Cardigan Welsh Corgis 101

Herding group

The Cardigan is the larger of two breeds of Welsh Corgis (the more popular Pembroke is the other). Corgis are intelligent and courageous, befitting a small dog developed to herd big livestock. Corgis can be bossy if limits aren’t set and kept. They benefit from early socialization and manners training.

What we love about Cardigan Welsh Corgis

The Cardigan Corgi has a big, fluffy tail

Cardigans are active dogs who don’t allow their short legs to slow them down. They need regular exercise (and portion control) to help with their tendency to put on weight. Keeping them fit is essential to help with the health risks posed by their long backs.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Talkative
  • As needed

Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently

Size

10.5 to 12.5 inches tall
Small breed size

Size: 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years average

Weight

25 to 38 lbs

Weight: 25 to 38 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Very vocal
Height
10.5 to 12.5 inches
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Weight
25 to 38 lbs

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall and weighs 25 to 38 lbs. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a very vocal bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Cardigan Welsh Corgis get?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis stand 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 25 and 38 pounds.
How long do Cardigan Welsh Corgis live?
The average lifespan of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.
Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good for first-time dog owners?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis bark a lot?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Cardigan Welsh Corgi health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Mid-life Cardigan Welsh Corgis should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Trauma
Average Risk

Senior Cardigan Welsh Corgi

9+ years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Senior Cardigan Welsh Corgis face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis poses very high risk. Intervertebral disc disease and Kidney failure are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Kidney failure
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk

Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis are at high risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion †
Moderate Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis †
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis †
High Risk

Young adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

As Cardigan Welsh Corgis grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Mid-life Cardigan Welsh Corgis should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Trauma
Average Risk

Senior Cardigan Welsh Corgi

9+ years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Senior Cardigan Welsh Corgis face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis poses very high risk. Intervertebral disc disease and Kidney failure are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Kidney failure
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk

Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis are at high risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion †
Moderate Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis †
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis †
High Risk

Young adult Cardigan Welsh Corgi

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cardigan Welsh Corgi conditions

As Cardigan Welsh Corgis grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk
Cardigan Welsh corgi standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Cardigan Welsh Corgi's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Gastroenteritis: High Risk, Conjunctivitis: High Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Toxicity: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Conjunctivitis: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Intervertebral disc disease: Above Average Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Intervertebral disc disease: High Risk, Kidney failure: High Risk, Arthritis: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact-Cardigan Welsh corgi GettyImages-1155235429

The Cardigan is named for the Cardiganshire area of Wales, which is also the origin of the sweater of the same name.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi coat care and colors

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a downy undercoat and a stiff overcoat. Combing down to the skin and then brushing helps prevent the undercoat from matting and reduces shedding. A heavy seasonal shedder, the Corgi benefits from professional bathing and a “blowout” a couple of times a year to reduce flying fur. Avoid wrestling matches at nail trimming time by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The short legs of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi mean they can get a lot of exercise on a walk without a lot of distance – but they’ll always take more activity if they can get it.

Trainability

Trainability

Cardigan Corgis are smart and learn things quickly. They do, however, tend to think they know better than their families do and may consider obedience rather optional. With positive training and consistent handling, they're more likely to see things your way.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi fun facts

Top girl names for Cardigan Welsh Corgis

100%

of Cardigan Welsh Corgis are female

0%

of Cardigan Welsh Corgis are male

Top boy names for Cardigan Welsh Corgis

Nationwide loves Cardigan Welsh Corgis of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Cardigan Welsh Corgis insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Cardigan Welsh Corgis

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