This section is to help in identifying the Cardigan, especially in a rescue situation or for a shelter.  Volunteers find many Cardigans labeled as crosses due to the differences in what is known of the other corgi breed, the Pembroke.  Cardigans are also much less common than the Pembroke.  Crosses that are actually Cardigans that we most often see are Corgi x Cattle Dog, Corgi x Bassett Hound but we have also seen mention of Collie, Sheltie, Catahoula Leopard Dog and Australian Shepherd.  Also Dachshund crosses are sometimes actually a Cardigan.  Please note that in an effort to show the variations in the breed, all of the dogs featured on this page are in fact dogs that have come into rescue. 

Here are some things to consider when identifying a Cardigan Welsh Corgi in a rescue situation:

Body Type
The Cardigan is a long bodied, low to the ground animal.  They are of moderate bone structure although some may appear a little lighter in bone than others.  Silhouette is similar to that of a fox.  Other breeds that are long and low (but less like a fox) are the Bassett Hound or Dachshund, hence the misidentification.  The Cardigan front will appear to have a bow in which the legs wrap around the chest.  Chest is usually egg shaped and deep.  Fronts will vary greater due to breeding and lifestyle of any given dog.  Some dogs may appear very wide while others may seem narrow.

Tail
The Cardigan's tail resembles that of a fox.  Although the correct tail set should be low, higher tail sets occur often.  Please be aware that, for reasons unknown, tails are sometimes docked.  This is not a normal breed practice but several dogs have come through rescue in this condition and we feel it necessary to mention.  Conversely, Pembroke Corgis can also HAVE tails.  Usually coat and body style are different though (see prior notes on the Cardigan body type).

Size
Our AKC breed standard states,
"...a small, sturdy but powerful dog capable of endurance and speed." The average size of a Cardigan is about 12 inches tall (give or take).  Average weight for males is approximately 30-40 pounds.  Females average 25-32 pounds.  Many of the rescues we see are either very small or extremely overweight.  Again, these are averages of a normal dog so please keep this in mind.

Coat
The Cardigan is double coated (harder to the touch on top with a softer undercoat).  Although the standard calls for moderate length, longer coats are sometimes produced.  The dog shown to the right has a long coat.  Some dogs may also possess a coat that is a bit flatter with little to no undercoat.  As mentioned above, the tail resembles a fox-like brush.  Some dogs will have less coat on the tail than others. 

Please remember that many of the Cardigans that are found in shelters and brought into rescue are not the best examples of breed type, although we do see some very correct animals being left in rescue situations.  This information is offered in the hopes that as many Cardigans can be identified as possible.  The better the understanding of the breed, the better we can help these dogs to a better life and out of shelters/rescue situations. 

If you have questions in identifying a dog that you feel may be a purebred Cardigan Welsh Corgi, please consult our volunteer listing.  Any of the CWCNRT volunteers would be more that happy to help identify a dog and answer any questions you may have.  Also browse the many adoption stories on this site for more photos.