The Society goals include educating Cardigan Corgi owners and prospective owners about the breed’s history, traits and temperament, as well as information concerning the care of your Cardigan.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis originated from the Teckel dogs, now more commonly known as Dachshunds. They are among the oldest of all herding breeds, originally coming only in brindle and red. Eventually, through crossbreeding with Collies, the colors of the Cardigan grew to include tricolor and blue merle. The phrase “corgi” translates to “dwarf dog” in Welsh. The breed was often called “yard-long dogs” in older times. Today’s name comes from their area of origin, Cardiganshire, Wales. Originally used only as a farm guardian, they eventually took on the traits of a cattle drover, herder, and many more. They are still highly valued for their herding, working, and guarding skills, as well as their companionship.

Cardigans are intelligent and active little dogs. They are obedient and are loyal to the family. They do get on well with children as long as they are treated with respect. They are suited to the active family. But they also fit very nicely as a companion to the single person with a fairly sedate life as long as they get daily exercise. They should be socialized and training started at an early age to ensure that they are not troubled or traumatized by new noises or experiences.

The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox-like appearance. The old American Kennel Club standard called it an “Alsatian on short legs”. Unlike Pembrokes who are bred to have only a small nub of a tail (without docking), the Cardigan’s tail is long. Cardigans may be any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle (black and gray or marbled) with or without tan or brindle. They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and have a blaze on the head. Other markings include ticking on the legs and muzzle, smutty muzzles, monk’s hoods, and others. A few other unofficial colors can occur, such as red merle. 

An average Cardigan is around 10.5 to 12.5 inches (260 to 316mm) tall at the shoulder. Males weigh from 30 to 38lbs (13.6 to 17.2kg) and females 25-34lbs (11.3 to 15.4kg).

Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are outstanding competitors in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred long and low to make sure that any kicks by cattle would travel safely over the dogs without touching them. Like most herding breeds, Cardigans are highly intelligent, active, athletic dogs. Affectionately known as “”a big dog in a small package”, Cardigans are affectionate, devoted companions that can also be alert and responsible guardians.

Cardigans are typically a “one-man dog”. They are quite wary of strangers and prefer to reserve their affection for a select few with whom they are familiar.

Breed-related health concerns include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and intervertebral disc protrusion. Any responsible breeder will be able to discuss breed health concerns with you.

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