Cardigan Welsh Corgi FAQ
Some frequently asked questions about the breed.
Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis Shed?
Yes. Or as we say "Only on days that end in Y". Vacuuming and keeping up with routine brushing will make it not as bad. Typically the shedding is the worst twice a year - in spring and fall. But " corgi confetti" as I call it will be in your house when you own one.
Do Cardigans Bark?
YES. As a herding breed barking is one of their innate characteristics. They can be trained to not bark at everything - but by nature, they will bark. They are great watchdogs and their bark is usually much bigger than they are, so they are great if you live alone.
I live in an apartment but I LOVE corgis! Is a Cardi right for me?
It depends. Cardigans (like any dog) need proper mental and physical exercise to be happy. A bored Cardigan is a NAUGHTY one. They WILL make things up that you will not like. I live in an apartment and I do various dog sports and regular walks make for happy dogs. Overall a dedicated owner can live with a Cardigan happily in an apartment. The plus is you and your dog will be active and Cardigans are usually within the size limits for most apartments and Condos.
Are they smart?
Very much so! However, you need to be smarter than them. These dogs are not robotic in their obedience and devotion to you. They are a thinking breed - they had to be as an all-purpose farm dog. They also have a sense of humor! You have to be prepared for a dog with a lot of personality to make you laugh. (Your idea of humorous might not match the dog's from time to time.)
So, does this mean they are stubborn? I want a dog I can TRAIN.
No, they are not stubborn. They will train you if you don't step up to the plate - which can be mistaken for stubborn. Cardigans love to learn and be taught new things - they WANT to please you and LOVE your company, but it has to be fun. Going back to them being a thinking breed, they love to use their minds. I found that shaping new tricks and behaviors with a clicker and keeping sessions short and fun work best. Once they "get it" - end it! Repetition bores them and they will invent new things that you weren't planning for.
Can they be left alone for long periods of time?
Honestly, no dog breed meant as a family companion should be left alone all day. Cardis thrive on your company. However, being realistic, for a typical 9 hour work day they can be left alone provided they have enough exercise before and after you come home. A reliable dog walker is a great resource to have, especially with puppies.
Are they good with other pets?
Yes, if properly introduced. Good rule of thumb is to have an opposite sex pair of dogs in the house but the individual personality of each dog will be more important over whether they are male or female. I have a mix of both females and males and everyone gets along. Take note - most Cardigans do not like rude "in-your-face" rough and tumble large breed dogs. They were bred for farm work and used on cattle - so they are spacial by nature. Allowing a pushy dog to run wild on your cardigan can result in you getting dirty looks from your doggy play-group when your dog has had enough with the obnoxious dog. Be smart about having your dog or puppy play with a much larger dog than they are. A swipe of a paw or tackle can result in an injury. By no means are they frail, but smaller dogs can get hurt playing rough with a big dog (even if they are best of friends).
Cats - my dogs are raised with cats and are taught to properly respect them. The cats have their own area of the place to eat in peace too. A puppy must be taught from day one the cat is not to chew on or chase.
Birds/Small Animals - again, if they are raised with them from puppies it should not be an issue. My dogs love to chase and hunt small critters and birds so if bringing home a rodent or another caged animal to a house with a Cardigan make introductions carefully and be sure the dog will have no access to the cage when you cannot supervise. Last thing you want to do is explain to the kids is that the dog ate the class hamster.
Cats - my dogs are raised with cats and are taught to properly respect them. The cats have their own area of the place to eat in peace too. A puppy must be taught from day one the cat is not to chew on or chase.
Birds/Small Animals - again, if they are raised with them from puppies it should not be an issue. My dogs love to chase and hunt small critters and birds so if bringing home a rodent or another caged animal to a house with a Cardigan make introductions carefully and be sure the dog will have no access to the cage when you cannot supervise. Last thing you want to do is explain to the kids is that the dog ate the class hamster.
What grooming is required?
The tradeoff to having this breed is that despite the shedding, most Cardigans require little grooming - at least nothing more than you can do at home.
