Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Standard Complete Guide

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and short stature.

They typically weigh between 25-38 pounds and stand 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder.

This breed has a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a lifespan of 12-14 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners and experienced handlers alike.

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

Their firm and level toplines, deep chests, and short forearms are characteristic of the breed. Strong, flexible hindquarters enable them to move with agility and ease.

Firm, erect ears that taper to a slightly rounded point and oval, medium-sized eyes that convey an intelligent, interested expression are distinctive features of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Their double-coated fur sheds heavily all year around, with peaks in the spring and autumn, but regular brushing makes it fairly easy to maintain.

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

Their firm and level toplines, deep chests, and strong hindquarters make them well-suited for herding.

These dogs have short forearms and firm, erect ears that taper to a slightly rounded point.

Their oval, medium-sized eyes convey an intelligent, interested expression.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a broad and deep chest, well let down between their forelegs, and well-sprung ribs.

Their tail is short, preferably natural, but often docked due to historical tradition or to conform to the Breed Standard.

Their coat is double-coated, with a short, thick undercoat and a longer, coarse outer coat that lies flat.

Regular brushing is necessary to remove loose hair and prevent shedding, especially during seasonal shedding periods.

Their ears are firm, medium in size, and tapered slightly to a rounded point, in proportion to the equilateral triangle of the head.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a waterproof double coat that requires regular grooming to keep them clean and healthy.

When it comes to size, these animals are relatively small, typically reaching a height of approximately 25-30 cms at the withers.

Males tend to weigh between 10-12 kgs, while females usually weigh between 9-11 kgs.

Their compact size makes them easy to handle and care for, even in small spaces.

Regular grooming is essential for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, with their waterproof double coats requiring at least weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent shedding.

Brushing their coats at least once a week will help prevent shedding, but during seasonal shedding periods in the spring and summer, daily brushing with an undercoat rake is necessary to loosen excess hair.

Their ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections, and their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth.

A regular dental care routine that includes at-home teeth-brushing and professional cleanings is crucial to prevent dental problems in Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed for many reasons. They originated in Wales and are known for their distinctive appearance.

Here are some key facts about the breed:

Their friendly and playful personality makes them a great companion for families. They are intelligent and relatively easy to train, which is a bonus for any dog owner.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed known for its friendly and playful personality. They love to be around people and other animals, making them great companions for families.

Their intelligence is one of their standout features, allowing them to learn a variety of commands and even work as therapy dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, and they still have these instincts today. They may try to herd people or other animals, so be prepared for some fun (and potentially chaotic) moments.

Their short legs give them a distinctive look, and they're also known for their ability to "sploot", lying down with their legs splayed out behind them.

Here are the key characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed:

Their coats can be red, sable, fawn, or tri-colored, usually with white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, and belly. They may also have a narrow blaze on their heads.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's history dates back to 1107 A.D.

Their earliest ancestors were from the same spitz-type family as the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Elkhound. Flemish weavers brought their herding dogs to Wales, laying the foundation for this short-legged herding breed.

Queen Elizabeth II helped popularize the breed, getting her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1933 and becoming a devoted owner ever since.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were initially categorised together with Cardigans as Welsh Corgis in 1928. It wasn't until 1934 that they were recognised as separate breeds.

The breed has been on the rise in the United States, ranking 20th in American Kennel Club registrations as of 2015. However, in the UK, they are listed as a "vulnerable" breed due to a decline in registrations.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a unique health profile compared to other breeds. Their average life expectancy is 13.2 years, which is higher than both purebred and crossbred dogs.

Genetic issues can affect Pembroke Welsh Corgis, but responsible breeding practices can help mitigate these risks.

Their achondroplastic nature, making them a "true dwarf" breed, can lead to non-inherited health conditions.

Common health issues in Pembrokes include monorchidism, Von Willebrand's disease, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy (DM).

Inherited eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are also a concern.

Genetic testing is available to identify potential health issues and improve the breed's overall health.

Pembrokes are prone to obesity due to their robust appetite, characteristic of herding group breeds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active and alert dogs, quick and agile despite their short legs.

They have a strong herding background, making them fearless and independent, and love to work and please their owners. These dogs are loyal pets who make excellent companions.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a big bark and will alert their owners to strangers or unfamiliar sounds, making them good watchdogs. They can be suspicious of strangers and will be quick to bark if they feel threatened.

Early socialization is crucial for Pembrokes to grow up to be well-rounded dogs, exposed to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis are high-energy dogs that thrive with a job to do, whether it's herding cattle or sheep, or simply going for a long walk.

They're not built for swimming, and their short legs and bulky bodies make it hard for them to keep up on a bicycle ride.

Their long bodies put them at risk of back injuries, so it's essential to avoid activities that involve a lot of jumping or stairs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are natural family dogs, and they love to be involved in the family, following their owners wherever they go.

Their desire to please their owners makes them eager to learn and train, but their working background, stubbornness, and intelligence can make them challenging to train. They were ranked as the eleventh most intelligent dog in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are alert and tend to bark, which can be a problem if they're not stimulated adequately. They make good watchdogs due to their alertness.

These dogs are great with children and other pets, but it's essential to socialize them with other animals, adults, and children when they're young to avoid any anti-social behavior or aggression later in life.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to chase anything that moves, so it's best to keep them inside fenced areas. Their herding instinct will also cause them to nip at their owners' ankles, especially younger ones.

They're sensitive dogs, so harsh training methods should be avoided. Consistent training that focuses on positive reinforcement and rewards will help them master basic commands and learn new tasks.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are happy, loving, and intelligent dogs, but with a stubborn or independent streak at times. They like to think for themselves and won't be subservient.

They're quick to bark if they feel threatened, and they can be suspicious of strangers. Early socialization is crucial to ensure your Pembroke puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

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