The Welsh Corgi breed is appreciated by dog breeders around the world for its unique appearance, since such doggies look like puppies until they are old. In addition, they have remarkable characteristics, thanks to which these pets become real favorites in the family. Such dogs can live both in an apartment and in a private house, they have a friendly disposition, cheerful, energetic and quick-witted. Consider the distinctive features of two species - welsh corgi cardigan and welsh corgi pembroke.
Features of Origin
The homeland of both species is considered the county of Wales. It should be noted that almost no cases of breeding have been recorded. This happened because they were engaged in breeding in counties located on opposite sides of the ridge - Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire. To understand what constitutes a breed, you must refer to the translation of the name. The word welsh means Welsh, and the Corgi means a dwarf dog. The Pembroke and Cardigan prefixes, respectively, indicate the area where they were bred.
Such dogs are small in size, which was especially emphasized. The breed belongs to the shepherd’s, and the small size allows its representatives to quickly evade the attack of artiodactyls in case of danger.
Despite the fact that the homeland of the Welsh Corgs is the same, breeds appeared at different times. Cardigans are considered more ancient. The first written mention of them was found in the twentieth century, however, researchers believe that they brought the Celts to the habitat region at the end of the Bronze Age, that is, BC.Information about Pembrokes appeared only in the 13th century; their appearance is associated with Flemish artisans.
Outwardly, both breeds are very similar. However, despite this, their ancestors are different.
It is believed that Pembrokes appeared from Spitz-shaped dogs, and in the distant relatives of Cardigans - taxis.
External Data Differences
The standard of the breed of cardigans suggests that the physique of these doggies is quite strong. Their height is approximately 30-32 centimeters. The maximum weight of girls is 13 kilograms. The body, like that of the ancestors, is slightly elongated. The back is straight.
Cardigans have powerful breasts. Their head looks like a cross between a fox and a German shepherd. Dogs have a wide frontal part and a sharp muzzle. The nose is dark. Eyes are rounded, medium size. The ears are erect, in the shape of a triangle, the tips are rounded.
Regarding the difference from pembroke, you can not ignore the tail. In the second case, one of the ancestors is tailless bobtail.
Accordingly, the representatives of the breed have a tail that is either very short or docked at a tender age. Cardigans also have furry ponytails, somewhat reminiscent of foxes.
In general, cardigan lovers often call them small German shepherds. The dog has short paws. Pembrokes also resemble large Pomeranian spitz. Their height is from 25 to 30 centimeters, the average weight (depending on gender) is from 12.5 to 16.5 kilograms.
This is about standards. If, given the above, talk about the differences, it is necessary to note the difference in height, weight and proportions. Cardigan has an elongated body, pembroke has a more oval and long neck in the shape of an arch. Both species have a small head, short legs and triangular ears that stand.
Dogs also differ in the type of coat. The coat of cardigans is very thick, silky or, on the contrary, quite hard.
Pembrokes are soft and fluffy. When breeding work in relation to cardigans, dogs of marble color took part.
This had an effect on the coloring, blue merle color often prevails. There are also red, tiger and dark tan dogs with possible light marks.
A distinctive feature of the colors of the Pembrokes is the so-called “elven saddle”. It is a large spot in the back area of a brown or reddish color. Often there are sable, red or deer colors. There are also tricolor representatives of the breed, where black and brown shades prevail.
Cardigans resemble German shepherds not only externally, but also in a look that is smart enough, but at the same time a little wary. The eyes are almond-shaped, with clearly defined corners. Their color, depending on the color, can be either brown or blue. This is another difference from pembrokes, which always have dark brown eyes. In addition, the expression on their faces is playful, open and even a little naive. For this reason representatives of the breed look like puppies until old age.
Pembroke even in strangers causes a feeling of tenderness. I definitely want to stroke him. Cardigans are more serious and wary. The tips of their ears are rounded, while the pembrokes are sharper.
As for the paws, the differences here are not so striking, but still they exist. Both breeds have short paws. But if pembrokes have front ones that should be perfectly straight, then cardigans have a noticeable size. This was influenced by the presence of tax-like dogs in distant relatives.
Pembrokes, like Spitz, who are among their ancestors, have small paws and very elegant legs.
However, we must not forget that they were originally shepherd dogs, and this implies additional active loads. Therefore, the limbs are strong, developed and muscular. This gives doggies the opportunity to jump and run fast.
Character difference
But as for the characters, in this regard, the representatives of the two breeds are similar.Each of them is great for family support, as well as companions. Doggies are very quick-witted and excellent at training. But still it makes sense to talk about the differences.
- Lovers of German shepherds should pay attention to cardigans. These dogs, due to their compact size, are perfect for keeping in a city apartment. They have a calm and balanced disposition, non-aggressive, but at the same time they do not trust strangers too much.
- Pembrokes are more affectionate and careless. They can also be started both in the family and as a companion to a single person. Those who have such a dog in the house believe that she will certainly become the main pet. Pembrokes easily make contact, they can be kept in the house with other pets. Moreover, in relation to rodents, ancient instincts can work, so such cases can be an exception. If there are hamsters or rats in the house, it makes sense to postpone the purchase of a pembroke.
- Cardigans are more restrained, rarely give voice for no particular reason. Pembrokes, on the contrary, love to bark and sometimes do not look for this reason. They are very mobile and energetic, love to take part in games, so future owners should be committed to an active lifestyle.
Differences in Behavioral Patterns
Those who are trying to decide on a future pet, It is necessary to compare the behavioral models of the Welsh Corgi-Cardigan and Welsh Corgi-Pembroke breeds.
- The former tolerate loneliness more easily, while the latter require maximum attention and communication with the owner. Cardigans are calmer, can take part in games, for the most pleasure they get from unhurried walks. Since they have good watchdog qualities, they are more wary of strangers.
- Pembrokes are more reckless. They cannot draw a parallel between their actions and their consequences. The difference in breeds is especially pronounced if you observe each of them during a walk. Cardigans first stop at the extreme point, after which they will examine the territory along the entire perimeter. Pembrokes are less interested in this. They feel more comfortable next to the owner.
How to choose?
Welsh Corgi - dogs with their own characteristics. This must be taken into account when deciding on a pet of this breed. It will also be useful to talk with the owners and ask questions of interest. You can find out in advance about possible health problems, care features and other nuances.
If all the data is studied, and the decision is made, you should decide on the purchase. The optimal age of puppies is from 2 to 3 months. If you carefully watch him, it will become clear what the dog is and whether there are any problems. It is also worth paying attention to the features of behavior. A brave and self-confident dog is unlikely to grow out of a timid and shy puppy. The kid should not show aggression, this is especially true for families in which there are small children. The pet must be affectionate and sociable.
In addition, experts recommend carefully inspecting the baby's head. This will help to identify some problems in advance. A healthy dog has white teeth and pale pink gums.
A color change, as well as a poor condition of tooth enamel indicates the presence of hereditary diseases, among which the most common are poor metabolism and anemia.
The eyes should be clean, without crusts and secretions, the ears are clean and without any unpleasant odor. Dogs of this breed often suffer from the presence of ear mites, this also needs to be taken into account. In males, testes are clearly distinguished. The coat of healthy puppies glistens and does not fall out.
If the future owner is not too energetic or busy, dog breeders recommend stopping their attention on cardigans. These doggies are calmer.In addition, they feel good alone and can spend several hours without a host.
And most importantly - you can not ignore the impression of the first contact. If the puppy immediately begins to show interest in the future owner, is not afraid of him, this means the relationship will be established quite easily.
Next, see the 5 differences between a welsh corgi pembroke and a welsh corgi cardigan.
