Cardigan Welsh Corgi

OVERVIEW OF THE CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI

Welsh Corgis come in two types. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is easy to distinguish from Pembroke Welsh Corgis because they have long tails which Pembrokes don’t. They are also a slightly larger size with a heavier head and larger rounded ears.

Throughout history, Cardis were used in driving cattle. Although they are now mainly family pets, they still love the outdoors and are popular dogs with horse owners. Don’t be fooled by their short legs, they are incredibly athletic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are great with school-age children and adore spending time with their human families.

Their dense coat can be seen in shades of red, sable, brindle, black, blue merle, and tan with white markings on the underside of their body, tail tip, and head. With a height of 10 to 12 inches, Cardis can weigh anything from 25 to 38 pounds depending on their gender.

Cardigans are good watchdogs and although they may not be the scariest-looking watchdog around, they’ll bark at anything suspicious or unfamiliar. They are slightly more territorial than Pembrokes and more reserved towards people they are unfamiliar with.

Socialize your Cardi puppy by exposing them to lots of different people and sounds before they are four months old and start training them at an early age. Socialization and training early on will teach them good manners and prevent their independent stubborn streak from making things more difficult later.

To give your Cardi the best care possible, make sure you can give them plenty of exercise daily and see to their grooming needs. Here is everything you need to know when welcoming a Cardigan Welsh Corgi to your family.

CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI FOOD AND HEALTH

Although healthy Cardis will not necessarily develop any illness, it is good to be aware of conditions that can be experienced.

If you are buying a Cardi puppy from a breeder, make sure the breeder provides you with health clearance certificates for your puppy and the parents. This proves that only healthy dogs are used for breeding and prevents the occurrence of genetic diseases. For your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, get clearances for hip dysplasia, a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test for progressive retinal atrophy, and certification that their eyes are healthy.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that occurs when the hip joint and bone don’t fit correctly. It can, however, also be triggered by hard impact experienced with a jump or fall as well as rapid growth from high-calorie consumption. It can result in lameness in one of the rear legs and lead to arthritis as your dog ages.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a family of eye diseases that cause gradual retina deterioration. Dogs initially become night-blind and later lose day vision. If their surroundings remain the same they can adapt well to their limited vision.

With their short legs and long back, Cardis can experience back disease or injuries. Intervertebral Disk Disease involves ruptures in the spinal disc. Symptoms can include unsteadiness, difficulty using stairs or climbing on and off furniture, weakness, or paralysis. If you have a puppy, avoid letting them jump on and off furniture until they are fully grown. When you pick them up, make sure to support the front legs and rear end.

An important part of your Cardis health is their diet. Adult dogs need between one to one and a half cups of quality dry food daily to ensure they get all the essential nutrients. Divide this into two portions and serve their meals at consistent times.

Don’t base the quantity of food you give your Cardi on how much they eat. They will over-indulge whenever given the chance. Instead, keep their diet controlled to maintain a healthy weight. Adjust the amount they get according to their activity level, age, and weight.

Avoid giving your Cardi table scraps and keep training treats to healthy, low-calorie options. These can often be halved or quartered to stretch them a little further. Weight gain can cause severe health issues.

Since puppies and adult dogs require varying nutrient quantities for healthy development, make sure to only give your Cardi age-appropriate formulas. Keep in mind that there are many human foods and ingredients that are toxic to dogs. When cooking for your pet pal, ensure the foods are dog safe and always introduce new foods in small quantities.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI

Even though Cardis are not necessarily used as herding dogs anymore, they still need plenty of exercise. They do well at agility training and enjoy long walks.

When out in public, keep your pet pal on a leash. A padded back-clip harness is the best option. The pressure that a collar exerts against your pup’s neck can cause severe harm to their throat and neck, and restrict blood flow causing serious long-term damage. Collars do have their benefits but are best used for name tags and identification.

If you do decide to get a collar, check it daily while your puppy is growing and upsize as needed. Collars should be removed at night to allow the skin to breathe and to prevent hair breakage. Removing the collar will also lessen the chances of infections, abrasions, and rashes.

If you tend to take walks in dim light conditions, get a leash and harness with reflective strips to make sure you and your pup remain visible to cars and other people.

BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR CARDIGAN WELSH CORGIS

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are not meant to live outside and need to sleep indoors near their human family. They are highly people-oriented and won’t be happy without human interaction.

If you struggle with house training, switch to crate training. Remember that your puppy’s crate should never be used as punishment, even though it is used for training. If your Cardi views their crate as a place of comfort where they can retreat, they will be more at ease spending time there.

