Pembroke vs Cardigan Corgi: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you're considering bringing a Corgi into your family, you're likely torn between the Pembroke and Cardigan varieties.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a more popular breed, with a shorter stature and a more compact body.

Cardigans, on the other hand, have a longer body and tail, weighing slightly more than Pembrokes.

Pembrokes are known for their short, easy-to-maintain coats, while Cardigans have a double coat that sheds heavily.

In terms of temperament, both breeds are friendly and outgoing, but Cardigans tend to be more wary of strangers.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's lineage dates back to about 1200 B.C., making it one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were brought to the rest of Great Britain by Celtic warriors and eventually settled in Wales, becoming associated with Cardigan's town.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, on the other hand, was developed much later, in 1107 A.D., and originated in Belgium. They were developed by craftsmen who moved their trade to South Wales upon receiving an invitation from Henry I.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are believed to be the older of the two breeds, with a history dating back over 3,000 years, while Pembrokes have a relatively shorter lineage dating back to the 10th century.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a lineage dating back to about 1200 B.C.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were brought to Great Britain by Celtic warriors and eventually settled in Wales, where they became heavily associated with Cardigan's town. This association is how they got their name, "Cardigan" Corgis.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, on the other hand, has a relatively shorter lineage, dating back to the 10th century. They originated in Pembrokeshire, a flat or gently rolling terrain in southern Wales.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally used as guard dogs, walking paths ahead of livestock to clear the way of predators, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis were bred to move cattle to fields and protect homes and barns.

Both breeds do not share a common ancestor and come from different regions in Wales, with Cardigan Welsh Corgis originating in Cardiganshire, a rockier terrain in southwest Wales.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is partially the offspring of the Cardigan Corgis, developed much later, in 1107 A.D. They originated in Belgium and were brought to South Wales by craftsmen who received an invitation from Henry I.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were often considered the same breed until halfway through the 19th century, but separate groups eventually recognized and preserved their unique differences.

The Royal Family's love for Pembroke Welsh Corgis is a significant part of their breed history. They've been owned by Queen Elizabeth II since 1933.

The Queen has owned over 30 Corgi dogs throughout her reign, with at least one by her side at all times. This has helped keep the breed in the public eye.

The Royal Corgis have been a beloved fixture in the British monarchy for decades, and their popularity has contributed to the public's preference for Pembroke Welsh Corgis over their cousin breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

Pembrokes typically have a more compact, athletic build compared to the slightly larger and heavier Cardigans.

Their ears are more pointed and they have a characteristic "fox-like" face. A key distinguishing factor is their tail — Pembrokes are known for their docked (or naturally short) tails, while Cardigans sport a long, bushy tail.

Both Corgi breeds have shorter legs on long bodies, tall ears, and pointed faces, making them adorable. Both have fluffy double coats that shed quite a bit.

See what others are reading: Welsh Corgi Floppy Ears

Pembrokes typically have a more compact, athletic build compared to the slightly larger and heavier Cardigans.

Their ears are more pointed and they have a characteristic "fox-like" face. A key distinguishing factor is their tail — Pembrokes are known for their docked (or naturally short) tails.

Both Corgi breeds have shorter legs on long bodies. Their tall ears and pointed faces are part of what makes them so adorable.

Both Corgis have fluffy double coats that shed quite a bit. There are specific physical differences that you can look at to figure out which is which.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Ears

Short legs, long backs, and large, erect ears are signature characteristics of a Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America states that the Cardigan has larger, rounder ears.

Cardigan Corgis have a long tail, whereas Pembroke Corgis have a docked tail. Some Pembroke breeders are opting to not dock tails on their puppies.

Regular bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are required for both varieties. They are double-coated and will shed profusely, especially during the spring.

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi has large, rounded ears, while a Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s ears are more pointed. Those can be difficult to tell apart, though, so try looking at the dog side-on for a glance at their profile.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs appear closer to the floor because they carry more weight in the front and have a rounded behind. Their fur is also longer, which makes their legs look shorter.

Cardigans have a slightly slimmer look. They aren’t as rounded as Pembrokes. Indeed, Cardigans seem to have more shape to them than the squat, blocky appearance of Pembrokes.

To summarize, here is a quick list of what you can look for: Cardigans – Longer muzzle, rounded ears, long tail, larger and heavier, sloping rear, appears more shapely.

A long, fluffy, almost fox-like tail would indicate that the Corgi you’re looking at is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Intriguing read: How Long Do Corgis Live in Human Years

When comparing the two breeds, one of the most noticeable differences is their height. The Cardigan Corgi tends to stand taller than the Pembroke.

Standing next to each other, you'll easily notice the difference in height between the two breeds, especially if they're roughly the same age.

Coat Colors can be a bit tricky to decipher when it comes to distinguishing between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis. However, there are some key differences to look out for.

Pembroke Corgis tend to have more common coat colors, including Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and white, and Black and tan.

Both breeds can have white markings on their coats, which is perfectly fine. It's just a matter of what colors you see.

Pembrokes typically have more tan in their coats, while some are mostly Black and white. This is a good indication that you're looking at a Pembroke.

Cardigan Corgis, on the other hand, are known for their colorful coats, often featuring a mottled or brindle pattern. This is a dead giveaway that you're looking at a Cardigan.

Here are some common coat colors found in Pembroke Corgis:

It's worth noting that while Blue merle is an accepted color for Cardigans, it's not recommended for Pembrokes.

Corgis are known for being affectionate and playful, but they also have distinct personalities that set them apart from each other.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more outgoing and energetic, requiring more exercise and stimulation to keep them happy.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, on the other hand, are quieter and less energetic, taking a more thoughtful approach to new situations.

Both breeds make excellent watchdogs, alert and ready to sound the alarm when something unexpected happens.

