Fact Sheet Dog Breeds Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan

 3. Problems/syndromes that may occur in the breed

Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Note: Of several problems and diseases common to the Welsh Corgi, only the most important of the known breed-typical defects and predispositions to health problems* are listed here:

* (please also refer to the existing information sheets on individual defects, in particular Fact sheet no. 31 Basset Hound, Fact sheet no. 5 Dog Tail, Fact sheet no. 6 Dog Merle Syndrome and Fact sheet no. 30 Pekingese).

• Chondrodysplasia/Chondrodystrophy
• IVDD
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Shortened tail
• Eye diseases 

4. Other problems that may occur frequently

In the veterinary literature, in addition to the breed-typical defects listed under point 3, there are references to the occurrence of the following problems, which are not described further below, as no definitive conclusions can yet be drawn from the known prevalences and breeders, breeding clubs and associations do not state any prevalences that are collected under scientific conditions. In these cases, however, the following statement applies: „The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence“.

a) Welsh Corgi Pembroke

• Inflammatory myopathy with atrophy of the tongue muscles
• Dystocia
• Exercise induced collapse 
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Histiocytic sarcoma
• Claw/paw injuries
• Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
• Lymphoma
• Increased perinatal mortality
• Urolithiasis
• Von Willebrand disease (vWD1)

b) Welsh Corgi Cardigan

• Dystocia
• Exercise induced collapse
• Urolithiasis
• Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD1)
• Deafness due to Merle factor 
• Patellar luxation

5. Symptoms and pathological value of the most important defects mentioned above under point 3: Significance/impact on the physical/psychological well-being (burden) of the defect in the individual animal and classification in burden category*

*The individual breeding-related defects are assigned to different burden categories (BC) depending on their degree of severity. The overall burden category is based on the most severe defect found in the individual animal. The BC system as a further development based on the Swiss model is still being developed and is only intended as a guide. The BC values given here should therefore be regarded as provisional. The main reason for this is that the German Animal Welfare Act does not contain a justiciable basis for classification into burden categories. In contrast to Switzerland, the legal standards in Germany do not quantify pain, suffering or damage or assess their quality, but take them into account if they affect the animal more than just insignificantly.

The burdens that can be caused by defective breeding characteristics are divided into 4 categories (Art. 3 TSchZV, Switzerland). The overall assessment of an animal’s suitability for breeding is based on the category of the trait or symptom that has the greatest negative impact on the animal (Art. 4 TSchZV, Switzerland).

Category 0 (no burden): Breeding is permitted with these animals.

Category 1 (mild burden): A mild burden is present if a burdenful expression of traits and symptoms in pets and farm animals can be compensated for by appropriate care, husbandry or feeding without intervention in the animal and without regular medical care measures.

Category 2 (medium burden): These animals may only be bred with if the breeding objective* includes that the burden level of the offspring is below that of the parent animals.

*For an evaluation in the information sheets, however, it is assumed that a breeding objective can actually be achieved through suitable breeding programs without the animals of the intermediate generations being expected to have breeding-related defects that could cause suffering, pain or damage (see also the corresponding expert opinion by Prof. Cirsovius).

Category 3 (severe burden): These animals must not be used for breeding.

Preliminary note on breeding-related defects that may be found in this breed: Breeding and dog shows are now international. Since no reliable prevalence data on defective traits are provided by breeders, breeding clubs, and associations, the available international scientific literature is evaluated.

Chondrodystrophy

Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan are classified as chondrodystrophic and disproportionate (longer than tall), short statured breeds. Chondrodystrophy is a developmental disorder of the cartilage tissue and manifests itself above all in typical disproportionate short stature with shortened long bones and premature degeneration and calcification of the intervertebral discs. Chondrodystrophy results from breeding in accordance with current breed standards and is associated with the trait „low-set“ with a „height at withers of 25-30 cm“ and „short legs“ (Welsh Corgi Pembroke) or „long in proportion to height“ (Welsh Corgi Cardigan). 

In their review, Smolders et al. (2013) describe the histopathological and biochemical changes in the intervertebral discs of chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic breeds. The occurrence of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs already in newborns of chondrodystrophic breeds indicates a genetic component in the etiology of intervertebral disc diseases in this group. In the Welsh Corgi, too, the characteristic of chondrodystrophy is strongly associated with the expression of certain genes. 

IVDD and other diseases associated with chondrodystrophy are discussed below.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Physical:
Dogs of chondrodystrophic breeds are more commonly affected by degenerative disc disease than dogs of non-chondrodystrophic breeds.
As in other chondrodystrophic breeds, degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs of the Welsh Corgi begin at a very early age and can affect all parts of the spine. The progressive progression of the processes can lead to herniated discs as early as 2 years of age.
In the Breed Profile of the Swedish veterinary health insurance company AGRIA, the relative risk of degenerative, dystrophic or dysplastic diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke between 2016 and 2021 was approx. 2.5 times higher than the average for all other insured breeds. For the Welsh Corgi Cardigan, a more than 25-fold increased relative risk of malformations and developmental disorders in the skeletal area is described.

In an early comprehensive retrospective American study, the Welsh Corgi was found to be among the breeds with a significantly increased relative risk of IVDD. In a case-control study, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke was one of the five breeds most frequently diagnosed with IVDD, with a prevalence of 15.1%. In their study, Packer et al (2013) quantified a significantly increased risk of disc extrusion in the thoracolumbar region of the spine in dogs of various breeds with a high ratio of back length to body height (height at withers), including Welsh Corgis. 

