As a short person, I have enjoyed spiritually identifying with Welsh Corgis and their small legs. Then I discovered that Pembroke and Cardigan weren’t just two different looks of the Corgi but that they are two individual breeds. I immediately became curious which breed I may be more like and researched some interesting facts. May they help you see which you’re more like too.
You may be more Pembroke if:
1. You’re a younger family member!
Pembroke are the younger of the Welsh Corgis, their origins only tracing back 1107 AD. It’s said that Flemish Weavers brought them to Wales after Henry I of England took over the island.
2. You like to keep your hair down!
A Pembroke’s most defining feature is their lack of tail. While the tail is usually docked, some Pembrokes are born with the nubby look.
3. You have a foxy face!
A Pembroke’s nose is pointier than it’s companion breed. While the Pembroke gets the foxy snout, the Cardigan gets the foxy tail!
4. Good posture!
They are ideal with a straight back, front facing toes, and level chest and hindquarters. Cardigans have a slightly slopping back and bowed hindquarters.
5.You have a fluffy personality!
They share a fuzzy lineage with hounds like the Kesshound, Pomeranian, Samoyed, and the Chow-Chow. Strangely, having flufflies or long feathering on the ears, chest, legs, feet, or under-hindquarters is considered a beauty fault at dog shows.
You may be more Cardigan if:
1. You’re an older family member!
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have Celtic origins and are dated to have migrated to Wales around 1200 BC. They are one of the oldest herding breeds known and nipped at the heels of cattle to drive them.
2. Your hair is thick and coarse!
A Cardigan’s volume is due to the fur’s harsh texture rather than layers. A Pembroke’s thick fur comes from the many layers of undercoat and over coat.
3. You have rounded ears!
Not only are Cardigan ears slightly larger than the Pembroke, but they also have a distinct rounded tip. Cardigan heads are also at a slightly smaller proportion on their body, adding to the illusion of ear size.
4.You’re short but look tall!
Cardigan’s have a common shorter coat style, slender figure, longer neck, and longer body than the Pembroke, and thus appear like the taller breed. And believe it or not, this body style has shares a lineage with dachshunds.
5. You’re on the shy side!
A defining Cardigan personality is loyal and caring for their people is the number one. It’s common to see them shy around strangers and other dogs, but only because they’re so devoted and alert of their surroundings. Pembroke's are surprisingly the opposite and are known to be bold and never shy.
