t get an exemption.
If you are worried that your Corgi is suffering from this, let your vet know right away so that the progress of deterioration can be slowed down by different methods. These methods include physical therapy, weight management, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. But when the condition is on a more serious level, surgery might be required.
This illness can make your Cardigan Corgi lethargic and sensitive. To prevent further damage, handle him with care as if you’re carrying a fragile item. Don’t miss appointments with your vet to help your Cardigan Corgi get some relief.
IVDD is a serious condition and it should not be taken for granted. If left untreated, this could make your Cardigan Corgi lose his ability to walk and leave him paralyzed. It is a treatable disease so take the necessary steps to save his health.
How Long Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis Live for?
Cardigan Corgis have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and they are a healthy dog breed. They are prone to some health issues, but when properly addressed, they can live long. That’s why it’s always important to keep your Cardigan Corgi’s health in check.
Regular meetings with your vet will help him reach his maximum form and potential. This breed is a loyal farm companion as they’re being bred as herding dogs. Regardless of breed, proper diet and exercise can help in prolonging a dog’s life.
Leaving him unsupervised can put his health at risk. Always choose the best products and treatments in keeping your Cardigan Corgi healthy. So that you can make a lot of good memories together during his lifetime.
