Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Height
10-12"
Weight
30 lbs
Type
Herding
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
Area of Origin
Great Britain
Of the two Welsh Corgi breeds (the Cardigan and the Pembroke), the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized by the absence of a tail. This breed is well-loved by the British, so much so that they've been dubbed the Royal Dog of England. For everyday dog owners, they're the perfect house pet, known to be playful, tolerant, and devoted.
Energy Level
4
Playfulness
4
Friendliness To Dogs
3
Friendliness to Strangers
5
Exercise Requirements
4
Affection Level
5
Friendliness To Other Pets
3
Watchfulness
4
Grooming Requirements
4
Vocality
2

Where Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis From?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed dates back as far as 1107 A.D., when they traveled alongside displaced Flemish weavers on their way to Wales. The Corgis were trained to herd, nipping at the heels of cattle to drive them off their owner’s land.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis became extremely popular when Queen Elizabeth II acquired her first in 1933. The Queen’s Pembrokes were known to revert back to their cattle-driving days and nip at the heels of palace staff. This behavior didn’t tarnish their reputation, and they’ve been permanent residents of Buckingham Palace for over 70 years. The first Pembroke Welsh Corgi arrived in the United States in 1931 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

What Kind of Diet Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires a high-quality diet, but calorie intake must be monitored closely. This breed is prone to obesity if not provided with a suitable amount of exercise. Measure your Pembroke’s meals, and only offer occasional treats.

How Often Do You Need to Groom a Welsh Corgi?

How Often Do You Need to Groom a Welsh Corgi?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be groomed every month, with more frequent grooming during shedding season (spring and fall).

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Healthy?

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Healthy?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very healthy breed with fewer medical concerns than most dogs. One of the more prevalent health concerns is disc disease, caused by the breed’s long back. The average lifespan of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12 – 13 years.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are predisposed to: hot spots, epilepsy, glaucoma, corneal ulceration, lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, cervical disc disease, obesity, and birthing difficulties.


How Do You Train a Corgi?

How Do You Train a Corgi?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very intelligent and adaptable breed. They are easily trained, especially in herding or working with livestock. Early obedience training is vital, since the breed can be possessive or aggressive otherwise.


How Much Exercise Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

Corgis thrive on daily exercise and should be trained from a young age. Multiple daily walks are preferred over long runs, due to the breed’s short legs and long back. This moderate yet gentle exercise will keep your Corgi’s back muscles strong and less prone to injury.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

What Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Look Like?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is low-set, strong, sturdy, and active. They are long rather than tall, and display a winning attentiveness. The desired height is 10 – 12 inches and the desired weight is up to 30 pounds.
What Color Eyes Do Corgis Have?
Pembroke Welch Corgi eyes are oval, medium sized, and are usually some variation of brown. Their ears are medium in size, erect, and firm, with a slightly rounded point. The nose is pigmented. The head should resemble that of a fox in regards to shape.
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Muscular?
The body of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well muscled, long, and close to the ground. The back is straight from the shoulders to the rump.
Why Do Pembroke Corgis Have No Tails?
Corgis do have tails, they’re just docked to 2 inches or shorter, per competition requirements.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Front Legs
The forelegs are short and slightly turned inward. The shoulders are equal in length to the upper arms. Dewclaws are usually removed at the time of tail docking.
What Type of Coat Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Have?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s coat is water-resistant, boasting short hair on top and coarse hair underneath. The breed has a seasonal shedding coat as well. The outer coat may boast white markings or dashes of red, fawn, black, sable, or tan.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Back Legs
The thighs are well muscled and the legs are strong, flexible, and have ample bone. Rear dewclaws should be removed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Facts

Some assume that Corgis are born without tails, but docking is usually performed early. This practice was temporarily banned by the London Kennel Club in 1931.
Queen Elizabeth II was bitten by one of her Corgis while trying to break up a dog fight. The Corgi was found to have committed treason.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is about 8 times more popular than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Other Breeds to Explore

References