Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Welsh Springer Spaniel
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Sporting 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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Overview
Welsh Springer Spaniels feature a distinctive red and white coat, medium-sized athletic build, and gentle expression. Their well-proportioned frame combines strength with agility, standing 18-19 inches at the shoulder. Known for their soft, feathered coat and pendulous ears, these dogs exhibit a balanced blend of working ability and companionable charm. Their alert, friendly expression reflects their warm temperament.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are less energetic than Welsh Springer Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pembroke Welsh Corgis require less grooming attention compared to Welsh Springer Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Welsh Springer Spaniels.
- Trainability: Welsh Springer Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Welsh Springer Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Welsh Springer Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Welsh Springer Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Welsh Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Welsh Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg | 35-55 lbs 16-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Welsh Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Alert | Happy, Reserved, Upbeat |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Welsh Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Temperament
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is characterized by being happy, reserved, upbeat, which makes them great companions for families. 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Welsh Springer Spaniel, 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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Welsh Springer Spaniels 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, Welsh Springer Spaniels 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
Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Entropion
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
- Affectionate
Cons
- Needs regular exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Welsh Springer Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.