Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Medium | Medium |
| Adult weight | 12.7 to 13.6 kg | 11.3 to 17.2 kg |
| In pounds | 28 to 30 lb | 25 to 38 lb |
| Adult height | 25 to 30 cm | 27 to 32 cm |
| Energy | High | High |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short double | Medium double |
| Shedding | High | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 to 13 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Usually good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Great Britain |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12.7 to 13.6 kg and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 11.3 to 17.2 kg.
- Both have high energy in their published profiles.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Cardigan Welsh Corgi usually lives longer: 12 to 15 years against 12 to 13 years.
- With children, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is rated usually good and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi fine with supervision.
Temperament
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Affectionate, alert and smart, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is outgoing and friendly, a bold and workmanlike herder that thrives on having a job to do.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Alert, affectionate and smart, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older and heavier of the two corgi breeds and is distinguished from the Pembroke by their long tail. This is a working herder in a long low body.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Hip dysplasia, with a hip evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Hip dysplasia, screened by a hip evaluation of breeding stock
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM), detectable by DNA test
- Progressive retinal atrophy, rod cone dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3), detectable by DNA test
- Back problems in the long low spine, made worse by jumping off furniture and by stairs
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 12.7 to 13.6 kg for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and 11.3 to 17.2 kg for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 13 years for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and 12 to 15 years for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi better with children?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi scores higher for children (3 against 4 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Next
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin