Pembroke Welsh Corgi

ATTRIBUTES: Alert, Affectionate, Smart

GROUP: Herding Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Regularly

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed

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Origin

Wales

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Registration

1934

Ancestry Icon
Size

10 - 12 Inches

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Weight

Up to 30 Pounds (Male)

Up to 28 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 13 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
Assessing the level of affection a breed is likely to display towards family members and other familiar individuals. Certain breeds may exhibit a more reserved or aloof demeanor showing affection primarily towards their owner. On the other hand, some breeds are known for their sociable nature, treating everyone they know as if they were their closest friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
Assessing a breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior as well as their overall family-friendly nature. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs irrespective of the breed in question.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
Evaluating the overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. It is important to note that all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised. However, certain breeds tend to have an inherent inclination to get along with other dogs whether it be within their own home or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
Considering the amount of fur or hair a breed is likely to shed. Breeds that shed heavily typically require more frequent brushing to manage the shedding and they may also be more likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Additionally, these breeds may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the amount of hair they leave behind.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
Evaluating the frequency with which a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance. It is essential to take into account the time, patience and budget you have available for grooming when considering a breed. Additionally, it's important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
Assessing a breed's tendency to drool. If you have a preference for a cleaner and drier environment breeds that are prone to leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
Considering a breed's general attitude towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved or cautious demeanor around all strangers regardless of the location or context. On the other hand, some breeds are typically more open and welcoming displaying enthusiasm when meeting new humans.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Assessing a breed's likely enthusiasm for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds tend to maintain their playful nature well into their adult years showing continued interest in activities like tug-of-war or fetch. In contrast, other breeds may be content with more relaxed and low-energy activities preferring to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Evaluating a breed's propensity to alert you when strangers are near. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the arrival of the mailman or the presence of a squirrel outside the window. However, it is important to note that these breeds can warm up to strangers who enter the house as long as they are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
Assessing a breed's ability to handle changes in various aspects of day-to-day life. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule and other variations. Some breeds are naturally more adaptable and can handle changes with ease while others may be more sensitive or require a stable and consistent environment to feel comfortable. It's important to consider a breed's adaptability and your lifestyle before making a decision.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
Assessing the ease of training a breed and the willingness of the dog to learn new things. Some breeds are inherently more trainable and eager to please their owners making training sessions relatively easier and more successful. These breeds often have a strong desire to make their owners proud. On the other hand, certain breeds can be more independent or stubborn showing a preference for doing things on their own terms and may require more patient and consistent training methods.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Considering the amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed typically requires. High-energy breeds are often ready for their next adventure and are eager to engage in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. These breeds benefit from regular exercise to help burn off their energy. Low-energy breeds, on the other hand tend to be more relaxed and content with quieter activities. They are often happy to lounge around and may have lower exercise needs. It's important to match a breed's activity level with your own lifestyle and ability to provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs, such as working or herding breeds often have innate intelligence and skills that need to be utilized. These dogs thrive when they have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise they may become bored and engage in activities that may not align with your preferences. Providing mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzles training sessions, and engaging activities can help keep these breeds mentally satisfied and prevent them from seeking their own (potentially undesirable) sources of mental stimulation.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black & Tan

018

Fawn

082

Red

140

Sable

164

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

White Markings

014

About The Breed

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is described as one of the most agreeable small housedogs. As a herding breed they possess strength, athleticism and liveliness despite their small size. They are known to be affectionate and companionable without being overly needy. Being one of the most popular herding breeds globally Pembrokes showcase their qualities with a well-built physique standing at 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 27 to 30 pounds. Their short but powerful legs, muscular thighs and deep chest enable them to handle a hard day's work. Despite their low stature they display surprising agility and quickness. Coat colors can range from red, sable, fawn, to black and tan with or without white markings.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are recognized for their intelligence and sensitivity, making them responsive to training. They enjoy engaging in playtime with their human family. As herders, they possess fearlessness and independence which stems from their breeding to handle cattle. They serve as vigilant watchdogs due to their acute senses and the ability to produce a strong bark making them sound larger than their actual size. Families that can fulfil the Pembroke's need for physical activity and quality time together will have a loyal and loving companion in this breed.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally considered a healthy breed, but responsible breeders take measures to screen their breeding stock for various health conditions. Some of the health issues that breeders may screen for in Pembrokes include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, cardiac issues, degenerative myelopathy and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and appropriate health screenings can help maintain the overall health of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. In addition to general health maintenance, it is important to prioritize regular ear checks for signs of infection and to clean them as needed. Furthermore, proper dental care, such as regular brushing of the teeth, is essential to promote dental health and prevent dental issues. 