The onset is usually very acute. Animals show pain and signs of progressive myelopathy. Reviews summarize the clinical symptoms depending on the localization or the consequences. They range from mild discomfort without neurological deficits to paralysis of the affected limbs and loss of pain sensation.

Psychological:
Herniated discs are often associated with spinal cord injuries, which can have a negative impact on quality of life. Disc disease can be associated with severe pain for the animals. Chronic patients, especially those with paraplegia, require time-consuming and costly care and attention from pet owners due to their enormous limitations (loss of mobility, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, recurring urinary tract infections). The animals suffer as a result of these frequently necessary measures and the restrictions on movement. 

Burden category: 3

Degenerative myelopathy

Physical:
Most affected dogs show first clinical signs at the age of 5 years or older, on average they are at least 8 years old at the onset of clinical signs. The Welsh Corgi Pembroke showed a slightly higher age distribution (9 to 15 years, median 11 years).
Coates et al (2007), who first described this disease in great detail in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke, reported a disease prevalence of 0.51% (1.51% in the Welsh Corgi Cardigan) over a period of 10 years (1990-1999). A relatively high proportion of individuals of Welsh Corgis have the predisposing mutant gene. A Japanese genotyping study of 122 randomly selected Welsh Corgi Pembroke not clinically suspected of degenerative myelopathy found a prevalence for the SOD1 gene mutation associated with the disease (c.118G>A (p.E40K)) of 48.4 % (homozygosity, 42.6 % G/A heterozygosity) and an approximate 70 % allele frequency for the mutant A allele. In 2014, Zeng et al. reported an allele frequency for the mutant A allele of 79% in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and 32% in the Welsh Corgi Cardigan, the most common of the 65 breeds contributing to the study with more than 50 genotyped individuals after the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. In an Italian study of 1667 dogs and 84 breeds, which found allele frequencies of 25.6% (heterozygous carriers) and 8.9% for the mutant A allele, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke was the most commonly affected breed (prevalence for the mutation: 55.5%).
The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) reports a prevalence of 53.8% and 31.9% carriers for the gene mutation in its 2025 Breed Summary Report for the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. The Breed Report for the Welsh Corgi Cardigan shows a prevalence of 15.8 % for the disease and 29.7 % for carriers of the responsible gene mutation in 2025.
In its Breed Profile (period 2016-2021), AGRIA reports an approx. 1.3-fold increased relative risk of locomotor symptoms in the spinal region for both the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Welsh Corgi Cardigan compared to the average of all insured breeds.  

Degenerative myelopathy is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease with characteristic clinical signs and histopathologic lesions in the spinal cord. Progressive asymmetric paraparesis, generalized proprioceptive ataxia of the hind legs and absence of paraspinal hyperesthesia are the main clinical features. The disease progression is inexorable. Owners often decide to euthanize dogs within a year of the onset of clinical signs. If euthanasia is delayed, the weakness may spread to the front legs, with symptoms (of the lower motor neurons) such as flaccid quadriplegia, muscle atrophy, dysphagia and inability to bark. Urination and defecation may also be impaired in later stages. Pressure sores and painful ulcers can occur as a result of hind leg paralysis if owners are not careful. With prolonged disease, signs of respiratory dysfunction may also occur due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. This progressive respiratory dysfunction is accompanied by a change in respiratory movement to an abdominal breathing pattern, hypoventilation and, in later stages, hypoxemia. Urinary incontinence and deaths associated with respiratory impairment have been observed in studies of the long-term clinical course.

Psychological:
Affected dogs suffer from an inability to move or behave normally. Normal behaviors such as scratching and comfortable postures become difficult or impossible as the disease progresses, as do urination and defecation, and the need for grooming increases rapidly. Once the dog is paralyzed, it requires long-term care, which can also be stressful for the animal. Daily controlled physiotherapeutic measures have a life-prolonging effect, but also require cooperation from the affected animal and can therefore be associated with stress and additional strain.

Burden category: 3

Elbow dysplasia

Physical:
The OFA’s Breed Summary Report for 2025 reports a prevalence of 5.5% for grade I to III elbow dysplasia in the Welsh Corgie Pembroke and Cardigan. Both breeds showed an increased relative risk of locomotor problems and pain at the elbows in the AGRIA Breed Profile from 2016 to 2021 compared to the average of all breeds insured there (Welsh Corgi Pembroke: approx. 2.5-fold and more than 3-fold increased respectively, Welsh Corgi Cardigan: approx. 4-fold and more than 5-fold increased respectively). 

In short-legged/chondrodystrophic breeds, the curved shape of the forelimbs, caused by premature closure of the distal growth plate of the ulna (short ulna syndrome), can be significantly associated with clinical, radiological and kinematic findings that have a negative effect on well-being (lameness, reduced range of motion of the carpal joints, reduced extension of the elbow and shoulder joints, osteoarthritis).

Elbow dysplasia is a progressive joint disease that usually presents at a very young age (< 1.5 years) in the form of (intermittent) lameness, pain during movement and altered position of the limbs and leads to limited articulation of the elbow joint as the disease progresses. Surgical correction of the deformity may already be necessary in growing animals.

Psychological:
Affected dogs suffer from pain, limited motor skills and associated behavioral and mobility restrictions.

