They remained in the hands of the old farmers and breeders, who continued to breed them selectively for the purpose of herding and family companions. The Cardigan temperament is more like a Collie or a well-bred German Shepherd Dog. Temperament and trainability are of the utmost importance. First of all, there's the obvious tail on the Cardigan, while the Pembroke is docked. Cardigan ears are bigger and more rounded, Pem's ears are small and more triangular.
Cardigans are bigger, and longer in body.
They are taller at the shoulders. The front on the Cardigan is a bit peculiar, since they are built very similar to the Dachshund or Basset Hound, with a bowed front and toes pointing outward. The forelegs bow out a bit to surround the chest, and his feet are in a line not directly under the shoulders, rather a bit under the chest, giving him a look not usual to the eye. They mix well with larger dogs or small dogs. They love the companionship of another dog or even a cat.