Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Border Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Border Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Overview
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are distinctive herding dogs with long bodies, short legs, and fox-like faces. Their double coat comes in various colors including red, sable, and brindle, often with white markings. Alert and confident, these intelligent dogs combine a strong work ethic with affectionate companionship, making them excellent family pets while maintaining their herding instincts.
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are less energetic than Border Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis require less grooming attention compared to Border Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cardigan Welsh Corgis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Border Collies.
- Trainability: Cardigan Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Cardigan Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Collies adapt better to apartment living, while Cardigan Welsh Corgis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Border Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 27-32 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 25-38 lbs 11-17 kg | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Smart | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is known for being affectionate, loyal, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, 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 Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Border Collie, 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
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 2/5
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cardigan Welsh Corgis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cardigan Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies 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, Border Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- DM
- IVDD
- CHD
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Pros & Cons
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Loyal family companion
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Prone to back problems
- Heavy shedder
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Border Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.