Burden category: 2 – 3

Hip dysplasia

Physical:
OFA’s regularly updated statistics show a prevalence of 21.7% for mild, moderate and severe hip dysplasia in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and 24.2% in the Welsh Corgi Cardigan.
Compared to the average of all insured breeds, data from the AGRIA insurance company (2016 – 2021) shows an approx. 4.8-fold increase in the relative risk of hip dysplasia for the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and an approx. 2-fold increase for the Welsh Corgi Cardigan. The relative risk for locomotor symptoms or pain in the hip area was increased approx. 3.7-fold for the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and approx. 1.6-fold for the Welsh Corgi Cardigan.
Over the last decades, the prevalence seems to be increasing in both breeds. The Welsh Corgi Pembroke has a high degree of laxity in the hip joint which, in contrast to large dog breeds, is less likely to lead to the development of typical osteoarthritis in the hip joint: A study of the radiographic phenotype of the hip joint in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke has shown that the relationship between the presence of osteophyte-like radiopaque lines along the femoral head neck and that of conventional hip joint osteoarthritis is, however, quite similar to that of large dog breeds. The presence of the distinct radiopaque line around the femoral head (regularly found in chondrodystrophic breeds such as the Welsh Corgi) also significantly increased the risk of subluxation, and the presence of both lines was significantly associated with hip dysplasia in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. 

Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial, polygenically inherited disease in which predisposed animals have a normal hip joint at birth that becomes dysplastic and exhibits increased laxity during postnatal development. Subluxation of the joint, varying degrees of flattening of the acetabulum and flattening of the femoral head characterize the dysplastic development, which ultimately leads to osteoarthrosis. The joint becomes unstable and excessively mobile, which can lead to uneven loading and pain.
Hip dysplasia results in reduced weight-bearing capacity and reduced movement function of the joint, which can lead to overloading of other areas of the body and damage to ligaments, articular cartilage and underlying bone as well. 

Psychological:
Dogs with hip dysplasia often show reduced activity, limited range of motion and difficulty or resistance when climbing, jumping, running or climbing stairs. This affects their well-being as they are less able to express themselves and interact with their environment, which can lead to frustration and behavioral changes.

Burden category: 2 – 3 depending on the degree of severity

Shortened tail
(see also leaflet no. 5 Dog tail)

Physical:
Within the Welsh Corgi Pembroke breed, the shortened tail trait is variable in its expression: the tail can range from 5 cm long to a quarter of the normal length and occasionally be kinked. Typically, the tail has a fleshy pad at its distal end and ends in a lush, hairy filament. A Norwegian study of two puppies born without tails from a mating of Welsh-Corgi-Pembroke parents with shortened tails describes severe anatomical malformations and damage to the stillborn or non-viable animals (missing lumbar and sacral vertebrae, atresia ani etc), some of which are already visible on inspection. Both animals were tested homozygous for the dominant mutation in the T gene (C295G). In heterozygous animals, which always carry a shortened tail, no connection with diseases of the spinal cord or vertebral malformations causing these is known to date. Compared to parents with a long tail, litter size may be reduced when crossing parents heterozygous for the mutated T gene.

According to the FCI breed standard, the Welsh Corgi Cardigan has a long, fox-like tail (see point 1).

Psychological:
A severely shortened tail severely restricts dogs in their species-specific expressive behavior and communication. Visual communication and the signals conveyed by the posture and movement of the tail, which are easy for animals and humans to „read“ and at the same time complex, are among the most important silent components of dog language. 

Among other things, dogs communicate visually with other individuals by changing the position of various body parts. The control by voluntary muscles enables dogs to show a wide range of postures and positions of body parts that convey different information about the inner state and intentions of the signal giver.

Humans have caused changes in the anatomy and morphology of dogs through artificial selection over many years that have reduced the ability of several breeds to give social signals. Dogs with shortened tails are limited in their ability to display some of the behavioral repertoire normally expressed by a full long tail.

Burden category: 2 

Eye disorders

Physical:
The Genetic Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) lists Persistent Pupillary Membrane (iris to iris, iris to cornea), Cataract, Distichiasis and Retinal Dysplasia (retinal folds) as conditions with a heritable or suspected heritable component in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke breed. The Welsh Corgi is also considered a breed predisposed to recurrent corneal erosions. Compared to the average of all insured breeds, data from the AGRIA insurance company (2016 – 2021) shows an approx. 1.6-fold increase in the relative risk of corneal ulcers for the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and an approx. 1.2-fold increase for the Welsh Corgi Cardigan.
Persistent pupillary membranes are a significant problem in this breed, with eye examinations often finding cords forming a bridge between the iris and cornea. These can be associated with corneal opacity, which in severe cases can lead to impaired vision. In distichiasis, unusually arranged eyelashes at the edge of the eyelid can lead to eye irritation. The prevalence of primary cataracts, which is the most common cause of blindness in dogs, was 3.05% in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and 2.5% in the Welsh Corgi Cardigan in a retrospective US study over four decades.

In the Welsh Corgi Cardigan, the Genetic Committee also lists Progressive Retinal Atrophy as a genetic disease of the retina that leads to blindness. 

Psychological:
Visual impairment or blindness due to these eye diseases have a significant impact on the animal’s behavior. By restricting or eliminating sensory impressions, they influence or restrict the various functional circuits of behavior such as expressive behavior and communication, orientation and general movement and thus the well-being of the animals.