Crates can be soft, made of fabric, or hard, made from metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. Regardless of the type you choose, there should be enough ventilation for optimal airflow. The crate should be big enough for your pup to stand comfortably, stretch out when lying down, move and turn around. There should also be enough space for a bed, mattress or blanket, and a toy.

If your pet pal is not going to be sleeping in the crate, make sure they have another pet bed that can be moved around the house easily. Since they shed you want to get something that is easy to clean. A bed with a machine washable and removable cover is ideal.

Memory foam or orthopedic mattress is a good choice for Corgis to support their spine and joints. Keep in mind that they are short, so make sure it doesn’t require any effort to climb into. It should be big enough to support their whole body without any limbs hanging over bolsters or over the edge.

BEST TOYS FOR CARDIGAN WELSH CORGIS

Toys are important for mental stimulation, training, and staying active.

When your Cardi is a puppy, teething toys can help soothe itchy and swollen gums. Teething toys can be flavored, frozen, or textured and also prevent your pup from chewing household items. Older dogs may also like rope or rubber chew toys. Chew toys for adult dogs can actually help maintain dental health by removing plaque build-up, however, it is not a replacement for brushing their teeth.

Fetch toys such as balls and Kongs are good options for outdoor play. A ball launcher will give you the extra height and distance to get your pup to expend all its energy.

To engage their intelligence, get your dog a puzzle toy or two. These can be in the form of mazes, hide-and-slide, flip toys, or ball-and-shape treat dispensers. They are all interactive and require your pup to solve the riddle to get a treat.

For puppies, a plush toy for their crate can give them something to snuggle with and bring a little comfort while you are away.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI OWNERS

Cardis have a double coat with a long, thick top coat and a shorter undercoat. Some dogs have softer, fluffier coats than others. The softer their coats, however, the less protection they have from the elements. Many Cardis also have what is known as a fairy saddle. These markings over their back got their name from a legend that fairies used to ride these pups.

Since they shed continuously, they need frequent brushing. Twice a year they shed more heavily. During this time, daily brushing and an occasional warm bath to remove excess loose hairs will be needed.

When brushing your Cardi’s coat weekly, make a habit of checking their ears, eyes, paws, and skin for redness or any infections that need treatment. This will prevent minor issues from turning into something serious later.

Brush your dog’s teeth daily with dog-friendly toothpaste to prevent gum disease, tartar build-up, and bad breath. You’ll also want to keep their nails in check. If they don’t wear them down with play and walks, trim them monthly or when you can hear them clicking on the floor. You will want to get a professional to do this or ask your vet for tips since the blood vessels in their nails make it a tricky task. One wrong clip can cause bleeding and be painful for your pup.

Since dogs are touchy about having their paws, legs, and face handled, it is important to get them used to grooming from an early stage. Make sure it is always a pleasant experience filled with encouragement and positive reinforcement. If they perceive it as a negative encounter, it will become a difficult and unpleasant task for both of you and you will struggle with vet check-ups.

BEST CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI ACCESSORIES

A portable pet ramp or pet stairs are ideal for older Cardis or puppies. These are placed next to a couch, bed, or car door to make it easier for your pup to get up and down without having to take a hefty plunge to the ground and risk injuring themselves.

For grooming we recommend a pin brush or slicker brush to brush their double coat and remove dead or loose hairs easily. A good dog blow dryer can also come in handy to blow out dead, loose hairs and dry your pup quickly after a wash

If your pup is going to be sleeping in their crate, a soft crate cover is a wonderful way to make it a cozy place to relax. A crate cover still allows your Cardi access in and out of the crate while keeping it dark and warm inside. Just make sure there is still enough ventilation.

Since training is recommended from an early age, a treat pouch is a great accessory for you to have. These pouches are adjustable and fasten around your waist like a belt. They have various pockets to store treats, keys, a phone, and waste bags. Many types are waterproof and feature a D-ring, O-Ring, or fabric loop on which to fasten your pet’s leash. If you often go walking before sunrise or in dim light, get a pouch with reflective strips to ensure you stay visible.

If you and your pup are traveling together or spending a day outdoors, make sure they stay well hydrated by taking a foldable dog water bowl with you. These fold up so they hardly take up any space in a backpack or can be clipped onto a treat pouch with a carabiner. Simply pop the bowl open to use it and keep your pup well-hydrated on the go.

To learn more about breeds like Cardigan Welsh Corgi, check out our breed hub page.