Cardigan Welsh Corgis 101

Name: Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Personality: "One of the best features about a Cardigan is his personality," boasts the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America. "A big dog in a small package, his temperament is based on his original life as a companion and valuable farm helper and guardian." Dog Breed Info Center adds that the breed "is highly intelligent and obedient... reliable, dedicated and loving," while the American Kennel Club states in its breed standard for Cardigans that these pups are "even-tempered, loyal, affectionate, and adaptable. Never shy nor vicious."

Grooming: "The Cardigan's coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless," says the CWCCA. "It is best if brushed once a week to remove dead hair." Dog Breed Info Center agrees that a Cardigan's "wiry, medium-length, water-resistant coat" should be bathed only when necessary. Like many breeds, Cardigans shed twice yearly. At those times of year, JustDogBreeds.com suggests stepping up the brushing (with a basic bristle brush) to an everyday basis.

Common Health Issues: The Cardigan is one of those breeds that "gains weight easily," warns the Dog Breed Info Center, which can lead to back problems as well as general poor health, so "do not overfeed." Eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma are common in cardigans, as they are in many breeds. JustDogBreeds.com also mentions thyroid problems as being common, but notes that the breed still enjoys a longer-than-average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.


Training Tips: Despite the love they feel for their owners, Cardigans are well-known for exhibiting signs of Small Dog Syndrome (jumping, growling, etc.) and will try to herd their humans and act as boss over them. The Dog Breed Info Center recommends thorough socialization from a very young age. Cardigans often need to be broken of such bad habits as nipping at people's heels and general aggressiveness.

Best Animal/Owner Match: This dog is great for the big, happy family that's just dying to get a dog. "The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog who wants to be truly involved with his family," says the CWCCA. "His family should want to become involved with him, too." A Cardigan is suitable for a variety of jobs, including guarding the house, competing in obedience trials or making it in showbiz; the breed has enjoyed a surge of Hollywood movie roles as of late, notes the CWCCA. All agree that Cardigans must maintain an active lifestyle, whether it's walked on a leash or given free rein in a fenced yard. "The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments," says the AKC, "but needs some form of daily exercise."

What Cardigan Welsh Corgi Owners Say: Paw Nation Facebook friend Lisa Fahl of Los Angeles, Calif., tells us about her childhood Cardigan, Blaze: "He would try to round us up by nipping at our heels, we would giggle and laugh and try to outrun him. He also would love to go sledding with us, he sat in a box on the front of the sled... He was one cool dog!"

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