Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Overview and Care

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but mighty breed that originated in Wales. They were bred to herd cattle and horses.

With an average height of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and weight of 25-38 pounds (11-17 kg), they're one of the smallest herding breeds around. Their short stature belies their intelligence, energy, and strong work ethic.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their distinctive appearance, with a sturdy build, long bodies, and short legs. They come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, fawn, and black & tan.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a unique breed with distinctive physical traits. They have a longer body than they are tall, which makes them appear low-set.

Their firm and level topline, deep chest, short forearms, and strong hindquarters make them well-suited for herding. Their ears are firm, erect, and taper to a slightly rounded point, while their eyes convey an intelligent and interested expression.

Here are some key physical characteristics of Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

Their sturdy frame allows for maximum speed and flexibility, making them effective herding dogs despite their low stature.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a member of the herding breed group.

This breed was originally used to herd sheep and lead them by biting their legs, so it's no surprise that they have a strong instinct to work and follow commands.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been officially recognized by the AKC since 1934, which indicates its unique characteristics and working style.

As a herding breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is naturally intelligent and able to learn quickly, as seen in their appearances in media like Cowboy Bebop where one of the characters, Ein, had enhanced intelligence.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are low-set dogs that are much longer than tall.

Their firm and level toplines, deep chests, short forearms, and strong hindquarters make them well-suited for herding. Firm, erect ears that taper to a slightly rounded point and oval, medium-sized eyes convey an intelligent, interested expression.

These dogs have a sturdy frame that allows for maximum speed and flexibility, despite being low to the ground. The dense medium-length undercoat is water-resistant, while the outer coat is coarse, long, and straight.

Here are some key physical characteristics of Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

Their unique appearance and stature make them easily recognizable, often referred to as "loaves of bread" due to their short legs and long bodies. Short legs measure between 10 and 15 inches tall, while the body weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.

A foxy-looking face, large ears, and a sturdy build complete the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's distinctive physical appearance.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and devoted breed.

They take caring for their family seriously and can be excellent watchdogs, alerting owners to strangers or unfamiliar sounds.

These small dogs have a big bark and love to work, making them loyal pets who make excellent companions. They're also quick and agile despite having short legs, showing off their fearless and independent nature.

Their original function as cattle herders has given them a strong work ethic, so they fare best when provided with long walks and activities like agility, rally, tracking, and herding.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an intelligent and devoted breed.

They excel at being watchdogs and take caring for their family seriously, making them excellent companions. This playful and lovable breed wants nothing more than to accompany its family wherever it goes and be included in the action.

Socialization from puppyhood is key to helping Pembrokes gain confidence in different situations, especially around strangers. They can initially be wary of unfamiliar people and may become territorial if not properly socialized.

As a companion, this sprightly Corgi is protective of its family and will alert them to any strangers and defend them over any dangers present. With proper training from an early stage, Pembrokes learn when to accept the presence of people they're not familiar with.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active and bold in their decision-making and love to keep their brains occupied. They have a strong work ethic due to their original function as herding sheep, which means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

They fare best when provided with long walks and excel in agility, rally, tracking, and herding. With proper training, Pembrokes can get along well with other dogs and pets.

Despite having short legs, these dogs are quick and agile, making them a joy to watch and interact with. Their fearless and independent nature is a testament to their origins as cattle herders.

Their love for work and family makes them loyal pets who make excellent companions. They also have a reputation as good watchdogs due to their big bark, which alerts their owners to strangers or unfamiliar sounds.

Queen Elizabeth II is a well-known fan of this breed, and for good reason - they're intelligent, active, and loving companions.

As you can see from the ideal owner requirements, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs a full-time owner who comes home for lunch. This means they require consistent attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy.

One thing to note about Pembrokes is that they have high energy levels - they need to walk every day, plus some running and playtime. If you're not prepared to put in the time and effort, this breed may not be for you.

