Pembroke And Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dogs: Origins And Differences Of Two Adorable Breeds

You've been seeing more and more Corgis you say? You're not alone on that thought! There is no denying that these stumpy and peach bottomed Doggos have etched their way into the hearts of many. If you haven't realized how adorable these guys are, we're about to uncover their history, personality and oh, did we mention there are two separate breeds of Corgis? ☺ 

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Pembroke And Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Two Breeds — As mentioned earlier, the Welsh Corgi consists of two separate breeds— Pembroke, and Cardigan. Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older breed amongst the two, and also the ancestor breed of Pembroke Welsh Corgis! Origins of the Cardigan Welsh has been traced back as early as 1200 BC, with both breeds native to Wales, United Kingdom.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi with Tail

It was only in 1934, when Show judges of AKC (American Kennel Club) decided that there were sufficient and significant differences to classify the two breeds individually. Pembroke Welshs were from Pembrokeshire, and Cardigan Welshs from Cardiganshire. Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are extremely intelligent breeds, and were long favoured as herding dogs in many farms.

Royal Favourite — The popularity of Pembroke Welsh Corgis is largely attributed to the Royal Family of England, and it all began with the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Later in the years Queen Elizabeth II similarly shared her mother's love for Pembroke Corgis— reportedly owning 30 or more as her pets during her reign!

Not only were Pembroke Welsh Corgis favored in the Royal Family for more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II watched over and tended to their kennels personally. Her Corgis had a remarkably good and comfortable life, reported to be fed gourmet rabbit and beef meat for meals, even recieving hand-made gifts from the Queen herself. Talk about a Royal Treatment!

How Do You Tell Them Apart?

If one did not know any better, its easy to mistake a Pembroke for a Cardigan, and vice versa. Fret not, look out for these 3 factors in determining the breed in future!

1. Tail — One of the first differences you will notice would inevitably be their tails. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have tails, in fact, it is almost impossible to miss out on their fox-like brush tails. Pembroke Welsh Corgis on the other hand, have stubby short tails of almost 2 inches or more, even non-existent for some (you can barely tell).

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

2. Paws — Cardigan Welsh Corgis are slightly larger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgis. And while standing on fours, Cardigans' front paws are actually angled outwards (think bow-legged). Pembrokes stand with their front paws facing front.

3. Coat and Colour — Both breeds sport a rather coarse, medium length coat made up of short and long hairs. Their coats can be soft to the touch, and also water-resistant. A Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coats however, is said to be denser than that of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Both breeds come in a variety of colours, ranging from Black, Fawn, Red, Sable, and Brindle, but the Cardigans are sometimes available in shades of Blue and Black Merle (Patchy or Spotted). 

Cardigan Chart

Pembroke Chart

4. Ears — The Cardigan and Pembroke breeds have large, erect triangular ears that sit on top of their heads. As for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, their ears are slightly rounder, smaller, and shorter as compared to the Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

Corgi Grooming Requirements

Grooming of both breeds do not require a lot of effort, make a trip to the groomers or give them baths plus trimming of nails when they get too long. They do shed every now and then, so regular brushing would definitely help in reducing the amount of loose fur in the house! Practice good dental hygiene with a toothbrush and Vet-approved toothpaste. If you are unsure how to perform these tasks, always approach a professional, trusted Groomer or Veterinarian for their services!

Personality And Behaviour

Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are equally intelligent, adaptable and affectionate companions for anyone to own. They thrive on pleasing their owners, which makes them easily trained and loyal. Both breeds are loving towards their human counterparts and get along well with other pets in the house. It is advised however, that they are introduced to children and other animals at a young age, to ease the process of socializing in future.

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Interestingly, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are reported to be slightly more reserved around others except for their owners. Pembrokes on the other hand are usually friendly with everyone. Their eagerness to learn and extreme obedience make both breeds excellent family pets— They require exercise and outdoor activities, to curb obesity issues from their heavy appetites.  

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It is also important to make trips to the vet with your Corgis for checkups, ensuring their weight, hip and other issues do not surface. Keep your Corgis happy, and you will find much joy in having an obedient, loyal, loving and fun family pet with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years!

 Twerk That Peach Bottom

Short, stubby tail and legs, tall set ears and a peach-shaped bottom that twerks uncontrollably when excited— How could we not love a Pembroke Welsh Corgi? This one particular video that took the internet by storm was a Pembroke’s jiggle to one of Major Lazer’s hit song, Bubble Butt. This phenomenon is most likely to happen when a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is most excited. 

Mad Twerking In Action

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Disclaimer

This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals.

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