El Welsh corgi It is a well-known breed thanks to its adorable appearance, which shares physical characteristics with the fox. Uncommon in Spain, they are very popular in the United States, although there is great ignorance about the differences that separate the different variants of this breed. Both can appear very similar to inexperienced eyes, so much so that it can sometimes be difficult to know which is one and which is the other.
But do not worry. In this article We analyze for you the differences and similarities between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke so you can better identify one from the other.
What are the differences between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke?
cardigan corgi
Origin and history
To begin with, they do not share the same origin. The Cardigan is the older of the two, and comes from Cardiganshire, in Wales (United Kingdom). It is believed that they were brought there around 1200 BC by Celtic tribes, after which they were commonly used as farm keepers. Experts believe that it descends from the same lineage as the Keeshond, the Schipperke, the Pomeranian and the Swedish Vallhund.
El PembrokeRather, it comes from the same family as the Keeshond, Chow chow, Samoyed, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Elk hound. It is a variety that, according to some sources, it was introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers in the XNUMXth century, and developed in Pembrokeshire.
It became more popular than the previous one thanks to became the pet of choice for the Queen of England. Today, the Pembroke remains a favorite of the British Royal Family.
In principle, both breeds were considered as one, largely due to the fact that they interbred freely until the 1930s. It wasn't until 1934 that the American Kennel Club decided that the two had enough differences to be classified individually.. Currently these two Corgi variants are easily distinguishable.
Physical characteristics
Regarding their physique, the characteristic that best distinguishes both races is The tail. While that of the Cardigan is long and stretched (similar to that of foxes), that of the Pembroke is short, sometimes even being born without it. Similarly, we can identify them by their fur; that of the Pembroke is medium long and smooth, red, jet, beige or black and tan; On the other hand, the Cardigan presents a greater variety of shades (brindle, red, sable, black and white, tricolor (black and white with cinnamon points) and blue merle).
Also, the latter is usually Something bigger (females weigh between 11 and 15 kg and males between 14 and 17 kg) than the Pembroke (Males weigh between 10 and 14 kg, and females between 10 and 13 kg). Likewise, Cardigans tend to have rounder and larger legs and ears (up to 11cm).
Behavior and personality
Corgi pembroke
As for his character, Pembrokes are more sociable, more affectionate and also very intelligent, always with a good disposition to work. The Cardigan is somewhat more dominant, due to having a strong herding instinct, but is gentle and protective, and can be educated well as long as positive reinforcement is used.
"Salud"
They are both very hardy dogs. The Cardigan he is in very good health, with few inherited diseases. In fact, most common causes of death are cancer and natural aging; although you could also suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Their life expectancy is about 11-12 years.
In the case of Pembroke, its health is generally good, but it has a tendency to hip and retinal dysplasia, cataracts, degenerative myelopathy, and it can also suffer from Vol Willebrand's disease characterized by an abnormal coagulation. Life expectancy is longer, 12 to 14 years.
Utility
Both the Cardigan and the Pembroke were used and are used today for grazing. Being low in height, they can even run under cattle without being damaged; However, the Cardigan, probably because it did not enjoy the influence of the British Royal Family, it is a variety that it is used mainly in dog sports, such as agility, flyball, tracking or even obedience.
What care do they require?
Corgi pembroke
Regardless of which one you choose, you should know that any of them he is going to need you to give him a quality diet, without cereals or by-products (remember that dogs are carnivores and therefore must have meat as their base ingredient), exercise every day and a lot of love.
If you are an athletic person or want to be one, do not hesitate to sign up with your Corgi to a canine sports association, such as agility for example. You will learn and have a lot of fun, I'm sure of it 😉.
I hope that from now on it will be easier for you to differentiate Cardigan from Pembroke, and vice versa.