Here are some key stats to keep in mind:

Despite their small size, Pembrokes can be strong-willed and may require firm, positive training. With patience and consistency, however, they can learn quickly and become loyal companions.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also known for being confident with strangers - a great quality in any dog! However, they do have a tendency to get bored easily when left alone, so make sure you're prepared to provide plenty of stimulation and exercise.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an average shedder and requires regular brushing to keep shedding at a minimum.

Weekly brushing sessions with a rubber curry brush can last about 10 minutes and help remove loose hair from their fur. Their thick double coat sheds constantly, especially during seasonal changes in the spring and fall.

To maintain oral health, it's essential to brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's teeth weekly, at a minimum. You should also trim their nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis need regular brushing to remove dead hair from their thick double coat.

Brushing should be done weekly with a rubber curry brush and ideally take 10 minute sessions to fully remove loose hair. Regular brushing will also help keep their skin and coat healthy by distributing natural oils and preventing tangles.

This breed is an average shedder, so you can expect them to shed constantly, especially during seasonal changes in the spring and fall. Introducing your Pembroke to positive brushing experiences as a puppy will make this process much easier for both of you.

In addition to regular brushing, it's essential to trim their nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth. You should also brush their teeth at least once a week to maintain oral health.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active breeds that require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Providing them with plenty of running area and scheduling daily walks will help prevent obesity and keep them content.

Regular bathing is recommended every 6-8 weeks, but this may vary depending on your dog's activities. An occasional bath will keep them looking beautiful and smelling fresh.

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The average life span of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.

This long lifespan means that with proper care and maintenance, your Corgi can be a loyal companion for many years to come. To ensure you're prepared for this extended period of time, it's essential to consider their specific needs.

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These Corgis are predisposed to von Willebrand Disease.

They tend to become overweight if not properly managed, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining their ideal weight. Some owners have found success with dividing their dog's daily ration into multiple meals to prevent overeating.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly and retain their lessons with enthusiasm.

They thrive on positive reinforcement training, which should be used consistently to master basic commands and new tasks. This approach will help them see training as a bonding experience with their owners.

These sensitive dogs should never be trained with harsh methods - it's essential to use reward-based training that focuses on their love of spending time with you. Socialization is also crucial for this breed, starting from puppyhood and continued throughout their lifetimes.

Providing regular socialization will help them engage with a wide range of people, pets, and places, which can prevent them from transferring their herding instincts to others in the home.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history and pop culture presence that's hard to ignore.

They originated in the Pembrokeshire county of Wales, where they were valued for their industrious nature and ability to herd cattle. Rufus, a beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgi, even served as Amazon's unofficial mascot during its early days!

The Queen's love for the breed is well-documented - she received her first Pembroke, Dookie, in 1933 from her father, King George VI. You might've seen her and Daniel Craig with their Corgis at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

Here are some of our favorite media appearances featuring Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

Their popularity has fluctuated over the years, but they're still going strong - the Kennel Club placed them on their "vulnerable" breed list in 2014, but they've since risen to become the 13th most popular dog breed in the United States.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of two breeds of Welsh Corgi, named after the Pembrokeshire county of Wales where it originated.

Rufus, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was the unofficial mascot for Amazon during their early days. The company credits him with creating the foundation for their dog-friendly workplace policies.

The Queen's love for Pembroke Welsh Corgis helped popularize this breed. Her first Pembroke, "Dookie", she received as a gift in 1933 from her father, King George VI.

In the United States, Pembrokes were the 13th most popular dog breed in 2018, according to the AKC.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their short height, but they're quick and agile. Their short legs make it easier for them to dodge the kicking hooves of cattle.

Here's a fun fact: Rufus, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was an unofficial mascot for Amazon during their early days.

In media, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have made a name for themselves.

They've been featured in books like "The Corgiville Fair", which tells the story of a town full of corgi residents. This charming tale showcases the unique charm and personality of these beloved dogs.

Here are some notable examples:

These appearances demonstrate the enduring popularity and appeal of Pembroke Welsh Corgis in popular culture.