Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Info
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog that is known for their unique physical appearance and friendly personality. They are often referred to simply as "Corgis," and have become increasingly popular over the years, especially due to their popularity with the British Royal Family.
Corgis are a small breed, typically weighing between 25 and 30 pounds and standing at about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive appearance, with short legs, a long body, and large ears. Their coat is typically short and thick, with a variety of colors including red, sable, black and tan, and fawn.
One of the reasons that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is so beloved is because of their friendly and outgoing personality. They are intelligent dogs that love to please their owners and are always up for a game of fetch or a long walk. They are also known for being loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. However, due to their herding instincts, they can sometimes exhibit nipping behaviors, so early socialization and training is important.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Regularly
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Gentle, Kindly, Sweet, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
22-31 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
10-12 in
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs
Characteristics
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally good with children and can make excellent family pets. They are patient and gentle and enjoy playing with kids.
- With their short legs, long bodies, and adorable expressions, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are considered by many to be one of the cutest breeds around. Their charming appearance can bring joy to many dog lovers.
- Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, and this instinct can still be seen in the breed today.
- Welsh Corgis are known to be somewhat vocal and can bark to alert their owners or express their excitement. This can be managed with training and socialization.
- Corgis are known for their affectionate nature, and love to snuggle up with their owners. They make great lap dogs and can be very affectionate with their families.
- With their alert expression and intelligent nature, Corgis are often very curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. This can make them a fun and entertaining companion.
- Corgis are known for their playful nature and love to play games like fetch and tug-of-war. This can be a great way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known to have a hearty appetite and can be very food motivated. This can make them easier to train with rewards-based training methods.
- While generally easy to train, Corgis can also be stubborn at times, particularly if they don't see the point of a certain task or exercise. Patient and consistent training is key to overcoming this trait.
Appearance
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog that is known for its unique physical appearance. They are often referred to as simply "Corgis," and have become increasingly popular over the years, especially due to their popularity with the British Royal Family.
One of the most distinctive features of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their short legs, which are a result of their long history as a herding dog. They stand at about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Despite their short legs, they are surprisingly agile and able to move quickly when needed.
The Corgi's long body is also a notable feature and is covered in a short, thick coat that comes in a variety of colors including red, sable, black and tan, and fawn. Their coat is weather-resistant and requires regular brushing to keep it healthy and shiny.
Another feature that sets the Pembroke Welsh Corgi apart is their large, erect ears, which give them a somewhat alert and curious expression. They also have round, dark eyes that are set well apart and give them a friendly and intelligent look.
Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a delightful breed known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate personality. They are intelligent dogs that love to please their owners, making them easy to train and an ideal choice for families.
Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a lot of energy and require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy activities like long walks, hikes, and games of fetch.
Additionally, they are very trainable and enjoy learning new things, so obedience training and trick training can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated.
One of the things that make the Pembroke Welsh Corgi such a beloved breed is their ability to get along with people and other animals. They are social dogs that enjoy the company of their owners, as well as other dogs and even cats. They are also good with children, making them an ideal choice for families with young kids.
Care
Grooming
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a short, thick coat that is relatively easy to maintain. While they do shed throughout the year, regular brushing can help to keep their coat healthy and reduce the amount of shedding.
To maintain the Corgi's coat, it is recommended that they be brushed at least once a week. This will help to remove any loose fur and prevent matting or tangling. Additionally, regular bathing is important to keep the coat clean and free of dirt and debris.
While their coat is relatively easy to care for, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent them from becoming too long, which can cause discomfort or even lead to joint problems. Similarly, their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection or buildup of wax and cleaned as needed.
Another important aspect of grooming for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is dental care. These dogs are prone to dental issues, and regular teeth brushing, and veterinary checkups are crucial to maintaining good oral health.
Exercise Needs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog, but don't let their size fool you - they are surprisingly active and require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Corgis are high-energy dogs that love to play, run, and explore, and they need plenty of opportunities to burn off their energy.
A daily walk or two is a great way to provide your Pembroke Welsh Corgi with exercise, but they also enjoy other activities like hiking, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience. It's important to provide a variety of activities to keep them mentally stimulated as well as physically fit.
Corgis are also very intelligent dogs and enjoy learning new things. Training sessions can be a great way to provide mental stimulation and exercise, while also strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
In addition to regular exercise, it's important to provide your Pembroke Welsh Corgi with plenty of socialization opportunities. These dogs are social creatures that enjoy the company of other dogs, as well as people, and can become anxious or bored if left alone for too long. Regular trips to the dog park or play dates with other dogs can help to keep them happy and engaged.
Health
One of the most common health issues that affects the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is hip dysplasia. This is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and mobility issues. Corgis are also prone to back problems, which can be caused by their long body and short legs. Intervertebral disc disease, which can cause pain and paralysis, is a particular concern.
Eye problems are also relatively common in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed. Progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease, is a particular concern, as is cataracts.
Other potential health issues to be aware of include allergies, skin problems, and heart disease. It's important to work with a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed and can provide regular check-ups and preventative care.
Owners can help to keep their Pembroke Welsh Corgi healthy by providing regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good dental care. Early detection and treatment of any potential health issues is also crucial, as many conditions can be managed effectively with proper care.
Lifespan
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12-14 years. However, as with all breeds, there are factors that can impact their lifespan, including genetics, nutrition, and healthcare.
By providing proper care, owners can help to ensure that their Pembroke Welsh Corgi lives a long and healthy life. This includes providing regular exercise and mental stimulation, a healthy and balanced diet, good dental care, and preventative healthcare such as regular check-ups with a veterinarian.
It's important to note that the lifespan of individual dogs can vary based on a number of factors, including genetics and environmental factors. While the average lifespan of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is around 12-14 years, some dogs may live longer, while others may have shorter lifespans.
By being aware of the potential health issues that can affect the breed and taking steps to prevent or manage them, owners can help to maximize their Corgi's lifespan. Regular veterinary care and early detection of potential health issues is also crucial.
Training
Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training and rewards-based training, tend to be the most effective with Corgis. These dogs respond well to praise and treats and are eager to learn new things.
It's important to keep training sessions short and engaging, as Corgis can become bored or distracted if they feel like training is repetitive or tedious. Trick training and other forms of mental stimulation can also be effective in keeping them engaged and interested.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent and trainable breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. With early socialization and consistent training, they can excel at a variety of tasks and make wonderful companions for people of all ages.
History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a long and fascinating history that dates back many centuries. While the exact origins of the breed are somewhat unclear, it is believed that they are descended from Spitz-type dogs that were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 12th century.
In Wales, the Corgi was primarily used as a herding dog, helping farmers to drive cattle and sheep from one place to another. The breed was particularly well-suited to this task due to their low stature, which allowed them to avoid being kicked by cows and sheep.
Over time, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi became increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, and in 1934, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England. Shortly thereafter, the first Pembroke Welsh Corgis were imported to the United States, and the breed quickly gained popularity on this side of the Atlantic as well.
One of the things that has made the Pembroke Welsh Corgi so beloved is their association with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II is well-known for her love of Corgis, and she has owned many over the years. In fact, the breed has become so closely associated with the Royal Family that many people simply refer to them as "the Queen's dogs."
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi remains a popular breed all around the world. They are beloved for their friendly personality, unique physical appearance, and intelligence. While they are no longer used primarily as herding dogs, they continue to excel at a variety of tasks, including obedience and agility competitions.