Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Info
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular dog breed known for its charming and friendly personality. Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle in Wales, these dogs are now popular as family pets due to their intelligence, loyalty, and adorable appearance.
One of the most distinctive features of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their short, stocky build. They have a broad head, large erect ears, and a short tail that is often docked when they are young. Their coats are typically medium-length and come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, fawn, and black and tan.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. They are also very social animals and enjoy spending time with their family, whether it be going for a walk or snuggling up on the couch.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Regularly
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Gentle, Kindly, Sweet, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
22-31 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
10-12 in
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs
Characteristics
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They enjoy meeting new people and socializing with other dogs.
- Corgis are highly intelligent and quick to learn. They excel at obedience training and enjoy learning new tricks.
- These dogs are fiercely loyal to their families and will do whatever it takes to protect them.
- Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like long walks, hikes, and games of fetch.
- Corgis are very affectionate dogs that love to cuddle and spend time with their owners. They are great companions for people of all ages.
- With their large, erect ears and curious expression, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are always alert and ready to explore their surroundings.
- These dogs have a playful and mischievous side, and enjoy engaging in games and activities with their owners.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis are adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes with yards. They also do well in a variety of climates and environments.
Appearance
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog that is known for their distinctive physical appearance. They have short legs, a long body, and large ears that make them instantly recognizable.
Corgis typically weigh between 25 and 30 pounds and stand at about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat is short and thick, with a variety of colors including red, sable, black and tan, and fawn. They also have a white underbelly and may have white markings on their face, chest, and legs.
One of the most striking features of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their short legs. This is a result of their breeding as herding dogs, which allowed them to avoid being kicked by cows and sheep. Their long, low body also helped them to avoid being trampled by larger animals.
Another distinctive feature of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their large, pointed ears. These ears are one of their most expressive features, as they are constantly pricked up, giving the impression that they are always alert and paying attention.
Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for their friendly and outgoing personality, which has made them a beloved breed for many people around the world. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that love nothing more than spending time with their families.
One of the things that makes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi such a great companion is their intelligence. They are quick learners and enjoy learning new things, making them a joy to train. They excel at a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and herding competitions.
Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also known for their courage and protectiveness. They are excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners if they sense any danger. However, they are not typically aggressive dogs and are usually quite friendly towards strangers.
Because they were originally bred as herding dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can sometimes exhibit nipping behaviors. However, with early socialization and training, these tendencies can be minimized or eliminated altogether.
Care
Grooming
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short, thick coat that is weather-resistant and requires minimal grooming to keep it healthy and shiny.
Regular brushing is recommended to remove loose fur and dirt, and to prevent matting. A weekly brushing with a slicker brush or comb will usually suffice. During shedding season, which occurs twice a year, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the increased shedding.
Bathing should be done as needed, but not too frequently as it can strip the natural oils from the Corgi's coat. A bath every three months is usually enough for most Corgis. When bathing, it is important to use a dog-specific shampoo and to thoroughly rinse out all of the soap.
Other grooming needs for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi include nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Regular nail trims are important to prevent overgrowth and to keep the dog's feet healthy. Ear cleaning should be done regularly to prevent infections, and dental care is important to maintain good oral health and prevent bad breath.
In addition to regular grooming, it is important to keep up with preventative measures to protect your Corgi against external parasites like fleas and ticks. Regular use of flea and tick preventative is recommended to keep your Corgi healthy and free of these pesky critters.
Exercise Needs
Despite their small size, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are known for their love of play and activity and thrive on daily walks and playtime.
Corgis are herding dogs at heart, and as such, they have a lot of energy and need plenty of opportunities to exercise and engage their minds. Regular walks, hikes, or runs can help to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Additionally, games of fetch or frisbee can be a great way to provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
In addition to physical exercise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi also benefits from training and mental stimulation. These dogs are intelligent and enjoy learning new things, so obedience training, trick training, and interactive toys can be great ways to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.
It's important to note that while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active breed, they are also prone to weight gain if they do not get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to a range of health issues, so it's important to make sure that they are getting enough exercise and that their diet is well-balanced.
Health
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12-14 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues that owners should be aware of.
One of the most common health issues in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort, and can lead to arthritis later in life. Regular veterinary checkups and testing can help to identify hip dysplasia early on, and treatments can range from medication to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Another health issue that can affect Pembroke Welsh Corgis is eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams and testing can help to catch these issues early on, and treatments can range from medication to surgery, depending on the condition.
Additionally, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to back problems, due to their long bodies and short legs. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common issue in this breed, which can cause pain and even paralysis. Preventative measures, such as regular exercise and weight management, can help to reduce the risk of IVDD.
Regular veterinary checkups and preventive care, including vaccinations and parasite prevention, are important for maintaining the overall health of your Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Additionally, feeding a high-quality diet and providing regular exercise and mental stimulation can help to keep your dog in good health.
Lifespan
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a relatively long-lived breed, with a lifespan of around 12-14 years. This is in line with the lifespan of many other small to medium-sized dog breeds.
Of course, there are many factors that can affect a dog's lifespan, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Owners can help to maximize their Pembroke Welsh Corgi's lifespan by providing them with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good veterinary care.
While the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a relatively healthy breed, they are prone to certain health issues as they age, including hip dysplasia, back problems, and eye problems. Early detection and treatment of these issues is crucial to helping dogs live longer and healthier lives.
Training
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels in obedience and agility competitions. They are eager to please their owners and enjoy learning new things, making them a joy to train.
One of the most important aspects of training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is socialization. These dogs can be prone to nipping behaviors due to their herding instincts, so early socialization with people and other animals is crucial to prevent this behavior. Socialization can also help to prevent shyness or fearfulness and ensure that the Corgi is comfortable in a variety of environments.
Obedience training is also important for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation, and obedience training can provide this while also strengthening the bond between owner and dog. Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" should be taught early on, and more advanced commands like "heel" or "leave it" can be added as the dog progresses.
In addition to obedience training, many Pembroke Welsh Corgis enjoy participating in dog sports like agility or flyball. These activities provide both mental and physical stimulation and can be a great way to bond with your dog while also providing them with an outlet for their energy.
Training should always be positive and reward-based, with treats, praise, and toys used as motivators. Harsh punishment or negative reinforcement can be counterproductive and may harm the bond between owner and dog.
History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed that can trace its roots back to Wales in the 10th century. They were originally bred for herding cattle and sheep, and their short stature allowed them to nip at the heels of the livestock without being kicked.
Legend has it that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a gift from the fairies, who would ride them into battle. While this may be a fanciful tale, it's true that the Corgi was highly valued by Welsh farmers for their herding abilities and loyalty.
The breed became popular with the British Royal Family in the 1930s, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) acquired their first Corgi, named Dookie. Since then, the breed has remained closely associated with the Royal Family, and Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of Corgis.
In terms of breeding, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed separately from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which is a slightly larger breed with a longer tail. The Pembroke's tail is naturally short, although some breeders do dock their tails.
In the early 20th century, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was recognized as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom, and in 1934, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Since then, the breed has become increasingly popular in both the UK and the US and is now a beloved companion animal for families all over the world.