Characteristics, history, care tips and other useful information for Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small to medium-sized herding dog with a small stature and stocky build. Known for its short-legged body, large upturned ears and bushy tail, the Pembroke Corgi also makes a wonderful companion. The breed is very intelligent, active and loyal.
This breed and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are often confused, despite being separate breeds. Pembroke Corgis have slightly smaller builds than the Cardigan, their ears are more pointed, and they have very short tails (as opposed to the Cardigan’s long tail).
Overview
GROUP: sheepdog
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HEIGHT: Male: 25–30 cm, Female: 25–30 cm
WEIGHT:Males: 10–14 kg, Females: 10–13 kg
FUR AND COLOR: double-layered coat of medium length in the colors black&tan (black with golden highlights), reddish, sand or brown (all typical colors also have patches of white)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-13 years
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Characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog
| Level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | Mare |
| Friendship with other animals | environment |
| The need for physical exercise | Mare |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | environment |
| Training | environment |
| Intelligence | Mare |
| Tendency to bark | microphone |
| mute | Mare |
History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed
Theories about the origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi vary among experts, but the breed is generally believed to date back to around the 10th century. One theory is that the breed’s ancestors were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers. Another theory suggests that they may have descended from the Swedish Vallhund. In any case, they have been part of Welsh life for over 1000 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have achondroplasia, they are a dwarf breed with short legs. They are the shortest of the herding dog group. The story goes that the saddle marks seen on their backs are due to them being ridden by fairies.
The Pembroke Corgi breed was developed in Wales, where these dogs were used as herding, companion and/or guard dogs. There are obvious similarities between the Pembroke and the Cardigan Corgi, and these breeds have actually been crossbred in the past. In 1934, the two were officially recognized by the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as separate breeds.
You may already be familiar with the image of Queen Elizabeth II’s pet corgi. He has owned a Pembroke Welsh Corgi since his father gave him one in 1933. They hold a special place in Buckingham Palace.
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Some Pembrokes are born with only a stub of a tail. Traditionally, Pembroke Corgi puppies had shortened tails as this showed that they were a working dog and were tax exempt (unlike companion dogs). Tail docking is not required for UK show dogs, but the AKC standard states that the tail must be shortened (no longer than 5cm). Tail docking is illegal in many countries, including Romania.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog grooming
The Pembroke Corgis has double-layered fur: a medium-length top coat and a short undercoat. The breed tends to shed a significant amount, both daily and seasonally in the spring and fall. Routine grooming is essential and mainly consists of brushing once or twice a week and daily during the shedding season. Bathing can help control shedding. The good news is that their fur is weather resistant.
Be sure to trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent foot problems. Help your dog keep his teeth and gums healthy by brushing his teeth daily or at least twice a week.
Intelligent and hard-working, the Pembroke Corgi excels at herding and most dog sports. This breed requires a lot of exercise on a regular basis. Because the corgi craves activity and challenge, training is an absolute must. Start with the basics, then you need to consider training the dog to do a job, such as guarding or herding. Too much unreleased energy and lack of training can lead to excessive barking and other behavioral problems.
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Early socialization is good for Corgis as they tend to be naturally reserved around strangers. This trait makes them good watchdogs, but excessive fear should be avoided. Corgis tend to get along well with other dogs and cats that are part of their family, especially if they are raised together.
They can be territorial with other dogs and cats, as the breed was developed to chase foreign dogs away from herds. This could lead to aggression at the dog park or against animals that enter your yard.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be a great companion for the right family. Their tendency to «grab you» from the herd with ankle strikes can make them less than ideal for children. Proper dog training and socialization combined with canine education for children can make a difference. Overall, the corgi is loyal and happy, making the breed a capable companion.
Common health problems
Care must be taken to protect the health of the dog’s spine, as he will not be able to climb and jump on furniture as easily as dogs with longer legs. This can lead to dislocations or fractures of the back. It is a good idea to purchase steps and ramps to get your dog on and off sofas and beds.
Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some breed-specific hereditary health problems may occur. Below are some diseases you should be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
Diet and nutrition
Your Corgi will need two meals a day, with a maximum of 3/4 cup of dry dog food. The amount will depend on the dog’s size, activity level, age and other factors. It is best not to leave food open during the day, as this breed tends to gain weight. Obesity shortens a dog’s life and predisposes him to other health problems. Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight and talk to your vet. Ask for advice on a feeding schedule, amount, type of food and exercise that will help your dog stay healthy.
Advantages
- The breed’s rich history and association with the royal house
- A suitable family pet
- Intelligent and hardworking
disadvantage
- Daily shedding
- Prone to spinal problems
- Can easily become overweight
Other dog breeds and additional information
As with any breed, if you think the Corgi is right for you, be sure to do your research before getting one. Talk to your vet, other Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers and rescue groups to find out more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, research them to compare the pros and cons.
There is a whole world of breeds that could be right for you. With a little research you can find the perfect puppy to bring home.
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