So you have decided that a smaller dog is right for your family, and narrowed it down to the beautiful Dachshund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi but which of these great breeds will be most suitable for your family?
Although their size might be comparable and both are undoubtedly cute there are some big differences between them that you need to know before making your final decision.
Here is a complete rundown of the main differences between Dachshunds vs Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
| Dachshund | Corgi | |
| Temperament | Loyal, energetic, and happy go lucky | Loyal, playful, and intelligent |
| Weight | 11lb (miniature) – 32lb | Up to 30lb |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years | 12 – 15 years |
| Shedding | Light to moderate shedders | Heavy Shedder |
| Puppy Price | $1500 – $2000+ | $2500 – $3500+ |
| Family Suitability | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Elderly Suitability | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Good With Other Dogs? | 6.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Trainability | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Exercise Needs | 30 to 60 minutes per day | 45 to 75 minutes per day |
| Health | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal | Heavy |
Contents
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Summary
The corgi, better known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is a dog that has its origins in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Now, there are some interesting fairy tales about corgis, specifically that they were used by fairies to pull their carriages into battle.
For those of us who live in the real world however, it is thought that corgis originated from Swedish cattle dogs that the Vikings brought to Wales in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Some also believe that corgis may be descendants of dogs brought to Wales by Flemish people in the 12th century.
The corgi was first recognized as an official breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1920. Now, technically speaking, there are actually two recognized types of corgis, the Pembroke and the Cardigan.
However, besides a small size difference, they’re really the same dog, and the Pembroke is the more popular of the two, so this is what we will focus on.
Corgis were bred to be working dogs, specifically herding dogs to look after sheep, goats, and even cattle. Corgis, although they are small, are also quite vocal, which is why there were also often used as watchdogs, not to mention that they can be quite suspicious of strangers too.
There is also the fact that corgis love to learn, are fairly easy to train, and usually quite obedient too. They may be a bit stubborn or independent at times, but nothing too extreme.
Do keep in mind that these dogs are double coated, with a long topcoat and a thick undercoat, and they shed a whole lot all the time.
Their color can be red, sable, black, tri-colored, or fawn, and they generally have white markings, especially on the underside. They also have fluffy coats with long ear, chest, feet, and leg feathering.
Dachshund Summary
Next, we have the dachshund, a dog that was first bred during the 15th century in Germany.
For those of you who don’t know, literally translated from German, dachshund means badger dog. Indeed, the dachshund was first bred as a hunting dog.
It might not look like it, but that long and narrow shape has a big advantage, which is that the wiener dog can easily fit into narrow dens and tunnels.
They were therefore used to chase badgers and other such animals out of their underground burrows, so a hunter could then finish them off.
The dachshund is well known for having quite the personality. Remember that they were bred as hunting dogs, so they can be very independent and stubborn.
They were taught to hunt and think for themselves. Although they do love to get along with their families, they can definitely be hard to train and somewhat disobedient.
That said, wiener dogs are very loving and loyal, particularly with their family, and they love to eat too, which is a tip that helps make training them a bit easier. They can be hard to train.
Some people might think that the dachshund is hard to train due to a lack of intelligence, but this really isn’t the case. They are just very independently minded at times. They have selective hearing, so to speak.
Dachshunds are relatively small dogs, with both standard and miniature sizes available. They all come in one of three coats, these being smooth, long, and wire haired, and they can come in a very wide variety of patterns and colors, more than most other dogs in fact.
Now that we know the basics about the corgi and the dachshund, let’s move on and compare the two based on all of the most important factors.
Dachshund Vs Corgi Comparison
Let’s take a closer look and do a side by side comparison of the corgi and the dachshund, based on all of the most important factors you need to consider when it comes to having either of these dogs as pets.
Temperament
In terms of temperament, the corgi is known as being a loving, happy, playful, and intelligent dog. Now, they tend to be fairly easy to train, as they do like to please their owners, especially if there is a treat involved.
These dogs love to eat, which is actually why they often get chunky. However, they do at times like being stubborn and single minded.
They will usually listen, but they aren’t as ready to fall in line and march to the drum as something like a retriever.
All of that said, with a decent amount of training and discipline, you should have a perfectly obedient corgi.
Moreover, corgis do make for good watchdogs, as they have a so-called big dog bark and aren’t afraid to use it.
They’ll bark at what they deem to be suspicious, especially strangers. Corgis are fairly playful and energetic, and moreover, they do usually make for good family dogs.
They’re generally good with strangers that are introduced to them, as well as children, and most dogs too.
They may not like very large dogs, but that’s about it. They do also have a bit of a prey drive, although nothing huge.
Next, when it comes to the dachshund, there are known for being fairly happy, energetic, and happy go lucky dogs.
Dachshunds are known for being super loyal and loving dogs, especially with their owners. In this sense, they do make for great family dogs, although they may not always appreciate large dogs, and they don’t really like young kids who harass them.
Now, the dachshund is a hunting dog at heart, so you can expect it to have quite the prey drive. These little sausages will chase anything small enough that they can sink their teeth into, badgers, cats, squirrels, and most things in between.
