Raising a Male Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Complete Care and Information

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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From above of crop unrecognizable female walking Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs with bright fluffy fur on city street
Credit: pexels.com, From above of crop unrecognizable female walking Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs with bright fluffy fur on city street

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a popular breed, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personalities.

They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, with a daily need for at least 30 minutes of physical activity, including walks and playtime.

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be prone to obesity if overfed, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get plenty of opportunities for physical activity.

Their short stature means they can be prone to back problems if they don't get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone.

For more insights, see: Bernese Mountain Dog Exercise

Breed

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1100s in Wales. It's believed that the breed was introduced by Flemish weavers as a working dog.

The original purpose of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was to herd sheep and lead them by biting their legs. This is a testament to the breed's intelligence and ability to learn.

Credit: youtube.com, Welsh Corgi Pembroke Fluffy Male and Female Affordable

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a combination of various breeds, including the Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow-Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, and Finnish Spitz. Its ancestry is often debated, but it's clear that the breed has a unique and interesting heritage.

The breed's name, "corgi", means "dwarf dog", which accurately describes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's stature. Despite its small size, the breed is known for its big personality and spirit.

In the 1930s, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity when King George VI gifted one to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. This marked the beginning of the breed's rise to fame and its association with royalty.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still used as a watchdog, guard dog, and herder, despite its primary function now being to serve as a loving companion.

Care and Maintenance

A male Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of his fur. Brushing should be done weekly with a rubber curry brush for 10 minutes to remove dead hair.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Take Care of a Corgi | Things You Need To Know About Corgis

To keep shedding at a minimum, it's essential to brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi on schedule. This breed sheds heavily, especially during late spring or early summer.

Nail trimming is a crucial aspect of care and maintenance. Trim your dog's nails every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth.

Weekly brushing of the teeth is necessary to maintain oral health. This will help prevent periodontal disease and other issues.

To keep your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat in good condition, it's recommended to bathe him every 6 to 8 weeks. This will help control shedding and keep his fur looking its best.

Here's a summary of grooming tasks:

  • Brushing: weekly with a rubber curry brush for 10 minutes
  • Nail trimming: every 2 to 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushing: daily or at least a couple of times per week
  • Bathing: every 6 to 8 weeks

Daily exercise is vital to prevent obesity and keep your Pembroke Welsh Corgi happy and content. Provide your dog with a schedule of daily walks and access to plenty of running area.

Health and Nutrition

A male Pembroke Welsh Corgi's life expectancy is 12-13 years, and they're prone to several health issues.

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Their diet plays a crucial role in maintaining their overall health. A high-quality commercial dog food is recommended, and it's essential to choose a formula that fits their stage in life.

For a male Pembroke, two meals a day are ideal, with an average of 2 cups of food per day, split into at least two feedings.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This condition can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
  • Cataracts: Cloudy eyes can lead to blindness, but many dogs adjust to vision loss.
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Surgery is often required to close the blood vessel.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy: This chronic and progressive disease affects the spinal cord and is often fatal.
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood clotting disorder that can be identified with a blood test.

Health

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to several health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them to ensure your furry friend lives a long and happy life.

Their life expectancy is 12-13 years, which is a relatively short lifespan for a dog breed. Regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health problems early on.

Elbow and hip dysplasia are common health issues in Corgis, which can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. This is often treated with joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medication, or even surgery.

Furry Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Credit: pexels.com, Furry Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis often develop cataracts, which can cause their eyes to become cloudy and lead to blindness. Surgery may be an option to restore vision.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where the small vessel in the heart doesn't close after birth, requiring surgery to close the blood vessel.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a chronic and often fatal disease of the spinal cord, which affects Corgis due to their long bodies. Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but genetic screening testing is available.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a blood clotting disorder that can be identified with a blood test and is essential to check for before surgery.

Here are some common health issues in Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

  • Hip dysplasia: affects the development of the hip joint, causing pain, limping, and unusual gait.
  • Eye issues: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy can impact vision.
  • Degenerative myelopathy: causes the white matter of the spinal cord to degenerate, leading to wobbling, inability to walk, and falling over.
  • Back issues: Corgis can be affected by back problems, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can result in back strain or fractures.
  • Patent ductus arteriosus: causes the ductus arteriosus in the heart to not close when a puppy is born, requiring surgery to close the blood vessel.
  • Von Willebrand disease: impacts the blood's clotting ability, causing excessive bleeding.