Burden category: 2-3 depending on the degree of severity

Conclusion

In the Welsh Corgi (Pembroke/Cardigan), the breed-related (standard-related) initial values already result in an overall burden category of 2 – 3

Animal ethical evaluation of the torture breeding problem in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan

On the basis of the facts stated in this information sheet, which list the probability of a number of breeding-related defects in burden categories 2-3 (moderate to severe burden) and 3 (severe burden), it can be stated from an animal ethics perspective that continued breeding with affected animals of this breed is to be classified as highly problematic, as a breeder must expect that the animals he brings into the world through his breeding will have to endure or suffer considerable and continuous pain. This is already unacceptable if at least one of the breeding-related defects in burden categories 2-3 mentioned in this fact sheet occurs in a foreseeable manner in at least one of the animals bred by him, whereby „foreseeable“ are hereditary changes in the offspring even if it is uncertain whether they will only occur after a generation jump in later generations.

6. Heredity, genetics, known genetic tests if applicable, average genomic inbreeding coefficient (COI) for the breed if applicable

Chondrodysplasia

To date, a link has been established between chondrodysplasia and the FGF4 retrogene, which is located on the CFA-18 gene (chromosome 18). 

Chondrodysplasia is inherited polygenically with different characteristics. Genome-wide association studies in dogs of different breeds with versus without intervertebral disc disease (IVDD type I) were also able to link chondrodysplasia to the retrogenic FGF4 insertion on the CFA-12 gene (chromosome 12).

Dogs with both retrogenic FGF4 gene variations, such as corgis, have particularly short legs. The gene variation on chromosome 12 is particularly associated with the occurrence of intervertebral disc disease. Genetic tests based on the FGF retrogene on chromosome 12 are available.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy is considered an autosomal recessive disease with age-dependent incomplete penetrance: affected dogs are homozygous for the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mutation c.118G>A, but not all dogs with this mutation develop symptoms of the disease. It is hypothesized that additional genetic factors may play a role in the onset and progression of the disease. A study of homozygous affected and unaffected Welsh Corgi Pembroke reports the discovery of a modifier locus on chromosome 25: a haplotype within the SP110-nucleus-body protein, which is associated with an increased likelihood of homozygous dogs developing the disease. However, heterozygous dogs (SOD1 c118 A/G) can also show the histopathologically typical changes in the spinal cord. A DNA test based on the SOD1 mutation is available.

Elbow dysplasia

The genetic basis of elbow dysplasia appears to be inherited differently in different dog breeds. Studies also suggest that the polygenic traits that cause the various manifestations or primary lesions of ED are inherited independently. Due to the complexity of inheritance and the influence of environmental factors on the manifestation of the disease, it is unlikely that genetic tests will be available in the foreseeable future.

Hip joint dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial disease in which genetic predisposition plays a central role. It is considered a polygenic trait with a complex inheritance, the phenotypic expression of which is influenced by environmental factors. Due to the polygenic nature of the disease and the environmental factors, genetic screening is difficult and there are currently no molecular genetic tests available.

Shortened tail

The congenital shortened tail in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke is due to a mutation (Met63) of the canine T gene (C295G or C189G, exon 1), which codes for a transcription factor of the T-box transcription factor family and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. All Welsh Corgi Pembroke with congenitally shortened tail are heterozygous for the Met63 mutation, while homozygosity in dogs is thought to be lethal at the embryonic stage. A genetic test is available.

Eye diseases

A genetic basis for distichiasis, like that of primary cataracts, has not yet been established, but seems likely due to the high incidence in many breeds. 

The inheritance of persistent pupillary membranes is not fully understood; autosomal recessive inheritance is assumed.

Progressive retinal atrophy or rcd3 (Rod cone dysplasia 3) in Welsh Corgi Cardigan is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by a deletion of a base pair in the PDE6A gene, which codes for the alpha subunit of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase. A genetic test is available.

Genetic tests available for the breed:

• Chondrodysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Brachyuria
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Exercise-Induced Collapse / EIC 
• Von Willebrand Disease I

The basis of responsible breeding is not only the careful diagnosis of individual animals, including the assessment of the exterior and behavioral characteristics of breeding partners before the first breeding, but also the use of modern molecular genetic diagnostics. Within a screening, this should be used not only to identify trait or gene carriers, but also to determine the degree of inbreeding of the individual animal. Laboratories now offer so-called “matching tools” or “mating scores” that breeders can use to identify suitable breeding partners, while at the same time preventing the mating of animals with the same risk factors. Various specialized laboratories offer appropriate advice for breeders.

7. Diagnosis – necessary examinations before breeding or exhibitions

Caution: Invasive examinations that are stressful for the animal should only be carried out in justified cases of suspicion in breeding animals and not if visible defects already lead to a ban on breeding and showing.

Chondrodysplasia/chondrodystrophy

Assessment of the external appearance (adspection) is indicative. The bones and growth plates can be assessed more precisely by X-ray. If necessary, a genetic test can be carried out to detect chondrodysplasia.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

For an initial assessment, a medical history is taken and a neurological examination is performed. Imaging procedures such as MRI, CT and myelography can be used to examine and assess the affected areas in more detail. If myelopathy is suspected, a genetic test can be carried out.

Degenerative myelopathy

Currently, the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy can only be clearly established post mortem by histopathologic examination of the spinal cord. The diagnostic possibilities ante mortem are limited, as the lesions in the spinal cord are not visible in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and changes in the cerebrospinal fluid are not specific for degenerative myelopathy. Diffusion tensor imaging or diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DTI-MRI) could have the potential to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease in vivo in the future. If necessary, a genetic test can be performed.

