loyal / affectionate / smart
About the Breed
Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are two adorable breeds with distinct differences, and while they may look similar at first glance, there are a few key traits that set them apart.
When it comes to their origins, Cardigans are the older of the two breeds, with a history in Wales going back over a thousand years, where they were used as herding dogs. Pembrokes, though also herders, come from a different lineage, originating from spitz-type dogs brought to Wales by Flemish weavers. This spitz ancestry is evident in their pointed ears and fox-like faces and often a curly tail reaching back over their bodies.
One of the most noticeable differences is their tails. In Australia, where tail docking is illegal, Pembrokes can have either a natural bobtail (short tail) or a full tail, unlike Cardigans, which always have a long, bushy tail. Additionally, their bodies are a bit different too. Cardigans are a little larger and have a more rounded, sturdy build, with slightly heavier bone structure. Pembrokes tend to be a bit smaller and lighter, giving them a more agile look.
Their fur is another distinction. Both breeds have double coats (so expect shedding!), but Pembrokes usually have a shorter, finer coat, while Cardigans often have thicker, denser fur, especially around their chest and neck.
In terms of personality, both breeds are smart, affectionate, and loyal. Cardigans are typically more independent and can be reserved with strangers, but they bond closely with their families. Pembrokes, on the other hand, are usually more outgoing and social, often described as playful and people-oriented. They’re sometimes called “velcro dogs” because they love sticking close to their humans.
Pembrokes share a royal connection—most famously, they’ve been favoured by the British royal family, especially Queen Elizabeth II.
Both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis have beautiful, varied coat colors, but the options are a bit different between the two breeds.
Coat Colours
Cardigan Welsh Corgis
Cardigans are known for their broader range of coat colours. Their coats can come in several combinations, including:
- Brindle: A mix of darker stripes on a lighter base coat, often resembling a tiger stripe pattern.
- Blue Merle: A striking mix of black, grey, and sometimes white or tan, with a marbled or mottled appearance. Blue merles can also have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye.
- Black and White: Classic black coat with white markings, often around the chest, muzzle, and legs.
- Red and White: A reddish or brownish coat with white markings, giving them a more fox-like appearance.
- Sable and White: A mix of reddish-brown tones with black-tipped hairs, combined with white markings.
- Tri-colour: Black with tan or brindle points and white markings. This is a common colour combination in Cardigans.
Cardigans tend to have a more diverse colour palette, and their markings can be quite unique from one dog to another.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Pembrokes, while also having beautiful coats, have a more limited range of colours compared to Cardigans. The standard colours for Pembrokes are:
- Red and White: This is the most common colour, with various shades of red or fawn, and white markings often around the chest, muzzle, and legs. This gives them that classic Corgi look.
- Sable and White: Similar to Cardigans, Pembrokes can have sable coats, where the reddish-brown fur is interspersed with black-tipped hairs, creating a shaded effect.
- Fawn and White: A lighter, soft tan or fawn colour paired with white markings.
- Tri-color: Black with tan points and white markings, though less common in Pembrokes than in Cardigans.
Unlike Cardigans, Pembrokes do not come in brindle or merle. Any Pembroke with a merle colouring is a cross-breed and not a pure-breed dog. Their colour variations tend to be more limited.
Overall, Cardigans have a wider range of colours and patterns, while Pembrokes stick to more traditional red, sable, fawn, and tri-color variations. Both breeds’ coats are double-layered, so they require regular grooming to manage shedding and keep them looking their best.
So, while both breeds are full of character and energy, Cardigans are a little more rugged and reserved, and Pembrokes are known for their friendly, playful nature. No matter which you choose, both are lovable companions!