Pembroke Welsh Corgi Tails: Genetics and Registration Explained

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed is known for its distinctive short tail, which can be either docked or natural.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breed standard specifies that a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's tail should be docked if it is too long.

Docking refers to the surgical removal of all or part of a dog's tail, typically done when the puppy is just a few days old.

The AKC also states that some Pembroke Welsh Corgis may have natural tails, but these are less common and not preferred by breeders due to their association with working ability.

The Origin of Tail Docking in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is mostly speculative.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have always had their tails docked for the most part.

At one time, it was greatly encouraged within the breed to try and only produce puppies with naturally no tails.

This proved to be much easier said than done, as litters often contained far more tailed puppies than tail-less puppies.

Some puppies were even born with half-length tails or long stumps.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi tail is a topic of interest for many, but what about their overall physical characteristics? Let's take a closer look.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally more slender than Cardigan Welsh Corgis and weigh about 21-31 pounds.

Their ears are also worth noting - while both breeds have large, rounded ears, some people think the Pembroke Welsh corgi's ears are a tad more rounded at the tip.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a rich heritage that spans over two thousand years. They are one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles.

Their ancestors were brought to Wales by the Celtic tribes of central Europe and descended from the German Teckel lineage, which also gave us the Dachshund. This lineage arrived in Wales around 1200 BC.

The Cardigan's rough, rocky terrain origins in southwest Wales have likely influenced their sturdy build and strong instincts.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a poofy, fox-like tail that is standard.

Their ears are large and rounded, but some people notice they're more rounded at the base compared to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's ears, which are slightly more rounded at the tip.

Cardigans have paws with a slight frontal bow-leggedness and turned-out toes, similar to a Dachshund or basset hound.

Pembrokes are a tad more slender than Cardigans, weighing about 21-31 pounds compared to their stocky counterparts who tip the scales at around 25-38 pounds.

Both breeds have similar heights, with Pems being just a smidgen shorter than Cardis, but they both range between 10-12 inches tall.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' sizes:

Some Pembrokes are naturally tailless, which is a result of carrying a gene for natural taillessness.

Up to two-thirds of all Pembrokes are born with no tail because they're bred for this trait.

The remaining one-third that are born with tails will have their tails docked.

The Cardigan and Pembroke breeds may look similar at first glance, but they have some key physical differences that set them apart.

Cardigans are slightly larger than Pembrokes, with male Cardigans weighing up to 38 pounds compared to the Pembroke's maximum weight of 30 pounds.

Their body structure is also distinct, with Cardigans having rounder bone and a sloping rear end giving them a curvier feel.

The tail is another notable difference - Cardigans have a long, foxlike tail while Pembrokes have their tail docked close to their body.

Cardigans come in a variety of coat colors including brindle, black and white with brindle or tan points, red and sable with white markings, and blue merle.

In contrast, the only acceptable coat colors for Pembrokes are red, sable, and tricolor with white markings.

Readers also liked: Yorkshire Terrier Coat

Pembroke Welsh Corgis require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

Their short stature can make them prone to back problems if they're not provided with proper exercise and care.

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, which can also help alleviate pressure on the spine.

Both Pembroke Welsh corgis (Pems) and Cardigan Welsh corgis (Cardis) are double-coated breeds that shed a little all the time.

They require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. A weekly brush routine is a good starting point.

Charge up your robot vacuum, as it will be working overtime to keep up with the shedding!

Blowing coat season can be particularly challenging, especially in spring and fall when massive amounts of fur are shed.

To minimize the mess, establish a consistent grooming schedule that includes regular brushing and vacuuming.

If you're not prepared for the extra work, consider enlisting the help of a professional groomer or investing in a good quality vacuum cleaner.

Tail docking, a surgical procedure often performed on Corgis, carries potential risks like infection and bleeding, especially if not done by a qualified professional.

The chance of adverse reactions to anesthesia is also a concern, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable veterinarian for the surgery.

Infection can occur if proper post-operative care isn't followed, making this aspect crucial in minimizing complications.

Dogs have a unique coat type, and it's not quite like human hair.

Their coats can be either single-layered or double-layered, with some breeds having an undercoat that sheds heavily during certain times of the year.

Corgis are known to shed their coats seasonally, which is normal for many dog breeds.

Some dogs have short tails, like cardigan corgis and Pembroke Welsh corgis, who both typically have lower-hanging or more noticeable short tails.

