Dachshund vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Which breed is right for you?

Dachshund dog portrait Dachshund The brave little 'sausage dog'. vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog portrait Pembroke Welsh Corgi Short legs, huge personality.

Quick verdict

Both are bold, low-slung small dogs with big personalities and a shared weakness for back trouble, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more energetic, more trainable herding dog while the Dachshund is a stubborn, lower-energy hound. The single biggest difference is drive and trainability: the Corgi is a quick, willing learner that needs a job, whereas the Dachshund is clever but harder to train and slow to house-train. Expect more shedding from the Corgi and more barking from the Dachshund.

At a glance

Dachshund Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Group Hound Herding
Size Small Small-Medium
Weight 7-15 kg 11-14 kg
Height 20-23 cm 25-30 cm
Lifespan 12-16 yr 12-15 yr
Origin Germany Wales (United Kingdom)
Energy 3 / 5 4 / 5
Trainability 3 / 5 4 / 5
Friendliness 5 / 5 5 / 5
Shedding 3 / 5 4 / 5
Barking 4 / 5 3 / 5
Good with kids Good (gentle homes) Good
With other dogs Good Good
With cats With care With care

Choose the Dachshund if:

Choose the Dachshund if you want a slightly smaller, lower-energy companion with a long lifespan and lower grooming needs, and you do not mind patient house-training and a vocal watchdog.

Full Dachshund profile

Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if:

Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want a smarter, more easily trained and more active dog that thrives on daily exercise and games, and you can handle heavy shedding and the odd heel-nipping herding instinct.

Full Pembroke Welsh Corgi profile

Frequently asked questions

Which is easier to train, a Dachshund or a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is easier to train. It rates higher for trainability as a quick, willing learner, while the Dachshund is clever but stubborn and especially slow to house-train.

Which sheds less?

The Dachshund sheds less overall. The Corgi has a double coat that sheds a surprising amount year round and heavily in seasonal blow-outs, while a smooth-coated Dachshund needs only a weekly brush.

Which is better for an active family?

The Corgi suits an active family better thanks to its higher energy and need for daily walks, play and training. The Dachshund is more moderate in energy and happy with flat walks and play, but both are rated good with kids in the right home.

More comparisons

Last updated June 2026

Sources: Compiled from recognised breed-standard and kennel-club references and general veterinary health guidance. This is general information, not veterinary advice.