Dog Breed Guide

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Profile

Size

Small - Medium

Country of origin

United Kingdom (Wales)

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Cattle herding, Farm watchdog

Height

27 - 32cm (11 - 13in)

Weight

male 14 - 17kg (31 - 37lb), female 11 - 15kg (24 - 33lb)

Life span

12 - 15 years

It looks a lot like the Pembroke, but the biggest difference is its long, bushy, fox-like tail. It is a size larger and heavier-boned than the Pembroke, with larger, more rounded ears. It comes in more colors than the Pembroke, including brindle, red, sable, blue merle and black.

Calm and intelligent, the Cardigan shows deep affection for its family. It is a little more cautious than the Pembroke and slow to warm to strangers, but it makes a reliable watchdog.

As a cattle dog it needs a lot of exercise, and daily walks and play are a must. Because of its long back, it is important not to let it get fat and to avoid straining its spine on steps and stairs. It sheds heavily.

Good to know

Of the two Corgis, the Cardigan is thought to have the older history. Its ancestors are said to have been brought to Cardiganshire in Wales by Celts who migrated from central Europe around 1200 BC, about 3,000 years ago.

It was once called by a Welsh name meaning "yard-long dog," because its length from nose to tail tip was about one yard (about 91cm).

For a long time it was judged together with the Pembroke as a single breed, but since the two differ in appearance and origin, the Kennel Club divided them into separate breeds in 1934. Compared with the Pembroke, whose popularity soared thanks to Queen Elizabeth, it is far less common and has become a rare breed.