Welsh Corgi vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Welsh Corgi vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonBoth Welsh Corgi and Old English Sheepdog are originated from United Kingdom. Welsh Corgi may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Old English Sheepdog. Welsh Corgi may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Old English Sheepdog. Welsh Corgi may live 4 years more than Old English Sheepdog. Both Welsh Corgi and Old English Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Welsh Corgi requires High maintenance. But Old English Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

welsh corgi - historyThe Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi were once considered to be two types of the same breed. Today they are recognized as very different breeds, but cousins of sorts.. They are alike in many ways and very different in others. The general information in terms of height and weight above applies to the more popular and better known Pembroke Welsh Corgi, developed as a herding dog from the spitz line in Pembroke shire, Wales. The Pembroke is famous for being the breed favored since childhood by Queen Elizabeth, the current queen of England. It’s believed that the Pembroke came to the country around the 10th century with Flemish weavers. The Cardigan is thought to have come with the Norse people and be a relative of the Sedish Vallhund.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, also a herding dog has their ancestry in ancient Celtic dogs. They are older than the Pembroke and hail from Cardiganshire, Wales.

Both breeds are friendly, smart and independent. Both dogs herd cattle and sheep. About the end of the 19th century, farmers in Cardiganshire began to raising sheep rather than cattle. The corgis were herding dogs for cattle. “Heelers” who avoid the cattle kicking them by nipping at the cattle’s heel. Pembrokeshore and Cardiganshire are counties in South West Wales that adjoin each other.

Then the move was made from cattle to sheep in Cardiganshire they bred their corgis with the Welsh Sheepdog where the merle color is said to come from, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This caused the similarities between the two dwarf breeds. At the same time the distance grew between the two breeds and they grew into very distinct and different looking dogs. There are also some differences in their personalities.

The first corgi to appear at Crufts came in 1927 and in 1928 a Pembroke won a championship at Cardiff for the first ever corgi win. It was not until 1934 that the kennel club recognized them as separate breeds rather than a Pembroke shire type and a Cardiganshire type. From this point on the two are separate breeds with tremendous similarities. A Pem won the Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 1955.

The first corgi came to the United States in 1933 by a breeder of Old English Sheepdogs. In 1934 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Corgis as one breed with 2 types. The Pembroke has always been the more popular of the two.

old english sheepdog - historyThe origin of the Old English Sheepdog is unclear as records weren’t kept. However there are some aspects that suggest the dog originated in the 19th century and that the Scottish Bearded Collie had a significant part in the development of this dog which hails from England.

It is also believed that the Russian Owtchar was involved in the development of the Old English Sheepdog. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. In 1904, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America was also founded.

The shape of the dog has changed very little over the years and it was in the 1880s that the dog was exported to the United States.

Description

welsh corgi puppy - descriptionThey used to differentiate between the Cardigan and the Pembroke by saying the Cardigan was the one with the bigger ears and the Pembroke had no tail. In many parts of the world where tail docking has been banned, most Pembrokes now have tails. Only those born without don’t have them. Both dogs are long and low to the ground with big chests and short legs. This is because they are dwarfs. They are not little dogs.

Cardigan

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is heavier boned than the Pembroke, has large rounded ears and a flowing, fox like tail. The Cardigan comes in a variety of colors but never predominately white. He is double coated with a dense, harsh outer and a soft, short and thick undercoat.

Pembroke

Pembroke is smaller and longer than the Cardigan with pointed ears. They are intelligent, sturdy and strong with tremendous stamina. The tail is docked in the United States or the pups are bred not to have a tail. This was originally so that the cattle could not step on their tails and injure the dogs. The double coat on the Pembroke is short and weather resistant inner coat with a longer and rougher outercoat. He has the same deep dropped chest as the Cardigan. Both corgis shed voraciously.

old english sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Old English Sheepdog is a large dog standing at between 50 and 60cm and weighing between 27 and 45kg.

He is muscular with a broad bottom and hip area. The head is also large and the small ears are carried flat. The tail has always been docked, giving the dog a large panda-bear look to him, but these days the tail is often left long, and the dog loses that square compact look.

When the tail is left long it is well feathered. The coat can become fairly long and is quite harsh and wavy to straight. The coat is essentially grey with white hair over the head area. The puppies are born with their hair being black and white, and later on the traditional grey coloring comes in.

What is quite interesting with this dog is that it stands lower at the shoulder than at the loins, so just like a Panda bear, he also lopes or walks in a bear-like fashion.

Temperament:

The Old English Sheepdog isn’t an aggressive dog. He is social, intelligent and entertaining for his human family, whom he loves to spend time with.

He is an energetic dog too and he would prefer a country setting where there are large fields to run in as opposed to living on a tiny property in the city. He is an adaptable dog though, and will slot into life in the city or suburbs, so long as he is well exercised.

Train him and socialize him and he will become an obedient, amicable pet to have around.

Characteristics

Characteristics

welsh corgi dog - characteristics1Children friendliness For the most part they are good but can be grumpy and bossy. They are bossy personalities

2.Special talents – heelers, will herd anything, he needs a job

3.Adaptability – Very. Can live anywhere but they do need to run and they bark a lot.

