Intelligent, playful, and highly adaptable (and of course an expert at “splooting”), Cardigan Welsh Corgis make the ideal pet for active families—with or without kids or other furry friends. Marathon-running overachiever? Your Cardigan will help you train. Pie-baking homebody? They’ll bark when it’s time to take it out of the oven. Working overtime? Guess who’ll always greet you at the door? The ultimate companions, Cardigans are just as happy to sit by your side binge-watching your favorite shows as they are playing fetch in the park. Still, as chatty and attentive as they can be, Cardis tend to be wary of strangers, so don’t be surprised when their sweet face barks non-stop when the doorbell rings. Wondering how to tell the Cardi from the Pembroke, the other Welsh Corgi? It’s all about the tail!
Breed Snapshot
Temperament:
Fun-lovingBrainyForever FriendCoat Color:
Black And WhiteBlue Merle And WhiteBrindle And WhiteRed And WhiteSable And White
Best For
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are best for active families with or without kids and other pets. They do well in a large homes with lots of space for frolic and fun, but with their compact size and low tendency to bark, they're ideal for apartment-dwellers.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are incredibly loyal to and affectionate with their families. These fun-loving pups get along well with kids, other dogs and even cats, provided they’re properly socialized when they’re a puppy. As a herding breed, your Corgi may try to herd your kids and nip at their heels, so remember to supervise playtimes with kids and your pup.
Their energy levels fall somewhere in between couch potato and triathlete. Cardis are just as happy to snuggle with you on the couch as they are to play outside all day—just so long as their family is there to keep them company. These smart dogs need variety in their training and exercise routine to keep them from getting bored and deciding your shoes make great chew toys.
Cardigans are not aggressive; however, they are wary around strangers and may take a while to warm up to visitors in the home. But getting them used to new people while they’re puppies will help them warm up more quickly to new friends as they grow up. And because these pups are big barkers, they’ll let you know every time someone comes to the door—making them quite the effective watchdog.
How to Care for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgis may be good-humored charmers, but that doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance. Cardigans need an exercise routine that varies daily, regular grooming and a ton of mental stimulation. On the plus side, a well-kept Cardi is a happy dog who will reward you with love and loyalty.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and unfortunately, are prone to a lot of health issues. But with proper care, knowledge and vet visits, you can help your pup live a long and happy life.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This disease is where a disc in the spine spontaneously degenerates. Symptoms may include laying around for a few days or an immediate loss of mobility. Depending on the severity, treatments range from pain relievers to surgery. All short-legged breeds are at higher risk for IVDD, and while it is not as prevalent in Cardigans as in Dachshunds, pet parents should be aware to avoid situations that could cause back problems such as jumping off of high places, like your couch.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This is a neurological condition that affects older dogs causing them to lose function in the hind limbs. Genetic testing (responsible breeders always test to avoid this condition) is the only way to “treat” this disease. While the test is not a guarantee that a dog won’t develop the disease, it is a good guideline.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is when the joint isn’t formed properly and rubs, causing the dog pain. Symptoms include lameness and “bunny hopping.” Treatments range from weight management to physical therapy to surgery. While these are not a common issue for Cardigans, reputable breeders screen their breeding stock to prevent the condition from being passed to future generations.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A dog with PRA gradually loses vision, often starting with night blindness. While there is no cure for PRA, dogs who lose sight can still lead happy lives.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi History
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s history dates back to medieval times. As the oldest of two Corgi dog breeds and one of the oldest breeds in Britain, Cardigan origins are believed to date back to 1200 B.C. when the Celts migrated with them from central Europe to Wales in the British Isles. Their name comes from the ancient kingdom of Cardiganshire and a variation of the Celtic word for “dog.”
Throughout their long history, Cardigans made excellent herding dogs due to their small agile stature, protective traits and ability to nip at the heels of cattle. Nowadays, these little doggies spend their time running around, protecting their family from the dreaded mailman and, if they failed obedience school, nipping at the heels of children.
Despite their differences, in Britain, Cardigans and Pembrokes, the favorite pup of Queen Elizabeth II, were considered a single breed until 1934. However, the first pair of Cardigans were shipped to the US in the early 1930s and were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1935.
So, where is the best place to find the Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed today? You can find a list of reputable breeders at the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, Cardigan prices average between $800 and $2,000. For these prices, you can rest assure you’re getting a dog who’s been carefully bred to avoid major temperament and health issues. You can also contact a Cardigan rescue organization or animal shelter to adopt a pup.
FAQs
Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed year-round, especially unneutered dogs and during their coat-blowing shedding season in the spring and fall. Still, it’s not excessive compared to other short-legged breeds like the Basset Hound and can be kept to a minimum with weekly brushings.
What is the difference between a Cardigan and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
The most significant differences are physical; a Cardigan’s tail is long (not docked), they have more prominent ears and come in more color varieties than the Pembroke. Personality-wise, while both are outgoing and love people, the Cardigan may take a minute to warm up to strangers.
Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good family dogs?
Cardigans are excellent family dogs; they are intelligent, playful, loyal and fiercely protective of their loved ones. What more can you ask for?
Should I get a Cardigan or a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
Your lifestyle will be the determining factor when choosing to get a Cardigan or a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Pembrokes tend to have more outgoing personalities and are always ready for a party. Cardigans are more reserved when meeting new people and take a bit to warm up.
What are the most popular Cardigan Welsh Corgi names?
Some of the most popular Cardigan Welsh Corgi names are Luna, Lucy, Charlie, Bella, Cooper, Daisy, Winston, Stella, Piper, Lola, Zoe, Willow, Milo, Millie, Bailey, Louie, Bear, Lily, Oliver, Max, Ellie, Bentley, Sophie, Dexter, Toby, Penny, Rocky, Molly, Loki and Sadie.
What are the most common Cardigan Welsh Corgi mixes?
The most common Cardigan Welsh Corgi mixes are:
- Corgi-Husky mix (Siborgi or Horgi)
- Corgi-German-Shepherd mix (Corman Shepherds or German Corgi)
- Corgi-Chihuahua mix (Chigi)
- Corgi-Golden Retriever mix (Golden Retriever Corgi)
- Corgi-Dachshund mix (Dorgi)

Top Takeaways
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are affectionate, loyal pets who make wonderful family members for patient pet parents. They may need a lot of socialization and activities to keep themselves out of trouble, but so what? These versatile, smiley-faced dogs live to make you happy whether that includes outdoor adventures or at your feet as you snuggle on the sofa with a good book.
Expert input provided by veterinarian and breeder Sara Austin, DVM who runs the Austin Veterinary Animal Hospital in Beaufort, N.C. and owner of Salty Creek Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Amber Walker, KPA-CTP, zoologist, and owner of Animal Intuitions.

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Top Cardigan Welsh Corgi Names
These are the top Cardigan Welsh Corgi names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!
Female Names
- Luna
- Gamma
- Daisy
- Maggie
- Millie
- Sophie
- June
- Ellie
- Leia
- Coco
Male Names
- Winston
- Loki
- Milo
- Finn
- Oliver
- Max
- Cooper
- Jack
- Ollie
- Henry
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