Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Two separate breeds from Wales that look alike at a glance. The Cardigan is slightly larger and heavier-boned, has a long fox-like tail and comes in more colours, including merle; the Pembroke is a little smaller, more outgoing and usually has a docked or naturally short tail.
At a glance
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Weight | 24–37 lb (11–17 kg) | 22–31 lb (10–14 kg) |
| Height | 10.6–12.6 in (27–32 cm) | 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Medium length · Medium-length weatherproof double coat | Medium length · Medium-length weatherproof double coat |
| Origin | Wales, UK | Wales, UK |
| Breed group | Herding | Herding |
| Typical monthly cost | $80–$125 / month | $80–$120 / month |
| Temperament | Loyal, Intelligent, Reserved, Steady | Bold, Clever, Alert, Playful |
Temperament & care, rated 1–5
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy levelNeeds a lot of activity every day | 4 | 4 |
| Exercise needsLong daily walks or workouts required | 4 | 3 |
| IntelligenceLearns quickly and solves problems | 5 | 5 |
| TrainabilityTakes to training readily | 4 | 4 |
| AffectionWants close contact with people | 4 | 4 |
| IndependenceCopes well with time alone | 3 | 3 |
| Good with childrenPatient and tolerant with kids | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other petsUsually settles with other animals | 3 | 4 |
| Apartment friendlyComfortable in a smaller home | 4 | 4 |
| Beginner friendlyForgiving for a first-time owner | 4 | 4 |
| SheddingSheds heavily | 4 | 5 |
| Grooming needsFrequent brushing or professional grooming | 3 | 3 |
| Noise levelVocal — barks, meows or calls often | 3 | 4 |
Highlighted = the easier choice for most owners on that trait (higher, except shedding, grooming and noise, where lower is easier).
The key differences
- Tail: Cardigans have a long tail; Pembrokes typically have a short or docked one.
- Size: Cardigans are generally a little larger and heavier.
- Colours: Cardigans come in more colours, including merle and brindle.
- Both shed heavily and are prone to back problems because of their long bodies — keep them lean and limit jumping.
Choose the Cardigan Welsh Corgi if…
- You like a slightly calmer, more reserved dog that warms up to strangers more slowly.
- You love the long tail and colours such as blue merle and brindle.
Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if…
- You want a bold, sociable, very people-oriented little herder.
- You like the classic red-and-white or sable "royal corgi" look.