Differences between Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs: characteristics of pets and their comparison according to several characteristics

Welsh Corgis are small shepherds, a group of herding dogs from Great Britain. It includes two types - Pembroke and cardigan. People confuse them - and not surprisingly, the dogs are very similar.

But no matter how much the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis resemble each other, differences still exist. These are two breeds, with different appearance, character and origin.

Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Description

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an energetic, agile and resilient dog with an unusual body length to height ratio.
Well suited as a companion . If earlier the range of activities was reduced mainly to shepherd's work, now the range of opportunities for cardigans has expanded.

This is one pet that is not only easy to understand, but also easy to train.

Exterior

A short, elongated shepherd dog with a noble posture and erect large ears. Looks strong and durable. The eyes are predominantly brown, but there are also blue ones.

The look is clear and friendly, wary at times, but generally kind . The dog's tail resembles a fox's, as does its muzzle. The coat comes in any color, with or without white markings.

Character

The cardigan is calm and balanced . He doesn’t act rashly, he’s used to being careful and weighing the pros and cons. This is the pet that thinks before acting.

By temperament - sanguine. Takes the job seriously, whether as an athlete or a service dog.

Despite the fact that herding activities are no longer relevant for corgis, the cardigan continues to play the role of a companion dog and stay close to humans..

Training

• In terms of temperament, since childhood, Pembroke Welsh Corgis differ from Cardigans . The first ones will strongly show their curiosity, so it is better to immediately hide everything that the baby can chew. But cardigans are calmer; they will seek your affection and respond to every comment.
• From a young age, prohibit children from everything that is prohibited for a large dog, and you should never allow prohibited things. Dog handlers recommend accustoming your Pembroke puppy to a crate that he will consider his home. Inside, equip it with all the necessary amenities, a booth, and toys. This is necessary to prevent your dog from causing chaos at home while you are away. But a cardigan, with proper upbringing, will be able to maintain order at home; he does not need a cage.
• Pembroke will be persistent during training; you will have to be patient to gain leadership and teach your pet the necessary commands. And the cardigan reacts more attentively to training, fulfills any requirements with pleasure, loves praise and encouragement.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Description

In appearance, it is a miniature shepherd dog, but with an elongated body and large vertical ears.

Pembroke is
a very active pet .
At first glance, it may seem that with such a configuration it will be difficult to love walks, but the dog moves easily and simply, and its short legs do not restrict its movements at all. In terms of intelligence, the Pembroke is not inferior to other relatives, and in some aspects even superior. Coupled with innate cunning, it will not be difficult for a Pembroke to achieve what he wants even against his master’s will.

They gained fame at the instigation of the British Queen Elizabeth II . They have long served man in the form of herding dogs, and to this day have retained their working qualities.

Exterior

A small dog with an elongated body, whose muzzle and tail resemble those of a fox. The animal has an elegant but strong body with short but straight legs.

Pembrokes are distinguished by their light, golden coat color . And because of the contrasting outline framing the pet’s mouth, sometimes it seems that the dog is “smiling.”

Despite their non-standard appearance, the popularity of Pembrokes is growing. As a result, there is a deviation from the given standard among the breed. In the direction of increasing height and weight.

Character

These are good-natured and charming animals, whose charisma plays an important role in trying to make friends with someone . Moreover, Pembroke is not devoid of a sense of tact, and therefore will not impose itself if the situation is not conducive to it.

And a sense of humor prevents resentment from arising, which is so typical of other small breeds . The pet is also lucky with a sense of humor and the dog takes offense more difficult than other small breeds.

Corgis are also very active and energetic and love to play. Therefore, if the owner suddenly decides to end the game, Pembroke will be very unhappy.

Exterior differences

Although at first glance the breeds seem the same, if you look closely, they have anatomical differences.

Body type, height and weight

Both varieties grow to approximately 30 cm at the withers. But this is where the similarities between the breeds end. Cardigans differ from Pembroke Welsh Corgis in their body and bone structure. The former have a rounded body with numerous curved lines, while the latter have an angular skeleton.

