American Corgis vs Pembroke vs Cardigan: What’s the Difference—and Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve fallen in love with the stubby legs, expressive faces, and wiggly butts of Corgis, welcome to the club—you’re in excellent company. But if you've started your search for a Corgi puppy and suddenly found yourself wondering things like:

• “What’s the difference between a Pembroke and a Cardigan?”

• “Wait… what is an American Corgi?”

• “Which Corgi is the best for families?”

• “Are they all just equally adorable potato dogs?”

You’re not alone.

There are three main types of Corgis that people talk about—Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and the newer hybrid known as the American Corgi. Each has its own history, personality, and look, and in this post, we’ll break it all down for you in plain, fun, and helpful terms.

Meet the Trio: A Quick Overview

Let’s start with a side-by-side snapshot of these three Corgi types:

Type	Tail	Ears	Body Type	Temperament	Recognition
Pembroke	Usually docked (or naturally bobbed)	Pointy	Slightly more petite, foxlike	Outgoing, active, loyal	AKC-recognized
Cardigan	Long, bushy tail	Rounded at tips	Bigger bones, longer body	Calm, thoughtful, affectionate	AKC-recognized
American	Usually long tail	Pointy	A mix—varies by breeding	Friendly, playful, social	Not recognized by AKC as a separate breed

Now let’s dig deeper into what makes each of these Corgis special—and which might be the best fit for your family.

Fluffy Pembroke Corgi - Grizzly

🧡 Pembroke Welsh Corgis: The Royal Favorite

If you’ve seen Corgis hanging out with Queen Elizabeth II, you’ve met a Pembroke. These Corgis are the most popular and best-known variety, especially in the U.S.

👑 Royal History

Pembrokes hail from Wales and have been around for centuries as loyal cattle herders. They became famous when King George VI gave a Pembroke puppy to his daughter, then-Princess Elizabeth, in 1933. She went on to own more than 30 Corgis in her lifetime!

🔍 Key Features

• Tail: Often docked in the U.S. (or naturally bobbed)

• Size: Generally 25–30 pounds

• Ears: Erect and sharply pointed

• Build: Shorter back and finer-boned than Cardigans

• Coat Colors: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan (with or without white markings), tri color

  
  

🐾 Temperament

Pembrokes are alert, active, and social. They’re loyal and quick to bond with their humans. With their herding instincts still strong, they’re natural problem solvers and often take the lead in group situations (even if that group is just your family making dinner).

They do great in homes where they have something to do—whether it’s learning tricks, playing fetch, or helping herd the kids.

🐶 Great for families who want a lively, trainable dog with a bit of a bossy streak and tons of charm.

Brown Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Dalton

💙 Cardigan Welsh Corgis: The Gentle Giant Cousin

Cardigans are the older of the two “true” Corgi breeds, dating back over 3,000 years. While they share some similarities with Pembrokes, Cardigans are a completely separate breed with their own distinct vibe.

🧬 What Makes Them Different?

For starters, they come from a different lineage and were bred more for guarding and driving cattle than just herding. They’re a bit more low-key and thoughtful than Pembrokes, but don’t mistake that for laziness—they’ve still got plenty of spunk.

🔍 Key Features

• Tail: Full, long, and bushy—like a fox tail

• Size: Slightly heavier, usually 30–38 pounds

• Ears: Rounder at the tips, broader set

• Build: Heavier bones, longer body

• Coat Colors: Includes all the Pembroke colors, plus merles, brindles, black & white, brown and brown merle!

  
  

🐾 Temperament

Cardigans are known for being slightly more reserved and mellow. They're excellent with children and other pets, but they may take a little longer to warm up to strangers. Think of them as the "old soul" of the Corgi family—intelligent, patient, and loyal to the end.

They’re also known to be less vocal than Pembrokes, which can be a plus in certain home environments.

🐶 Great for homes that want a loyal, loving, easygoing dog who still enjoys playtime but doesn’t need to be the center of attention 24/7.

Brown Merle American Corgi - Meadow

💫 American Corgis: The Best of Both Worlds?

Now, let’s talk about the new kid on the block—the American Corgi. Technically a hybrid, this variety is the result of careful cross-breeding between Pembroke and Cardigan lines. American Corgis are not yet recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but their popularity is soaring—especially among pet families and those looking for rare and beautiful coat colors.

🧬 What Makes an American Corgi?

American Corgis are bred with the goal of combining the best traits from both the Pembroke and the Cardigan. They’re typically more diverse in coat colors and patterns (hello, blue merles and tricolors!), and they often have the affectionate personality of the Cardigan with the social playfulness of the Pembroke.

🔍 Key Features

• Tail: Usually left natural (long)

• Size: Similar to Pembrokes or slightly heavier

• Ears: Pointed, similar to Pembrokes

• Build: Can vary, but often somewhere between the two

• Coat Colors: This is where they shine! American Corgis often have:

  • Blue merle

  • Red merle

  • Black and white

  • Tricolor and brindle combos

  • Brown

  • Brown Merle

🐾 Temperament

Since American Corgis come from both breeds, their personalities can vary—but most are:

• Friendly and outgoing

• Curious and people-oriented

• Affectionate and playful

• A little less intense than a purebred working-line Corgi

Many families find American Corgis to be more adaptable, especially for households with children or other pets.

🐶 Perfect for families who love the Corgi look and personality, but want more variety in appearance and temperament—or a pup who’s a little more relaxed and cuddly.

So... Which Corgi Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Pembroke, Cardigan, or American Corgi comes down to your lifestyle, your aesthetic preferences, and what kind of companion you’re hoping to bring into your home.

💡 Consider These Questions:

• Do you love rare coat colors like merles and tricolors?→ Look into an American Corgi or a Cardigan.

• Want the classic “royal” Corgi look with high energy and big personality?→ A Pembroke is probably your pup.

• Prefer a laid-back, loyal companion who’s great with kids and not overly excitable?→ A Cardigan could be the one.

• Looking for a well-balanced, affectionate dog with a unique look and great temperament?→ Check out American Corgis.

  
  

FAQs About Corgi Types

👉 Can you tell if a Corgi is a mix just by looking?Not always! Especially with American Corgis—because they’re bred from both Cardigans and Pembrokes, their appearance varies. Genetic testing is the most accurate way to know.

👉 Are American Corgis purebred?Technically, no—they're a purposeful cross between two purebred lines. That said, many American Corgi breeders (including us!) are focused on health, structure, and temperament just as much as traditional breeders.

👉 Are Cardigans or Pembrokes more vocal?Pembrokes are typically more talkative. Cardigans tend to be quieter and more reserved, but that varies by dog.

👉 Are all types good with kids? Yes—with proper socialization (our puppies are raised with kids from day one!) and training, all three types make great family dogs!

Final Thoughts: No Wrong Choice, Just the Right Fit for You

Whether you’re drawn to the classic Pembroke, the mellow Cardigan, or the unique American Corgi, one thing’s for sure: Corgis are loyal, entertaining, and full of love. Each variety has its own vibe, and part of the fun is finding the one that clicks with your lifestyle and family.

Here at Counting By Corgis, we specialize in raising happy, healthy American, Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis with beautiful markings, loving temperaments, and that signature Corgi sparkle. We focus on early socialization, genetic health, and creating puppies who thrive in their forever homes.

👉 Ready to meet your future Corgi? Browse available puppies or contact us to learn more about upcoming litters!

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @CountingByCorgis for puppy updates, Corgi cuteness, and a peek into daily life at our home.