Corgis are beautiful, high spirited, energetic little dogs that make great pets. Most people are unaware that there are two quite different breeds of Corgis in existence. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi share common breeding lines but have several differences.

The most obvious difference, as suggested by their names, is where the two breeds come from. Popular opinion states that the Cardiganshire Corgi originated in Cardiganshire, possibly having been taken there by the Celts as far back as 1200 B.C and descending from Swedish Vallhunds. The ancestors of the Pembroke Corgi are believed to have been introduced to the Celts by the Flemish slightly later and may be descended from the Cardigan Corgi mixed with Pomeranians and other such breeds.

Over time and before strict bloodlines were maintained, the two similar breeds interbred and were not distinguished as separate breeds until 1934. In that year, standards for each of the two breeds were established and have been considered distinct ever since.

The most obvious visual difference in the two has to do with their tails. The Pembroke Corgi has a natural short tail, which is often removed entirely by breeders. The Cardigan Corgi has a full tail that is almost always maintained. The Pembroke also has a shorter body but slightly longer legs in proportion to the Cardigan.

The fur on both breeds is a thick, double coat helping them withstand the harsh climate in the Welsh highlands. The Pembroke has slightly lighter coloring and the Cardigan generally shows a wider variety of color patterns in its fur, which is also a bit wirier than the Pembroke's.

The Cardigan Corgi is generally the more active of the two but is also said to have a more reserved personality. Both are considered to be a head strong and stubborn breed, but the Pembroke usually gets along better with other types of animals than the Cardigan.

Anyone familiar with the royal dogs of Queen Elizabeth II has been introduced to the Pembroke Corgi, which has been a favorite of the British royal family for more than 75 years. The queen is said to have currently at least 16 of them

Both breeds are considered intelligent and energetic. The Cardigan Corgi is the rarer of the two breeds, but both breeds are fairly common as household pets. Corgis can still be working livestock in Wales and are considered very adept at the task.