Another difference between Cardigan Corgis and Pembrokes is their different weight and body composition.

The first weigh 13.6-17 kg, the second - 10-11 kg.

Cardigans look heavy and massive. Pembrokes have a proportional body and a light constitution.

Top – cardigan, bottom – Pembroke

Head

Both varieties have the same proportions. Both Cardigans and Pembrokes have a muzzle to skull ratio of 3:5. But due to the massive skeleton, the head of the former visually looks larger.

The differences between the Cardigan Corgi and the Pembroke Corgi do not end there. The former have almost almond-shaped eyes with an alert gaze. The color of the iris can be blue or dark brown. The latter have oval eyes with a tenacious, penetrating, but friendly and open look. Their shade should be rich brown.

Unlike Cardigans, Pembrokes have almost black or blue irises that are highly undesirable.

Representatives of both breeds have long ears, but unlike Pembrokes, Cardigans have larger and rounded ears.

Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Front legs

Pembrokes have a more harmonious build. Therefore, their forelimbs have a straight, parallel stance.

In contrast, in cardigans the front part of the body is much more massive than the back. This is why dogs have curved forearms and slightly turned out pasterns.

Hind legs

Both Pembrokes and Cardigans have erect limbs. But due to a more harmonious build, the former have strong, developed hips.

Unlike the Pembroke, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a less developed hindquarters. That's why his hips are narrower and less muscular.

Tail

This is one of the main differences between the breeds, by which even a non-specialist can accurately determine where the Pembroke is and where the Cardigan is. The latter have a beautiful wide, long, straight tail, well covered with thick hair. When moving, it hangs or rises slightly above the line of the back.

Unlike Cardigans, Pembrokes have the bobtail gene. That's why they often give birth to short-tailed puppies.

Bobtail Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Coat and colors

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan have differences in their spine structure. In the former, it is softer and longer in the area of ​​the paws and chest. This makes the dogs appear fluffy and somewhat disheveled.

Unlike Pembrokes, Cardigans have a rough, short coat that gives them a neat appearance.

Cardigan Corgi coat

Important! A coat that is too soft and long is considered a serious fault in both breeds.

Cardigans can come in any coat color, including merle and brindle. Extensive but not predominant white areas are acceptable on their body.

Unlike Cardigans, Pembrokes can have tri-colored, fawn, sable or red coats. They are also allowed to have white spots.

Corgi Pembroke light red color with white spots

How are they different?

Height and weight

Cardigans are generally larger than Pembrokes:

Body type

The first thing you should pay attention to is the breed standard . He's different. Cardigans have a straight back and a long tail, while Pembrokes are known for not having one.

However, dogs are not always born bob-tailed; their tails are often docked in childhood. Therefore, it is not surprising that with the advent of bans on this operation, breeders were surprised to discover a wide variety of tail shapes in the breed.

But, despite the clear differences in weight and size, it is the Pembrokes that look heavier than their counterparts.

Dogs have shorter legs and deeper chests.

Wool texture

The Cardigan's coat is short, straight, but hard to the touch.

Also, the dog is not without a thick undercoat, which saves it in any weather. Pembrokes have a predominantly medium-length coat, soft, but longer on the chest and paws. The undercoat is similar to the cardigan.

The Pembroke has a predominance of red colors, sable, tricolor . White spots are allowed. The cardigans have the same colors plus marble and tiger.

Character

If the Pembroke is open and friendly, then the Cardigan is wary and judicious . The first one loves communication and gets along easily with both children and animals.

These are energetic dogs, so they should be trained in a playful way; the Pembroke will quickly get bored with the monotony. The cardigan is more submissive in this regard; it is natural for him to serve a person.

General Differences:

• Pembrokes do not do well alone;
• if Cardigans are equally wary of all new acquaintances, then Pembrokes are not particularly selective;
• Pebroks often act at random, when, like Cardigans, they often correlate actions with consequences.