Elbow dysplasia

Adspectorily, a typical deviation of a normal paw and foreleg position can be determined. Imaging procedures, e.g. computer tomography, allow detailed visualization of the involved bony parts of the joints. In addition, computed tomography allows not only the detection but also the monitoring of progressive dysplasia of the elbow.

Hip dysplasia

The most commonly used method for diagnosing hip dysplasia in dogs is X-ray examination (classic or PennHIP® method according to Smith, in which passive joint laxity is also measured). In addition, computer tomography is increasingly being used for diagnosis. However, complementary procedures such as provocation tests, stretching, flexion and extension of the limbs are recommended to assess joint laxity, pain and restricted movement, which are often the first signs of dysplasia.

Missing or shortened tail

A shortened tail is a requirement of the breed standard in the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and can be diagnosed by inspection and palpation. If clinical signs are present, an imaging examination of the entire spine should be carried out.

Eye diseases

Eye diseases can be diagnosed by standard ophthalmologic examinations. PRA can be detected early, before the appearance of clinical behavioral symptoms, by electroretinography and/or the predisposition can be confirmed by genetic testing. 

8. Necessary or possible orders from an animal welfare perspective

Decisions on breeding or exhibition bans can be made in connection with the burden category (BC). Depending on the severity and findings, the decisive factor for a breeding ban may be the most severe finding, i.e. the finding that most affects the animal and its classification in one of the burden categories (BC), or also the assessment of the correlation if there are many individual breeding-related defects or predispositions typical of the breed. The individual genomic inbreeding coefficient of an animal and its capacity as a carrier of risk genes should also be taken into account. 

In general, when breeding Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan it should also be taken into account:

In addition to considering external, anatomical and functional characteristics as well as the behavior of both breeding partners, the possibilities of breeding hygiene advice at the molecular genetic level should be used and in particular the genetic inbreeding coefficient, the heterozygosity value and the Dog Leukocyte Antigens (DLA) for the breed should be determined. Increasingly, so-called matching tools/scores can also facilitate the selection of suitable breeding partners.

a) Orders that appear necessary

 Breeding ban in accordance with § 11b TierSchG for animals with hereditary/breeding-related defects, in particular

• for Welsh Corgi Pembroke and crossbreeds:
  –  Brachyuria
• for Welsh Corgi Cardigan:
  – Merle dogs may not be bred to a breeding partner if the expected merle-allele combinations of the offspring are associated with a risk of sensory deformities. Breeding is prohibited at least for all animals which, according to genetic testing (M locus), belong to the genotypes of the high-risk group for harmful effects on the sensory organs (Mh/Mh, M/M, Mh/Ma+, Mh/Ma, M/M, M/Ma+) and the genotypes with medium risk (Ma+/Ma+ and Mh/Mc+).
  Although the genotypes Mh/m, Mh/Mc, M/Mc+, M/Ma, Ma+/Ma and Ma+/Mc+ are associated with a lower risk (whereby the transitions between the different risk groups are not sharply defined, but represent a continuum), there is still a risk. In particular because there is no justifiable reason to take this risk for the health of the animals, breeders should be instructed to only breed animals without merle alleles in the future.

• for Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Welsh Corgi Cardigan with:
  – Chondrodysplasia/IVDD (diagnosis by x-ray of the spine before breeding)
  – Hip dysplasia greater than HD B
  – Elbow dysplasia (diagnosis by imaging of the elbow)
  – von Willebrand Disease vWD1

 Show ban according to § 10 TierSchHuV

• for Welsh Corgi Cardigan:
  – Exhibitions and participation in sporting events only on presentation of a genetic test: exclusion for animals of the merle genotype M-locus.
  

• for Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Welsh Corgi Cardigan:
  – Brachyuria (stumpy tails or docked tails)
  – Chondrodysplasia and IVDD
  – Hip joint dysplasia greater than HD B
  – Elbow dysplasia
  – Eye diseases, persistent pupillary membranes, currently visible changes that impair visual acuity or require treatment
  – Patellar luxation 

b) Possible orders

• Order X-ray of the spine before breeding 
• Order X-ray of the hip joints before breeding
• Order X-ray of the elbows before breeding
• Order eye examination before breeding
• Order for permanent infertility (sterilization/castration) according to § 11b (2)
• Order for breeding-restrictive measures, selection of suitable breeding partners (matching tools)
• Order to determine the genomic inbreeding coefficient of both breeding partners
• Order to carry out genetic testing of both breeding partners for the following diseases:

• for Welsh Corgi Cardigan: merle locus. In all breeds and crossbreeds in which Merle occurs, all breeding animals must be tested for the M-locus before mating. Untested dogs with Merle parents or siblings must be tested for Merle before mating, regardless of breed.
• for Welsh Corgi Pembroke: Brachyuria
• for WC Pembroke and WC Cardigan:
  a. Chondrodysplasia IVDD
  b. Degenerative myelopathy
  c. Brachyuria
  d. Progressive retinal atrophy
  e. Exercise-Induced Collapse / EIC
  f. Von Willebrand Disease I

c) Further possible orders

• Puppies with a Merle parent should be tested for the M-locus before being sold.
• All future owners of un-neutered merle dogs should be informed verbally and in writing by the breeder/seller about the risk of merle breeding.

Please note:

Measures taken by the competent authority must be recognizably suitable to avert future harm to the animal concerned and/or its offspring. With regard to the type and depth of processing of orders and breeding or exhibition bans, it is always a case-by-case decision at the discretion of the competent authority, taking into account the current legal standards and the circumstances found on site.

9. General animal welfare assessment

a) Germany

From a legal point of view, dogs with the defects/syndromes described above are classified as products of torture breeding in accordance with § 11b TierSchG.

Justification:

According to § 11b TierSchG, it is prohibited to breed vertebrates if breeding knowledge indicates that, as a result of breeding, the offspring or progeny will have, among other things

• body parts or organs for species-appropriate use are missing for hereditary reasons or are unsuitable or deformed, resulting in pain, suffering or damage (Section 11b para. 1 no. 1 TierSchG) or
• keeping is only possible with pain or avoidable suffering or leads to damage (Section 11b (1) No. 2 c) TierSchG).

Pain is defined in animals as an unpleasant sensory perception caused by actual or potential injury that triggers motor or vegetative reactions, results in learned avoidance behavior and can change potentially specific behaviors (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde, TierSchG, Kommentar 4th ed. 2023 § 1 para. 12 mwN; basically also Lorz/Metzger TierSchG 7th ed. § 1 para. 20).

Suffering is any impairment of well-being not already covered by the concept of pain, which goes beyond simple discomfort and lasts for a not insignificant period of time (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde Tierschutzgesetz Kommentar 4th ed. 2023 § 1 para. 19 mwN; Lorz/Metzger, TierSchG Komm. 7th ed. 2019 § 1 para. 33 mwN). Suffering can also be physically and mentally debilitating; fear in particular is classified as suffering in the commentary and case law (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde Section 1 TierSchG para. 24 mwN; Lorz/Metzger Section 1 TierSchG para. 37).

Damage occurs when the physical or mental condition of an animal is temporarily or permanently altered for the worse (Hirt/Maisack/Moriz/Felde TierSchG Komm. 4th ed. 2023 § 1 para. 27 mwN; Lorz/Metzger TierSchG Komm. 7th ed. 2019 § 1 para. 52 mwN), whereby completely minor impairments based on a physical or psychological basis are not taken into account. „The target condition of the animal is assessed on animals of the same species. The absence of body parts is regularly assessed as damage in the commentary literature“ (VG Hamburg decision of 4.4.2018, 11 E 1067/18 para. 47, also Lorz/Metzger TierSchG Komm. § 1 para. 52).

The breeding of Welsh Corgis in the presence of the defects described above constitutes torturous breeding due to the individual or multiple damages, pain and suffering described in detail under point 5:

• Damage to the spine, joints and extremities and associated pain, suffering or damage (e.g. due to restricted movement, incontinence caused by herniated discs)
• Damage caused by Von Willebrand’s disease, blood clotting disorders
• Eye diseases and associated pain, damage and suffering
• in Welsh Corgi Pembroke: in case of missing or mutilated tail, forced suppression of the species‘ own communication and expression behavior
• in Welsh Corgi Cardigan: damage due to merle syndrome with dysfunction of sensory organs (eyes and ears)

The prohibition in Section 11b TierSchG applies not only if animals are used for breeding that themselves exhibit traits relevant to torture breeding, i.e. are carriers of traits (= diseased animals), but also if it is known or must be known that an animal used for breeding can pass on traits that can lead to one of the detrimental changes in the offspring, i.e. is a carrier of traits without being a carrier of traits.i.e. is a carrier without being ill itself (see Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde TierSchG 4th ed. § 11b para. 6 with reference to Binder; see also Lorz/Metzger TierSchG 7th ed. § 11b para. 14 with reference to BT-Drs. 13/7015, 22; BT-Drs. 17/10572, 31). This also corresponds to the intention of the legislature, which already aimed to comprehensively prevent torture breeding with the amendment in the 13th legislative period (BT-Drs. 13/7015, 22: extension of purely physical defects to behavioral disorders and possible consequences when attempting to correct them). These requirements are followed by case law in relation to carriers (see VG Schleswig-Holstein, judgment of 02.07.18 – 1 A 52.16 para. 85; VG Dresden, decision of 20.12.21 – 6 L 646.20 – p. 18, white Doberman, albinism) and with reference to the legislative intention to comprehensively prevent torturous breeding (VG Berlin judgment of 23.09.15 – 24 K 202.14 with annotation Kröner et al. – beck-online, ZUR 2016, 181, 183; VG Hamburg, decision of 04.04.18 – 11 E 1067.18 para. 56).

 – An important indication of a hereditary defect is that a disease or behavioral deviation occurs more frequently in related animals than in the overall population of the dog species. The fact that the breed or population has proven to be viable over a longer period of time is not an argument against damage (see Lorz/Metzger commentary on the Animal Welfare Act § 11b para. 9).

Data from large animal health insurance companies show that Welsh Corgis are at several times the average risk of various diseases, especially of the musculoskeletal system, compared to other breeds.

 – The ban applies regardless of the subjective facts, i.e. regardless of whether the breeder himself recognized or should have recognized the possibility of damaging consequences. Due to this objective standard of care, the breeder cannot invoke a lack of subjective knowledge or experience if the respective knowledge and experience can be expected from a careful breeder of the respective animal species (see Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde Tierschutzgesetz, Kommentar 4th ed. 2023, § 11b TierSchG Rn. 6).

