Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed: Cardigan Welsh Corgis stand from 10.5 to 12.5 inches high at the shoulder and they weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. Their thick, double coat sheds throughout the year, but is easy to maintain with regular brushing.
Read More >
Appearance
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are low, long dogs who measure anywhere from 36 to 43 inches long from the nose to tail tip. They have large, pronounced, erect ears which sit high atop the head and their tails set low on the body. They have short legs with round feet with turn slightly outward. Their muzzles are rounded and tapering. The Cardigan has a thick double coat of fur which is thicker and more abundant on the underside of the tail, the backs of the legs and at the ruff. They come in shades of red, sable and brindle, black, black and tan, brindle and black or blue merle. Their eye color varies in accordance with the coloring of the dog, but blue eyes are only acceptable in merle Cardigans. The ACK standard states that a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is, “a handsome, powerful, small dog, capable of both speed and endurance, intelligent, sturdily built but not coarse.”
Size and Weight
Per the breed standard, the overall balance of the dog is of more importance than his size. The average size for Cardigans, however is approximately 10.5 to 12.5 inches at the withers. Males should weigh in between 30 and 38 pounds and females should average between 25 and 34 pounds.
Coat and Color
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have medium-length, thick double coats. The outer coat is harsh in texture, but not wiry, and provides protection from the elements. Their undercoats provide insulation and is plush, thick and short. Though their hair is thick, the dog shouldn't appear fluffy. Cardigans come all shades of brindle, sable and red. Black with or without tan is also common, as is Blue merle which may or may not have tan points. Some Cardigans sport white spots on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle or head.
Grooming Needs
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are easy to groom. Their medium-length coat only requires a weekly brushing to remove loose and dead hair. Twice a year the Cardigan will shed more heavily, and brushing may need to occur several times per week. Frequently bathing a Cardigan will cause the natural weatherproof oils in the hair to break down, so it is important to only bath a Corgi as-needed. They are naturally clean dogs, so most owners only bathe their dogs once every three or four months.
As with all dog breeds, it is important to maintain the health of the ears and teeth. Their erect ears aren't as prone to infections as other breeds, but they should be examined weekly to check for signs of redness or irritation. Brush your Corgi's teeth once per week to keep harmful, smelly bacteria at bay.
Pictures
Temperament & Personality