All About Corgis: Breed Information and More

Corgis are one of the most recognizable breeds out there, and for good reason. They're short, intelligent, and full of energy.

Originally bred to herd cattle and horses, corgis have a strong instinct to work and please their owners. This trait makes them highly trainable.

Corgis typically weigh between 25-38 pounds and stand about 10-12 inches tall.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. They have a fox-like face and large ears, with short legs and a long, sturdy body weighing between 20 and 30 pounds and standing between 10 and 15 inches tall.

One of the most recognizable features of a Pembroke is its bobbed tail, although docking is becoming less common and many Pembrokes are now sporting a longer tail. Their coats can be red, sable, fawn or tri-colored, usually with white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle and belly.

Take a look at this: Corgi Pembroke and Cardigan

Pembrokes are highly intelligent and athletic herding dogs that love to work and play. They are easy and fun to train, but their brains are always on the go, making them a delight to own. Their expressive faces and quirky personalities make them excellent companions that will endlessly entertain.

Here are the main differences between Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis:

Pembrokes are affectionate and loving, without being needy, making them a delight to share your life with. They love to ham it up and get attention from their owners, and are often referred to as "loaves of bread" due to their adorable fluffy butts.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a unique appearance that's hard to miss. Their bodies are longer than they are tall, giving them a sturdy, athletic build.

Their ears are big and upright, and their tails are often bobbed, although some Corgis are now sporting longer tails. Pembrokes have a distinctive fox-like face, with a wide and flat skull between their ears.

A fresh viewpoint: Welsh Corgi Ears

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

Their expressive faces and quirky personalities make them a joy to be around, and their intelligence makes them easy and fun to train.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat is a key part of its unique appearance.

Their coat colors range from black and tan, fawn, red, to sable with white markings. This breed has a foxy-looking appearance in terms of its head with a skull that is fairly wide and flat between the ears.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a dense medium-length undercoat that is water-resistant. The outer coat is coarse, long and straight.

Regular brushing is essential to remove dead hair from their fur and prevent shedding. Brushing should ideally require 10 minute sessions to fully remove loose hair.

A rubber curry brush is the best tool for the job, and it's recommended to brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi weekly.

See what others are reading: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Color

Corgis need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least one to two hours of daily exercise and play.

Brushing their coat is crucial, especially during seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush, ideally for 10-minute sessions, will help remove loose hair.

Corgis shed heavily, especially in spring and fall, but regular brushing can keep shedding at a minimum. It's also essential to trim their nails every 2 to 3 weeks and brush their teeth weekly.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not hypoallergenic and can suffer from health problems if not properly cared for. Secure pet health insurance to avoid high veterinary care costs.

With their short legs and long backs, Corgis should not be expected to hop up or down from high surfaces, as fractures are common. They can adapt easily to living in the country or the city, but need to be part of the family at all times.

Worth a look: Are Corgis High Maintenance

Pembrokes need regular brushing to keep their fur under control, especially during seasonal shedding in the spring and fall. Brushing should be done at least weekly, and ideally in 10-minute sessions to remove loose hair.

Their coat sheds heavily twice a year, and regular brushing will help keep the shedding at a minimum. This will also help keep their skin and coat healthy by distributing natural oils and preventing tangles.

Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth. Brushing their teeth weekly is also essential to maintain oral health.

Pembrokes are active breeds that require daily exercise to prevent obesity and keep them busy and content. They were bred to be herding dogs and need plenty of physical stimulation each day.

Their coats are weather-resistant, but they do well in most climates, making them adaptable to living in the country or the city. However, they are very people-oriented and need to be a part of the family at all times, not left alone in the backyard.

Regular brushing will also help keep their fur from floating around the house at a manageable level, especially during extra seasonal shedding. This will make their living space more comfortable for everyone.

Suggestion: How Much Exercise Do Corgis Need

Feeding your Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a crucial part of their care and maintenance. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Pembroke is 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. This amount can vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Pembrokes love to eat and will overindulge if given the chance, so it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day. Leaving food out all the time can lead to overeating and weight gain.

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Pembroke, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. This is a good indication that they're not overweight.

If you're unsure whether your Pembroke is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test. If you can't feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.

If this caught your attention, see: Best Homemade Food for Corgis

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent dogs that can pick up training quickly, especially with positive reinforcement methods that use food rewards. They love to solve problems and engage their minds, which is why they thrive on interactive training sessions.

Their intelligence also means they can get bored if they don't receive enough mental and physical stimulation. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like nipping and barking, which is why it's essential to keep their minds engaged and provide them with enough exercise.

With proper training, Corgis can learn to calm down and relax when asked, reducing the likelihood of overexcitement. By teaching them boundaries and calm behaviors, you can help prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.

To prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors, it's crucial to provide Corgis with a variety of activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Some great options include agility training, herding, and obedience classes.

Here are some activities that Corgis do well in:

Proper socialization as a puppy is also essential for Corgis, as they can be more sociable than other breeds. This means exposing them to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals from an early age to help develop their socialization skills.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy.

Regular veterinary care and preventative measures can help manage these risks, ensuring your corgi lives a long and healthy life.

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your home, it's essential to think about their impact on your allergies. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not hypoallergenic.

They shed moderately, which means they release plenty of dander into the air. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding, but it's not a foolproof solution.

People with allergies should avoid getting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, as their moderate shedding can exacerbate allergy symptoms.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Regular veterinary care can help manage these risks.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Pembroke Welsh Corgis, where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to arthritis and mobility problems.

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, causing loss of coordination and muscle weakness. It's essential to monitor your dog's behavior and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae become herniated or ruptured, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and even paralysis.

Von Willebrand's disease is a genetic blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding during surgery or injury. It's crucial to work with a veterinarian who's familiar with this condition to ensure proper care.

Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy can lead to blindness, so regular eye exams are vital to detect any issues early on.

Corgis are known to be eager to please and very easy to train, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners.

Their intelligence and strong work ethic make them excel in activities such as agility, herding, and obedience, and they especially enjoy activities that involve running and following quick directions.

Corgis are amiable and playful, making them excellent companions for people of all ages, including children and older adults.

However, they can nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them, so early socialization is key.

They are also natural watchdogs with a big-dog bark due to their amazing hearing ability.

Corgis are cautious around strangers and must be trained at an early stage to know when to accept the presence of people they are not familiar with.

They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but they can be known to bark a lot if not trained properly.

Despite their small stature, Corgis are rather energetic and agile, always ready to run and play.

They require training to properly manage their herding instincts, especially around children.

Food is a great motivator for Corgis when training, but be cautious not to overfeed them as they can become obese if their food intake isn’t moderated.

Suggestion: Training Corgis

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have made their mark in the world of entertainment. They're everywhere!

You might have seen them in movies like A Dog's Purpose, where Tino steals the show. Or perhaps you've caught an episode of Brooklyn 99, where Cheddar, a lovable Corgi, is a main character.

The Queen's Corgi animated film is another great example of these adorable dogs on the big screen. And if you're looking for a heartwarming holiday special, A Very Corgi Christmas is a must-watch.

The Corgiville Fair, a charming book, is set in a town where every resident is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It's a fun and imaginative tale that's sure to delight both kids and adults.