Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Size
25–38 lbs, 10–13 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Affectionate Smart Adaptable

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–24 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Eager-to-please Outgoing Trainable

About the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of Britain's oldest herding breeds, brought to Wales by Celtic tribes around 1200 BCE — making it roughly 3,000 years old. Standing 10.5–12.5 inches tall and weighing 25–38 pounds, the Cardigan is a long, low-set dog with a deep chest, sturdy legs, and a long, fox-like tail that distinguishes it from its tailless Pembroke cousin. Their medium-length double coat comes in a wider range of colors than the Pembroke — including brindle, blue merle, sable, red, and black — with white markings, and sheds heavily year-round.

Temperament & Personality

Cardigans are loyal, intelligent, and slightly more reserved than their Pembroke counterparts — they tend to be more laid-back and less excitable, though they share the same herding instincts and love of activity. They are devoted to their families and excellent with children, often assuming a watchful, protective role over the household. While friendly, they can be wary of strangers and make surprisingly effective watchdogs for their size, alerting their owners with a deep, resonant bark.

Pros

  • Versatile and intelligent — excels in herding, agility, obedience, and rally
  • Loyal and affectionate family dog with a calm, steady temperament
  • More reserved and less hyperactive than the Pembroke, suitable for quieter households
  • Sturdy and athletic despite their short stature, with a lifespan of 12–15 years

Cons

  • Heavy shedding year-round with intense seasonal blowouts
  • Long spine and short legs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease
  • Herding instinct can lead to nipping at heels of children, guests, and other pets
  • Susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy

Cardigans pack a big personality into a compact, low-riding frame — discover adoptable Cardigan Welsh Corgis on Puplister today.

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households.

Pros

  • Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally well
  • Low-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious owners
  • Devoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable nature
  • Adaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines

Cons

  • High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulation
  • Coat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain texture
  • Can become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionship
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

12

Cardigan Welsh Corgis

Browse

6

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is 25–38 lbs, 10–13 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (25–38 lbs, 10–13 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Cardigan Welsh Corgi is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs