Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Breed Group: Herding

Temperament and Behavior



The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly, affectionate “big dog on little legs” who is loyal to a fault and more active than it’s lesser known cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is equally at home as a pampered house pet or rounding up livestock on a farm. A Pembroke is highly active inside and almost as active outside. But he does not have the intensity and excess drive of many of the dogs in the Herding group. A day off won’t have him bouncing off walls and you losing your sanity. The adaptable Pembroke can live with moderate exercise and a loving family. That does not mean he won’t continue to use his voice freely as a first-class watchdog, because he will; he even makes a good guard dog. He may still try to herd his flock, both human and household pets alike, nipping as he goes. But raised to chase strays from his own farm, he will likely chase away strange dogs or cats. Neither demanding of attention nor aloof with his human family, the Pembroke is happy to play or cuddle when desired otherwise, they are happy to curl up out of the way. They are good with considerate children, polite with guests, and reserved with strangers, as one would expect from a natural watch dog. One of the few challenges with this often overlooked candidate for the family dog is a tendency to bark.

Physical Characteristics

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog, slightly smaller than his Cardigan cousin, with short, stocky legs. Measured at the withers, they should be between 10.5 and 12.5 inches tall and weight between 25 and 30 pounds. They have a dense, medium-length coat that comes in the colors of red, sable, brindle, black with or without colored points and blue merle with or without colored points. White accents are acceptable with any coat color. Unlike their Cardigan cousins who have a tail, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi has no tail. They require less grooming than the average dog. But weekly brushing is important to reduce their shedding which is constant throughout the year and heavy twice yearly when they should be brushed daily. They are content in a temperate climate.

Trainer's Notes

The Pembroke is bright, learns quickly, and is a joy to train. But like any herding dog, they have their own sense of judgment and problem-solving abilities. As an owner you need to establish and consistently enforce the rules he is to live by or he will make up his own. They make a good choice for a first-time dog owner.

Photo © by Marsiyanka available under the CC BY-SA 3.0
Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Health

The most significant genetic health problem affecting the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is Hip Dysplasia which is present in about 1 of every 5 dogs. They have back problems which can be minimized by preventing excessive jumping, stair climbing, sitting them up on their haunches, proper support when picking them up, and preventing obesity, to which they are prone. Last on the list of common health issues of the Pembroke Welshe Corgi is PRA which leads to blindness. All puppies AND their parents should be checked by an AVCO-certified ophthalmologist, not just a regular vet.

Popularity

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranks 23rd on the AKC’s list of most popular dogs with between 10,000 and 11,000 dogs registered each year.

Breed History

Decending from the Teckel group of dogs that also produced the Dachshund, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is believed to have been in existence in Wales for over 3,000 years. It is believed they were brought by Celtic tribes who migrated from central Europe. When the Vikings invaded Wales 1,000 years ago, a Spitz-type dog was introduced. These dogs were bred with the original Corgi to produce the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, named after Pembrokeshire. The dogs that lived in remote areas and were untouched by this breeding were the descendants of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. When the Cardigan and Pembroke were first admitted to the American Kennel Club in early 1934, they were grouped together. However, in December of that same year, they were recognized as two distinct breeds.

Additional Information

Both Elizabeth II and George VI of England kept Corgis. Other notable Corgi owners include Dick Clark and Mickey Rooney. You can find out more about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi at the (US) parent breed club which is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America

Is A Pembroke Welsh Corgi THE BEST Dog For YOU?

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