The Tell-Tale Tail of Two Corgis

(This is an excerpt from Everything Corgi, edited by Cindy Read)

History

The Cardigan is the older of the two breeds and is descneded from the Teckel family of dogs (the Teckel family also produced the Dachshund). The Cardi is believed to have been brought to Wales by the Celts around 1200 B.C. The Pembroke is descended from the spitz group of dogs, who were brought to Wales by the Flemish weavers. The spitz were crossed with the Cardigans to produce the Pembroke.

From 1925 until 1934, the British Kennel Club exhibited both the Cardi and the Pem as a single breed. After a great deal of dissatisfaction among the dog owners, the Kennel Club separated them into two distinct breeds in 1934. They are both members of the herding group.

The Cardigan came to America in 1931, when Mrs. Roberta Bole imported a pair for breeding. Mrs. Roesler brought a breeding pair of Pembrokes to America in 1934.

To Tail or Not to Tail

Most people assume the only difference in the two breeds is the tail. So what are the major differences in the breeds? The Breed Standards for both the Cardigan and the Pembroke can be found at the American Kennel Club Web Site, www.akc.org. The following is a brief synopsis of the differences in the breed standard.

The Cardigan, at 10.5 to 12.5 inches, is slightly taller at the shoulder and heavier (30 to 38 pounds) than the Pembroke, at 10 to 12 inches (30 pounds). The heads of the two corgis are very similar in their foxy appearance, bu tthe Cardigan head is wider and more muscular with a more prominent nose. The Cardigan ears are large in proportion to its head, where the Pembroke has medium size ears. As might be expected, the Cardigan is longer and heavier-boned than the Pembroke, and the forearm of the Cardigan is curved more than the Pembroke's in order to fit around its rib cage.

Ah--the tail...The Pembroke tail is docked as short as possible without causing it to be indented. The Cardigan shows its tail in full glory and should have a fox-like brush that reaches below the hock.

Colors provide another area for differences in the two breeds. The Cardigan has a wider range of acceptable color, as it can have all shades of red, sable, brindle, and blue merle. Pembroke colors are red, sable, fawn, black, and tan with or without white markings.

The characters of the two dogs are similar in that they are intelligent, hard working, highly trainable, and extremely dedicated to their beloved humans. The differences tend to lie in their temperment. The Pembroke is considered to be bolder and more outgoing than the Cardigan, who is reported to be more "laid back" and wary of strangers. Of course, talk to corgi owners and you will probably get as many stories as there are dogs! Just as we are all individuals, so are our fur kids.......Both breeds are happiest when they hav ea job to do and are involved in some activity, such as obedience, herding, or agility.

Walk me back to the Cardis vs. Pems page!

Walk me back to Utah Corgis home!