The Welsh Corgi is a member of the AKC Herding Group, the name "corgi" comes from the Welsh language and means "dwarf dog." The Pembroke is the smaller and lighter of the two corgi breeds and has the docked/short tail and a attractive "foxy" face.

The Pembroke is the smallest dog in the herding group, low-set, nub of a tail, strong, sturdily built, and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space. They are only about ten to twelve inches tall and ideally weigh approximately 27 pounds or so with the female a bit lighter. The Pembroke is an active dog, bold, but kindly, never shy or vicious, who is willing and able to carry out his owner's commands in the pasture, the obedience ring, or the family home.

This dog breed can be fairly long lived - and can easily live into the double-digit years. Corgi's can be prone to serious back problems due to their long backs and short legs so try to cut back on the stair climbing and jumping if possible. Believe it or not, eye problems are actually much more common.

The typical Pembroke Welsh Corgi is happy, obedient, friendly, and confident, and great fun to live with and extremely food motivated so weight problems can be an issue. The Pembroke's color can range from red, sable, fawn, black and tan as well as white.

Country of origin: Wales
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Colors: Fawn, red, sable,or black and tan - with or without white markings
Known health problems: Eye disorders, urinary tract disorders, hip dysplasia, intervertebral- disk disase, heart disease

Cardigan

A member of the AKC Herding Group, The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a handsome and powerful dog, capable of both speed and endurance, low set with moderately heavy bone, big ears and deep chest and a long low set tail.

To distinguish between the two Corgis, it is often said that "the Cardigan is the one with the tail and the Pembroke is the one with the Queen!"

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first developed in Southern Wales and was originally used as a cattle drover. Early on they were classified as the same dog breed as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi but later received a separate dog breed classification in 1934.

Cardigans have a special affinity for children and will adapt their playing to fit a child, senior citizen, or even the handicapped and makes for an excellent guard dog as well as a devoted companion dog.

Health wise, this Corgi dog breed is susceptible to both eye and structural problems. Don't let him jump from high places if at all possible because this could easily lead to painful spinal problems down the road. Cardigans stand about 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 30 to 40 pounds.

They are even-tempered, loyal, affectionate, and adaptable - never shy nor vicious. This dog breed is very intelligent, sharp, and strong-willed and can be quite stubborn. Training and proper socialization should begin from puppy hood.

The best home is fenced acreage with a physically active owner where they can receive ample exercise. Keep in mind, the Cardigan is a working dog that needs to be active and busy.

Country of origin: Wales
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Colors: Red, sable, brindle, black, blue merle - usually with white markings or tan or brindle points
Known health problems: Blindness, hip dysplasia, spinal disk disease (especially if overweight)

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