The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s original purpose was herding livestock, including cattle, sheep, and horses. Known for their high intelligence and vigorous activity levels, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes in four different colour varieties and several types of markings.
A breed that loves to learn new things, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a joy to train and particularly enjoys time spent with children and pets. A breed renowned for its independent spirit, Corgis excel at problem-solving and learning new tricks. They are very loyal and loving companions who love to socialize and play.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also excellent watchdogs, gleefully alerting their owners of any intruders.
All in all, life with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is sure to be a fun experience for you and your family!
Height: 10 to 22 inches
Weight: Females should not exceed 28 pounds and males 30, with weights being proportionate to the dog’s size
Life Span: 12 to 13 years
Breed Size: Small
Best Suited To: First-time dog owners, active families
Personality: Loving, affectionate, active, entertaining, loyal, friendly
Intelligence: Highly intelligent
Shedding: Sheds profusely
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise required
Energy: High
Barking: Prone to barking
Drooling: Not prone to drooling
AKC/CKC Group: Herding group
Colors: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan; may or may not have white markings
Coat Types: Short double coat that should be weatherproof
Overview:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, agile dog breed that originated in Wales. They are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them ideal companion animals.
These herding dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and sheep but also make great family pets.
Pembrokes have short legs and long bodies, giving them a distinctive look. Their thick coats come in four different colours and may or may not display white markings.
Pembrokes are generally friendly and good-natured, although they can be strong-willed and require consistent training. They typically get along well with other animals and children, making them an ideal addition to any family.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are generally healthy but require regular grooming and veterinary visits to reduce their risk of health issues. With proper care and attention, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be a loving companion for many years.
Overall, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a wonderful breed that boasts intelligence, loyalty, and an active nature. Its friendly personality and distinct looks make it a great choice for families looking for a loyal companion. This breed can be a joyful part of any home with proper care and training.
General Appearance:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a short, sturdy dog with a thick double coat. Its head is proportionate to its body, and the breed is well known for its distinctive fox-like facial expression.
The Corgi’s ears are wide and relatively large, standing erect and giving the impression of alertness. Its legs are short but powerful, yielding an agile and athletic appearance.
The tail is typically docked but may be left in its natural state if desired. Its coat can come in various colors, including red-and-white, sable-and-white, black-and-tan, or occasionally tricolor.
It is essential to regularly groom the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to maintain its thick, double coat and remove dirt and debris. This dog type should also be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats.
Personality Traits:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a charming and charismatic dog adored by all. This breed is known for its big personality and lovable nature.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to mimic their owners’ mannerisms, a much-beloved trait by their family and friends. An incredibly social breed that loves to be around its family, Corgis constantly seek attention and affection from their loved ones.
However, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be pretty stubborn and willful at times. The breed is both intelligent and curious, often exploring its surroundings with a sense of playful mischief.
With their short legs and long bodies, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have an adorable waddle as they strut around, making them impossible not to love.
Living Requirements:
The ideal living environment for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one with plenty of space and exercise. These dogs are quite active, so having access to a yard or park where they can run and play is important.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis should have a safe place indoors to retreat to when needed, such as a comfortable bed or crate. Socializing with people and animals is also vital for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, so it’s best if their living environment includes regular contact with family members and visitors.
This dog breed has a dense double coat and is prone to overheating, so the temperature of the Corgi’s living environment should be regulated.
Corgis do not necessarily need a fully fenced yard. Depending on the individual dog and the environment, some corgis may be able to get along just fine with less restrictive boundaries. However, it is important to note that all dogs should have access to a well-fenced outdoor area for exercise, potty breaks, and to explore.
Additionally, it is important to always supervise your corgi when outdoors, regardless of the fencing type or setup. This will help prevent any unwanted behaviors such as wandering off or chasing after wildlife. Taking the necessary precautions can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and secure!
To ensure appropriate physical and mental stimulation, the Corgi’s living environment should include plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained. Regular walks and outdoor adventures are a must for this active, working breed.
Care:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be groomed regularly with a brush and comb to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Bathing should only be done when necessary, as it can strip the natural oils from their skin and fur. Trimming their nails regularly will help prevent them from splitting or cracking. Brushing their teeth should also be done consistently to maintain good oral health.
