American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: What's the Difference?

Did you know that there are many different corgi breeds, two of which are the American corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi? One of them is a recognized purebred dog, while the other is not. But in what other ways are these two dogs different and similar to each other, and how can you learn to tell them apart?

In this article, we'll address all the physical differences between the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi so you can get an idea of what they look like. We'll also discuss the ancestry and behavioral differences between the two dogs, including differences in their average lifespans. Let's get started now!

Comparing the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Key Differences Between American Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi

There are a number of key differences between the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The American Corgi is a non-pure crossbreed, while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a purebred breed recognized by the AKC. Also, the coat color of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not merle, while the American Corgi is. Finally, American Corgis have a shorter lifespan on average compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Let us now discuss all these differences in more detail.

American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Size

You might not notice it by looking at these two dogs side by side, but there are some differences in size between the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The American Corgi is similar in size to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but is usually lighter in overall weight. The two dogs are nearly the same height, but the American Corgi weighs an average of 2-5 pounds less than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

American Corgi vs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Appearance

You breed a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi to get an American Corgi, so you can guess that the two dogs are similar in appearance. However, Pembroke Welsh Corgis only appear in specific coat colors, including white, black, red, and tri-color, while American Corgis often appear in merle coats.

It is genetically impossible for a Pembroke to have a merle coat, which is why the American Corgi exists in the first place. Many breeders want the merle coat that is common on cardigan Welsh Corgis. However, they wanted to use this unique pattern and color on the smaller breed dogs. Otherwise, the American Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi have elongated bodies and short legs. They also have erect ears and may or may not have a tail.

American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Ancestry and Breeding

There are marked differences in lineage and breeding between the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. For example, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in AD 1000 and was bred in the Welsh countryside for farm work and herding. The American Corgi is a more modern breed than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It was bred from a Pembroke Corgi and a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The result was a corgi with a merle coat.

The American Corgi is considered a designer dog, bred for specific physical traits rather than health and wellness. Given that American Corgis are often born with a genetic problem with their merle coat color, breeding designer dogs for this purpose tends to be controversial.

American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Behavior

American Corgis and Pembroke Welsh Corgis behave very similarly. However, given the healthier breeding and natural genetics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, it tends to be more vigorous than the American Corgi. However, it always depends on the particular dog and the health and care it receives.

Similar to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the American Corgi is friendly and happy to be with you. However, many Pembroke Welsh Corgis exhibit more herding behavior than American Corgis. Keep this in mind if you have young children in your home.

American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Lifespan

One final difference between the American Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their longevity. Although the American Corgi is advertised as a genetically strong crossbreed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a longer average life expectancy than the American Corgi. This may be due to the rampant genetic issues found when crossing Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

For example, the average lifespan of an American Corgi is 10 to 12 years. The lifespan of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi varies from 13 to 15 years, depending on the health of the individual animal. That's why it's important to always do your research. You should only buy purebred or designer dogs from reputable breeders. Plus, if you're looking for a lovable and loyal companion rather than opting for a designer dog, your local animal shelter always has them!

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