What is the difference between the Welsh Corgi Cardigan and the Welsh Corgi Pembroke?

The Welsh Corgi breed is valued by dog ​​breeders all over the world for its unique appearance, since such dogs look like puppies until old age. In addition, they have remarkable characteristics, thanks to which these pets become real favorites in the family. Such dogs can live both in an apartment and in a private house, they have a friendly disposition, cheerful, energetic and quick-witted. Consider the distinctive features of two types - the welsh corgi cardigan and the welsh corgi pembroke.

The county of Wales is considered the birthplace of both species. It should be noted that there are practically no cases of crossing breeds. This was because the breeding was carried out in the counties located on opposite sides of the mountain range - Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire. To understand what the breed is, you need to refer to the translation of the name. Welsh means Welsh and corgi means dwarf dog. The pembroke and cardigan prefixes, respectively, indicate the locality where they were bred.

Despite the fact that the Welsh Corgs have one homeland, the breeds appeared at different times. Cardigans are considered to be more ancient. The first written mentions of them are found already in the twentieth century, however, researchers believe that the Celts' dogs were brought to the region of their habitat at the end of the Bronze Age, that is, BC.Information about the Pembrokes appeared only in the 13th century; their appearance is associated with Flemish artisans.

Outwardly, both breeds are very similar. However, despite this, their ancestors are different.

The Cardigan breed standard assumes that these dogs have a fairly strong physique. Their height is approximately 30-32 centimeters. The maximum weight of girls is 13 kilograms. The body, like that of the ancestors, is slightly elongated. The back is straight.

Cardigans have powerful breasts. Their head looks like a cross between a fox and a German shepherd. Dogs have a wide frontal part and a sharp muzzle. The nose is dark. The eyes are round and medium in size. Erect ears, in the shape of a triangle, the tips are rounded.

As for the difference from the Pembroke, the tail cannot be ignored. In the second case, one of the progenitors is tailless bobtails.

In general, fans of the Cardigan breed often refer to them as little German shepherds. The dog has short legs. Pembrokes, on the other hand, resemble large Pomeranian Spitz. Their height is from 25 to 30 centimeters, the average weight (depending on gender) is from 12.5 to 16.5 kilograms.

This is about standards. If, taking into account the above, we talk about differences, it should be noted the difference in height, weight and proportions. The cardigan has an elongated body, the Pembroke has a more oval and longer arch-shaped neck. Both species have a small head, short legs, and erect, triangular ears.

Dogs also differ in the type of coat. The coat of cardigans is very thick, silky or, on the contrary, quite tough.

Pembrokes are soft and fluffy. Marble-colored dogs took part in breeding work for cardigans.

A distinctive feature of the Pembroke coloration is the so-called "elf saddle". It is a large brown or reddish spot on the back. Sable, red or deer colors are common. There are also tricolor representatives of the breed, where black and brown shades prevail.

Cardigans resemble German Shepherds not only in appearance, but also in look, which is quite smart, but at the same time a little wary. The eyes are almond-shaped, with clearly marked corners. Their color, depending on the color, can be either brown or blue. This is another difference from the Pembrokes, which always have dark brown eyes. In addition, their expression is playful, open and even a little naive. For this reason until old age, representatives of the breed look like puppies.

Pembroke, even strangers, evokes a feeling of tenderness. You definitely want to stroke him. Cardigans are more serious and wary. The tips of their ears are rounded, while those of the Pembrokes are sharper.

As for the paws, the differences are not so striking, but they still exist. Both breeds have short legs. But if Pembrokes' front should be perfectly straight, then cardigans have a noticeable markup. This was influenced by the presence of dachshund dogs in distant relatives.

In the Pembrokes, like in the Spitz, who are among the ancestors, the paws are small and very graceful.

But as for the characters, in this respect, the representatives of the two breeds are similar.Each of them is great for keeping in a family, as well as companions. Dogs are very quick-witted and perfectly trainable. But it still makes sense to talk about the differences.

• Connoisseurs of German Shepherds should turn their attention to cardigans. These dogs, due to their compact size, are perfect for keeping in a city apartment. They have a calm and balanced disposition, non-aggressive, but at the same time they do not trust strangers too much.
• Pembrokes are more affectionate and careless. They can also be started both in the family and as a companion for a single person. Those who have such a dog in the house believe that it will definitely become the main pet. Pembrokes are easy to contact, they can be kept in the house with other pets. At the same time, ancient instincts can work in relation to rodents, so that such cases can be an exception. If there are hamsters or house rats in the house, it makes sense to postpone the purchase of a Pembroke.
• Cardigans are more discreet and rarely vote for no reason. Pembrokes, on the other hand, love to bark and sometimes do not look for a reason for this. They are very mobile and energetic, they love to take part in games, so future owners should be adherents of an active lifestyle.

For those who are trying to decide on a future pet, it is necessary to compare the behavioral models of the Welsh Corgi Cardigan and Welsh Corgi Pembroke breeds.

• The former more easily tolerate loneliness, while the latter require maximum attention and communication with the owner. Cardigans are calmer, can take part in games, and most of all they get pleasure from unhurried walks. Since they have good watch qualities, they are more wary of strangers.
• Pembrokes are more reckless... They cannot draw a parallel between their actions and their consequences. The difference between the breeds is especially pronounced if you observe each of them while walking. Cardigans first stop at the extreme point, after which they will inspect the territory around the entire perimeter. The Pembrokes are less interested in this. They feel more comfortable with their owner.

Welsh Corgi are dogs with their own characteristics. This must be taken into account when deciding on a pet of this breed. Also, it will not be superfluous to talk with the owners and ask questions of interest. You can find out in advance about possible health problems, care features and other nuances.

If all the data has been studied, and the decision has been made, you should decide on the purchase. The optimal age for puppies is 2 to 3 months. If you carefully observe him, it will become clear what the dog is and if there are any problems. It is also worth paying attention to the peculiarities of behavior. A timid and fearful puppy is unlikely to grow into a brave and self-confident dog. The kid should not show aggression, this is especially true for families with small children. The pet should be affectionate and sociable.

In addition, experts recommend carefully examining the baby's head. This will help you identify some problems ahead of time. A healthy dog ​​has white teeth and pale pink gums.

The eyes should be clean, without crusts and secretions, the ears should be clean and without an unpleasant odor. Dogs of this breed often suffer from the presence of ear mites, this must also be taken into account. In males, the testes are clearly visible. The coat of healthy puppies is shiny and does not fall out.

If the future owner is not too energetic or a busy person, dog breeders recommend stopping their attention on cardigans. These dogs are calmer.In addition, they feel quite well alone and are quite capable of spending several hours without an owner.

Next, see 5 differences between the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Welsh Corgi Cardigan.