Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs American Staffordshire Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
American Staffordshire Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Overview
Muscular and agile, the American Staffordshire Terrier showcases a powerful build with a broad head, pronounced cheek muscles, and a distinctive smile. Their short, stiff coat comes in various colors and patterns. Despite their strong appearance, they display remarkable gentleness and intelligence, combining confidence with a good-natured demeanor that makes them devoted family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are more energetic than American Staffordshire Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pembroke Welsh Corgis require more grooming attention compared to American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Trainability: American Staffordshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Staffordshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Staffordshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and American Staffordshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg | 40-70 lbs 18-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Alert | Confident, Smart, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being affectionate, smart, alert, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is characterized by being confident, smart, good-natured, 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 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi and American Staffordshire Terrier, 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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke 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, Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Staffordshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Staffordshire 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
With their short, dense coat coat, American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
American Staffordshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Skin Allergies
- Thyroid Problems
- Eye Issues
Pros & Cons
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
American Staffordshire Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent with children
- Strong and athletic
- Easy to groom
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Need extensive socialization
- May be dog aggressive
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and American Staffordshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.