Moreover, the dachshund can be fairly hard to train at times, as their hunting instinct combined with their relatively high intelligence makes them independent, stubborn, disobedient, and they definitely have selective hearing too.
That said, motivating a dachshund is easily done with a tasty treat. These dogs definitely need a good deal of discipline, training, and socialization.
Keep in mind that dachshunds do also make for great watch dogs, as they love to bark and be vocal, and they will bark at whatever they deem suspicious.
Size & Weight
In terms of size and weight, both the dachshund and the corgi are actually quite similar.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi usually tops out at 30 pounds heavy and stands somewhere around 10 to 12 inches at the shoulders.
Dachshunds tend to be a little bit shorter than corgis, usually topping out at around 8 to 10 inches at the shoulders (with mini wieners topping out at 6 inches), and usually weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds (with minis weighing 11 pounds or less).
As you can probably tell, although corgis look chunky, a lot of that is their fluffy fur. Corgis are generally slightly taller than dachshunds, but also shorter.
That said, both of these dogs have those classic short legs that keep their stomachs close to the ground.
Lifespan
Pembroke Welsh Corgis will usually live for 12 to 15 years on average, whereas dachshunds live on average for 12 to 16 years.
Shedding
One thing that corgis are very well known for is shedding. As mentioned before, these dogs have very thick undercoats and a big topcoat too.
This dual coat automatically means that there is a good bit of shedding, and this is the case year round.
Corgis are heavy shedders, and twice per year, when the season change, they shed even more. It’s definitely not a dog for people who dislike dog hair on their furniture.
Dachshunds on the other hand do not have that double coat, and they are known for being relatively light to moderate shedders.
They don’t shed all that much throughout the year, especially the smooth hairs and the wirehairs. The longhairs can shed a bit more.
They do all go through that twice-yearly seasonal shedding to ensure that their coats are the right thickness for the season at hand, but nothing like corgis.
Puppy Price
Your average dachshund puppy is going to cost you anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500, although pups from show winning and pedigree lines may run you up to $3,500.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis on the other hand see a huge difference in price based on the breeder. They can cost anywhere from $400 to $4,000, with somewhere around $2,500 to $3,500 being the average, with up to $4,000 for show winning pedigree lines.
Corgis tend to be a bit pricier than wiener dogs.
Suitable For Families with Young Kids
For the most part, both of these dogs are fine around families and kids. Now, they both aren’t the best to have around young and energetic kids, just to be clear.
Most would give these dogs a three or maybe a four out of five on the “gets along with kids” scale.
Now, corgis do get along with kids just fine. Corgis are known for being loyal, loving, and affectionate.
Due to their herding instincts, they may nip at the heels and ankles of kids to get them in line, although this can be trained out of them.
Corgis don’t usually appreciate kids that pull on their ears and harass them in general.
In terms of the dachshund, the story here is about the same. They do usually get along well with kids for the most part, especially those who will play with them, particularly the games they like to play.
However, although they won’t nip at the ankles of kids like the corgi, they can also be a bit aggressive when harassed by kids who don’t leave them alone.
When it comes down to it, as long as they are well socialized with kids, and as long as the kids don’t mercilessly harass them, both doxies and corgis should get along with kids just fine.
Suitable For Elderly Owners
In terms of ease of training and care, we personally think that the corgi is probably the better option for elderly people.
Now, both corgis and dachshunds are fairly active and playful, and both need about the same amount of exercise, so that’s not the difference maker here.
However, what does make a big difference is that corgis tend to be a bit easier to train, less stubborn, and more obedient.
For an elderly person who doesn’t have the time to constantly discipline their dog, a dachshund may not be the number one best choice.
Moreover, doxies do have a huge prey drive too, so if you’re walking them and they see something furry up in a tree or behind a bush, you will have to hold them back. Corgis don’t have nearly as strong a prey drive.
On the other hand, corgis have way more intense grooming needs, which is probably not the best for elderly people who may have arthritis or similar conditions.
Holding that brush for hours on end can cause pain and fatigue.
Behaves With Other Dogs?
How well both dachshunds and corgis get along with other dogs can vary from one specific dog to another.
However, both dogs aren’t known for being the friendliest with stranger dogs. Sure, when they are well socialized, they do get along well with other dogs in the household. This should not be a problem.
Yet, when it comes to dogs they don’t know, the story can be a bit different. Corgis can get a bit vocal and nippy, especially when threatened by larger dogs, and this is the case with dachshunds too, even more so.
Now, the biggest trick with both of these breeds is that they absolutely need to be socialized with many other dogs from a young age, especially dachshunds.
Dachshunds tend to not like large dogs, especially ones that tower over them. This may or may not be the case with corgis.
Most people would rate both the dachshund and the corgi as a three out of five on the “gets along with other dogs” scale.
Trainability
When it comes to ease of training, corgis are definitely up there with the best of them.
Corgis are quite intelligent, they usually don’t have a problem listening, they learn commands fast, and they like to please their owners.
