The Pembroke Welsh Corgi lifespan can vary depending on several factors. Genetics play a significant role, with some lines living up to 14 years.
Proper care and nutrition are essential for a long and healthy life. A well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial, as seen in the article section "Pembroke Welsh Corgi Nutrition: What They Need to Thrive".
Regular exercise also contributes to their overall health and longevity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as walking or playing fetch.
Health issues can affect a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's lifespan. Common conditions include hip dysplasia and obesity, which can be managed with proper care and attention.
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Health and Longevity
A Corgi's life expectancy is generally good for a purebred dog, with an average lifespan of 12 years or more. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues that can affect their quality of life.
Corgis are susceptible to back problems and mobility issues due to their long heavy bodies and short legs. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common issue in Corgis, which occurs when the spine is ruptured or herniated, causing pain and inflammation.
Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help monitor your Corgi's health over time and address any issues that arise. Adult Corgis need regular booster shots to keep their vaccinations effective.
Some specific health concerns for Corgis include joint issues, heart disease, breathing difficulties, and skin and hair problems. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention from your veterinarian.
Here are some common health concerns in Corgis:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Joint issues
- Heart disease
- Breathing difficulties
- Skin and hair problems
Spaying or neutering your Corgi early on in life can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and urinary tract infections. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are essential to maintaining your Corgi's overall health and longevity.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Diet
Pembroke Welsh Corgis thrive on a high-quality complete and balanced diet approved by Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
A reduced-calorie diet is recommended for Pembrokes prone to being overweight, along with minimal to no treats or human food.
Fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers are good low-calorie snacks for Pembrokes during training.
Maintaining a lean body weight is best for dogs like the Pembroke that are prone to orthopedic issues.
Puppy formulas have added nutrients to aid in mental and physical development of Pembrokes under one year of age.
After one year of age, your Pembroke should be switched to food labeled for adult dogs.
At 7-8 years old, talk to your vet about switching to a senior diet with added vitamins and supplements like glucosamine for joint health.
Feeding your Corgi too much can lead to obesity, so consult your veterinarian if you're unsure how much to feed your pet.
Native Pet's all-natural Yak Chews are a great option to hold your dog over between meals, providing an extra protein boost and being easily digestible.
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Pet Care Basics
To give your Pembroke Welsh Corgi a long and happy life, you'll want to make sure they get plenty of exercise. Two daily walks are essential, as they can be prone to weight gain.
Regular physical activity will help keep them healthy and energetic. They also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, so play games with them or take them to dog training classes.
Providing a balanced diet is crucial for your Corgi's overall health. Vaccinating your pup will protect them from life-threatening conditions, and yearly check-ups with the vet are vital for catching any diseases early.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation can be achieved by taking your Corgi off-leash for a run or playing ball with them. Socializing with other dogs at the park or doggy day care is also important for their well-being.
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Breeding and Ownership
Choosing a responsible breeder is key when adopting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy from a breeder.
They perform regular health screenings to ensure they're not breeding dogs with genetic predispositions to health concerns like IVDD and hip dysplasia.
This helps prevent inherited health issues that can affect your dog's life expectancy.
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Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeders perform regular health screenings to ensure they're not breeding dogs with genetic predispositions to certain health concerns.
A responsible breeder will check for issues like IVDD, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy (DM) before breeding their Corgis.
By choosing a responsible breeder, you can significantly impact your Corgi's life expectancy, health, and well-being.
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Who Owned the Queen?
The Queen owned Corgis for over 70 years, with more than 30 dogs throughout her reign.
Her love affair with the breed began in 1933 when her father, King George VI, gifted a corgi to Elizabeth and Margaret.
Pembroke Corgis were initially great working dogs but their friendly nature made them a popular pet choice, earning royal patronage along the way.
Comparison and Facts
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their long lifespan among herding breeds, with an average life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Their weight and size can affect their lifespan; larger dogs tend to live shorter lives due to joint issues and other health problems. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help mitigate these risks.
According to the American Kennel Club, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally considered a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming needs.
Pembroke vs Cardigan
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two distinct breeds with some notable differences.
One key difference between them is their size - the Cardigan corgi is generally bigger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have long, foxlike tails, while Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically have their tails docked close to their bodies.
Male Cardigans can weigh up to 38 pounds.
Size vs Mortality
Large mammals like elephants generally live longer than smaller animals like mice.
In fact, even within the canine world, size plays a significant role in determining lifespan - smaller dog breeds have a far longer lifespan than larger dog breeds.
Smaller dogs age more slowly and are less vulnerable to death from cancer due to their rapid cell growth.
Their internal organs don't have to work as hard to function compared to larger dogs.
Average Lifespan
Your Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live between 12 and 15 years.
Females tend to outlive males by one or two years.
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Both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis have roughly the same average lifespans.
The median death age for Cardigans is 12 years, 2 months.
The median death age for Pembrokes is 12 years and 3 months.
Cancer and old age are notable causes of death in both breeds.
A higher percentage of Pembroke Welsh Corgis die of kidney failure or a urethral obstruction than the Cardigan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age do Corgis slow down?
Corgis typically slow down between 1-2 years old as their hyperactivity decreases. This age range marks a significant shift in their energy levels, but individual development may vary.
What is the leading cause of death in Corgis?
Degenerative myelopathy is a leading cause of death in Corgis, causing progressive paralysis in all limbs. Learn more about this fatal disease affecting Pembroke Corgis and other breeds.
Sources
- https://www.trupanion.com/pet-blog/article/pembroke-welsh-corgi
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a35128051/pembroke-welsh-corgi/
- https://nativepet.com/blogs/health/corgi-life-expectancy
- https://thehappypuppysite.com/corgi-lifespan/
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