It is also important to check their ears for any dirt or wax buildup, and it is recommended that they have their ears cleaned once a month with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner. Additionally, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should have their eyes examined regularly and should have any eye discharge or debris wiped away immediately to prevent infection.
Keeping the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s fur trimmed and neat around its feet, abdomen (belly), and tail area is vital. This will help them stay comfortable when moving and playing outdoors.
Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi means you must be committed to regular daily exercise. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is highly active and loves to run and play. It needs daily exercise, including a long walk or jog, plus plenty of opportunities for playtime. Activities such as agility training, herding, and fetching are all excellent ways to keep your Corgi healthy and engaged. With enough exercise, your Corgi will remain fit and happy.
Corgis should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet. Depending on their age, size, and activity level, the amount of food your Corgi needs can vary. When it comes to treats, it’s important to monitor how much and often your Corgi is consuming them. A few small treats daily can help keep their diet balanced and provide extra nutrition.
Corgis are prone to overeating and can easily become overweight if not fed properly. You should always be mindful of how much food your Corgi consumes and how often. If you are ever unsure, talk to your vet for specific guidance on what type of food and how much should be given to your pet.
Health:
All dog breeds are predisposed to certain genetic conditions. Thankfully, through careful health testing of breeding dogs, it is possible to limit and even eliminate the transmission of some of the most commonly seen problems in some breeds. The main issues that can affect the Pembroke Welsh Corgi include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Cutaneous Asthenia
- Cystinuria
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Epilepsy
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with Pulmonary Hypertension
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Reputable breeders conduct the appropriate physical and DNA tests on their dogs prior to any matings to ensure genetic illness is not knowingly passed from generation to generation.
History:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a captivating dog breed with roots in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Myths and folklore surround its origins, as legend has it that these dogs come from the dens of fairies and elves in Wales.
According to the legend, two children were looking after their family’s livestock in the fields when they discovered a pair of puppies. The kids mistook the puppies for foxes, but they sensed something was different about them and carried them home.
The parents quickly realized that the pups were not foxes but dogs. They then informed their children that the fairies who lived in the fields had given them the dogs as a gift. According to the parents, the fairies utilized the dogs to pull their carriages and even participate in battles.
The parents showed their children marks on the backs of their Pembrokes where the fairy saddle was placed as evidence that these dogs were used as mounts by fairies. The children were happy and loved their dogs. The dogs became valued companions to the children and were also trained to help with the family’s cattle.
According to historians, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi may have descended from Vallhunds, a type of Swedish cattle dog that the Vikings brought to Wales during the 9th and 10th centuries. Alternatively, some believe they may be descended from dogs that Flemish weavers brought to Wales in the 12th century.
The historical origins of the breed are not clearly defined. In the past, farmers would breed their working dogs based on their desired job functions without keeping detailed records of the specific matings.
In the 1920s, Corgis were recognized as purebred dogs by the UK Kennel Club and were officially exhibited for the first time in 1925 under the name Welsh Corgis. During that time, Pembrokes and Cardigans were exhibited together in one class as a single breed.
In 1934, the Pembroke and the Cardigan were recognized as two different breeds by the Kennel Club, with the American Kennel Club later following their lead. Pembrokes made their first appearance in the U.S. for a show in 1936.
The popularity of Pembrokes has been rising gradually in the U.S., with the breed now measuring in the top 50 breeds preferred as family pets. Additionally, they are the favorite breed of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England. King George VI presented her with the first Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1933.
With its intelligence, devotion, and loving personality, it’s no wonder that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been such a popular choice for so many years.
Fun Facts About the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
- Pembroke Corgis are one of the oldest breeds in history, with historical records as far back as the 12th century!
- They were originally bred to be herding dogs, and their short legs and long bodies allowed them to nip at livestock’s heels without being kicked.
- Pembroke Corgis are the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, and she has owned over 30 of them throughout her reign.
- When they’re not herding or playing, these dogs can be seen lounging by the fire with their famously short legs sprawled out in front of them!
- These dogs have a very loud bark, making them excellent watchdogs for homes.
- They are prone to gaining weight, so monitoring their diet and exercise routine is essential.
- They differ significantly from their cousin, the Welsh Cardigan Corgi.