A cardigan with a proper coat texture repels snow, hail, rain and mud. They will pick up mud on their bellies and feet but a quick towel dry is usually all that is needed. Bathing is easy and is only done on pets when the dogs get really stinky or during heavy shedding.
Some cardigans are known as "fluffies" where they have longer coat on their chest, ears, pants and tail. Some can get a lot of coat which will require professional grooming - or you can learn to do it at home. Unless your cardigan needs to be shaved due to a medical reason, matting on the belly and pants area, or age related reason, shaving down will do more harm than good. Their double coat protects them from all climates - including summer weather! Most fluffies, despite the longer length of hair, still have the harsh weatherproof coat. It all depends on the individual dog.
A cardigan with a proper coat texture repels snow, hail, rain and mud. They will pick up mud on their bellies and feet but a quick towel dry is usually all that is needed. Bathing is easy and is only done on pets when the dogs get really stinky or during heavy shedding.
Some cardigans are known as "fluffies" where they have longer coat on their chest, ears, pants and tail. Some can get a lot of coat which will require professional grooming - or you can learn to do it at home. Unless your cardigan needs to be shaved due to a medical reason, matting on the belly and pants area, or age related reason, shaving down will do more harm than good. Their double coat protects them from all climates - including summer weather! Most fluffies, despite the longer length of hair, still have the harsh weatherproof coat. It all depends on the individual dog.
Are they a good family dog?
YES!!!!!
Cardigans love their people and they love to be part of things. They love children as well. But with just like with every dog, regardless of breed, children must be taught to not treat the dog as a ragdoll or trampoline. Hitting, punching, prodding, pulling can quickly turn a patient dog into a dog that bites.
Cardigans love their people and they love to be part of things. They love children as well. But with just like with every dog, regardless of breed, children must be taught to not treat the dog as a ragdoll or trampoline. Hitting, punching, prodding, pulling can quickly turn a patient dog into a dog that bites.
Can they be trusted off leash?
With enough training, yes. A reliable solid recall is key. Keep in mind, I am talking about having the dog play off-leash in a park or beach. Always use common sense before letting your dog run off leash anywhere and obey the leash laws!
Is there such a thing as a "mini corgi" or a "Blue Merle Pembroke"?
No. Never. Some are smaller than others but overall they range from 25-35 lbs. Anyone claiming to sell "mini corgis" is not the person I would buy a dog from. Corgi mixes can be smaller depending on the other breeds used, but in no way are they a purebred Cardigan welsh corgi or Pembroke Welsh Corgi, or a size variation of them.
There is also NO SUCH THING as a "blue merle Pembroke Corgi". The blue merle color is exclusive to Cardigan Welsh Corgis and any person claiming to have "registered purebred blue merle pembrokes" is lying about breeding 2 totally different breeds together. "Texas Corgis", "Cowboy Corgis" "American Corgis" - all mixes of various breeds. They are not purebred, they certainly are not rare, nor should a buyer be paying a premium price for one.
There is also NO SUCH THING as a "blue merle Pembroke Corgi". The blue merle color is exclusive to Cardigan Welsh Corgis and any person claiming to have "registered purebred blue merle pembrokes" is lying about breeding 2 totally different breeds together. "Texas Corgis", "Cowboy Corgis" "American Corgis" - all mixes of various breeds. They are not purebred, they certainly are not rare, nor should a buyer be paying a premium price for one.
Do you cut their tails off?
No. Pembroke Welsh Corgis in the USA typically have their tails docked at a couple days old or are born with a natural bob tail. But they are not the same breed as Cardigans.
How energetic are they?
Some more than others, they all love walks and playtime and if you have a small yard the longer the walk the better. Some of my dogs have always been mellow and some have a lot more drive.
Another reason why research and meeting breeders and their dogs is key. Plus a good breeder will match the right puppy to your home.
Another reason why research and meeting breeders and their dogs is key. Plus a good breeder will match the right puppy to your home.