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The Cardigan is a long, low dog with upright ears and a fox-like appearance. The old American Kennel Club standard called it an "Alsatian on short legs". Unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, whose tail is usually docked,[1] the Cardigan's tail is long. Cardigans can be any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points. They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and as a blaze on the head. Other markings include ticking on the legs and muzzle, smutty muzzles, monk's hoods, and others. A few other unofficial colors can occur, such as red merle. An average Cardigan is around 10.5 to 12.5 inches (260 to 315 mm) tall at the withers and weighs from 30 to 38 lb. (13.6 to 17.2 kg) for the male and 25 to 34 lb. (11.3 to 15.4 kg) for the female.

Cardigans are said to originate from the Teckel family of dogs, which also produced Dachshunds.[2] They are among the oldest of all herding breeds, believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years. Although originally the breed included only brindle and red variants, through crossbreeding with collies, the colors of the Cardi grew to include tricolor and blue merle. The phrase "cor gi" is sometimes translated as "dwarf dog" in Welsh. The breed was often called "yard-long dogs" in older times. Today's name comes from their area of origin, Cardiganshire, Wales. Originally used only as a farm guardian, they eventually took on the traits of a cattle drover, herder, and many more. They are still highly valued for their herding, working, and guarding skills, as well as their companionship.

Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are also competitive in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred long and low to make sure that any kicks by cattle would travel safely over the dogs without touching them. Like most herding breeds, Cardigans are highly intelligent, active, athletic dogs. Affectionately known as "a big dog in a small package," Cardigans are affectionate, devoted companions that can also be alert and responsible guardians. Cardigan Corgis are typically a 'one-man dog'. They tend to be wary of strangers and to reserve their affection for a select few with whom they are familiar. If socialized at a young age, they can be nice with other dogs and housepets.