Corgis 101: Everything You Need to Know

Corgis are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, and for good reason - they're adorable and intelligent. They originated in Wales, where they were bred to herd livestock and guard farms.

Corgis are a relatively small breed, typically weighing between 25-38 pounds and standing between 10-12 inches tall. They have short coats that require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Their short stature belies their energetic and athletic nature - corgis are natural herders and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Wales in the 1100s, making it a very old breed.

The word "corgi" means "dwarf dog", which accurately describes this breed's small stature.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally used to herd sheep and lead them by biting their legs, showing its strong herding instincts.

In the 1930s, King George VI gifted a Pembroke Welsh Corgi to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret, helping to popularize the breed.

The breed has maintained a symbol of royalty with Queen Elizabeth II, who still keeps Pembroke Welsh Corgis as companions.

Broaden your view: Royal Corgis

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed with a rich history that dates back to the 1100s in Wales.

The breed's name "corgi" means "dwarf dog", which accurately describes this breed's compact size. The word "corgi" is derived from the Welsh language.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from a combination of various breeds, including the Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow-Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, and Finnish Spitz. The exact ancestry of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is often debated.

The breed's original purpose was to herd sheep and lead them by biting their legs. This working dog was also used as a watchdog and guard dog.

King George VI gifted a Pembroke Welsh Corgi to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret in the 1930s, which helped popularize the breed. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has maintained a symbol of royalty with Queen Elizabeth II.

The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1934 and has maintained a steady popularity ranking within the AKC. However, its popularity has not remained as high as it once was.

If this caught your attention, see: Akc Miniature American Shepherd

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a misty historical pedigree, with some believing it descended from Vallhunds, Swedish cattle dogs brought to Wales by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries. Others think it may have been descended from dogs brought to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 12th century.

Farmers who kept working dogs in the past bred the best dogs for the jobs they wanted them to do, without keeping good records of the matings. The UK Kennel Club recognized Corgis as purebred dogs in the 1920s.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first shown in the U.S. in 1936 and has slowly gained in popularity in the country. Today, the breed is among the top 50 most popular breeds for family pets.

Queen Elizabeth II has loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi since receiving her first one from her father, King George VI, in 1933.

A different take: Are Corgis Good for First Time Owners

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a distinctive appearance that's hard to miss. Their long, slinky body makes them look like a canine version of a cartoon character.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their erect, medium-sized ears that taper to a rounded point. Their eyes are oval and come in a variation of brown that matches their coat color.

Their noses are always black and fully pigmented, giving them a cute and alert expression. The mouth of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is notable for the inner side of the upper incisors touching the outer side of the lower incisors.

Their double coat is a mix of a short, thick undercoat and a coarser, longer outer coat. The fur is medium length, with a slightly thicker layer around the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, fawn, red, and sable with white markings. Their unique appearance is completed by their missing tail, often referred to as a "momo" or a "Corgi sploot", which is a playful term that's sure to bring a smile to your face.

Here are the key features of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's appearance:

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a social breed that thrives on interaction with people.

They love to be around their family and are known to be protective of them, alerting them to any strangers and potential dangers.

Their independent streak can sometimes make training a challenge, but early socialization and training can help curb their herding instincts.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and easy to train due to their strong work ethic and desire to stay busy.

However, they can be stubborn at times and may not always listen to commands, especially if they're more interested in exploring their surroundings.

They're natural watchdogs and can be suspicious of strangers, which is why early socialization is crucial to help them grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also prone to overeating, which can lead to obesity if their food intake isn't moderated.

Regular exercise, such as long walks and playtime, is essential to burn off their excess energy and keep them happy and healthy.

In fact, they need daily long walks to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

With proper training and socialization, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can make excellent family members, especially for families with children who know how to interact with them gently and respectfully.

To keep your corgi happy and healthy, regular grooming is essential. Brush your corgi weekly with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair, ideally in 10-minute sessions.

Their shedding can be managed with regular brushing, but they still require a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular nail trimming every 2 to 3 weeks will prevent tears and overgrowth. Daily tooth brushing is also crucial for maintaining oral health.

Here are some key grooming tasks to remember:

Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires attention to their grooming needs, exercise requirements, and veterinary care. Brushing their coat weekly with a rubber curry brush can help remove dead hair, and daily brushing with a comb and slicker brush can keep their hair off the floor and furniture.

Daily exercise is essential for this breed, as they were bred to be herding dogs. Aim for at least an hour of exercise per day, which can include a daily walk or jog, and make sure to keep your Corgi's mind occupied with puzzle toys or agility work.

Here's an interesting read: Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a dense medium-length undercoat that is water-resistant, and their outer coat is coarse and long. They shed year-round, but more in the late spring or early summer, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions during this time.

Regular veterinary visits are crucial for maintaining your Corgi's health, as some illnesses may progress slowly. Keep an eye out for signs of dental problems, such as rotten teeth, and brush your Corgi's teeth daily to prevent issues like infections and abscesses.

To ensure your Corgi stays healthy, provide them with a balanced diet and measure their food to prevent over-indulgence. Feed them twice a day, and make sure to check their waistline and feel their ribs to ensure they're not overweight.

Here's a quick guide to caring for your Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

By following these guidelines and paying attention to your Corgi's unique needs, you can help them live a happy and healthy life.

When you're considering bringing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, it's essential to think about their size. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for city living or small backyards, but be aware that they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They weigh no more than 30 pounds, so they're not too big to handle.

If you're looking for breeds that require similar maintenance to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, there are several options to consider.

The Rustralian Terrier is a great match, as it has a 100% similarity in maintenance needs to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Chinook is another breed that requires similar care, with a 100% similarity in maintenance needs.

The Norwegian Elkhound also shares similar maintenance needs, with a 100% similarity to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

If you're looking for a breed with a similar grooming requirement, the Welsh Terrier is a good option, with a 100% similarity in maintenance needs.

The Podenco Canario is another breed that requires similar maintenance, with a 100% similarity to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Here's a list of breeds that require similar maintenance to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a life expectancy of 12-13 years, and it's essential to know what health issues they're prone to. Knowing these health problems can help ensure your dog lives a long and happy life.

Elbow and hip dysplasia are common health concerns in Corgis, and can be treated with joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medication, or even surgery.

Corgis often develop cataracts, which can lead to blindness, but many dogs adjust to vision loss and surgery is sometimes an option.

A healthy diet, exercise, and weight management are crucial for Corgis, as they're prone to obesity.

Regular veterinary care is essential for Corgis, including vaccinations, dental health, and annual lab work.

Here are some common health conditions that can affect Corgis' lifespan:

By providing good care and attention to these health concerns, you can help your Corgi live a long and happy life.

Training your Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires significant effort to keep their brains busy and occupied. They are highly intelligent and love to learn.

Use positive, reward-based training methods, as they are highly sensitive. Treats, praise, and play breaks are great rewards for a job well done.

Teach your Corgi the basics, like sit, stay, and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash. Commands like leave it and drop it can also be useful.

Early socialization between 7 weeks and 4 months is crucial for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Take your pup on walks to meet new people and dogs.

Enroll your pup in puppy school to meet new people and learn to play nicely with other puppies.

Explore further: New York Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders

Pembroke Welsh Corgis generally get along well with other pets in the household, as long as they've been socialized with them.

They have a remarkable affinity for children, which is great for families with kids.

However, it's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children.

No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

You should also teach your child not to approach any dog while it's eating or sleeping, or try to take the dog's food away.