Character difference

These types of dogs have a cheerful, active temperament. They are not characterized by such qualities as cowardice and aggression. Both Cardigans and Pembrokes are great with children and get along well with other pets. Despite the similarity of characters, there are some differences between them.

Cardigan corgis have a stronger nervous system and a balanced psyche. They tolerate loneliness more easily and do not impose their company. Cardigans are wary of strangers, but they know how to adequately assess the situation.

Unlike Cardigans, Pembroke Corgis are much more energetic and emotional. They try in every possible way to attract attention and are more loyal to strangers.

What are the similarities and photos of what they look like

Both breeds were bred on the lands of Wales to help shepherds, but if the Pembroke appeared in Pembrokeshire, then the Cardigan - in Cardiganshire.

The regions were separated by a mountain range, and therefore could not have common descendants. However, the dogs are already similar to each other. Be it the shape of the head or ears.

The similarity in proportions is expressed in the ratio of head and body as 1/5 to three . Both breeds have a stocky build and give the appearance of a working dog. But this is not surprising if the animals share the same past.

In TV series, movies and cartoons

The Welsh Corgi, thanks to its inexhaustible charm and ability to captivate at first sight, often appears on screens. And, we must give them their due, the tailed actors become favorites of the audience. You can see the Welsh Corgi in:

• films “The Lost Puppy”, “The Reluctant Tourist”, “Bullseye!”, “Don’t Tell Mom About the Nanny’s Death”, “Robinson Crusoe” (1997, with Pierce Brosnan), “Agent Johnny English”, “The King’s Speech!” ", "Queen";

the series “Jeeves and Wooster” (the signature “singing” of the Welsh Corgi is shown here), “Joy to All Who Sorrow” and “NCIS: Special Branch”;

cartoon "One Hundred and One Dalmatians 2: Adventures in London"

And in the anime series Cowboy Bebop, the Welsh Corgi is shown as the smartest member of the spaceship - so the intelligence of this dog is even captured in the cinema!

Which breed is best suited for indoors and outdoors?

Dogs have excellent adaptability, so both breeds get along equally well both in an apartment and in a house. Both with and without a garden (large, small).

In the yard they will be able to run around to their heart's content and satisfy their needs for physical activity, but without the opportunity to regularly contact their household, the corgi's life will fade . These are sociable animals that do not do well being alone.

As a rule, companion dogs are kept in apartment conditions, mostly small in size.

The character of the pet and its tendency to aggression, hunting instincts and ability to get along with other roommates are also taken into account. Therefore, the Corgi is perfect for living in an apartment.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

Many breeders notice interesting details in the behavior of dogs. For example, the Pembroke likes to walk in the middle of the site, not far from the owner, when, like a cardigan, he first reaches the extreme point and only then explores the territory around the entire perimeter. This is explained by the fact that the Pembroke is more excitable, the pet is drawn to communication, and therefore does not like to remain on the sidelines and would prefer to be close to the owner. Cardigan is used to evaluating and observing. This is a dog that still has working qualities.

Reasonableness versus frivolity

Both Welsh Corgi dogs are friendly, non-vicious, sociable and loving pets. They love walks and are ready to run around the park and forest for hours.

But the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis differ in temperament. Shepherds from Cardiganshire are quiet at home, unobtrusive. They love family, but do not follow their owner's trail. And the first thing they will do after a walk is fall asleep.

Unlike the cardigan, Pembrokes are eternal energizers. Dogs stick their curious noses into everything, demand attention, and beg to play with them.

Welsh Corgis are wary of strangers. But natives of Pembrokeshire quickly get used to strangers and are open to communication. In contrast, cardies take a long time to look at strangers.

Pembrokes are characterized by foolishness and frivolity. They act first and think later. Cardigans always weigh the pros and cons.

Comparison in relation to children and pets

If the Cardigan prefers to be cautious when trying to get closer to someone, then this trait is not characteristic of the Pembroke.

Dogs are equally cheerful both in communication with the owner and his small copies and other cohabitants, be they people or pets.

