Cairn Terrier vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive fox-like faces and short legs. Their double coat comes in red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and agility, featuring a long body, erect ears, and their signature stubby tail. Their alert expression and confident bearing reflect their heritage as capable herding dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cairn Terriers are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cairn Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cairn Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Cairn Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cairn Terrier and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Cheerful, Busy | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is known for being alert, cheerful, busy, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, smart, alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cairn Terrier and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog
- Compact size
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Heavy shedder
- Can be vocal
- Prone to back problems
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cairn Terrier and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.