Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Mastiff
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
Mastiff
Working 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.
Mastiff Overview
Massive and powerful, the Mastiff embodies strength with a gentle soul. Their distinctive wrinkled forehead and broad skull create an imposing yet noble appearance. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a deep chest and muscular build, these giants possess a short fawn or apricot coat with a dark mask. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs display remarkable gentleness and dignified composure.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are more energetic than Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pembroke Welsh Corgis require more grooming attention compared to Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 6-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm |
| Weight | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Alert | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is characterized by being courageous, dignified, good-natured, 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Mastiff, 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
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
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.
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mastiffs 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 medium coat coat, Mastiffs 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
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
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
Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Excellent guard dog
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires significant space
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.