Tosa 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.
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tosa Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tosa combines impressive physical strength with a dignified bearing. Standing tall with a muscular build, broad head, and deep chest, these dogs showcase a short, dense coat in various solid colors. Their calm demeanor masks incredible strength, while their patient and vigilant nature makes them exceptional guardians. Distinguished by their noble expression and balanced proportions, Tosas move with surprising grace despite their substantial size.
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: Tosas are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while Tosas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tosa and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tosa | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is known for being fearless, patient, vigilant, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Tosa 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
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas 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, Tosas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Tosa
Pros
- Loyal guardian
- Patient temperament
- Calm demeanor
- Low barking tendency
Cons
- Requires experienced owner
- Size management challenges
- High food costs
- Not suited for small spaces
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 Tosa and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.