Greek Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison

Greek Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed ComparisonGreek Sheepdog is originated from Greece but Cardigan Welsh Corgi is originated from United Kingdom. Greek Sheepdog may grow 42 cm / 17 inches higher than Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Greek Sheepdog may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Greek Sheepdog may live 3 years less than Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both Greek Sheepdog and Cardigan Welsh Corgi has same litter size. Greek Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Cardigan Welsh Corgi requires Low maintenance

History

greek sheepdog - historyKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

cardigan welsh corgi - historyThe Cardigan Welsh Corgi, named after Cardiganshire, Wales, is an ancient breed, brought to Wales by the Celts about 3,000 years ago.

Small but tough, the Cardigan used to take part in cattle drives and his duties extended to protecting them at night.

The first pair of breeding Cardigans arrived in the United States in June 1931. The AKC granted full recognition to the breed four years later.The Cardi, as the breed is commonly called, was developed as an all-around farm dog in Wales. It is believed to be a descendant of the Pomeranian, Schipperkes, Keeshond and Swedish Valhund.

The Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh corgis were separated officially into different breeds in the early 1930s. AKC recognition came in 1935.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Greece
United Kingdom
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Cardigan, Cardi
Colors Available:
White with red, black or brown markings
Red, brindle, black, black and tan, brindle and black
Coat:
Thick, double-coat, long hair
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

cardigan welsh corgi puppy - descriptionThe long-shaped Cardiganshire Welsh Corgi is also nicknamed the ‘yard-long dog’ in Wales. Don’t be fooled by this low-to-the-ground dog, because when you look at him he isn’t a small dog at all, looking almost like a German shepherd with short legs, upright ears and a long, bushy tail.This is unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi whose tail is traditionally docked.

The Cardi stands around 270 to 330mm tall at the withers and weighs between 11 to 17kg. With those short legs he can gather up quite a speed as well. The dog has a double coat in fawn, red, black and with the outer coat being of medium length and quite harsh to the touch. You can also find some white on the neck, chest as well as on the legs.

Temperament:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is full of spirit and makes a fantastic companion for someone looking for a fun-loving, devoted friend. He is an easy going dog, making a wonderful pet, while being reserved with strangers. He isn’t a tall dog but he will guard the family too. He is good with children in the family and even with other pets, provided he is trained and socialized.

Characteristics

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

cardigan welsh corgi dog - characteristicsThe Cardigan Welsh Corgi is full of surprises and he has been a strong working job, being quick and agile around cattle. He is good at everything and with training and socialization he is going to make an excellent pet.

They are good with children and other pets and he makes an excellent guard dog as well. He is strong willed and feisty but he wants to please his owner. With a dog like this in your life, you’re going to have a faithful and loving friend who knows how to entertain you as well with his antics.

Health Problems

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

cardigan welsh corgi puppies - health problemsThe Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all dogs, they will have some health concerns, and recognizing the symptoms of some common dog illnesses can spare your pet.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a debilitating genetic joint condition that can affects any dog really. It occurs when the hind leg joint isn’t held properly by the hip socket. Bone is worn away and your dog can experience severe pain.

Unfortunately this is a common skeletal disorder and your pet will be reluctant to jump or play. Untreated, it can lead to arthritis and chronic pain, making him immobile. There are several types of treatments and you want to get your pet to the vet to relieve him of pain and discomfort.

Degenerative Myelopathy:

This is a terrible disease for your pet because the rear legs can actually become paralyzed and your pet won’t be able to control their bowels. It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease where the dog’s immune system cells attack the spinal cord sheath. If your vet suspects Degenerative Myelopathy, a blood sample will be required. Sometimes the dog has to be mercifully euthanized. Sometimes people even turn to holistic treatments to avoid this and help their pet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

cardigan welsh corgi dogs - caringCardigan Welsh corgis are active dogs and he is going to need daily exercise. He’ll love a walk with you and will show you how agile he is when you throw a ball for him

Grooming:

The Cardigan is a low maintenance dog. His thick double coat does shed quite a bit but nonetheless it is easy to maintain. Simply give it a good brush to remove loose hairs and to get rid of dirt. This brushing distributes the dogs natural oils and helps to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  7. Pomeranian vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  8. Maltese vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  9. Pug vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  10. Maltipoo vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  12. Dachshund vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  13. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  14. Cockapoo vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  15. Cavapoo vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  17. Cavachon vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  18. Mal-Shi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  19. Papillon vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  20. Japanese Chin vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature English Bulldog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Dachshund vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  23. Lhasa Apso vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. Samoyed vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Presa Canario vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Labrador Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Lurcher vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Sarplaninac vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Mountain View Cur vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Native American Indian Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Greenland Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Komondor vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  38. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Greek Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  40. Greek Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  41. Greek Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  42. Greek Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. Greek Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. Greek Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  45. Greek Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Greek Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  47. Greek Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds