Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi entered Wales with the wild, warrior Celts three thousand years ago. Celts and Corgis both originated in central Europe. 

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were trusted guardians of children and valued as part of the family. Their center of development was in mid-Cardiganshire, in Wales. Corgi is Welsh for "Dwarf" (Cor) "dog" (gi). He is believed to have descended from the same ancestor as the Dachshund.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi likes to keep busy. An even temper and adaptability are his best qualities. He likes going along with his family on their activities. He tends to be somewhat serious. He is suspicious of strangers but gets along well with other animals, though he's an avid mouse catcher.

His coat needs brushing once a week. It can be all shades of red, sable, or brindle; black with or without tan or brindle points; and blue merle with or without tan or brindle points.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Cardigan Welsh Corgi Appearance: Low set with moderately heavy bone and deep chest. Powerful, small, speedy, with a fox-like tail.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--10 1/2 to 12 1/2 inches at withers. Length--36 to 43 inches from tip of nose to tip of tail. Weight--males, 30 to 38 pounds; females, 25 to 34 pounds.

Fun Facts

Even though the Cardigan Welsh Corgi may resemble the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, they actually had different origins. Over the years they were bred to one another and so developed similar appearances. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the more countrified of the two: He's a bit bigger and heavier, and his coat is slightly rougher. Also, he has a tail.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc