Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their adorable floppy ears, but have you ever wondered why they're so prone to them?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's floppy ears are a result of their breeding history, which prioritized intelligence and herding ability over ear carriage.
In fact, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's ears are so floppy that they can sometimes be prone to ear infections.
Floppy ears can be a sign of a happy and healthy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, as they're often a result of a relaxed and comfortable temperament.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Basics
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly and playful dog that loves to be around people and other animals. They make great companions for families.
They are intelligent dogs and are relatively easy to train. Pembrokes can learn a variety of commands and are often used as therapy dogs. Their intelligence also makes them happy, loving, and intelligent, but with a stubborn or independent streak at times.
Pembrokes have short legs, which gives them a distinctive look. They are also known for their ability to "sploot", which is when they lie down with their legs splayed out behind them.
Pembroke Welsh
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being very friendly and playful dogs, and they make great companions for families.
Their intelligence is one of their best qualities, as they are relatively easy to train and can learn a variety of commands.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a strong herding instinct, which was originally bred into them to herd cattle and sheep.
Their short legs give them a distinctive look, and they're also known for their ability to "sploot", which is when they lie down with their legs splayed out behind them.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families, and they're always happy to see them.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and their background is steeped in folklore, with some legends even claiming they sprang from the lairs of fairies and elves.
Historians say that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is descended from Vallhunds, Swedish cattle dogs brought to Wales by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being happy, loving, and intelligent, but with a stubborn or independent streak at times.
They're easy to train, but don't expect your Pembroke to be subservient - they like to think for themselves.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to eat and can become obese if their food intake isn't moderated, so be sure to keep an eye on their diet.
Early socialization is key for Pembroke Welsh Corgis, as they need exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis make good watchdogs, as they can be suspicious of strangers and will be quick to bark if they feel something or someone is threatening their home and family.
Additional reading: Corgis for Rescue
Origins
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's origins are steeped in history and mystery. Some dog historians believe the breed descended from the Swedish vallhund, brought to England by the Vikings. The breed's fox-like head was likely accentuated by crossbreeding with the schipperke and Pomeranian, two members of the spitz family of dogs.
The name "corgi" is thought to come from the Welsh words "cor" and "gi", which literally mean "dwarf dog".
Physical Characteristics
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a low-set, strong, and sturdily built breed of herding dog.
Its small size belies its impressive physical presence, with a sturdy build that gives an impression of substance and stamina.
Pembroke Welsh corgis measure between 25 and 30 cm (10 to 12 in) at the shoulders, and weigh approximately 11 or 12 kg (25 to 27 lb).
Their head typically resembles that of a fox, with upright ears that are rather large in relation to the size of the dog, and slightly rounded tips.
The dog's coat should be of short or medium length, with a short, thick, weather-resistant undercoat, and a coarser, slightly longer outer coat.
Here are the typical coat colors of a Pembroke Welsh corgi:
- Uniform red
- Sable
- Fawn
- Black and tan
- With or without white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, underparts, or head
Health and Grooming
Pembroke Welsh corgis have a lifespan of approximately 12 to 16 years, which is a relatively long life for a dog.
Given their hearty appetite, obesity is a problem for these dogs, so be mindful of their food intake.
Their stature and build can lead to back problems, and they're predisposed to degenerative myelopathy, eye problems, cancer, Von Willebrand disease, and hip dysplasia.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin problems caused by knots in their undercoat, which requires daily deep brushing.
Their double coat sheds heavily, so expect to brush them thoroughly in the spring and fall.
Trimming their nails regularly, ideally once a week, will prevent foot problems and pain.
Maintenance and Grooming
Corgis are known to be heavy shedders, and they require daily deep brushing to prevent knots from forming in their undercoat. This is crucial to prevent skin problems.
You'll want to brush your Corgi daily, ideally at the same time every day, to keep their undercoat in check. This will also help to distribute skin oils and keep their coat healthy.
In the spring and fall, Corgis tend to shed more, so you may need to brush them more frequently during these times. This will help to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Don't forget to trim your Corgi's nails regularly, ideally once a week. Long nails can cause foot problems and pain, and may even damage your floors.
Regular nail trimming will also help to prevent painful foot problems and keep your Corgi's paws healthy.
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Pembroke Welsh Health
Pembroke Welsh corgis have a lifespan of approximately 12 to 16 years.
Their stature and build can lead to back problems due to their achondroplastic nature, making them a "true dwarf" breed.
Obesity is a significant problem for Pembroke Welsh corgis, given their hearty appetite.
Degenerative myelopathy, eye problems, cancer, Von Willebrand disease, and hip dysplasia are genetic issues that should be taken into account when owning one of these dogs.
Your breeder and veterinarian should do appropriate testing for these diseases to ensure the health of your Pembroke Welsh corgi.
Sources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue (lakeshorecorgirescue.org)
- The Pembroke Welsh corgi: a little clown with big ears (mondou.com)
- When Will My Corgi's Ears Stand Up? Vet-Reviewed Facts ... (dogster.com)
- AKC (akc.org)
- prone to infection (vcacanada.com)
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