Pembroke Welsh corgi Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

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Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, or just Corgis, is a small dog from Wales. They have short legs and a long body. Originally, they were bred to help herd animals like cattle and sheep. Corgis are friendly and playful, making them great pets for families. Dr. Martin Haulena says,

Small in size, big in heart, the perfect companion for any home.”

Pembroke Welsh corgi

These dogs are known for being affectionate and smart. They’re easy to train and have a funny personality. People all over the world love them. Since they’re active, they need lots of playtime and exercise. Corgis may herd and have a unique yodel-like bark.

Pembroke Corgis are smaller than Cardigan Corgis. Adopt from shelters for a Corgi, or choose a responsible breeder ensuring health checks, happy pups, and ethical breeding.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi from Wales was once considered a fairy pet. Legend says two kids found puppies while tending cows. Believing them foxes, they took them home. Parents felt the pups were fairy gifts used for fairy carriages and battles.

Pembroke Welsh corgi

The pups had marks on their backs, like fairy saddles, proving the tale true. They grew into helpful farm dogs. Some think Vikings or Flemish weavers brought them to Wales, but it’s uncertain.

In the 1920s, the UK Kennel Club recognized them as purebred. Initially, Pembrokes and Cardigans were seen as one breed, but in 1934, they were split.

The American Kennel Club followed. Pembrokes debuted in the U.S. in 1936. They’ve grown popular as pets, even with Queen Elizabeth II, who got her first one in 1933. She adores them and has many at Buckingham Palace.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview

Quick Facts
Origin Wales
Size Males: 10-12 inches tall, 25-30 pounds; Females: 9-11 inches tall, 20-25 pounds
Breed Group Herding
Lifespan 12-13 years
Coat Dense, double coat; red, fawn, sable, black and white, or brindle
Corgi Temperament Affectionate, outgoing, playful, intelligent, loyal
Exercise Needs Moderate; at least 30 minutes per day
Training Simple to teach, although obstinate at times
Grooming Low-maintenance; brush once a week
Health Prone to eye issues, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Highlights

Friendly and playful nature: Corgis are known for being very friendly and active, enjoying the company of people and other animals, making them ideal companions for families.

Intelligence: Corgis are smart and trainable, often serving as therapy dogs due to their ability to learn various commands.

Herding instincts: Bred to herd cattle and sheep, Corgis still retain these instincts, occasionally attempting to herd people or animals.

Corgis’ short legs give them a unique appearance and allow them to “split,” lying down with legs stretched out behind them.

Loyalty: Corgis are loyal pets, forming strong bonds with their owners and families and always displaying joy upon return.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Appearance And Size

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their intelligence and herding skills. Pembrokes have fox-like heads, oval-shaped dark eyes, and erect ears. They come in various coat colours with white markings. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America maintains their breed standard.Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically stand between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders. Pembroke welsh corgi weight is no more than 30 pounds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Personality

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are mostly family pets now, even though they used to work. They’re friendly, smart, and loving, but sometimes they do their own thing. They’re trainable, but they like making choices. Food is a great motivator for them during training.

Pembrokes love to eat and can get chubby if they eat too much. They’re also good at protecting their home. They might bark if they think something is wrong.

Like all dogs, Pembrokes need to meet many different people and see many things when they’re young. This helps them become well-behaved adults.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Colors

Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have various coat colours, often with mixed shades. They come in solid colours, but you’ll commonly see combinations like red and white, black and white, sable and white, merle and white, and brindle and white.

1: Blue Merle and White Dog:

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Among Cardigan Corgis, the rarest colour is blue merle and white. It looks like a blend of grey and black or grey with patches of black. These corgis are highly desired due to their unique appearance.

Blue merle corgis may have blue or light-coloured eyes and pink spots on their noses, which make them distinct from other corgi colours.

2: Sable And White Dog:

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Cardigan corgis with a sable coat come in various shades determined by their genes. Their fur can be a mix of brown, black, and red. Sable coats typically have a light undertone with darker tips. If you part their fur, you’ll notice lighter colours near the roots, while the back and shoulders usually have darker tones.

3: Brindle And White Dog:

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Brindle and white are other rare colours for Cardigan corgis, making them highly sought after. Their base colour can be yellow, black, or red, with a striped brindle pattern overlaying the coat.

4: Black And White Dog:

Pembroke Welsh corgi

One of the more common colours for Cardigan Welsh Corgis is black and white, similar to a border collie’s coat. However, finding a pure black and white corgi is rare, as they often have markings of other colours.

5: Red And White Dog:

Pembroke Welsh corgi

The most common colour for Cardigan corgis is red and white. These dogs have a red base with white patches and bellies. They typically have black noses, and some may have black markings on their fur.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament

The Pembroke is a smart and sensitive dog that loves playing with its human family and learns quickly through training. Bred to herd cattle, they are brave and like to do things independently.

Despite being small, they’re great at watching over their home, using their sharp senses and loud bark.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active and can run surprisingly fast. They were originally bred to herd animals and need lots of daily playtime. Even though they’re small, they can live happily in apartments if they get enough exercise.