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is equipped with a thick, weatherproof double coat consisting of a soft, light undercoat covered by a coarse outer coat. This breed sheds a fair amount of hair on a daily basis and the shedding tends to increase during the late spring and early summer seasons. Regular grooming helps manage the shedding and keeps the loose hair from spreading all over the house. Using a comb and a slicker brush for a daily once-over can effectively remove a significant amount of shed hair. During shedding season giving the Corgi a bath can help loosen dead hairs before brushing. However, it's important to ensure that the dog is completely dry before brushing to prevent matting. Using a rake tool can aid in stripping out the undercoat during this time. Like all breeds, it is important to regularly trim the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's nails to keep them at a proper length. Routine ear checks are also necessary to ensure they are clean and free from any signs of infection or issues. Proper grooming practices and regular maintenance will help keep your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat in good condition and ensure their overall well-being.
Health

Exercise

+
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a strong and athletic little dog specifically bred for herding cattle and other livestock. They have a natural inclination towards physical activity and are happiest when they have a job to do. Regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental well-being. To keep a Pembroke Corgi in good health, it is recommended to provide them with moderate daily exercise. This can be achieved through activities such as long walks or slow jogs. However, due to their short legs they may not be able to keep up with the pace of a bicycle rider. It's important to be mindful of extreme weather conditions as Pembrokes can be sensitive to heat or cold. After exercise, always ensure they have access to cool fresh water to stay hydrated. Many Pembrokes excel in various canine activities such as agility, herding, obedience, and tracking events. These activities not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate their intelligent minds. Engaging a Pembroke Corgi in such activities can help fulfill their need for mental stimulation and keep them entertained.
Health

Training

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Like any breed, it is highly recommended to prioritize early socialization and puppy training classes for Pembroke Welsh Corgis. During the crucial period between 7 weeks and 4 months of age gently exposing the puppy to a diverse range of people, places and situations will aid in their development into well-adjusted and well-behaved adults. Pembrokes may possess a strong independent streak but they are also energetic, cooperative, and highly intelligent companions who readily respond to training. Employing positive and reward-based training methods is particularly effective with this sensitive breed. By reinforcing desirable behaviors with rewards and praise you can establish a strong and positive connection while teaching them appropriate manners and commands. Engaging in early socialization and providing structured training classes not only helps build a strong foundation for their behavior but also ensures that they grow up to be confident, adaptable and sociable dogs. Taking the time and effort to train and socialize your Pembroke Welsh Corgi will result in a well-rounded and enjoyable companion for years to come.
Health

Nutrition

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To ensure optimal nutrition the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be provided with a high-quality dog food. This can either be commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is crucial to select a diet that is suitable for their specific life stage whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. As certain individuals within this breed may be prone to weight gain, it is important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding or excessive treat-giving can contribute to obesity, so it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and treat frequency. Familiarize yourself with human foods that are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet consulting your veterinarian is recommended.

Historiography

During medieval times European kings showcased their wealth and grandeur to subjects and visiting dignitaries through opulent possessions. In particular, carpets, textiles and tapestries played a significant role in these displays of lavishness. The most skilled weavers of the era resided in Flanders which is now situated in northern Belgium. As a means to enhance their splendor monarchs often organized endeavors to entice Flemish weavers to settle in their kingdoms. Thus, in 1107, Henry Iof Britain extended an invitation to a group of these master craftsmen to establish their community in southwestern Wales. Responding positively to Henry's proposal the weavers migrated with all essentials including the dogs that they had selectively bred for herding cattle and sheep. These resilient short-legged herders laid the foundation for the breed we recognize today as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Although the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi have been distinct breeds since the late 1800s, there was frequent interaction between the two breeds in the traditional Welsh breeding hubs of Pembroke shire and Cardiganshire. Presently, the most notable distinctions between the breeds lie in their ears (pointed and erect in Pembroke, rounded in Cardigan) and their tails (Cardigan possessing a significantly longer tail than the Pembroke).

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