The controversy surrounding tail docking in Pembroke Welsh Corgis stems from ethical concerns and differing opinions on the necessity of the procedure.

Some breed standards still require tail docking for Pembroke Corgis, while others have shifted towards allowing natural tails.

This change reflects a growing understanding of the importance of animal welfare and the desire to preserve a dog's natural appearance and abilities.

The AKC states that tail docking is performed shortly after birth, when the puppy's nervous system is not fully developed, resulting in little to no pain for the puppy.

Here's an interesting read: Tail Docking Ear Cropping

However, others claim that evidence indicates puppies have similar sensitivity to pain as adult dogs.

Docking a puppy's tail involves cutting through muscles, tendons, as well as severing bone and cartilage connections.

The origin of tail docking in Pembroke Corgis was due to their historical use as cattle herders, where the tail had no purpose and only served as a liability for the dog.

Today, many countries have banned tail docking entirely, including those in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, in the United States, tail docking is still widely practiced among most US breeders.

The genetics of Pembroke Welsh Corgis favor a tailless variant, but this doesn't mean you can't find one with a tail.

AKC-registered Pembroke Welsh Corgis will have docked tails because it's part of their breed standard.

You can still get an AKC-registered dog if you want better health and experienced breeders, but be aware that the tail might not come intact.

Bobtails are an autosomal dominant gene, meaning only one copy needs to be passed onto offspring to produce a bobtail.

This is why natural bobtails cannot be bred "true", because they can't eliminate the recessive long tail gene from the gene pool.

In fact, if a puppy receives two copies of the bobtail gene, it's considered embryonic lethal and won't make it to full term.

AKC registrations do matter, especially when it comes to health and breeder experience.

Most AKC breeders are very experienced and know what they're doing when it comes to corgis.

They can provide pedigrees, paperwork, and a detailed record along with guarantees for the dog's health.

There are many reasons why you should buy an AKC-registered Corgi, but if the tail is a deal-breaker for you, you won't be able to get one.

AKC registration typically comes with better health guarantees.

Recommended read: When to Breed a Female Dog

If you want an AKC-registered Pembroke, it will have a docked tail because that’s what the standard entails.

You can still get a Pembroke with its tail intact if you don't buy an AKC registered dog.

Although the genes favor the tailless variant, there's still a chance of getting a Pembroke with a fluffy tail.

Pembroke tails are upright and fluffy just like their ears and make them look like foxes.

If you bring home a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a natural tail, regular grooming is essential to maintain the cleanliness and health of the tail.

Brushing and cleaning the tail area regularly will help prevent matting and potential skin issues, so make it a part of your daily routine.

A Corgi's tail is an extension of their communication and expression, providing valuable insights into their mood and emotions. Pay attention to their tail movements!

A wagging tail usually signifies happiness and excitement in your furry friend, while a tucked tail may indicate fear or anxiety.

To ensure your home environment is safe for your Corgi's tail, remove sharp objects, secure loose wires, and provide a comfortable space for them to rest without the risk of tail accidents.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are typically born without tails due to natural selection and selective breeding practices.

In contrast, Cardigan Corgis often have a tail, making them distinct from their Pembroke relatives.

The decision to get a Pembroke with or without a tail depends on individual needs and preferences.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has specific standards for Pembroke Welsh Corgis that require tails to be docked.

Pembroke corgis were bred with a gene that affects about two-thirds of all Pembrokes, resulting in them naturally having no tail.

Most AKC registered Pembrokes will have either a docked or naturally missing tail due to this genetic trait.

If you want an AKC registered Pembroke Corgi with a tail, it's not possible because the breed standard requires tails to be docked.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, on the other hand, do not require their tails to be docked according to the AKC standards.

This makes them a great option for those who want a corgi with a tail and still want an AKC registered dog.

Making an Informed Decision is key when choosing a breed like Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Their unique characteristic of being typically born without tails sets them apart from other breeds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are distinct from their Cardigan Corgi relatives due to natural selection and selective breeding practices throughout history. This has led to the absence of a tail in many individuals.

The practice of tail docking is a controversial topic, with arguments on both sides. Prospective owners should carefully consider the ethical implications before making a decision.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual needs and preferences. Whether you choose a tailless Corgi or one with a natural tail, these delightful dogs will bring joy and companionship into your life.