Diet and Nutrition

Pembroke Welsh Corgis need two meals a day, and the amount will depend on their size, activity level, age, and other factors.

The breed tends to put on weight easily, so it's best not to leave food out for free-feeding throughout the day.

Credit: youtube.com, Metabolism & Nutrition, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #36

On average, your Pembroke might eat up to 2 cups of food per day, split into at least two feedings.

Obesity will shorten your dog's life and predispose them to other health conditions, so be sure to monitor your dog's weight and discuss it with your veterinarian.

A high-quality commercial dog food is a good choice for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and be sure to factor in your dog's age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life.

Look for the statement on the packaging that says it meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific needs.

Corgis are prone to overeating and gaining weight, so you may have to watch your dog's calorie consumption.

Only put the food bowl down at mealtimes, and don't forget to factor in the treats - treat calories count too, so be mindful of how often you give your Corgi snacks.

On a similar theme: Corgis Laying down

Temperament and Training

Credit: youtube.com, I wish I knew these BEFORE owning a Corgi

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to be around people and crave interaction with their family. They're naturally protective and will alert you to any strangers or potential dangers.

Their intelligence and strong work ethic make them easy to train, but they do require early training to curb their herding tendencies and excessive barking. With positive, reward-based training, they'll learn quickly and thrive.

As they're naturally cautious around strangers, early socialization is crucial to help them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. This will also help them learn when it's okay to bark and when to remain calm.

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Temperament

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a people-loving breed that thrives on interaction with its family.

This breed is highly energetic and bold, making it a great companion for active families. It's also protective of its family and will alert them to any strangers or potential dangers.

Cautious around strangers, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs early training to learn when to accept new people. This training is crucial to ensure a smooth and happy interaction with others.

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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is best suited for children who know how to treat the breed with kindness and respect. With proper training, this breed can become a wonderful addition to any family.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can nip at heels when excited, especially during playtime. This is a common behavior in this breed, but it can be managed with proper training and exercise.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent and easy to train, thanks to its strong work ethic and original function as a herding dog. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, this breed can learn to excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility, rally, tracking, and herding.

With long walks and plenty of mental stimulation, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can thrive and become a well-adjusted member of the family.

Trainability

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly intelligent breed that responds well to training activities. They love to learn and will thrive on mental stimulation.

Credit: youtube.com, Mini Course: Behavior, Temperament, Trainability

This breed requires significant training to keep their brains busy and occupied, especially since they were born to herd. They have a strong work ethic and like to remain busy.

Positive, reward-based training is best for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, as they are highly sensitive. Use lots of treats, praise, and play breaks to reward your pup for doing a good job.

Teaching your Corgi the basics, like sit, stay, and come, is essential. Commands like leave it and drop it are also useful, especially since they love to explore with their mouth.

Early socialization is crucial for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, especially between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months. This will help them grow up to be confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be prone to excessive barking if not trained properly, but with the right training, they can learn to reduce unnecessary barking.

Exercise Needs

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and hard-working dogs that excel at herding and most dog sports.

They require regular exercise, which means a minimum of one hour a day.

Pembrokes can be good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation.

Ownership and Adoption

Credit: youtube.com, EVERYTHING You Need to Know About The CORGI

If you're considering bringing a male Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, you'll want to think carefully about ownership and adoption.

You'll need to choose your breed, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular choice, but also an expensive one, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 or more from a reputable breeder.

Before bringing a male Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, it's essential to have experience with how to patiently handle a strong-willed and independent pup.

To adopt a male Pembroke Welsh Corgi, find a local breeder near you or contact a national organization that may be able to locate a rescue.

Here are some resources to consider:

  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America is a terrific resource, with branches of regional clubs, rescue and adoption information, and breeder contacts.
  • Rescue groups can be found in many states, and some regional rescue organizations cover large areas and can help you with locating a pet.

Prospective Owners

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you're probably wondering where to start. You should choose your breed carefully, taking into account your lifestyle, living situation, and the amount of time you have to devote to your dog.

