The Red Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a stunning breed with a rich history. They originated in the 10th century as herding dogs in Wales.
Their intelligence and loyalty made them a favorite among farmers, who valued their ability to herd cattle and sheep. This breed has been a staple on farms for centuries.
Red Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their short stature, typically standing between 10-12 inches tall. They have a robust build and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
Their average weight is between 25-38 pounds, making them a compact but sturdy companion.
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Origin and History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history that dates back to the 10th century in Wales.
The breed's name "Corgi" may be attributed to the Celtic word for "dog" (corgi), or it could be derived from the words "cor" (dwarf) and "gi" (dog).
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally used to herd cattle, taking advantage of its small size to nip at the livestock's heels without getting kicked.
This trait became particularly valuable to working Welsh crofters when the British Crown created a rule that decreased the size of their land, making it essential for the Corgi to drive the cattle farther afield.
The breed's popularity declined as the Crown abolished the practice, and crofters began using more traditional herding dogs.
However, since the 1930s, fanciers have emphasized each breed's individualities, and the Pembroke has become the favored dog of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Wales in the 1100s, and its name accurately describes the breed as a "dwarf dog."
The breed's original purpose was to herd sheep and to lead them by biting their legs, and it still serves as a watchdog, guard dog, and herder today.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has maintained a symbol of royalty with Queen Elizabeth II, who has kept the breed within her sight at all times.
The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1934, and it has maintained a steady popularity ranking within the AKC.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has appeared in media, including an anime known as Cowboy Bebop, as a dog named Ein whose intelligence was enhanced by man.
The breed's historical pedigree is rather misty, with some historians believing it may have descended from Vallhunds, Swedish cattle dogs brought to Wales by the Vikings.
The breed was officially recognized as a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in 1934, and it has slowly gained in popularity in the U.S.
Care and Maintenance
Red Pembroke Welsh Corgis require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Brush them weekly with a rubber curry brush for 10 minutes to remove dead hair.
Their coats are not hypoallergenic and they shed moderately, so regular brushing is essential to keep shedding at a minimum. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth.
To maintain oral health, brush your Red Pembroke Welsh Corgi's teeth weekly. They don't typically emit a strong smell and are not known to be drooling breeds.
Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:
Care
To keep your Pembroke Welsh Corgi happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. They need at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to prevent obesity and boredom.
Brushing their coat weekly is also essential, using a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair. This should take around 10 minutes to do properly.
In terms of grooming, their nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent overgrowth, and their teeth should be brushed weekly to maintain oral health.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can adapt to living in apartments, but they do need regular walks and outdoor exercise to stay happy. They're not suited to being left alone in the backyard, as they're very people-oriented.
Here are some breeds that are similar in terms of maintenance needs to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
Remember, Pembroke Welsh Corgis can suffer from health problems, so it's a good idea to get pet insurance to cover any unexpected vet bills.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be initially wary of strangers, so it's essential to socialize them from puppyhood to gain confidence in different situations.
They are excellent watchdogs, taking caring for their family seriously, which means they'll alert you to any potential threats, but also need regular interaction and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Pembrokes like to bark, so be prepared for some noise, especially if they sense something unusual.
Socialization is key to helping them become confident and calm in new environments, which will make them a joy to be around.
They are good with children, especially if raised with and socialized with them, making them a great addition to families with kids.
Health and Well-being
As a responsible red Pembroke Welsh corgi owner, it's essential to be aware of potential health issues that may affect your furry friend. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause hip pain, limping, and unusual gait in corgis.
To prevent back problems, provide steps and ramps for your corgi to get up and down from any height, as their shorter legs can put strain on their spine.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify conditions like patent ductus arteriosus, which can be diagnosed with a heart murmur.
Diet and Nutrition
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to putting on weight, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and exercise level.
Feeding your Pembroke twice a day is a good rule of thumb, as it helps prevent overeating.
The recommended daily amount of food is between 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.
However, this amount can vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis like to eat, but that doesn't mean they should be overfed.
You should be able to see a waist on your Pembroke when looking at him from above, and you should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard.
If you can't feel his ribs, he needs less food and more exercise.
Your veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations for a feeding schedule, amount, type of food, and exercise that will help keep your dog healthy.
It's best not to leave food out for free-feeding throughout the day, as this breed tends to put on weight.
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Health
As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Pembroke Welsh corgi. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that affects the development of the hip joint, causing hip pain, limping, and exercise intolerance.
Corgis are also prone to eye issues, which can impact their vision. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy can all affect your dog's eyesight.
Degenerative myelopathy is another condition to watch out for, causing the white matter of the spinal cord to degenerate. This can lead to symptoms like wobbling, inability to walk, and easily falling over.
Back issues are also common in corgis, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which affects the spine and its discs. This can result in back strain or fractures, especially if your dog jumps or climbs up high.
