Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of Wales' two distinct corgi breeds (along with the Pembroke), recognized as the older variety with documented history dating back over 1,000 years. Brought to Wales by Celtic tribes, Cardigans worked as versatile farm dogs, herding cattle and guarding property. Standing 10-13 inches tall but weighing 25-38 pounds, these long, low dogs have substantial bone and muscular builds hidden beneath their short stature.

Cardigans have long, fox-like tails (unlike Pembrokes who are naturally tailless or docked), deep chests, and short, powerful legs. Their ears are large, rounded, and erect, giving them alert expressions. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have medium-length double coats coming in various colors including red, sable, brindle, black, or blue merle, all with or without white markings and brindle points.

They have slightly longer bodies than Pembrokes with more curved toplines. Their large, round eyes convey intelligence and can be blue in merle-colored dogs. Cardigans have large, well-padded feet turned slightly outward.

These herding dogs' low stature allowed them to nip at cattle heels while ducking kicks. The breed nearly became extinct in the early 1900s but dedicated breeders preserved these capable workers.