Pembrokes versus Cardigans

I don't have a Corgi of my own yet, but plan to get one this summer. I've done a lot of research, read a lot of articles, as well as many discussions on various online forums and blogs, but one thing that I have hard time finding good information about is a good list of similarities and differences between the two Corgi breeds.

From what I've read, the differences I found so far are as follows:
- Cardis are slightly bigger (taller/longer) than Pems
- Cardis always have a tail while Pems maybe be born with a natural bob-tail or have it docked at a young age
- Cardis also have larger, rounder ears than Pems
- Pems come in red/white, sable, or tri colors, Cardis come in all of those, plus various brindle and merle variations
- Cardis are generally said to be more calm, while Pems are knows for their hyperness

If you have anything to add onto this list or to correct it, please do reply. I'd love to hear thoughts on personality differences especially since that's not as obvious as the different looks.

Tags: cardi, comparison, differences, pem, similarities

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by CorgiLove on April 12, 2008 at 12:58pm: So true! I love all the pictures of Frodo and the gang :) I wish I could find a Cardi to hang out with nearby, still looking...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan - Fromax kennel on April 12, 2008 at 2:38pm: Thank you both - Jenny and Corgilove! And I hope you will find a Corgi that suits you, Corgilove.

The picture below is of three generations in Sweden: Frodo's mother Vicky, Frodo and Frodo´s daughter Tina (when she was a puppy).

And here there are four generations in Finland. Our Tina, her sister Fizzie, their great grandmother (Tuuma), their grandmother (Kata) and their mother ("Oodi").

It's nice to be able to know ones dogs for many generations back. So I hope that the breeder you find will be a good one - and that you get to meet the parents of your puppy. The main thing is to find a good breeder - whether you choose a Pembroke or a Cardigan...

Susan
Fromax kennel in Sweden
http://www.fromax.se/english.html; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carmen on April 21, 2008 at 9:47pm: I didn't read your post before putting up mine. You are so right. Especially the treat part. Pan (Pem) follows anyone with treats, but Trunks (Cardi) won't take a treat from anyone but a family member.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carmen on April 21, 2008 at 9:46pm: I adore both of my babies. I think that both breeds bring a special attitude to our household.

Trunks (Cardi) is very protective and is a tad of a worrywart. He is also a tad velcro.

Pan (Pem) is independent and loving. She loves to snuggle on her demand. She is a little bossy.

I love both breeds and I think that having one of each brings together the best of both worlds.

Trunks gives the best kisses though. (see my Trunks Dancing video); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Avyon on April 21, 2008 at 11:16pm: yes I will add that if you ask which breed is better you will always get what breed the person owns lol.

I think its a personal choice - I actually hate the constant bickering online about which breed is better... have you seen cafepress.com? I can't believe the stupid BREEDIST (yes Im inventing a word for this...) products people make!

personally I own a pemmy (truthfully because it was the first up for sale) If I have a chance I would love to have a cardi in my life as well.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Natalie and Lance on April 21, 2008 at 11:39pm: I agree, I do not like the bickering either. There is no need for it. Everyone has their own reasons for which corgi they like. Just because you own one corgi and not the other does not mean you dont like the other.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Milo Love on April 22, 2008 at 2:19pm: One distinction I like about the pems is not having a tail. True, a tail shows a lot of the mood of the dog. But 95% of dogs have a tail. Only certain breeds do not have a tail. The small stubby tail makes the butt look cuter. Sorry, that's my opinion. It looks more round that's all. Also, when the dog does #2 - you won't see it. It's covered discreetly and nicely like a lid. Hahha, again, that's my opinion.

I also like the colors of the pems more. But again, it's really up to you. It's much harder to find a cardigan so good luck searching! Still, corgis are not easy to find. It's #22 on the AKC dog list. Hope it gets more popular with time! It's a WONDERFUL breed. I will never go back to another breed. I'm addicted to corgis.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Twinky on April 23, 2008 at 7:16pm: There will always be the differing of opinions on the two "breeds" of Corgis. I've had the good fortune of meeting a few Cardigans, a blue merle who was adorable and huge black male. They were both wonderful friendly dogs. I ended up with a Pem because the litter was available, and it was just meant to be.Since my dog has her tail in tact, there have been people that have thought and argued with me that my dog is a Cardi, when she looks like a pem. I tell ya! I would love to try the Cardi out someday and see what the real difference is!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Avyon on April 26, 2008 at 2:16pm: oh I can only imagine! you should just carry her papers around and go "SEE!? PEM! pempempempemPEM!"

While its understandable that people may confuse the whole tail thing its like telling a mother all about her own child. You own the pup.. you'd figure people would know that you know about her ;); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Phil Hamm on April 24, 2008 at 1:55pm: I have two dogs, Tucker a PWC we adopted and Newman a CWC/Basset Hound mix we rescued. Newman has a lot of Cardigan traits. Also, some neighbors have a Cardigan I've seen and said hello to a few times.

This is completely subjective, but hey you asked for opinions, right? I think Cardigans are much more attractive aesthetically than Pems. Not that Pems are ugly, don't get me wrong, but Cardis have some of the most beautiful deep browns and reds, the merles are stunning, and I love the occasional blue eyes (our Newman has blue-gray eyes).

Other differences I didn't see mentioned yet:
* Cardis are significantly heavier-boned than Pems - probably due to their common ancestry with some heavy boned hounds.
* Cardi coats are usually incredibly soft on the chest and neck, but coarser on top/back. Our Newman has a Cardi coat feel all the way.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Charlie on April 24, 2008 at 2:16pm: Interesting that you mention attractiveness. Thinking of a Pem and a Cardi sitting side by side, I would think of the Pembroke as "a pretty dog" and of the Cardigan as "a handsome dog". Probably a difference (for me) in the heavier set of the Cardigan looking more masculine. I think both breeds are very attractive.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by CorgiLove on April 24, 2008 at 4:16pm: Thanks again everyone for all the replies! I've said it before, and I'll repeat myself again, but I do think that both breeds are wonderful in their own ways, but it's great to hear all the different opinions and experiences from you guys.
I can't seem to find any Cardi breeders nearby, so it looks like it'll be a Pem for me to start with, but hopefully a Cardi later on as well :); ▶ Reply to This