Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Cardigans are known to become easily overweight and careful monitoring of their weight is essential. Cardigans are recommended to be fed high-quality dog food based on their activity level and nutritional needs. Two small meals a day rather than one large one is recommended for better digestion. Also, avoid giving them too many treats. It's true, Cardigans can hear a cheese wrapper from miles away?but that doesn?t mean you give them the whole piece. Feel their ribs, and if you can?t feel them easily with your fingertips, your dog is most likely overweight.

Cardigans are heavy shedders, with coat ''blowouts'' often twice a year. They have a short, dense undercoat and a thick outer coat that protects them from weather extremes. They're not very difficult to groom, but you will need to brush them often to keep the shedding under control, especially during periods of heavier seasonal shedding.

Once a week brushing should keep the Cardigan?s coat healthy and looking its best. Keeping their hair trimmed on the bottom part of the feet helps reduce the amount of dirt they could bring into the house. Their nails should be kept trimmed as well.

Corgis can be touchy about their feet?handling a puppy's feet regularly when they're young can help make to make nail trimming easier on both of you when they grow up.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis need daily exercise and do best if given a task, even if it's as simple as fetching a ball. Not to be deceived by their short legs, these Corgis require an adequate amount of exercise and likes to keep busy and active. Cardigans still have their herding instincts from their ancestors so they like constant activity in their daily life. They do tend to nip heels and chase feet.

They are known to have back and joint problems, so they must be supervised when climbing up and down the stairs. It is advisable not to encourage stair climbing and jumping until the puppy is at least six months to a year old. Due to their high susceptibility to weight gain, Cardigans need regular exercise to keep them at a healthy weight. Taking them on walks at least an hour a day is recommended.

Cardigans may need frequent vet visits as they tend to become overweight, which can lead to back and joint problems. Other joint problems can occur at the shoulders and wrists.

Screening for Hip Dysplasia and eye check-ups should be done regularly. Vet visits every 6 months is recommended to monitor your Corgis' overall wellbeing.

Cardigans are often a little reserved when it comes to strangers, but they are fun-loving once they open up. They do well around children, other dogs, and other pets if they are raised together but be aware of their tendency to herd others occasionally. They will need to be taught that running children are not livestock to be rounded up by a nip on the heels.

Despite their cute appearance, Cardis will guard their homes like a true guard dog. They are obedient, loyal to their family and are ideally suited to active families.

Cardis need a firm but patient hand in training and a good sense of humour will go a long way. Treats can be used for positive reinforcement to help aid training. Cardigans can compete in almost all performance events, including herding and agility. They should socialized at an early age and training should start as soon as possible. Cardigans are intelligent dogs that will take on any challenge. They are not too difficult to train, but they can be dominant and may take over during training sessions if given a chance.

Cardigan Corgis are good with other dogs and other animals if raised with them, but they have a tendency to occasionally herd others. Early exposure to other unfamiliar dogs can help with their occasionally tough attitude.