I finally have time to talk about Corgis. We have Pembrokes (no tail). We are on our 2nd pair, and the daughter has 2 also. Like other small breeds, don't tell them they are small.

All of ours have been wonderful with small children and cats. (We got our first as a recsue at age 7 and he was fine with the cats too) They SHED. Double coated, out coat is hard and nearly waterproof. Undercoat is soft fur. My only caveat for them is don't run from them as you WILL get chased and probably nipped. They are 'heeling' herders.

The Pems are fairly 'soft' dogs, and don't have 'the eye' that Border Collies do. They are pretty intelligent (not as smart as BCs), and are quite happy being pets as long as they get their cuddle time. Other than the shedding (no, I haven't tried a Furminator yet) they are ideal family dogs. Not terribly mouthy, but they will 'talk'. Strange noises, might be Welsh! LOL

The Cardigan is a solider bodied dog, heavier boned, and rounder ear tips. A truly magnificent tail! They are a 'harder' dog than the Pems, but still not truly hard. (A Briard is a 'hard' dog, so is a BC) Even the breeders of the Cardis around here will tell you that they are 'naughty'. In what way, I don't know as I've never owned one, but I'm guessing they can be pretty stubborn. They are not quite as happy being just pets as the Pems.