However, Cardigans tend to be more reserved and cautious, assessing situations before making a decision.

Pembrokes, with their higher energy levels, can be quite funny to have around, but they do require more exercise and attention.

Cardigans, while not lazy, prefer to take things at their own pace, enjoying time with their humans but not always eager to jump into activities.

Ultimately, the choice between a Pembroke and a Cardigan comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Training your Corgi is an integral part of dog communication, and the Fi collar can assist with this by providing sound signals that aid in command recognition and response.

Pembroke Corgis tend to take to training a little faster than Cardigan Corgis, due to their personality traits. Cardigan Corgis, on the other hand, are more cautious and may take time to understand what's going on around them before continuing.

Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are incredibly smart and extremely trainable. However, Cardigan Corgis are more vocal, which may be something that breeders or owners address during training or with a professional trainer.

Daily exercise is essential to help burn off the energy of both Cardigan and Pembroke breeds. They're capable of walking long distances without tiring, making them perfect for agility training and competitions.

Corgis are prone to injuries of the back and a few other health problems, so it's essential to watch them closely, especially when they're still young puppies. To pick up a young Corgi, support their rear and front legs to prevent nasty falls that could harm their skeletal development.

Training is a must for Cardigan Corgis, especially in social settings, due to their herding history and tendency to nip at people and pets. Once they warm up, they're very easy to train, and their adaptability and socialness make them respond well to training.

See what others are reading: Corgi Dog Training

As Corgi puppies grow, they usually calm down, but expect a lot of energetic jumping around from young Corgi dogs. Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are loving and affectionate towards their owners, but Pembroke Corgis are high-energy and have a can-do attitude, while Cardigan Corgis are adaptable and more independent.

If you have a small home or apartment, the slightly smaller Pembroke Corgi might be a better fit.

Both breeds are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal to their humans, but they have slightly different energy levels.

Easy-going families may prefer the more laid-back Cardigan Corgi, while the Pembroke Corgi may be better suited for families who are more adventurous.

Whichever one you choose will bring plenty of spunk and laughs into your life, and your household won’t ever be boring or quiet again.

To help you decide, consider your lifestyle and living situation. If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed companion, you might want to consider a Cardigan.

A Corgi requires your time, commitment, and love, and in return, they offer companionship, joy, and sometimes even a form of therapy.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds:

Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis share some physical similarities, but they also have distinct differences.

Pembroke Corgis tend to be shorter and more compact, with a weight range of 25-38 pounds.

Cardigan Corgis, on the other hand, are slightly taller and longer, with a weight range of 25-38 pounds.

Despite these size differences, both breeds have a similar lifespan of 12-14 years.

Suggestion: Welsh Corgi Weight

At first glance, you might struggle to distinguish between a Pembroke and a Cardigan Corgi. Both breeds are known for their short legs, long bodies, and infectiously endearing smiles.

Pembroke Corgis have a shorter tail compared to Cardigan Corgis. Their ears are also slightly different, being more erect and pointed. Their coats can be a variety of colors, including red, fawn, and sable.

Cardigan Corgis have a longer tail that reaches the hock or even the heel, and their ears are more rounded and hanging.

Check this out: Welsh Corgi with Tail

Both Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis can be quite lazy dogs, but they have a strong instinct to be out adventuring whenever possible.

They're highly adaptable to their family's lifestyle, which means they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

If left without exercise too often, both breeds can struggle with obesity.

These intelligent dogs have a heritage of being herding dogs, which is still evident in their love of activity and work.

Their herding capabilities have been maintained for generations, with the Cardigan Corgi being the harder-working breed.

Both breeds are highly trainable, but their independent streak can make them stubborn at times.

They're both highly affectionate with their families, making them wonderful companions for many people.

Readers also liked: Welsh Corgi Poodle

When bringing a Corgi into your family, it's crucial to ensure they come from a reputable breeder who adheres to the breed standards. The American Kennel Club has strict criteria for both the Pembroke and Cardigan, encompassing aspects such as physical appearance, temperament, and health.

Genetic dog tests are available through several reputable laboratories, and ethical breeders will utilize these tests to ensure their puppies don't inherit health problems. Health testing the parents and pairing genetically clear dogs is a sign of a conscientious breeder.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America recommends breeders test for degenerative myelopathy (DM), exercise-induced collapse (EIC), von Willebrand disease (vWD1), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

If this caught your attention, see: Welsh Corgi Health Problems

Genetic testing is a crucial step in responsible dog breeding. Ethical breeders use these tests to ensure their puppies don't inherit health problems that could cause them a lot of suffering as they grow.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are two health issues that can affect both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. These conditions can lead to severe disability and blindness.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is another problem that can affect Corgis, causing back pain and potentially even paralysis. It's essential to be aware of these potential health issues if you're considering adopting a Corgi.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that can't be detected by genetic testing, but it's still a significant concern for Corgi owners. Dogs with hip dysplasia will struggle to walk and be in severe pain.

The American Kennel Club has strict criteria for both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis, encompassing aspects such as physical appearance, temperament, and health.

Reputable breeders adhere to these breed standards, ensuring that the Corgi you bring home is healthy and well-suited to your lifestyle.

Adopting a Corgi is also an option, with many organizations rescuing and rehoming Corgis.

You may not always find a puppy through adoption, but you can still give an older dog a loving home.

The goal is a healthy, happy Corgi that fits well into your family.

The British Kennel Club recognized Corgis as a breed to be exhibited in their shows back in 1925.

The Kennel Club initially grouped the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi together in the same category, even though they were distinct breeds.

This lumping together caused issues, as some judges preferred one breed over the other.

In 1934, the Kennel Club corrected their mistake by separating the breeds in the registry.