However, due to habit, a pet can bite a passing person on the heels a couple of times..

Both breeds acquired this habit long before becoming a pet, so at first you will have to put up with the characteristics of a pet whose behavior is controlled by instincts.

Corgis are not predisposed to the excitement of hunting, so dogs will not have much interest in pets . At one time, the purpose of the corgi was to protect, not attack.

Pembroke has a special, reverent attitude towards children . Animals watch and protect human cubs. And with older people they play together. If Pembrokes are patient and forgiving with small children, then shortcakes can persuade teenagers to play.

Character

Welsh Corgi Pembroke: description of the dog breed
Cardigans and Pembrokes have a cheerful disposition, but character quite often also depends on upbringing and training. There are some different features in the behavior of these dogs:

• Cardigans are more relaxed, they can have fun, but prefer quiet walks. This breed is wary of strangers. Before committing any action, they compare the future action and possible consequences;
• Pembrokes do not tolerate loneliness well; they are demanding of attention, which is important to them even on walks. They are very cheerful, but sometimes they act completely thoughtlessly.

Note! Both breeds are very friendly with children and other pets. They easily get along with animals, and with children, puppies and adult dogs will play and have fun for a long time.

Who is more picky about feeding?

Corgis have no special dietary preferences; on the contrary, dogs have a large appetite . Therefore, the owner needs to be able to refuse the pet if it asks for more over and over again.

For both the Cardigan and the Pembroke, food is divided into natural and dry food. And the basis of the diet is protein. Along with carbohydrates.

Cookies are active pets, and therefore nutrition should keep pace with the load . An increase in one provokes a need for an increase in the other.

CAREFULLY!

The breed is prone to obesity.

Self-discipline regarding food is difficult for Welsh Corgis; moreover, dogs have a poorly developed sense of satiety.

Such different breeds: to summarize + photos

The similarity between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan is deceptive. These are two breeds bred from different ancestors and at different times. They differ in appearance, behavior and temperament. Dogs are also susceptible to various genetic diseases.

Pembroke photo

Comparison by other criteria

Table of differences between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi on a five-point scale:

Cost of breeds:

Factors that influence the cost of puppies:

• pedigree;
• class (from pet (no documents; marriage) to show (promising);
• age (price increases with age);
• breeder's reputation;
• region.

Nutrition

Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembrokes are easy eaters, but are prone to overeating, so you will need to control their diet. Increase the amount of food you eat only when you increase your physical activity. This is especially true for Cardigans, who do not lead a particularly active lifestyle, unlike Pembrokes.

You can use premium dry or wet food for this breed of dog or feed it natural food. In the second case, you will have to ensure that the food is balanced.

What diseases are you susceptible to?

Diseases that Pembrokes are prone to:

• eye diseases (cataracts, corneal dystrophy),
• skin diseases (asthenia);
• von Willebrand disease (poor blood clotting);
• hypothyroidism;
• epilepsy;
• narcolepsy;
• discopathy.

Diseases that cardigans are prone to:

• eye diseases (glaucova, entropion (eversion) of the eyelids);
• abnormalities in the development of the spine (damage to the intervertebral discs);
• immunological deficiency;
• diseases of the spine (pinched spinal nerves);
• deficiency of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses.

The list above does not mean that, for example, a Cardigan will never encounter von Willebrand disease (poor blood clotting) or epilepsy, and a Pembroke will never experience immunological deficiency.

What's wrong with health: characteristic diseases of Pembrokes and Cardigans

Pembroke with different eyes
Before you decide which Welsh Corgi to choose, you should find out about possible health problems.

Both breeds live quite long - up to 15 years. But they are prone to difficult childbirth, retinal atrophy, glaucoma, arthritis, arthrosis, and cystinuria - an increased amount of cystine in the urine. However, cardigans are less likely to suffer from eye diseases: 6.1% versus 25%.

