Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds from Wales and is recognisable by its long tail and large ears. It is calmer and a little more reserved than the Pembroke, but just as clever and hard-working.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Welsh Corgi Cardigan by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 6 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
X-ray Once from 2 years
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: lateral (C1 to Cd1 must be assessable)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
Recommended examinations (6)
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PDE6A: c.1847del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Welsh Corgi Cardigan, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Hip dysplasia (HD) and Merle colour test (PMEL). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Elbow dysplasia (ED), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Cardigan needs varied daily walks and enjoys training or dog sports. Its double coat needs a weekly brush, more often during the moult.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Cardigan is loyal and watchful, and often reserved with strangers. It needs consistent training and early socialisation. With this breed, colour is also a matter for the breeding programme: note the merle rule above.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
