Routine Care: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active. With short legs and a long back, you must be mindful of how they move around furniture.
Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis need a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year their coat blows and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time.
Dental: Cardigan Welsh Corgis generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a big dog in a small package. They enjoy herding and agility activities as well as quality time with their family. Females may be significantly smaller than males.
Positive Traits:
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Good with kids and other pets
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Easily motivated and trainable
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Devoted, loyal, and protective
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Even-tempered; adapts to a wide variety of environments
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Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark
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Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat
Negative Traits:
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Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble
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Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership
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Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices
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Has a tendency to herd, including small children
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Sheds quite a bit
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Standoffish toward strangers
Whether you are considering adding a new Cardigan Welsh Corgi to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Cardigan Welsh Corgi will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.
By exploring the health concerns specific to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.
Some health issues a Cardigan Welsh Corgi could encounter:
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi ("the Corgi with a tail") originated in Wales around 1200 BC. They were bred for guarding, managing cattle, and vermin hunting. Corgis are short and low to the ground to protect them from the kicks of cattle; the hoof of a cow would fly over their head. The Cardigan is an affectionate and active companion that excels in herding and agility competitions. They are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all dogs, they do have some health concerns to watch for such as spinal disk disease and bladder stones. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.
Consult with a veterinarian if your Cardigan Welsh Corgi shows signs of the following:
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Unwilling to jump, pain, hunched back, paralysis
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Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes
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Cloudiness to eye lens
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Squinting, watery eyes, bluing cornea, redness, enlarged eye
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Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting
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Painful eye, excessive tearing, eyes may appear asymmetric or cloudy
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Dilated pupils in daylight, or increased "eye shine" at night
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Bumping into objects, startles easily
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Pain or straining to urinate, bloody urine
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General reluctance to run or play
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Dragging the hind toes and hind limb weakness
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Unplanned pregnancy can be dangerous
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Weakness and excessive clumsiness in the rear legs
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Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain
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Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds
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No symptoms progressing to weakness and gum color change