Each breed has specific diseases. Thus, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to:

• epilepsy;
• skin dystrophy;
• malformation or dystrophy of the cervical vertebrae;
• hypothyroidism – insufficient production of thyroid hormone;
• narcolepsy.

Due to the great popularity of Corgi puppies, they are often sold by unscrupulous breeders. Such animals may have behavioral problems: aggression, cowardice.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more likely to have:

• entropion of the eyelid;
• increased eye pressure – glaucoma;
• lack of immunoglobulin - due to this defect, puppies often die at the age of 12 - 16 weeks;
• anomalies of intervertebral discs.

Who is better suited with a cardigan, and who with a Pembroke?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi will welcome a versatile owner, for whom the dog will be not only a friend, but also a companion..

It is also well suited for elderly and busy people, because it is not particularly demanding in terms of physical activity and can easily tolerate separation from its owner for a couple of hours or more.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an energetic breed that loves long walks and active games, and therefore there are corresponding requirements for the owner.

The breed is not recommended for people who spend days and nights at work. These dogs are supporters of attention and noisy games, however, they are not averse to pacifying desires for the sake of the owner’s peace of mind.

Also, shortbreads sense the mood of their owners equally well.

NOTE!

For example, neither a cardigan nor a Pembroke will impose itself on those with whom communication did not work out from the very beginning.

Animals will prefer to “keep their distance”, waiting for better times.

Cardigan and Pembroke have the same origin. Both breeds originated in Wales, where they became the first herding dogs.

The breed has still retained many of its habits, formed over many years of grazing . As well as your status as a companion.

Price of puppies

Prices for Welsh Corgi puppies are quite high. This cost is due to the difficulties in breeding breeds, because the long body of dogs significantly complicates mating and childbirth. In general, prices for Pembrokes are slightly higher than for Cardigans. This difference probably arose due to the greater popularity of the Pembrokeshires.

Price of puppies:

• Pembroke - 30,000–95,000 rubles;
• cardigan - 25,000–80,000 rubles.

The Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are similar only at first glance. In reality, these are two different breeds, differing in behavior, manners and lifestyle. People from Pembrokeshire are more suitable for active people who need an energetic and eccentric dog, while Cardigans should be chosen by those who need a thoughtful and reasonable friend.

Care

Welsh Corgis shed a lot, however, their coat is quite easy to comb as it is of medium length. In addition, they are quite clean themselves.

The coat is resistant to getting wet due to the fat on it, so there is no need to bathe the dog often. The shape of a dog's ears allows dirt and debris to get into them; special care must be taken with their condition.

Body type

The differences between these breeds also affected the structure of their bodies.
Cardigans are quite powerful, they have heavy bones; compared to them, Pembrokes seem more elegant. This is especially noticeable when looking at them from the front. Forearm deformity can be observed around the chest of the cardigan. The dog's shoulders are sloping. Curved forearms turned outward. The species has large round paws. There is a slight turn outwards.

But the back of a dog of this species is narrower. So there is proportionality between the front and the back. The hind legs are slightly smaller than the front legs and are shaped like an oval rather than a circle. They are not deployed, but stand parallel. Just because the back is narrower than the front doesn't mean it's weak. The whole body of the dog is powerful and strong.

The Pembroke has a straight front. His body structure is perfectly balanced. The hind legs are quite flexible, have slight angles, and are strong. The limbs are parallel.

Movements

The international and Russian standard states that the Welsh Corgi should move smoothly and freely. A free and easy step when walking and running is ensured by the correct positioning of the elbows and the correct structure of the animal’s shoulder blades. The dog's forelimbs should not move in two parallel planes when observing the dynamics of movement from the front. They are slightly tucked inward, thereby compensating for the discrepancy between the wide chest and short limbs.

Initially, the Welsh Corgi was intended to help shepherds. For this reason, this dog breed demonstrates impressive freedom of movement and enviable speed, which allow it to perform any tasks assigned to shepherd dogs without any difficulties or hitches. The defects of show dogs can include prancing and mincing movements, excessively wide or narrow paws when walking, as well as a “waddling” step.