4.Learning ability – incredibly smart but stubborn. Respond well to training that is reward based.

old english sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Old English Sheepdog is the ideal dog for a family pet. They love spending time with their human family and are affectionate and loyal, getting on well with children as well as other pets.

From the time he is a puppy, you can see that he is fun-loving and easy going while also being intelligent. He is also a guardian and wants to protect his human family.

Provide him with the opportunity to get out into the country sometimes if you don’t live on a farm because he is essentially a farm dog. He used to be a herding dog and likes to be busy. Treat him well and have him trained and socialized and he’ll make you a superb pet.

Health Problems

Health Problems

The two breeds have many of the same health issues with the primary issue being

welsh corgi puppies - health problems• Degenerative Myelopathy – a muscular neurological disease very similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS. It is always fatal.

  • Cancer is prevalent in both breeds.
  • Most corgis die of old age.
  • Kidney Failure
  • More Pems have eye issues than the Cardis do.

• Some have cardiac issues while others may have hip dysplasia or Von Willebrand’s disease.

old english sheepdog puppies - health problemsIt is estimated that the beautiful Old English Sheepdog can live to be about 10, 11 or 12 years of age if he is looked after well. Just like with other dog breeds though, this particular dog is also prone to some of the common dog diseases there are.

Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, diabetes, eye diseases and deafness along with some skin problems.

Diabetes:

As a chronic disease, Diabetes can affect dogs as well as other animals and humans. Diabetes in dogs can’t be cured but it can be managed, with Diabetes Mellitus being the kind of diabetes most seen in dogs. Whatever kind of diabetes your pet has, the negative effects remain the same.

Cancer:

It can be devastating when your dog has been with you for about 10 years, to discover that he has cancer. Of course, cancer is the leading cause of death found in dogs older than the age of 10.

Many cancers are curable if you catch them early. Malignant lymphoma is a common cancer with dogs but there are other cancers too. The warning signs of cancer in dogs are much the same as what you get with humans. You’ll discover a lump or even an injury that won’t heal. There could also be abnormal bleeding.

Skin Problems:

There are many different kinds of skin problems seen in dogs, some of which are more common than others. You’ll notice your dog licking a part of the body so that the hair disappears and the skin becomes exposed.

There are skin problems started because of inadequate diet and lack of nutrition. There are plenty of commercially manufactured pet foods that don’t have the right amount of vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Always buy a good quality one to fight these very aggravating skin allergies. A vet may give hydrocortisone products but many dog owners these days try to treat their dogs with natural products.

Caring The Pet

welsh corgi dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy prone to overweight, the pem needs ½ to 1 cup of small breed high quality food in 3-4 meals per day. The Cardigan needs ¾ to 1 ¼ cups of high quality small breed food in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed them. The Pem need 1 cup per day of high quality small breed food in 2 meals per day. The Cardigan needs 1-1 ½ cups per day in one to two meals.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, longevity

4. Games and Exercises

They are fast, athletic dogs. Agility, CAT, Barnhunt. Herding trials, flyball and they just love backyard ball fetching. Confirmation and obedience, along with rally.

Diet:

old english sheepdog dogs - caringFood allergies are caused by your dog eating food with ‘bad’ ingredients which don’t agree with him. Make sure your pet has a wholesome diet.

Invest in the very best quality commercially manufactured food. Home-made food is always a wonderful treat for any dog but it needs to be kept simple. No exotic, spicy foods and no suddenly changing your pet’s diet.

Simple, nutritional boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach added into his kibble as a treat will do wonders for your pet and he will thank you for keeping his meals tasty and simple. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can also do him the world of good. Fresh, cool water must always be available.

Grooming:

The Old English Sheepdog is quite a high maintenance dog, what with that long hair and all, and some owners of this dog prefer to take him to the parlor to have the hair sheared and wash, otherwise it could become a mammoth task for a dog owner.

If you opt to keep the hair long, you may end up having to be constantly brushing your pet’s coat to prevent it tangling. Not only that, if you live in a hot area, cutting the hair can help towards keeping the dog cool.

The ears of your dog should be checked regularly for infection as well as the eyes, and keep the nails clipped as well.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
22 - 30 cm
8 - 12 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
CWC, PWC, Pembroke, Cardigan
The Shepherd's Dog, Bobtail
Colors Available:
Pem is tricolor, red and white, fawn and white
Grey and white
Coat:
Double, water resistent undercoat and thick outcoat
Long and fluffy
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Corgi vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Corgi vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Corgi vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Corgi vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Corgi vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Corgi vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Corgi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Corgi vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Corgi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Corgi vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Corgi vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Corgi vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Corgi vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Corgi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Corgi vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Corgi vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Corgi vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Welsh Corgi vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Old English Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  27. Old English Sheepdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  28. Old English Sheepdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  29. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  32. Old English Sheepdog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Old English Sheepdog vs Mioritic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Rough Collie vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Saarlooswolfhond vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. South Russian Ovcharka vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  38. Samoyed vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Old English Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  40. Old English Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  41. Old English Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  42. Old English Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  43. Old English Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  45. Old English Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  46. Old English Sheepdog vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  47. Old English Sheepdog vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds