Golden Retriever VS Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 19 Differences

There’s no decision more challenging than the decision between golden retriever vs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi – at least if you can’t resist fluffy, smiley dogs.

Both breeds are adorable and have earned their popularity, but they are very different.

Goldens and corgis are notorious shedders, have high exercise needs, and are well suited for families with children, but the distinctions outweigh the similarities.

When choosing the breed, ask yourself – how would you describe your personality? How much spare time do you have to take care of your pet? Can you handle a stubborn dog?

The list of questions to ask yourself when choosing a dog breed is long, but most importantly, you should feel that your dog is your best friend and trustworthy companion.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers are medium-sized dogs ranging from 21 to 24 inches in height, depending on the dog’s sex and type. A healthy adult golden retriever male should weigh 65-75 pounds and female 55-65 pounds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs ranging from nine to 12 inches in height and weighing 23-30 pounds. Golden retrievers are twice the size of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, so they need more space.

Shedding

Both golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are heavy shedders because they have a double coat with a dense undercoat and long overcoat. This trait could be the most significant drawback of these beautiful dogs.

Heavy shedding means regular grooming, frequent vacuuming, and never leaving the house without using a lint roller. Golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis aren’t hypoallergenic.

Personality

Golden retrievers are natural-born extraverts who are always up to play and don’t mind strangers petting them.

They love to explore new terrains together with the owner. Goldens are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent yet goofy and energetic. They are rarely stubborn or aggressive.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are exuberant, playful, and attentive dogs that love cuddles. However, they have an alert, independent, a bit stubborn nature which may hinder training. Corgis are intuitive, loyal, and empathetic.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers make perfect playmates for school-age children. They are affectionate, caring, and patient, but they may be too energetic for younger kids. Still, a golden retriever will never hurt a child intentionally.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a bit less patient than golden retrievers. A corgi can become best buddies with a child, but only if they know how to behave with the dog. Loud noises and running can trigger herding instinct in some corgis.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are well suited for households with multiple pets. They don’t mind other dogs, cats, and smaller pets. Goldens can see beyond size or species and are gentle with their playmates.

However, aggression is possible between dogs of the same sex, and some goldens are overly attached to their owners, which leads to jealousy.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can live with other dogs or cats, but smaller animals like rabbits and hamsters may trigger their herding instincts. They are unlikely to be aggressive but may chase other animals.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers are known as some of the least barky dogs. They use baking for communication only in critical situations or when overly excited.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are herding dogs, so barking is instinctive for the breed. However, they don’t bark as frequently as many other herding breeds.

A corgi is unlikely to bark for no reason, and they are responsive to training, so owners can teach the dog to stay silent.

Intelligence & Trainability

Canine researchers rank golden retrievers as the fourth most intelligent dog breed among 138 study participants, and corgis hold the 11th position. Both breeds excel in problem-solving, trainability, and obedience.

The reason for the golden retriever vs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi intellect rank difference lies in corgi stubbornness.

Golden retrievers aren’t more intelligent than corgis, but corgis are more independent and may hesitate to obey commands. Still, corgis have a higher obedience rate than an average dog.

Common Behavior Problems

Golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are affectionate and loyal dogs that love to be in the center of attention. When left alone for extended periods, they can develop separation anxiety and phobias.

Both breeds are prone to pulling on the leash, jumping on people, digging, and chewing. Some corgis bark excessively, particularly those suffering from anxiety or not getting enough mental stimulation.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are hunting dogs that must live an active life to stay healthy and happy. They need at least an hour of exercise daily.

Because these dogs are highly intelligent, regular walking may quickly get boring, so owners should provide their dogs with mentally stimulating activities like playing or swimming.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis may look like adorable short-legged balls of fur, but they aren’t “couch potatoes” either. Like goldens, corgis need at least an hour of physical activity daily.

Grooming Needs

The harsh reality of owning a dog with a long double coat is that regular grooming isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. Golden retrievers and corgis require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats and evenly distribute skin oils on the fur.

Golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis need regular bathing sessions, but the frequency depends on a particular dog’s lifestyle. Most dogs will suffice with a bath every four to six weeks.

Shaving is unsuitable for goldens and corgis, but owners can ease home grooming by visiting a professional groomer once in a while to trim their dog’s hair.

Lifespan

Golden retrievers live for 10-12 years on average, whereas Pembroke Welsh Corgis live for 12-15 years.

The difference in golden retriever vs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi life expectancy can be explained by their size – smaller dogs tend to live longer.

Health Issues

Like all purebred dogs, golden retrievers are susceptible to some genetic and acquired health conditions, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, obesity, cancer, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi health problems include hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, Von Willebrand disease, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, obesity, and intervertebral disc disease.

Some conditions, such as obesity and ear infections, can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. Others, like hip dysplasia, can be ruled out with genetic screening.

Price

Golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are popular dogs, so the price reflects the high demand. The average price of a golden retriever puppy from a reputable breeder is about $1,500, and corgi puppies cost about $1,200.

Show-quality puppies can cost well over $2,000, while some inexperienced breeders sell puppies for $700 or less.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Golden retrievers are excellent dogs for first-time owners. Although they require frequent grooming and plenty of physical activity, they are easy to train and rarely cause problems.

Corgis aren’t low-maintenance dogs either and consume a lot of the owner’s time. Furthermore, they can be stubborn and require some training experience.

However, with enough willpower and dedication, even an inexperienced owner can discipline a corgi because these intelligent dogs are more obedient than an average dog.

Suitability for Apartments

Contrary to a widespread misconception, large dogs like golden retrievers can live happily in apartments. However, the owner must provide their dog with a sufficient amount of exercise and mental stimulation.

In contrast, corgis aren’t the best breed for an apartment. They appear small and cute, but these lively dogs can be mischievous and loud, bothering the neighbors.

Corgis can only live in apartments if trained not to bark and provided with sufficient physical activity.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers are among the best service dogs. They are intelligent, obedient, and loyal. These dogs are friendly to strangers and rarely bark, so they can safely accompany the owner in public places.

However, socialization is vital because goldens are prone to anxiety, which is problematic for a service dog. Pembroke Welsh Corgis make excellent service dogs, but their physical capacity is limited.

If you’re considering a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a service dog, consider which tasks the dog needs to perform and whether they are adequate for a dog of such size.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers are loyal dogs who won’t let anyone hurt their favorite person, so they make good protection dogs. However, they are too silent, friendly, credulous, and affectionate to serve as guard dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis also make excellent protection dogs despite their small size. They are always alert, so they don’t hesitate to act when they sense danger.

A corgi can even be a guard dog, although intruders are likely to laugh when they see who’s been barking at them.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve waterfowl and have all it takes to become great hunting companions. They can also be used for tracking and chasing prey.

One of the most popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi myths is that these dogs were bred to hunt animals in burrows. In fact, corgis were herding dogs, but they can indeed be trained to track, chase, and retrieve small animals.

Rarity

Golden retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are anything but rare.

Goldens are ranked the third most popular dog breed in the U.S., and corgis are ranked 11th.