Happy Pembroke Welsh Corgi Outside
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

Other names:
Corgi
Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two Corgi breeds (Pembroke and Cardigan). The two breeds resemble each other very closely (due to crossbreeding in the 19th century when both breeds were recognized as the same). The most prominent difference between the two breeds today is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not have a tail, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi does.

Despite their small size, the breed has a lot of energy and will need daily exercise. They are a very vocal breed, which may be an issue for families that share a wall with neighbors (apartments, condos, etc.). Like most breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs to be socialized while still a puppy to keep them from becoming shy towards strangers and other animals.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Details

Below are the breed specs and details for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Type
Purebred
Lifespan
12 - 14 yrs.
Height
10 - 12 in.
Weight
23 - 30 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Description

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a medium sized dog that stands 10-13 inches tall and weighs up to 30 pounds. It's short legs and elongated torso give it a slightly unproportional appearance, however the breed is very quick and agile despite it's short legs.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does very well with families, children, and other animals. However, due to the breed's strong herding instinct it may attempt to "herd" small children and other pets back to the group if the wonder away. The breed's intelligence makes it easy to train, but also makes the Pembroke susceptible to developing destructive habits out of boredom.

You can expect the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to be a medium maintenance dog breed. They need to be exercised daily to burn off their excess energy and the breed is prone to overeating so their food intake should be monitored. The Pembroke sheds frequently and will need to be brushed regularly to keep hair dander to a minimum.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed History

The Pembroke Corgi is a breed of the Spitz group, and was recognized by the AKC in 1934. The direct ancestors of the Pembroke were brought across the channel by the Flemish weavers during a Vikings Invasion that took place about 1000 years ago. The Flemish were of agrarian nature, and the Pembroke adapted well to their farmland, working as herding dogs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a descendant of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and is ancestry also includes the Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow-Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, and Finnish Spitz.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Appearance

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a thick double coat to protect it from any harsh weather and rough terrain the breed may come across while herding. The breed has short legs and an elongated torso which gives the Pembroke a somewhat unusual appearance. The Pembroke has pointed ears and a naturally docked tail - which is the easiest way to tell the difference between the two Corgi breeds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Colors

The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Fawn
Fawn
Red
Red
Additional Coat Colors
Sable

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Variations

You shouldn't confuse the other Corgi breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, with being a different type. Both the Pembroke and the Cardigan are separate Corgi breeds.

When it comes to variations of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, there are only two kinds: coat color and hair length. (The varieties of Pembroke colors are discussed elsewhere on this page in "Pembroke Welsh Corgi Coloring.")

The long-haired Pembroke may look wonderful for show, but they are typically found in America. This is because that long hair, when a Corgi is in her natural habitat doing what she does (usually in the UK), her coat will quickly get full of mud, burrs and other debris. This messes up her coat, weighs her down, and can cause health problems. While there is a large demand for these long-hairs, also known as the fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, they can be expensive to keep groomed!

If you are told there are any other varietals or types, especially regarding size, then it is almost certainly a hybrid or worse. Because these dogs are very popular, there are some backyard breeders (BYB) that might use terms such as mini, teacup, micro, king, giant, dwarf, miniature, toy, or even classic! If you find a person offering a Corgi with long legs, then that "breeder" should be avoided.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament

The Corgi is a highly-intelligent, loyal and independent dog. Both types are very trainable, but a lot of patience and positive reinforcement is required while training this breed. The Corgi has independent judgment and problem-solving abilities, and it is important that the owner must have the confidence to establish and constantly reinforce the rules, or the Corgi may make up its own.

Carrying a "big dog" bark and acute alertness, the Corgi makes for a fearless and vigilant guardian dog. With a natural working ethic embedded in them, the Corgi will often find work for itself to keep busy. If not properly exercised physically and mentally, they can become anxious and destructive when left alone.

The Pembroke Corgi is often described as outgoing, playful, bold, protective, tenacious and friendly. Herding, obedience, agility, or chasing balls are all enjoyable outlets for the Corgi's strong desire to work.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Maintenance

The Corgi is a medium maintenance dog. Because it sheds frequently, the Corgi needs frequent brushing care to contain its shedding. With its medium to high energy, the Corgi requires vital exercise and diet. The Corgi is a hearty eater, and should therefore be monitored closely in diet as excess weight can lead to various health issues.

Grooming Requirements

The Pembroke Corgi sheds continuously, with heavier shedding occurring at least twice a year. It is easy to groom, but can pose problems if brushing is not kept up.

Exercise Requirements

Because Corgi is a herding dog, it requires plenty of exercise, and always needs something to focus on. The Corgi needs to be properly exercised, both physically and mentally. If not, it can become anxious and destructive when left alone. With its hearty eating habits and likelihood of back problems, it is important that the Corgi is given frequent exercise and play time to keep up its health.

Living Requirements

The Corgi can adapt to many different environments (whether a farm or an apartment), as long as they are given the proper exercise.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health

The average lifespan of a Corgi is 11 to 13 years. It is prone to serious health concerns including Intervertebral Disc Disease, Canine Hip Dysplasia, and epilepsy. Less - common issues include lens luxation, von Willubrand's Disease (vWD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and urinary stones.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Patent ductus arteriosus
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Cystinuria
Degenerative myelopathy
Retinal dysplasia
Intervertebral disc disease

Random Details

Some interesting facts about the breed:

  • Heronsway Corgis: This Massachusetts-based kennel is one of the most renowned Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeders in the world. Kennel owner Anne Bowes, who has been breeding Pembrokes since the early 1970s, is one of the foremost experts on the breed.
  • Goro the Corgi: Goro was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in Japan who became an Internet smash. For several years before his death in 2019, Goro entertained milllions with his YouTube videos, Instagram posts, and Twitter (with some obvious help from his owner).
  • Ugly Corgi Christmas Sweaters: Though the breed is incredibly attractive, the name inspired a line of comically ugly Christmas apparel. Ugly Corgi is a series of hideous holiday sweaters that feature a dog (which may or may not be a Corgi) on the front.
  • Queen Elizabeth II: England's queen has been a Pembroke owner since the 1930s. Her Royal Highness has owned more than 30 Corgis in all, and for decades oversaw a Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeding program at Windsor Castle.

Related Pages

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 8, 2020
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