Shetland Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shetland Sheepdogs are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shetland Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shetland Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Pembroke Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Shetland Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Energetic, Bright | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shetland Sheepdog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is known for being playful, energetic, bright, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, smart, alert, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Shetland Sheepdog and Pembroke 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs 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, Shetland Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke 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, Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shetland Sheepdog and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.