For about 70 years, the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known as separate breeds. There are many theories concerning the Welsh Corgi. One states that both of the varieties descended from Swedish Vallhunds, brought in the 800’s to Wales by the Vikings.

Another theory says that the Cardigan variety is older and was brought to Wales in 1200 B.C. by Celtics people, as the word Corgi comes from a Celtic word that means dog.

The only thing that is sure about this breed is that it has been developed in Cardiganshire in Wales. This breed was used as a cattle driver, a vermin hunter and a farm guard. It’s only after 1930, that the two varieties started to be bred separately.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes in all shades of red, sable and brindle. It can either be black or blue merle, all with or without tan or brindle spots. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can have white on the neck, the muzzle, the legs, the chest, under the body, at the end of the tail and a line on the head.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s coat is medium in length and thick. The outer coat is smooth, weather resistant and harsher than the undercoat, as the undercoat is short soft and dense. Hairs are short on the ears, the legs and the head. The dog has medium hair on the body and longer hair in the ruff, on the back of the thighs and under the tail.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is less sociable and more territorial than the Pembroke variety. Loyal, devoted, protective and suspicious of strangers, they make fine guard dogs. This breed tends to bark a lot, so it makes a great alarm dog. It is a very intelligent dog, obedient, willing to please, affectionate and loving with the family. This is a good breed for kind and smooth children. It might be possessive of its own things with other dogs. Easily trained, they are excellent show and obedience dogs.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to glaucoma (an eye disorder that, if not treated, can lead to blindness), PRA, and back disorders. It is important to never overfeed this breed as it may become obese. The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds twice a year and needs to be brushed and bathed only when necessary.

This breed is very easy to train but must be shown not to nip people and be socialized to prevent over-protectiveness.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is even more active than the Pembroke. They must have a lot of daily exercise or they might become obese and lazy.