DogMatchUp

Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Skye Terrier

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
Small

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Herding Group

Skye Terrier
Medium

Skye Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Small
Skye Terrier Medium

Lifespan

Cardigan Welsh Corgi 12-15 years
Skye Terrier 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Cardigan Welsh Corgi 4/5
Skye Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Cardigan Welsh Corgi 3/5
Skye Terrier 5/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Smart

Skye Terrier Overview

Skye Terriers possess a distinctive long, low-set body draped in a flowing double coat that gracefully sweeps the ground. Their elegant silhouette features a proud head carriage, expressive eyes, and characteristically large, upright ears. Known for their dignified bearing and regal appearance, these terriers combine strength with refinement, displaying the perfect balance of robustness and elegance in their movement.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more energetic than Skye Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis require less grooming attention compared to Skye Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cardigan Welsh Corgis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Skye Terriers.
  • Trainability: Skye Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Skye Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Cardigan Welsh Corgi Skye Terrier
Size Small Medium
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Cardigan Welsh Corgi Skye Terrier
Height
11-13 inches
27-32 cm
10-10 inches
24-25 cm
Weight
25-38 lbs
11-17 kg
35-45 lbs
16-20 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Cardigan Welsh Corgi Skye Terrier
Temperament Affectionate, Loyal, Smart Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Cardigan Welsh Corgi Skye Terrier
Good with Children
4/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament

Affectionate Loyal Smart

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.

Skye Terrier Temperament

Courageous Good-Tempered Canny

The Skye Terrier is characterized by being courageous, good-tempered, canny, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Skye Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Cardigan Welsh Corgi
4/5
Skye Terrier
3/5

Good with Children

Cardigan Welsh Corgi
4/5
Skye Terrier
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Skye Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Skye Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Skye Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Skye Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Skye Terrier

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Care & Maintenance

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

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

3/5

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.

Skye Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Skye Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

5/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Skye Terriers 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

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PRA
  • DM
  • IVDD
  • CHD

Skye Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Renal Dysplasia
  • Mammary Cancer
  • Autoimmune Issues
  • Premature Closure

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

Skye Terrier

Pros

  • Loyal and devoted to family
  • Good watchdog capabilities
  • Adaptable to different living spaces
  • Low exercise requirements

Cons

  • Requires extensive grooming
  • Can be stubborn during training
  • Reserved with strangers
  • Moderate shedding

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Skye Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.