Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Otterhound
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
Otterhound
Hound 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.
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are more energetic than Otterhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pembroke Welsh Corgis require less grooming attention compared to Otterhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Otterhounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Otterhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Alert | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, 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 Otterhound, 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
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.
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds 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
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
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
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Otterhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.