Cardigan Corswiss

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a low-set, powerful dog that stands approximately 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 25 and 38 pounds, with males typically larger than females. The breed possesses a distinctively long body relative to its height, earning it the nickname of the yard-long dog, measuring roughly 40 inches from nose to tail tip. This elongated structure sits on short but sturdy legs with slightly bowed forequarters, a physical adaptation that once allowed these dogs to nip at the heels of cattle while ducking beneath retaliatory kicks. The breed features a broad, flat skull with moderately wide-set eyes that convey an alert and watchful expression, complemented by large, prominent ears that are slightly rounded at the tips and carried erect. The Cardigan's coat is a weather-resistant double coat of medium length, consisting of a dense, soft undercoat covered by a longer, harsher outer coat that lies relatively flat against the body. The hair is shorter on the head, ears, and front of the legs, while the neck features a slightly thicker ruff, and the backs of the thighs display moderate feathering. Coat colors include all shades of red, sable, and brindle, as well as black with or without tan or brindle points, and the distinctive blue merle pattern characterized by black and gray marbling. White markings commonly appear on the chest, neck, muzzle, legs, underparts, and tail tip in what is known as the Irish pattern. One of the most distinguishing features separating the Cardigan from its Pembroke cousin is its long, fox-brush tail that hangs low when at rest and may be raised when the dog is alert or moving. The tail is thick at the root and tapers toward the tip, covered with dense fur that gives it a plume-like appearance. The overall impression should be of a handsome, powerful small dog capable of both speed and endurance, with balanced proportions that emphasize substance without coarseness.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large and immensely powerful working breed that immediately impresses with its substantial size and muscular build. Males typically stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 105 and 140 pounds, while females measure 23.5 to 27 inches and weigh 85 to 110 pounds, though there is no official weight standard for the breed. The body is slightly longer than tall, presenting a balanced, sturdy silhouette with heavy bone structure and well-developed musculature throughout. The breed's physical presence reflects its historical role as a draft dog capable of pulling loads up to 3,000 pounds, as well as its duties as a herder and all-purpose farm dog in the challenging terrain of the Swiss Alps. The head is flat and broad with a slight but definite stop between the eyes, featuring a strong, blunt muzzle approximately equal in length to the skull. The medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are typically dark brown and convey an animated yet gentle expression that reflects the breed's friendly temperament. Triangular ears of medium size are set high on the head and hang close to the skull when relaxed, raising and tilting forward when the dog is alert. The nose and lips are always black, contributing to the breed's distinctive facial appearance. The neck is strong and muscular, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders that support the powerful front assembly. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog possesses a striking tricolor coat consisting of a predominantly black base with rich rust and white markings distributed in a specific pattern. Rust markings typically appear on the cheeks, above the eyes, on the legs between the white and black areas, and under the tail. White appears on the muzzle, chest, feet, and tail tip, with a blaze on the head connecting to the white muzzle. The double coat features a dense outer layer approximately one to two inches in length with a thick undercoat that may show through, particularly at the neck. While the standard calls for black, white, and rust, blue tricolor and rust bicolor variants occasionally occur. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point, carried low at rest and raised when alert but never curled over the back.