In addition to these conditions, there are two more health issues to be aware of: patent ductus arteriosus, a heart defect that can cause a heart murmur, and von Willebrand disease, which affects the blood's clotting ability and can cause excessive bleeding.
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Here are some conditions to keep an eye out for:
- Hip dysplasia: hip pain, limping, unusual gait, and exercise intolerance
- Eye issues: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy: wobbling, inability to walk, easily falling over, and swaying while standing
- Back issues: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), back strain, or fractures
- Patent ductus arteriosus: heart murmur
- Von Willebrand disease: excessive bleeding
Breed Appearance
The Red Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a stunning breed, and its appearance is truly one-of-a-kind. With a longer body than it is tall, this breed has a unique stance that's both alert and watchful.
Its big, upright ears are a distinctive feature, and its nub for a tail adds to its foxy-looking appearance. The eyes of this spirited breed are dark brown with black rims, giving them a wise and observant gaze.
The Red Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat is a beautiful mix of colors, with a dense medium-length undercoat that's water-resistant and a coarse, long, and straight outer coat. You might see darker fur over the dog's shoulders, referred to as the "fairy saddle", thanks to a Welsh legend about the dogs working with elves and fairies.
Its build is sturdy, allowing for maximum speed and flexibility, making it quite effective at herding.
Exercise
Red Pembroke Welsh Corgis are built for action and love to stay active. They're happy to spend their days outdoors and excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding.
Pembrokes require at least one hour of exercise per day to stay satisfied and happy. This can be a great motivator to get you moving too!
Intelligent and hard-working, Red Pembrokes thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. They're perfect for active families or individuals who can provide them with the physical and mental challenges they crave.
If you live in an apartment, don't worry – Red Pembrokes can adapt to city living as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation. Just be mindful of their short legs and avoid high furniture.
A daily routine that includes exercise and mental stimulation will keep your Red Pembroke happy and healthy. With their high energy levels, it's essential to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run around and engage their minds.
Here are some exercise ideas for your Red Pembroke:
- Agility training: perfect for burning off energy and having fun
- Obedience training: great for mental stimulation and bonding
- Herding: a natural instinct for Red Pembrokes that'll keep them happy and engaged
Temperament and Personality
The red Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a social breed that thrives on human interaction. They love to be around people and will often try to get involved with their family.
They are active and bold, making them great companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities. With proper training, they can excel in agility, rally, tracking, and herding.
However, they can be cautious around strangers and may nip at heels in response to play when excited. Early socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people and environments.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and easy to train, but they have a strong will and may not always listen to commands. Food is a great motivator for them when training, but be careful not to overindulge them, as they can become obese.
As natural watchdogs, they will alert their family to any strangers or potential dangers and will defend them if necessary. With proper training and socialization, they can get along well with other dogs and pets.
Their independent streak can sometimes make them seem stubborn, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
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Size and Characteristics
The red Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on interaction and activity.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs, typically standing between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders. They weigh no more than 30 pounds, making them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.
Their short legs may make them seem like they're not built for speed, but they're actually quite agile and can move quickly when needed. They're also known for their unique "sploot" ability, where they lie down on their stomach with their back legs extended out.
Here are some key characteristics of the red Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
Overall, the red Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a wonderful breed that makes a great addition to many families.
Size
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders.
They weigh no more than 30 pounds.
Characteristics of the
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that's full of surprises. They're incredibly intelligent, with a high level of trainability that makes them a joy to work with.
Their short legs may make them look cute, but they're also quite athletic and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime is a must, and they'll love joining you on adventures.
These dogs are naturally friendly and outgoing, making them perfect for families with kids. They're also great with other pets, especially if they're raised together from a young age. However, they can be a bit territorial, so socialization is key.
One of the most distinctive features of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is their ability to "sploot", which is when they lie down on their stomach with their back legs extended out. It's a hilarious sight to behold!
Here are some key characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi at a glance:
Overall, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a loving and lively breed that's sure to bring joy to any family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are red Corgis called?
Red Corgis are known as Red Headed Tri-color (RHT) Pembroke Welsh Corgis, characterized by a distinctive red coat on their head and ears.
What is the difference between a red corgi and a fawn corgi?
Red Corgis have a darker, richer red coat, while Fawn Corgis have a lighter, more beige-like red coat with a white base
What is the rare color of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
The rare color of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is blue-grey, caused by a recessive gene. This unique color is less common than the four recognized breed standard colors.
What is sable Corgi?
A Sable Corgi is a coat color variation found in Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, characterized by unique markings and coats. This distinctive coloration is a result of specific genetic traits that set Sable Corgis apart from other coat colors.
Sources
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed | Origin, History ... (nylabone.com)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Queen Elizabeth II loved Corgis (people.com)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- CHIC (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue (lakeshorecorgirescue.org)
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (pembrokecorgi.org)
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