Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Same short legs, same big opinions. The Pembroke is the busier, louder one; the Cardigan is the calmer cousin with a fox tail.

— Dr. Waggs

Side by side

Pembroke Welsh CorgiCardigan Welsh CorgiVerdict
Size3/53/5Tie
Energy4/53/5The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has more energy
Shedding5/55/5Tie
Barking5/54/5The Pembroke Welsh Corgi barks more
Trainability4/54/5Tie
Kid-friendliness4/54/5Tie
Drooling1/51/5Tie
Life expectancy12–15 years12–15 yearsTie

Vet costs

Age 1, U.S.-average prices, $2,000 emergency savings.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

  • First-year expected vet cost: $926
  • Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $81/mo
  • Top cost drivers: Slipped disc (IVDD) · DM (progressive paralysis)
  • Expected lifetime vet cost: $18,548

Full Pembroke Welsh Corgi vet-cost estimate

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

  • First-year expected vet cost: $978
  • Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $73/mo
  • Top cost drivers: Slipped disc (IVDD) · DM (progressive paralysis)
  • Expected lifetime vet cost: $18,962

Full Cardigan Welsh Corgi vet-cost estimate

Lifetime totals include lifespan: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is expected to live 12–15 years, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 12–15 years.

In year one, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is expected to cost about $52 less.

Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.

Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if…

  • You want the more energetic, playful version
  • You're fine with a dog that barks at everything
  • You want the more familiar, easier-to-find breed

Choose the Cardigan Welsh Corgi if…

  • You want a slightly calmer house dog
  • You love the long tail and the merle colors
  • You prefer a bit less barking

FAQ

Which is cheaper to insure?

In year one, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is expected to cost about $52 less. Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: Pembroke Welsh Corgi $81, Cardigan Welsh Corgi $73. Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.

Which sheds more?

It's a tie on shedding. Shedding: Pembroke Welsh Corgi 5/5, Cardigan Welsh Corgi 5/5.

Which lives longer?

It's a tie on lifespan. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 12–15 years; Cardigan Welsh Corgi: 12–15 years.

Which is better with kids?

It's a tie on kid-friendliness. Kid-friendliness: Pembroke Welsh Corgi 4/5, Cardigan Welsh Corgi 4/5.

Test-drive the Pembroke Welsh Corgi · Test-drive the Cardigan Welsh Corgi · Pembroke Welsh Corgi profile · Cardigan Welsh Corgi profile