Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi: cost, health and care compared
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Herding Group [2] | Herding Group [3] |
| Weight | up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female) [2] | 30-38 pounds (male), 25-34 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 10-12 inches [2] | 10.5-12.5 inches [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–13+ years [2] | 12–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 16 [4] | No. 65 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Degenerative myelopathy See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$17,600 | $10,500–$20,400 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Pembroke Welsh Corgi health problems and costs and Cardigan Welsh Corgi health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
The AKC gives the Pembroke Welsh Corgi a life expectancy of 12–13+ years and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 12–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi have?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease and Heart disease. Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Degenerative myelopathy.
Which is better with kids, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
The AKC rates the Pembroke Welsh Corgi 3 of 5 and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi 4 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.