Chihuahua vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chihuahuas are less energetic than Cardigan Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas require less grooming attention compared to Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chihuahuas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Cardigan Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Cardigan Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahua and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chihuahua | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chihuahua | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm | 11-13 inches 27-32 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 25-38 lbs 11-17 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chihuahua | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Graceful, Sassy | Affectionate, Loyal, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chihuahua | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is known for being charming, graceful, sassy, 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.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, smart, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Chihuahua and Cardigan 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
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cardigan 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, Cardigan Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- DM
- IVDD
- CHD
Pros & Cons
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chihuahua and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.