Breed comparison
Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi? They look alike and share a name, but they are two separate breeds. The short answer: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more outgoing, playful and trainable of the two, and the heavier shedder, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is slightly larger, more reserved with strangers and a little easier on the brush. Both are smart, vocal herding dogs with long backs and short legs, so weight control and back protection matter for either one.
Photo: FatFairfax · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Dog breed facts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 10.5–12.5 in (27–32 cm) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Weight | 25–38 lb (11–17 kg) | 25–30 lb (11–14 kg) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 12–13 years |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Coat | Medium-length, dense double coat with a slightly rough outer layer | Medium-length weather-resistant double coat with a dense undercoat |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The two are close in height, with the Cardigan at 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) and the Pembroke at 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm). The Cardigan can weigh more, at 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg) against 25 to 30 lb (11 to 14 kg). Both are small enough for most homes, with apartment scores of 3 out of 5.
Energy and exercise
The two score the same on our meters, 4 out of 5 for energy and 3 for exercise. VCA describes the Cardigan as moderate to high energy and says to keep high-impact activity moderate because of its back. PetMD says the Pembroke has high energy despite its short legs and needs multiple daily walks, fetch and mental stimulation.
Coat and grooming
The Pembroke is the bigger shedder (5 versus 4 out of 5) and needs a little more grooming (3 versus 2). VCA describes the Cardigan's shedding as moderate, heavier in seasonal periods, and recommends a weekly brush. PetMD says Pembrokes shed a lot, especially in spring and fall. Expect fur on your clothes with either breed.
Temperament and training
The Pembroke is the more trainable (5 versus 4) and playful (4 versus 3), while the Cardigan is more reserved with strangers (2 versus 3 out of 5). VCA says the Cardigan is intelligent and confident with strong loyalty to family. PetMD calls the Pembroke smart and eager to please, and says herding instincts may lead it to try to herd children. Both bark readily (4 out of 5), and VCA notes that a Cardigan without structure may become vocal.
Health and life span
Cardigans typically live 12 to 15 years and Pembrokes 12 to 13, and both score 3 out of 5 for health. VCA lists back problems, intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia and several eye conditions for the Cardigan. PetMD lists hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, a heart defect called patent ductus arteriosus, degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand disease and obesity for the Pembroke. The AKC lists hip, degenerative myelopathy and PRA tests for Cardigan breeders.
Cost and care
Running costs are close to identical, with training classes, regular brushing and weight control as the main priorities. Both breeds are prone to extra weight, which strains the back and joints, so measure meals and limit jumping. Pet insurance is worth pricing early because spinal problems can be expensive.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want the more outgoing, playful and trainable corgi and you are prepared for heavy shedding and plenty of barking. Choose the Cardigan Welsh Corgi if you want a slightly larger, more reserved and somewhat less shed-prone dog, and you accept that it takes longer to warm to strangers. Whichever you pick, keep your corgi lean, limit jumping from furniture and cars, and ask the breeder about back, hip and eye health in the parents. Meeting adult dogs of each breed shows you how different their personalities can be.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi profile Pembroke Welsh Corgi profile
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Cardigan and a Pembroke Corgi?
They are two separate breeds. On our profiles the Cardigan is slightly bigger and more reserved, and the Pembroke is more outgoing, more trainable and sheds more.
Which corgi sheds more?
The Pembroke, at 5 out of 5 against 4 for the Cardigan. Both have double coats and shed heavily in spring and fall.
Which corgi is better for first-time owners?
They tie at 3 out of 5. The Pembroke is easier to train, but both bark a lot and need daily exercise and weight control.
