Main Difference – Pembroke vs Cardigan Corgi
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi are dwarf dogs sharing some common features of the famous dog breed Dachshunds. Both dog breeds are corgi type dogs. The word Corgi is thought to be a Celtic word for dog used by Scottish people. Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi were first identified as two different dog breeds in 1934. The main difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi is their size since Pembroke is quite smaller than Cardigan Corgi. This article elaborates more details on the difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi.
Key Areas Covered
1. Pembroke
– Facts, Features, Characteristics, Behavior
2. Cardigan Corgi
– Facts, Features, Characteristics, Behavior
3. What is the Difference Between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi
Pembroke – Facts, Features, Characteristics, and Behavior
Pembroke is also known as Pembroke Welsh Corgi as this dog breed is often considered as a branch of Cardigan Corgi family. These dogs first originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales back in the year 1107. However, they were recognized as a separate breed in 1934. These dogs were primarily used as cattle driving dogs and watchdogs. However, at present, Pembroke is valued as an excellent companion due to their loyalty.
Figure 01: Pembroke
The height at withers of an adult female/ male dog is between 10-12 inches. An adult male may weigh about 13.5 kg and an adult female may weigh around 12.5 kg. The coat is short to medium in length and composed of an undercoat and coarser outer coat. The coat may be black and tan, fawn, red, or sable colored with white markings on chest, leg, neck, and face. The lifespan of Pembrokes is around 12-15 years. The ears are pointed and erect. The body is long with characteristically short legs. The tail is short and docked. This dog breed is an ideal small housedog owing to their friendly and intelligent behavior. They are loud attentive alarm barkers. Routing grooming, obedience training and low to moderate exercise are needed.
Cardigan Corgi – Facts, Features, Characteristics, and Behavior
The Cardigan Corgi is also known as Cardigan Welsh Corgi as this dog breed was first bred in Cardiganshire in Wales around 1200. They share some common features with Dachshund, hence, it is believed that these both dog breeds have some common ancestry. The same common ancestry gave rise to other corgi type dog breeds including Shipperke, Swedish Vulhunds, and Finnish Spitz dogs. This dog breed was initially used as guard dogs and cattle driving dogs. They also worked as pests hunters. However, later on, they became one of the best companion dog breeds due to their unique physical characteristics and some outstanding behaviors including intelligence, quick learning ability, devotion, and activeness.
Figure 02: Cardigan Corgi
Both male and female Cardigan Corgis have heights about 10.5 – 12.5 inches. The average weight of an adult male is around 13.5- 17 kg, whereas that of an adult female is about 11.5-15.5 kg. They have double coats of medium length. The coat may exist in few colors including black, red, sable, and brindle with white areas on chest, legs, neck, face, and tail tip. The lifespan is around 12-15 years. These dogs are sturdy and agile due to the presence of long body with short legs. The tail is long and thick. Early training, moderate exercise and low to moderate grooming are needed.
Difference Between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi
Origin
Pembroke: Pembrokes originated from Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Cardigan Corgi: Cardigan Corgi originated from Cardiganshire, Wales.
Height at Withers
Pembroke: The height at withers is 10-12 inches.
Cardigan Corgi: The height at withers is 10.5 – 12.5 inches.
Body Size
Pembroke: Pembroke is shorter than Cardigan Corgi.
Cardigan Corgi: Cardigan Corgi is longer than Pembroke.
Legs
Pembroke: Pembroke has straighter legs.
Cardigan Corgi: Cardigan Corgi has bowed legs due to chondrodystrophic conformation.
Ears
Pembroke: Pembroke has smaller and more pointed ears.
Cardigan Corgi: Cardigan Corgi has larger ears, which are not very pointed.
Calmness
Pembroke: Pembrokes are not as calm as Cardigan Corgis.
Cardigan Corgi: Cardigan Corgis are calmer than Pembrokes.
Coat Color
Pembroke: The coat may be present in black and tan, fawn, red, and sable with white markings on chest, leg, neck, and face.
Cardigan Corgi: The coat may exist in few colors including black, red, sable, and brindle with white areas on chest, legs, neck, face, and tail tip.
Coat Texture
Pembroke: The coat is short to medium in length, and composed of an undercoat and coarser outer coat.
Cardigan Corgi: This breed has a double coat with medium length.
Grooming
Pembroke: Routine grooming is necessary.
Cardigan Corgi: Low to moderate grooming is necessary.
Conclusion
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi have common ancestry of dachshunds and related dog breeds. Both dog breeds belong to the corgi family and originated in Wales. Pembrokes are more active and Cardigan Cordi. The difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi can be identified by looking at their body size, ears, and legs. Pembrokes are smaller than Cardigan Corgis and have large pointed ears with more straight legs, unlike Cardigan Corgis. However, both dog breeds are more popular and used as companion dogs owing to their loyal companionship and intelligence.
References:
1. Bell, Jerold, et al. Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. CRC Press, 2012.
2. Palika, Liz. The Howell book of dogs: the definitive reference to 300 breeds and varieties. John Wiley & Sons, 2007.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Profile” By FatFairfax – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”Welchcorgipembroke” By Pmuths1956 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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