General Appearance
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low-set dog with a strong, sturdy body and heavy bone structure. Despite its short stature, it is powerful and agile, designed for endurance and quick movement. The breed gives an impression of substance in a small package, with a foxlike expression and a tail that flows in line with the body.
Size, Proportion, Substance
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Height: Approximately 10.5 to 12.5 inches at the withers
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Weight:
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Males: 30–38 pounds
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Females: 25–34 pounds
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Proportion: The body is longer than tall, in a 1.8 to 1 ratio.
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Substance: Solid and muscular with heavy bone and a deep chest.
Head
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Expression: Intelligent, alert, and watchful.
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Skull: Broad and flat between the ears, tapering slightly toward the eyes.
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Stop: Moderate.
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Muzzle: Tapered and strong, about the same length as the skull.
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Nose: Always black.
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Bite: Scissors bite.
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Eyes: Medium-sized, oval, and dark. Eye rims are black. Blue eyes are acceptable in merle-colored dogs only.
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Ears: Large in proportion to the head, slightly rounded at the tips, and erect. Set widely apart and slightly turned outward.
Neck, Topline, Body
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Neck: Long, strong, and well-muscled, blending smoothly into the shoulders.
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Topline: Level, with a slight rise over the loin permissible.
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Back: Strong and firm.
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Chest: Deep and well-developed with a prominent forechest.
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Ribs: Well-sprung and carried well back.
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Tail: Long, set low, and carried in line with the body; resembles a fox’s brush.
Forequarters
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Shoulders: Well laid back and angulated to allow free front movement.
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Forelegs: Short but powerful with strong bone, slightly curved to mold around the chest.
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Pasterns: Slightly sloping.
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Feet: Round, compact, and turned slightly outward.
Hindquarters
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Hips: Broad and muscular.
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Thighs: Strong and well-developed.
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Stifles: Moderately bent.
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Hocks: Well let down and perpendicular to the ground.
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Feet: Same as the front, but pointing straight ahead.
Coat
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Texture: Medium length, double coat; outer coat is harsh and weather-resistant, undercoat is short and dense.
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Color: All colors are acceptable, including red, sable, brindle, black, blue merle, with or without white markings. Ticking is permitted. White should not predominate.
Gait / Movement
Free and effortless. The Cardigan’s movement is smooth and ground-covering, with good reach in the front and drive in the rear. The back remains level while moving.
Temperament
The Cardigan is loyal, affectionate, and adaptable. While more reserved with strangers than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, it is never shy or aggressive. This breed is an excellent companion for families and gets along well with children and other animals when properly socialized.
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Disposition: Even-tempered, alert, intelligent
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Training: Highly trainable with a desire to please
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Watchdog Ability: Naturally alert and protective
Faults
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Cow hocks or straight stifles
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Weak pasterns
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Excessive shyness or aggression
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Ears that do not stand erect
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Oversized or underweight dogs
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White that dominates the head or body
Disqualifications
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Blue eyes in non-merle dogs
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Floppy ears after six months of age
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Docked tail or bobtail
Ideal Owner
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi thrives in homes that offer companionship, mental stimulation, and moderate exercise. They are excellent in obedience, agility, herding, and as family pets, making them ideal for active families and individuals alike.