The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Wales. They are believed to be descended from Swedish Vallhund dogs that came to Wales with the Vikings. The phrase "cor gi" translates to "dwarf dog" in Welsh. 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 lbs. (13.6 to 17.2 kg) for the male and 25 to 34 lbs. (11.3 - 15.4 kg) for the bitch.

Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are outstanding competitors in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Like most herding breeds, Cardigans are intelligent, active, athletic dogs.

Unlike the similar Pembroke Corgi, the Cardigan's tail is never docked. Cardigans can be any shade of red, sable, or brindle; they can also be black with or without tan brindle or blue merle (black and gray or marbled) with or without tan or brindle. They usually have white on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underneath, tip of the tail, and as a blaze on the head.

See also Pembroke Welsh Corgi