– Hereditary changes in the offspring are also foreseeable if it is uncertain whether they will only occur after a generation jump in later generations (cf. Goetschel in Kluge § 11b para. 14).

b) Austria

Dogs with the defects/syndromes described above are classified as torture breeding in Austria according to § 5 TSchG

In particular, Section 5(2) of the Austrian Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) is violated if „breeding is carried out which is foreseeable to be associated with pain, suffering, harm or fear for the animal or its offspring (torture breeding), so that as a result, in connection with genetic abnormalities, in particular one or more of the following clinical symptoms occur in the offspring not only temporarily with significant effects on their health or significantly impair physiological life courses or cause an increased risk of injury“.

This includes in any case

• movement abnormalities as a result of skeletal abnormalities (§ 5 para. 2 subpara. 1 lit. b)
• Lameness or painful impairment of movement as a result of chronic degenerative joint diseases in connection with chondrodystrophy (discopathies), among other things (§ 5 para. 2 subpara. 1 lit. c)
• Restriction of physiological functions due to inflammation or malformations of the eyes or their appendages (§ 5 para. 2 subpara. 1 lit. f)
• Neurological symptoms as a result of abnormalities of the spinal column (discopathies in chondrodystrophic breeds) or malformations or changes in the central or peripheral nervous system, the underlying change in which may be found, for example, in brachyuria that is not typical of the species (§ 5 para. 2 subpara. 1 lit. j)

The consequences of degenerative myelopathy, for example, are subsumed under a significant impairment of physiological processes. 

c) Switzerland

Anyone wishing to breed with an animal that exhibits a trait or symptom that may lead to moderate or severe burden in connection with the breeding objective must first have a burden assessment carried out. Only hereditary burdens are taken into account in the burden assessment (see Art. 5 of the FSVO Ordinance on Animal Welfare in Breeding [TSchZV]). Dogs with defects that can be assigned to burden category 3 are subject to a breeding ban in accordance with Art. 9 TSchZV. It is also prohibited to breed with animals if the breeding objective results in category 3 defects in the offspring. Animals in category 2 may be used for breeding if the breeding objective is for the offspring to be less affected than the parents (Art. 6 TSchZV). Annex 2 of the TSchZV lists characteristics and symptoms that can lead to moderate or severe burden in connection with the breeding objective. Skeletal deformities or malformations, such as movement anomalies or paralysis and degenerative joint changes, herniated discs, coordination and movement disorders, restricted breathing, malfunctions of the auditory system such as deafness, eye malfunctions, blindness, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are explicitly mentioned. In addition, individual breeding forms are expressly prohibited in accordance with Art. 10 TSchVZ. In other cases, however, a breeding ban is only imposed on a case-by-case basis. Animals that have been bred on the basis of impermissible breeding objectives may not be exhibited (Art. 30a para. 4 let. b TSchV).

d) The Netherlands

According to Article 3.4 „Breeding with domestic animals“ of the Animal Keeper Decree, it is prohibited in the Netherlands to breed with domestic animals in a way that is detrimental to the welfare and health of the parent animals or their offspring.

In any case, breeding must prevent as far as possible that

1. serious hereditary defects and diseases are passed on to the offspring or can occur in them;
2. external characteristics are passed on to the offspring or can develop in them which have harmful consequences for the welfare or health of the animals.

The following hereditary diseases or abnormalities may occur in the Welsh Corgi in accordance with Article 3.4: elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, diseases of the eye, abnormalities of the spinal column with intervertebral disc disease.

The following harmful external characteristics can be passed on to offspring: 

1. Welsh Corgi Pembroke: very short legs, long back in relation to leg length, missing or severely shortened tail
2. Welsh Corgi Cardigan: very short legs, long back in relation to leg length

Detailed legal assessments and/or expert opinions, if already available, can be made available to veterinary offices for official use on request.

10. Relevant jurisdiction

1. Germany: Not known.
2.  Austria: Not known.
3. Switzerland: Not known.
4. Netherlands: Not known.

11. Order example available?

No.

Examples of orders are only made available to veterinary offices for official use on request.

12. Grants and Funding

Financially supported by the State of Hessen, State Animal Welfare Officer.

13.  Bibliography/ References/ Links

At this point, only a selection of sources on the defects described above and, where applicable, general literature on breeding-related defects in dogs is provided. More extensive literature lists on the scientific background will be sent exclusively to veterinary offices upon request.

Note: The description of health problems associated with the trait, for which there is not yet sufficient scientific knowledge, is based on the experience of experts from veterinary practice and/or university institutions, as well as publicly accessible databases or publications from animal insurance companies and therefore originates from different evidence classes.

As breeding and showing are international nowadays, the information does not usually only refer to the prevalence of defects or traits in individual associations, clubs or countries.

Sources:

AGRIA Pet Insurance Sweden. (2022). Welsh Corgi Pembroke  Breed Profiles Veterinary Care 2016-2021. 

AGRIA Pet Insurance Sweden. (2023). Welsh Corgi Cardigan  Breed Profiles Veterinary Care 2016-2021. 

