Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

12-14 kg

Height

25-30 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

If you are looking for your next dog and your priority is for a compact animal with great characteristics, then you may have just found the perfect breed for you, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This guide will inform you all about the small but remarkably powerful breed that is the Welsh Corgi.

What is the history & origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

It is thought that the PWC breed first originated in the 10th century, but theories around where they came from vary widely. One of the more popular theories is that Flemish weavers brought their dogs over from Flanders with them when they were invited to Wales by Henry I.

Initially, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were bred for herding livestock and horses and are regarded as the smallest type of herding dog, although this does not mean that they lack strength by any means! They were recongized by the American Kennel Club in 1934.

This breed has had a close relationship with the royal monarchy – Queen Elizabeth II is noted to have owned 30 corgis during her reign!

What is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed?

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi, often confused with its Cardigan Welsh Corgi counterpart, is a stocky but surprising athletic dog with short legs and a long body. Although low to the ground, these corgis have muscular legs, which are useful when exploring the outdoors, and are particularly agile.

Pembroke corgis can be differentiated from Cardigan Welsh corgis by their smaller frame. Traditionally, the Pembroke has had a docked tail, while the cardigan breed has long, fox-like tails. In addition, the two breeds vary in colour and markings.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for its friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature. These dogs are intelligent and alert, often displaying a keen sense of humor. While they can be somewhat independent and have a streak of stubbornness, they are generally eager to please their owners. Their herding background gives them a strong work ethic, and they can be protective, making them good watchdogs. They are typically good with children and other pets, especially when socialized early. Their alertness and active mind mean they thrive on mental stimulation and engagement.

Who is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi best for?

Having received top marks in the ‘affectionate’ category from the American Kennel Club, it is fair to say that the Pembroke breed is the perfect friendly addition to any household and, in particular, they make great family pets.

It is important to not be fooled by the small-medium size – it is crucial that your PWC receive an adequate amount of exercise (at least an hour daily) and plenty of mental stimulation as well. This means that an active home is the best option for this dog breed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming & Shedding

Similar to other dog breeds with herding capabilities, the PWC has a double coat, with a soft inner lining and a thicker, more durable external coat. It may surprise you to know that this breed does shed daily; therefore, a strict grooming effort is required by all owners.

A daily brush will help ensure your house is not taken over by fur, and baths can help to loosen dead hairs that may be tougher to get out. It is important to note that your corgi’s fur must be completely dry before any attempt at combing occurs.

Additionally, nail trimming and teeth brushing are an important part of caring for this breed.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis bark a lot?

The Pembroke Corgi is loud but not overly vocal. However, excessive barking can be caused by a lack of physical and mental stimulation, so it is imperative that your Corgi gets enough exercise and playtime.

What is the average weight & height of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog?

Average Height: Typically, they stand at about 25 to 30 cm tall at the shoulder

Average Weight: Males usually weigh between 12 to 14 kg, while females generally weigh between 11 to 13 kg.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis easy to train?

Due to the particular stubbornness of the breed, it is crucial to train your PWC puppy from an early age as they really do have a mind of their own! It is good to know that your new puppy is likely to react well to obedience training as they are highly intelligent and willing to please.

As a result of their history of being working dogs, your corgi is likely to enjoy dog sports such as agility and tracking. You can check your local Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club for a list of up-to-date events in your area.

Socialization is also key, as this breed may be naturally wary of strangers.

How do Pembroke Welsh Corgis behave? A look at their temperament and personality

On the whole, the Pembroke is one of the more popular breeds for families, and for good reason. They are affectionate, friendly, and cheerful. They do, however, have a streak of stubbornness that can come out at times, which is why training from an early age is so important.

The PWC is great with kids, but as with any dog, it is important that children know the right way to interact with them. In terms of getting along with other animals, the breed is usually great with other pets just as long as they have been well socialised. Otherwise, herding instincts may kick in.

Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi have any common health issues?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the PWC to encounter certain health problems. If you are purchasing a dog, it is important to view health clearances from the breeder first.

Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to pain and arthritis over time.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive disease of the spinal cord that can lead to partial or complete paralysis in the dog.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood clotting disorder, symptoms might include excessive bleeding from minor wounds, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
Eye Diseases: This breed is predisposed to a couple conditions that can result in blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease causing the retina to deteriorate over time. Retinal dysplasia is a condition involving abnormal development of the retina.

It’s essential for prospective and current Corgi owners to be aware of these conditions and to ensure regular check-ups with a veterinarian. Regular health screenings and purchasing from responsible breeders can also help mitigate the risk of some of these issues.

What is the lifespan of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The typical life expectancy of the PWC breed is twelve to fourteen years.

How much does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup. It is true that corgis like to eat; therefore, it is crucial that the amount of food your PWC eats is monitored. The quantity of food your adult dog should eat is dependent on a number of factors, such as age, size, and level of physical activity.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Boutique diets such as raw or grain-free food should be avoided due to risk of infection and heart disease.

Fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in Australia?

It is always recommended to go to an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue and re-home a pet who would not otherwise have a home.

However, if you are set on buying a puppy, make sure you do your research on local breeders to find a reputable choice. This means following responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies. If the dogs are advertised very cheaply, there is usually a reason, and you should be suspicious. The price of a PWC puppy in Australia is usually $2000 to $4000.

It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi FAQs

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis like cuddling?

PWCs are affectionate dogs and will normally enjoy a cuddle with their humans. Having said that, dogs do vary by personality, and you may find some dogs of this breed are more cuddly than others.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis bond to one person?

Like any dog, a PWC will become most attached to the human who gives them the most attention, feeds them, and takes them out on fun and enjoyable walks. This does not mean that there isn’t enough love to go around though! The two corgi breeds are likely to want to share the love with anyone who is willing, although they may be wary of strangers at first.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis hypoallergenic dogs?

Despite their smaller appearance, Pembrokes are known to shed a large amount of fur, therefore may not be suitable for those with allergies.

How hot is too hot for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

While the corgis’ coat can withstand both hot and cold temperatures, it is never ideal for a dog to be in a particularly hot environment. You should avoid any extremely hot temperatures with your corgi and make sure your dog is hydrated and has access to shady resting spots at all times.