Compare

Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Both are short-legged herding corgis with matching exercise needs; the Cardigan is larger and steadier, the Pembroke more talkative and a heavier shedder.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi profilePembroke Welsh Corgi profile

Verdict

The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi share a short-legged build, a herding background, a need for 45 to 60 minutes of activity a day, and similar trainability. Both profiles list obesity and intervertebral disc disease among their concerns, so weight control matters for either dog.

Temperament and size mark the pair. The Cardigan is a bit larger, with a steady, adaptable manner, and the profile rates it a little better with children and a lighter barker. The Pembroke is bold, outgoing and talkative, rates higher for barking and for shedding, and is often described as a dog that keeps tabs on everyone. Neither suits someone who wants a quiet, low-exercise companion.

Choose the Cardigan Welsh Corgi if

  • You want a calmer, steadier corgi
  • Your household has children and you want a good match
  • You prefer a dog that barks less than a Pembroke
  • You can manage regular exercise, shedding and weight

Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if

  • You like a spirited, talkative, alert dog
  • You are an active household that can also handle apartment life
  • You accept barking and heavy shedding
  • You want a slightly smaller dog and can watch its weight

Side by side

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pembroke Welsh Corgi
AKC group Herding Group Herding Group
Size class Medium Medium
Typical weight 25 to 38 lb 25 to 30 lb
Height 10.5 to 12.5 in at the shoulder 10 to 12 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
AKC popularity, 2025 65 of 202 16 of 202
Shedding Heavy Very heavy
Grooming needs Low Low
Energy Moderate Moderate
Trainability Easy Easy
Barking Barks sometimes Barks often
With children Very good Good with supervision
Apartment living Moderate Moderate
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Good Good
Temperament
  • loyal
  • steady
  • alert
  • adaptable
  • bold
  • affectionate
  • alert
  • outgoing
Health concerns to know about
  • intervertebral disc disease
  • hip dysplasia
  • progressive retinal atrophy
  • degenerative myelopathy
  • obesity
  • intervertebral disc disease
  • hip dysplasia
  • degenerative myelopathy
  • eye conditions
  • obesity
Suits
  • active families
  • owners who want a calmer corgi
  • people with a modest yard
  • active households
  • people who like a talkative dog
  • owners who can manage weight

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now