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Corgis are a type of herding dog that originated in Wales and have been around for hundreds of years. While the American Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi can look very similar, they actually represent two distinct breeds. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two corgi types, as well as provide information to help you decide which corgi is best for you.
Visual Differences
At a Glance: American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
American Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
American Corgi Overview
The American Corgi is a herding dog that originated in the United States. It was developed by combining the Cardigan Welsh Corgi with other working breeds and has a longer body and legs than its Pembroke Welsh counterpart. An American Corgi typically stands between 15–20 inches tall, weighs 25–35 pounds, and has an average lifespan of 12–15 years. This breed needs daily exercise to stay healthy, such as active play or walks, and its coat requires moderate grooming. The American Corgi is family friendly and can get along well with other pets when properly trained. They are moderately easy to train with consistency.
Personality
The American Corgi is an intelligent and active breed that loves to be outdoors. It has a friendly and outgoing personality, making it easy to train and socialize with other animals. They are loyal and affectionate companions who enjoy physical activities such as running, playing fetch, Frisbee, or agility training.
Training
The American Corgi is a moderately easy breed to train, but consistency is key. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come and then progress to more challenging behaviors like agility training or advanced obedience exercises. Offer positive reinforcement when your pup succeeds, such as treats or verbal praise. This will help your pup learn faster and build a strong bond between the two of you.
Health Problems
The American Corgi is a healthy breed, but like all other dogs, it can be susceptible to certain health problems. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand’s disease. It is important to keep up with your pet’s regular vet visits and vaccinations in order to monitor any early warning signs of illness.
Grooming Needs
The American Corgi’s coat is soft and medium to long length, so it will require regular brushing to keep its fur looking healthy. It should be bathed every few months or as needed. Other grooming needs include trimming the nails, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the ears regularly.
Breeding
Gestation for an American Corgi is usually between 58–68 days. The litter size typically ranges from 3-5 puppies, and they should be kept warm and well fed in order to reach their full potential. It is important to socialize your puppy early on with other people and animals, as this breed can become aloof if not properly trained.
Suitable for:
The American Corgi is an ideal breed for people looking for a loyal and affectionate companion. Its small size makes it perfect for apartment living, although they’re also active enough to make good walking or running partners. They are family friendly and can get along with other animals when properly socialized. With the right training and proper care, the American can be an excellent addition to any home. Overall, the American Corgi is a loving and loyal breed that provides companionship for its owners. Its intelligence and eagerness to please make it easy to train.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an old breed that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They were originally bred to be herding dogs. They love to be around people and need daily interaction. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, so relatively easy to train. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation as well as plenty of attention and affection from their owners. A Pembroke Corgi typically stands between 10–12 inches tall, weighs 25–30 pounds, and has an average lifespan of 12–13 years.
Personality
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly, lively, and loyal breed. They are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them a great pet for families with children or other animals. They also need plenty of physical and mental stimulation so that they can stay happy and healthy.
Training
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent breed that is easy to train with consistency. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come and then progress to more challenging behaviors like agility training or advanced obedience exercises. Offer positive reinforcement when your pup succeeds, such as treats or verbal praise. This will help your pup learn faster and build a strong bond between the two of you.
Health
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a generally healthy breed, but like the American Corgi and other dogs, there are certain health issues to look out for including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand’s disease. As with the American Corgi, keeping up with your pet’s regular vet visits and vaccinations in order to monitor any early warning signs of illness can help prevent or get on top of certain health problems.
Grooming Needs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a soft, short to medium length coat that will require regular brushing to keep its fur looking healthy. A bath every few months is all that’s needed unless your dog becomes very dirty before then. Make sure to keep up with other grooming needs including trimming the nails, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the ears regularly.
Breeding
As with the American Corgi, gestation for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is usually between 58–68 days. The litter size typically ranges from 3-5 puppies. If you aren’t planning on breeding your Corgi, having them spayed or neutered is essential to prevent unwanted litters.
Pros & Cons of Each Breed
American Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
FAQs About American & Welsh Pembroke Corgis
Q: What is the biggest difference between an American and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
A: The main difference between the two breeds is their size. The American Corgi is slightly larger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but they both have similar personalities, energy levels and grooming requirements.
Q: What types of activities are best for Corgis?
A: With their intelligence and enthusiasm, Corgis are ideal companions for any active lifestyle. They thrive on physical and mental stimulation such as going on walks, playing fetch, or doing agility training. They also love to have fun, so don’t be afraid to include them in your outdoor activities.
Q: Are these Corgis good with children?
A: As long as they are properly socialized and trained, Corgis make great family pets for both adults and children. They are loyal and affectionate, so make sure to provide plenty of praise and rewards when interacting with your pup. With proper guidance, the two can form a strong bond that will last for years.
Q: How much exercise do Corgis need?
A: Corgis in general are an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy. Take them on at least one long walk a day, as well as playtime activities such as fetch or agility training. Make sure to also provide your pup with plenty of toys to keep their brains active and entertained. With the proper amount of exercise and stimulation, your Corgi will be happy and healthy for years to come.
Q: How should I groom my Corgi?
A: Grooming requirements for a Corgi are fairly minimal. Regular brushing is advised to maintain their coat and keep it looking healthy, especially if they have a longer coat. They should be bathed every few months or as needed, and their nails should be trimmed when they become too long. Finally, make sure to keep an eye on their ears for any signs of infection or irritation. With regular grooming, your American or Pembroke Welsh Corgi will look and feel great.
Q: Is there anything else I should know about caring for a Corgi?
A: Please remember that Corgis are an active breed that needs plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy. They also require lots of attention from their owners in order to form strong bonds with them. Make sure you have enough time to devote to your furry friend before bringing one home. With proper care and training, your Corgi will make a great companion for years to come.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Both the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are an ideal breed for anyone looking for a lovable and loyal companion. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them perfect for those who want a pup that will obey commands and be well behaved. However, their need for daily interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation mean that they may not be the best fit for owners who live a more sedentary lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, are looking for a furry companion to join you in your adventures and can provide the necessary amount of care and attention, then either Corgi breed could be the perfect choice for you.
Consider all factors carefully before deciding whether the American or Pembroke Welsh Corgi is right for you and your family. With proper care and training, this breed can make a great addition to any home.
Conclusion
The Corgi is an intelligent and loyal breed that makes a great companion. They require plenty of physical and mental stimulation, regular vet visits, and consistent training. While they can be a great choice for owners with an active lifestyle, consider all factors carefully before deciding if this breed is right for you. With love and commitment, Corgis can make a wonderful addition to any family.
Featured Image Credit: Top – American Corgi (Elisabeth Abramova, Shutterstock) | Bottom – Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pexels)