How to Identify a Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Noticing Body Structure

Look at the size of the dog. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are small for herding dogs, standing at 10.5–12.5 inches (27–32 cm). Males weigh 30–38 pounds (14–17 kg), while females weigh 25–34 pounds (11–15 kg).

Check the ears. Cardigans have large, prominent ears. They are carried erect, moderately wide at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. They slope slightly forward when the dog is alert.Did you know? Cardigan Welsh Corgis have an incredibly acute sense of hearing. Their large ears allow them to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar sounds and enable them to know to move out of the way if a cow is getting ready to kick.

Examine the eyes. The eyes of a Cardigan are medium to large in size and widely set. The eyes are clear and dark in harmony with the coat color, with dark rims. Blue merle dogs may have partially or completely blue eyes.

View the muzzle. A Cardigan's muzzle is described "rounded but not blunt" and "tapered but not pointed". The muzzle is parallel to the head but on a lower level because of a moderate stop. The nose is black, though blue merles may have butterfly, or partially unpigmented, noses.

Find the tail. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have fairly long, fox-like brush tails. They are set low on the body line. The tail is carried low when the dog is standing or moving slowly, streaming out parallel to the ground when running, and lifted when excited, though never curled over the back.

Inspect the overall build. Cardigans are low-set and moderately heavy-boned. They are powerful yet small, sturdily built, and strong. Cardigans have a free, smooth, effortless gait that demonstrates agility, endurance, and freedom of movement as a herding dog.

Viewing the Coat

Assess the appearance and texture of the coat. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have dense double coats that are medium in length. The outer coat is slightly harsh in texture, weather-resistant, and relatively smooth-lying, while the undercoat is short, soft, thick, and insulating. The fur is short on the ears, head, and legs; medium in length on the body; and slightly longer and thicker on the backs of the thighs, underside of the tail, and ruff.

Check the coat color and pattern. A Cardigan's coat may be any shade of red, sable, or brindle. It may also be blue merle (which appears as marbled black and gray) or black, with or without any tan points or brindle.

Take notice of white markings. White markings are common on Cardigans on the neck (in part or as a collar), chest, legs, muzzle, underbody, and tail tip. White facial markings may appear as a blaze but should not predominate or surround the eyes.

Examining the Temperament

See if the dog is laid-back. As herding dogs, Cardigans do need exercise; however, a short walk or run around the yard will suffice. They will assess something before taking part in it.

Look for adaptability. Cardigans are highly adaptable. They will go on a new adventure or lie by their owner's side; you can do just about anything with a Cardigan.

Notice if the dog is even-tempered. Overall, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are even-tempered dogs. They can be adventurous and settled, serious and funny, and loving and independent.

Watch for affection. Cardigan Welsh Corgis love being around people. They make delightful companions and will enjoy doing whatever their family is doing.

Recognize intelligence. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very smart dogs, so it is important to train them. They can learn things quickly, such as herding commands.