Sure, they can be a bit stubborn at times, but for the most part are fairly easy to train. Most people don’t really have a problem with training or obedience.
On the other hand, when it comes to dachshunds, they are a bit harder to train.
For one, although they are generally quite intelligent, they aren’t exactly the smartest dogs out there, and it can take a good bit of repetition to teach them something.
That said, it may not always be due to a lack of intelligence, but rather due to their general stubbornness, selective hearing, and tendency to only listen when they feel like it.
It’s going to take a good bit of discipline and training to get that dachshund to obey all of your commands.
Barking
If you are worried about a dog that barks a lot, then a corgi may not be the first choice to go with.
Although not always the case, they can be known as yappers. Remember, they do make for decent watchdogs, and the reason for this is because they tend to be vocal about things they don’t know, especially things like strangers passing or coming to their house.
Dachshunds are more or less the same in this regard, if not a bit worse in fact. Dachshunds are definitely fairly vocal.
For one, they do make for decent watchdogs as they will also bark at strangers approaching the house.
They may also bark when they play. Moreover, dachshunds are hunters at heart, so if they see something furry they can sink their teeth into, you will hear about it no doubt.
Exercise Needs
What is important to note about both of these dog breeds is that they love to eat, and they are prone to obesity.
This also has to do with the fact that many people think that those short and stubby legs don’t need much exercise.
Now, of course, they don’t need a ton of movement, but both breeds can be energetic and playful. A good game of tug of war indoors is never out of the question.
In terms of going for walks, a wiener dog needs anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of relatively low intensity exercise per day.
Corgis are a bit more energetic, and remember that they are herding dogs, so they are used to being on the move a lot.
Generally speaking, your average corgi should get 45 to 75 minutes of exercise per day, if not a bit more.
Health
When it comes to overall health, corgis tend to be a bit healthier than wiener dogs.
The issue with wiener dogs is the back, specifically that long spine that is not particularly well supported by the legs, and this can lead to spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease, a painful spinal column issue that causes a lack of mobility.
Other issues that dachshunds are somewhat prone to include epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric dilation volvulus, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, deafness, and more.
The unfortunate reality is that wiener dogs also may suffer from skin and food allergies, and other conditions too.
In the grand scheme of things, wiener dogs really aren’t the healthiest. Corgis are on average the healthier dog.
Now, there are some diseases and conditions that corgis are susceptible to, including hip dysplasia, cutaneous asthenia, cataracts, degenerative myelopathy, cystinuria, intervertebral disc disease, epilepsy, patent ductus arteriosus, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Although there are many conditions and diseases that they can have, the corgi is on average still the healthier of the two.
Grooming Needs
In terms of overall grooming needs, the doxie is definitely the less intense of the two, particularly smooth haired ones.
Sure, long haired and wire haired doxies will need regular brushing, about once per week should suffice, just enough to prevent matting and tangles.
Long haired doxies require the most grooming of all, although once again, weekly brushing for 30 or 60 minutes should do.
However, the corgi is a bit different, which is to say that they have heavy grooming needs, and yes, it all comes down to that thick double coat of fur.
They need at least two weekly grooming sessions to prevent matts and tangles from occurring. That thick coat requires a lot of work, and yes, it should be trimmed about once per month as well.
Other than that, the grooming needs of both dogs are similar. You should brush their teeth a couple times per week, keep their ears clean, and trim their nails about once per month.
Which Is A Better Guard Dog: Dachshund vs Corgi?
Both dachshunds and corgis make for excellent watch dogs. They are suspicious of any strangers approaching their territory, whether other dogs or people. You best believe that they will both get super vocal when this occurs.
That said, the dachshund, due to its hunting nature and sometimes aggressive tendencies, is far more willing to get into a fight and sink its teeth into a threat than a corgi.
Sure, a corgi will bark a lot, but they generally won’t get physically involved when they or their owners are threatened.
This is not to say that a corgi won’t get physically involved, but it’s much less likely than with a dachshund.
Can You Get A Dachshund And Corgi Mix Breed
Yes, you can in fact get a corgi dachshund mix, affectionately known as the Dorgi or Dorgie.
Are Corgis And Dachshunds Good Together?
This really all comes down to socialization. For the most part, as long as the dogs are raised together and accustomed to each other, they should be fine.
That said, unneutered male corgis and doxies may get into scraps, although this is not unlike other unneutered male dogs. Generally speaking, they should get along well enough.
What is Better, Corgi or Dachshund?
Which one is better is not really a question that is easy to answer. Let’s take a look at the main takeaways from today.
- One point of comparison here would be trainability. Corgis are absolutely the better of the two in terms of ease of training. Doxies are usually more stubborn and less willing to listen.
- When it comes to being good family dogs, both are relatively on par. As long as they are socialized, trained, and disciplined, they should both make for fine family dogs.
- Now, corgis do require more grooming, as well as a bit more exercise.
- Moreover, doxies do also make for better watchdogs and hunting dogs than corgis.
There you have it folks, everything you need to know when it comes to deciding between dachshunds vs corgis. Now that you know, take some time to think about it, and then make a well-informed choice.
