Why the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is Better than the Chinook as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 10, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Versus Chinook: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and for the Chinook. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Chinook.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook: Overview

A very important difference between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small-sized dog while the Chinook is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Chinook belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to the Chinook based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook

FactorPembroke Welsh CorgiChinook
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Weight22 to 31 pounds55 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/55/5
General Health3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easygoing2/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Easy To Groom4/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
NOT Rambunctious2/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/51/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/54/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1700No Data
Price Range$1200 – $2000No Data
Temperament Score79.6 percent77.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds16176

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Chinook. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chinook is 87 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Chinook, we still believe that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a better pet than the Chinook.

    This is because Pembroke Welsh Corgis are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi :-). We are for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. So get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi!

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook

    Below is a list of where the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are most different:

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgis are good for new dog owners. However, Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Chinooks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are most similar:

  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are very playful.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are highly intelligent.
  • Size Comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook.

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs 22 to 31 pounds when fully grown. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Chinook weighs 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Chinook is 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Size of Chinook

    Lifespan of Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    The lifespan of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Chinook is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Chinook is 13.5 years.

    The Chinook live longer than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    Temperament of the Chinook Versus the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a better temperament than the Chinook.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 79.6 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 79.6 percent, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Chinook has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook by measuring the temperaments of 216 Pembroke Welsh Corgis and 9 Chinooks.

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    The Popularity of Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Popularity of Chinook

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more popular with dog owners than the Chinook. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 16 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Chinook is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    Popularity of Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    Popularity of Chinook

    Popularity of Chinook

    Year Pembroke Welsh Corgi Popularity Rank Chinook Popularity Rank
    2013 24 156
    2014 22 171
    2015 20 177
    2016 18 175
    2017 15 179
    2018 13 190
    2019 10 184
    2020 11 186
    2021 11 172

    Health Problems of Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Health Problems of Chinook

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Chinook is prone to more genetic health problems than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chinook than for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    2 health tests are recommended for Pembroke Welsh Corgi while 3 tests are recommended for the Chinook.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pembroke Welsh Corgis and in Chinooks.

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Problems

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pembroke Welsh Corgis for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pembroke Welsh Corgis here.

    Chinook Health Problems

    Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chinooks for:

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Chinooks

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranks 2 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 4428 Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 2360 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and how common these diseases are in Pembroke Welsh Corgis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 2 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Von Willebrands problems: Rank 5 out of 15 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 41 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 79 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 85 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 109 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chinook Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 5 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 63 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 82 out of 182 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Pembroke Welsh Corgi and in Chinook and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook:

    Disease Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rank Chinook Rank
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 2 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Von Willebrands problems 5 out of 15 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 41 out of 198 dog breeds 63 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 79 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 85 out of 182 dog breeds 82 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems 109 out of 145 dog breeds 5 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Chinooks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed more than Chinooks?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Chinooks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very easy to groom.

    Chinooks require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good family dogs? What about Chinooks?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chinooks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Easier to Train than the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very easy to train.

    Chinooks are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Chinook

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Chinooks?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Chinooks have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Bark and Howl? What about Chinooks?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Chinooks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs. Chinook

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Better for Apartment Owners than the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Chinook?

    Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very good for new dog owners.

    Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pembroke Welsh Corgi compares to other breeds aside from the Chinook. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to other breeds:

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Saint Bernard     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Redbone Coonhound     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Lhasa Apso     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Norfolk Terrier     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Collie     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Kuvasz     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Shichon     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Field Spaniel     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Finnish Spitz     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Mastiff     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Norwegian Buhund     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     

    Conclusion: Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus Chinook. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chinook better suits you and your family.