Because of their short legs and long backs, they shouldn’t jump on or off high places like couches to avoid getting hurt. Pembrokes can adjust well to living in both the city and the countryside.

While they have weather-resistant coats and can handle different climates, they love being around people. They want to be part of the family and shouldn’t be left alone outside for long periods.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Feeding

Feeding Your Pembroke Welsh Corgi How much food to give: Feed your Pembroke Welsh Corgi between 3/4 to 1.5 cups of good dry food daily, split into two meals. Remember, the amount your dog eats depends on various factors like size, age, activity level, and metabolism.

Every dog is unique, just like people. Different dogs require different amounts of food. A playful dog will need more food than a lazy one. Also, the quality of the food matters. Better food means your dog will need less to stay healthy and strong.

Pembrokes love to eat and might eat too much if given the chance. It’s best to measure their food and feed them twice daily instead of leaving food out all day. Do a simple test if you’re unsure if your Pembroke is overweight. Look down at them; you should see a waist.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Coat Color And Grooming

Pembrokes have two kinds of fur: a fluffy undercoat and a longer topcoat. They shed hair all the time, especially more during certain seasons. Their fur comes in different colours, like red, black, or white spots. Some have a special marking on their back called a “fairy saddle.”

Taking care of Pembroke’s fur is quite easy. It would help to brush them regularly, especially when they’re shedding a lot. Some Pembroke welsh corgi with tail, but it depends on where they’re from and the rules.

Bathing is only needed sometimes, but it can help with shedding. Brushing their teeth a few times a week keeps their teeth healthy. Trim their nails once a month to keep them comfortable. If you need help with it, ask a vet or a groomer.

Check their ears every week for any signs of problems. Gently clean the outside of their ears. Start grooming them when they’re young so they get used to it. This makes it easier to handle them as they grow. Regular grooming also helps you notice if there are any issues with their skin or health.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi with Kids And Pets

Pembrokes really like being around children, but they might sometimes nip at kids’ feet because they’re natural herders. However, they can learn not to do this when they’re trained early on.

Like with any dog, teaching kids how to approach and touch them safely is important. Always watch over interactions between dogs and young kids to avoid any accidents. Kids should know not to bother a dog when eating or sleeping or try to take its food.

Never leave a dog alone with a child, even if the dog is friendly. Pembrokes usually get along with other pets at home, especially if they’ve been introduced to them properly.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Problem

Pembroke Welsh Corgis generally enjoy good health, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain medical issues. While not every Pembroke will experience these conditions, it’s essential to be informed about them if you’re considering this breed. When obtaining a puppy, it’s advisable to seek out a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for both parents, demonstrating they’ve been tested and cleared of specific conditions.

Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, potentially leading to pain and limping in one or both rear legs. Diagnosis typically involves X-ray screening, and affected dogs should not be bred. Ensure the parents have been screened for hip dysplasia before purchasing a puppy.

Cutaneous Asthenia: Also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, this condition results in fragile, loose, and stretchy skin due to defective connective tissue. It may also affect blood vessels, leading to increased bruising and blood blisters.

Cystinuria: High levels of the protein cystine in the urine can indicate stone formation, primarily affecting males.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This progressive nervous system disorder affects the spinal cord’s lower back region, resulting in rear leg weakness, lameness, and eventual paralysis. It’s often mistaken for disc disease.

Rescue Groups Of Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Sometimes, people buy Pembrokes without knowing how to care for them. If you’re considering getting one, try searching for ‘Corgi rescues near me’ instead of looking for ‘Corgi puppies for sale near me.’ There are lots of Pembrokes that need homes and care.

There are many rescue groups out there that help Pembrokes find new families. You can contact the national breed club or a local club if you are still looking for one in your area. They can help you find a Pembroke rescue group.

Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue

Organizations  Of Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed

Choosing a good breeder is super important when getting a new dog. Good breeders care about making sure their puppies are healthy and happy. They check their adult dogs’ health, ensure the puppies grow up in a friendly environment, and offer support even after you bring your puppy home.

However, some breeders are more interested in making money than caring for the dogs. These are called backyard breeders. They might need to check if their dogs have health problems or give their puppies the right care. Puppies from backyard breeders can have health issues or behavior problems.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Price

The price of Corgis can vary based on different factors, including whether they’re Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan. For instance, Cardigan Corgis from reputable breeders typically range from $1,200 to $1,800, while Pembroke Corgis can be between $1,000 and $2,000.

Additionally, the color’s can influence the price, with rarer colours, Merle being more expensive. Corgis with champion bloodlines, known for their excellent genetics, can cost around $3,500.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Vs Cardigan

Pembroke Welsh corgis have their tails docked close to their bodies, while Cardigan corgis have long, foxlike tails. Cardigans are slightly larger with heavier bones. Male Cardigans can weigh up to 38 pounds, while Pembrokes only weigh up to 30 pounds. The overall body structure of the two breeds is distinct.

Source:

AKC

Aftab Tariq

I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.

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