Bellumori, T. P., Famula, T. R., Bannasch, D. L., Belanger, J. M., & Oberbauer, A. M. (2013). Prevalence of inherited disorders among mixed-breed and purebred dogs: 27,254 cases (1995–2010). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1549–1555. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.11.1549 

Brown, E. A., Dickinson, P. J., Mansour, T., Sturges, B. K., Aguilar, M., Young, A. E., Korff, C., Lind, J., Ettinger, C. L., Varon, S., Pollard, R., Brown, C. T., Raudsepp, T., & Bannasch, D. L. (2017). FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 is responsible for chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(43), 11476–11481. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1709082114 

Chang, H.-S., Kamishina, H., Mizukami, K., Momoi, Y., Katayama, M., Rahman, M. M., Uddin, M. M., Yabuki, A., Kohyama, M., & Yamato, O. (2013). Genotyping Assays for the Canine Degenerative Myelopathy-Associated c.118G>A (p.E40K) Mutation of the SOD1 Gene Using Conventional and Real-Time PCR Methods: A High Prevalence in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed in Japan. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 75(6), 795–798. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.12-0451 

Coates, J. R., March, P. A., Oglesbee, M., Ruaux, C. G., Olby, N. J., Berghaus, R. D., O’Brien, D. P., Keating, J. H., Johnson, G. S., & Williams, D. A. (2007). Clinical Characterization of a Familial Degenerative Myelopathy in Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(6), 1323–1331. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb01955.x 

Dickinson, P. J., & Bannasch, D. L. (2020). Current Understanding of the Genetics of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 431. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00431 

Gelatt, K. N., & MacKay, E. O. (2005). Prevalence of primary breed‐related cataracts in the dog in North America. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 8(2), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-5224.2005.00352.x 

Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, (ACVO). (2023). ACVO 2023 The Blue Book—Ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in purebreed dogs-Cardigan Welsh Corgi (15th Edition). https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=WCC 

Genetics Commiteee and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). (2024). The Blue Book—Ocular Disorders presumed to be inherited in purebred dogs—Pembroke Welsh Corgi Ocular disorders report 2024. https://ofa.org/about/health-surveys/?breed=WCP 

Ghilardi, S., Bagardi, M., Frattini, S., Barbariga, G. E., Brambilla, P. G., Minozzi, G., & Polli, M. (2023). Genotypic and allelic frequencies of progressive rod‐cone degeneration and other main variants associated with progressive retinal atrophy in Italian dogs. Veterinary Record Open, 10(2), e77. https://doi.org/10.1002/vro2.77 

Hale, F. A. (2021). Dental and Oral Health for the Brachycephalic Companion Animal . In Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals (1., S. 235–250). Taylor and Francis Group. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9780429263231-14/dental-oral-health-brachycephalic-companion-animal-fraser-hale

Indrebø, A., Langeland, M., Juul, H. M., Skogmo, H. K., Rengmark, A. H., & Lingaas, F. (2008). A study of inherited short tail and taillessness in Pembroke Welsh corgi. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 49(5), 220–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2007.00435.x 

Ivansson, E. L., Megquier, K., Kozyrev, S. V., Murén, E., Körberg, I. B., Swofford, R., Koltookian, M., Tonomura, N., Zeng, R., Kolicheski, A. L., Hansen, L., Katz, M. L., Johnson, G. C., Johnson, G. S., Coates, J. R., & Lindblad-Toh, K. (2016). Variants within the SP110 nuclear body protein modify risk of canine degenerative myelopathy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(22). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1600084113 

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Niederländischer Staatssekretär für Wirtschaft, Landwirtschaft und Innovation vom 19. Oktober 2012, Nr. 291872, Direktion für Gesetzgebung und Rechtsfragen. (2024). Niederländisches Tierhalter-Dekret. Tierhalter Dekret.
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Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). (2026). Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed summary report 2025.
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Packer, R. M. A., Hendricks, A., Volk, H. A., Shihab, N. K., & Burn, C. C. (2013). How Long and Low Can You Go? Effect of Conformation on the Risk of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion in Domestic Dogs. PLoS ONE, 8(7), e69650. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069650 

Parker, H. G., VonHoldt, B. M., Quignon, P., Margulies, E. H., Shao, S., Mosher, D. S., Spady, T. C., Elkahloun, A., Cargill, M., Jones, P. G., Maslen, C. L., Acland, G. M., Sutter, N. B., Kuroki, K., Bustamante, C. D., Wayne, R. K., & Ostrander, E. A. (2009). An Expressed Fgf4 Retrogene Is Associated with Breed-Defining Chondrodysplasia in Domestic Dogs. Science, 325(5943), 995–998. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1173275 

Priester, W. A. (1976). Canine intervertebral disc disease—Occurrence by age, breed, and sex among 8,117 cases. Theriogenology, 6(2–3), 293–303. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0093691X76900212 

Smith, G. K., Mayhew, P. D., Kapatkin, A. S., McKelvie, P. J., Shofer, F. S., & Gregor, T. P. (2001). Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(12), 1719–1724. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2001.219.1719 

Smolders, L. A., Bergknut, N., Grinwis, G. C. M., Hagman, R., Lagerstedt, A.-S., Hazewinkel, H. A. W., Tryfonidou, M. A., & Meij, B. P. (2013). Intervertebral disc degeneration in the dog. Part 2: Chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic breeds. The Veterinary Journal, 195(3), 292–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.011 

Zeng, R., Coates, J. R., Johnson, G. C., Hansen, L., Awano, T., Kolicheski, A., Ivansson, E., Perloski, M., Lindblad‐Toh, K., O’Brien, D. P., Guo, J., Katz, M. L., & Johnson, G. S. (2014). Breed Distribution of SOD 1 Alleles Previously Associated with Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 28(2), 515–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12317