Credit: youtube.com, The Life-Changing Benefits of Adopting a Pet: Real Stories from Owners | @TAnimals-X

Researching different breeds can be overwhelming, but it's essential to find a breed that fits your needs. Consider factors like energy level, grooming needs, and training requirements.

You might be wondering why you should get a dog in the first place. The answer is simple: dogs bring joy, companionship, and a sense of purpose to our lives. They can also encourage us to be more active and social.

Finding a responsible breeder is crucial to ensuring the health and well-being of your new puppy. Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices, health clearances, and temperament testing.

Getting started in dog sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Whether you're interested in agility, obedience, or hiking, there's a dog sport out there for you.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to be prepared. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including food, toys, and a comfortable place to sleep.

Adopt or Buy

Credit: youtube.com, Adopting or Buying a Dog - Which is best? - Dog Advice

If you're set on bringing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your life, be prepared for a hefty price tag. A purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 or more.

These dogs are highly sought after, which is why they can be expensive. It's also worth noting that finding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in a shelter can be tough, but it's not impossible.

If you do decide to adopt, you can start by contacting the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America. They have a wealth of resources, including breeder contacts and rescue information.

You can also try reaching out to local rescue groups in your area. Some regional organizations cover large areas, making it easier to find a pet.

Here are some resources to consider:

  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America is a great place to start.
  • Rescue groups can be found in many states, and some cover large areas.

General Information

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis are part of the Herding Group and are recognized by the American Kennel Club. They come in a variety of coat colors including red, sable, fawn, and tri-colored.

Credit: youtube.com, Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Top 10 Facts

Their coats also often feature white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, and belly. A narrow blaze on the head is also common. Their heads are shaped like a fox's, with oval-shaped dark eyes and erect ears.

These dogs are affectionate, protective, and fun, making great family pets. They enjoy physical activities and have high exercise needs, requiring at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Breed History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history that dates back to around 1107 A.D. This breed originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and was first used as a working dog to herd cattle and sheep.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's ancestors were likely brought to Wales by Flemish weavers, who were skilled in breeding dogs to herd livestock. The breed's original purpose was to herd sheep and lead them by biting their legs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were developed in Wales and were used as herding, companion, and guard dogs. The breed has been part of life in Wales for more than 1,000 years, and its popularity has endured for centuries.

Related reading: Border Collies Herd

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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was officially recognized as a separate breed in 1934 by the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC). This recognition helped to establish the breed's status as a distinct and beloved companion animal.

In the 1930s, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom, thanks in part to Queen Elizabeth II's affection for the breed. She received her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1933, and the breed has since become a beloved companion animal for many families.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their short stature and long bodies, which were originally bred to allow them to easily herd livestock. The breed's popularity has endured for centuries, and it remains a popular choice for families and individuals today.

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Overview

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed for many reasons. They come in two varieties: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. The main difference between them is their tails - Pembrokes are docked, while Cardigans are long.

Close Portrait of Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lying on Ground
Credit: pexels.com, Close Portrait of Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lying on Ground

Pembrokes are the smallest of the American Kennel Club's Herding Group, and their coats can be red, sable, fawn, or tri-colored. They often have white markings on their legs, chest, neck, muzzle, and belly.

Their heads are shaped like a fox's, with oval-shaped dark eyes and erect ears. The official AKC breed standard is maintained by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Pembrokes are active dogs that enjoy physical activities and make great family pets. They're also protective and fun-loving, but they do require proper training and socialization, especially around young children.

Here's a quick rundown of their physical characteristics:

Pembrokes have a dense, double coat that requires low-maintenance grooming, with a brush needed only once a week. However, they do come with some health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.

For another approach, see: Hip Dysplasia Bernese Mountain Dog

Frequently Asked Questions

Are male Corgis affectionate?

Male Corgis are known for their affectionate nature, often seeking attention and showering their owners with love and companionship. They make loyal and demonstrative companions to their human family members.

How long do male Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live for 9-11 years, although females often outlive them by one to two years.

Sources

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
  2. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
  3. desire to chase (hillspet.com)
  4. Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue (lakeshorecorgirescue.org)
  5. AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
  6. heart murmur (petmd.com)
  7. Hip Dysplasia (petmd.com)
  8. Elbow (petmd.com)
  9. Rescue groups (rescueme.org)
  10. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (pembrokecorgi.org)

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.

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