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Breed Characteristics
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
| Nicknames | Welsh Corgi, Corgi, Pembroke, PWC, Pem |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | Males: 24 - 31 lbs. (10 - 14 kg) Females: 24 - 28 lbs. (11 - 13 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 10 - 12 in. (25 - 30 cm) Females: 10 - 12 in. (25 - 30 cm) |
| Coat | The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is thick, medium length and double. The outer coat is somewhat coarse and straight while the inner coat is finer and thicker. The breed has a natural water resistance that will keep the coat looking clean and free from dirt in most conditions. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is very clean and will groom itself frequently. |
| Colour | Sable, red, fawn, black or tan with white markings on all colours acceptable |
| Litter Size | 6–8 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | Both of the corgi breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi originated from the Swedish Vallhunds brought to the areas around Wales in the 800s. From this known ancestors there are varying tales of how the breed actually developed. Many breeders and experts believe that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has definite spitz ancestors that likely were introduced to the line early on in the development of the breed. Sometime in the 1100's Flemish weavers came to the Pembrokeshire area of Wales and brought the original Pembroke Welsh Corgis to the area. Bred with the local Swedish Vallhund descendants the breed was more completely developed. It is often reported that the short legs and stature occurred from breeding with Pomeranians, and there is somewhat of a resemblance with both this breed and the Schipperkes which may also be in the lineage. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi were not recognized as separate breeds until about seventy years ago. Prior to that both breeds were developed for their herding and watch dog abilities. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes an ideal herding dog and will drop and roll to avoid being kicked. They are so low to the ground that this natural movement is very graceful and allows them to change directions and move very quickly rather than stopping or backing up as larger herding breeds will do. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi became a popular dog when Queen Elizabeth the Second started breeding and raising them herself. They have been used in many commercials and advertisements both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and the breed has become very popular since its first official showing in 1926. No longer used as much as a herding dog they are considered an ideal companion dog in almost any type of setting. |
| Personality | The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent, loyal, able and willing to please its owner. Corgis are extremely active and are good with children so long as the dog sees humans as above him in the pack order. Protective and sturdy, they make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Wary of strangers, it should be properly socialized and trained when it is still young. They need their humans to have a determined, consistent loving approach, showing firm but calm leadership with proper human to canine communication to avoid over-protective behaviors as an adult. They sometimes try to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can and should be trained not to do this. The Pembroke tends to bark a lot and makes a good watchdog. If you find your dog is barking at you in order to communicate, you need to hush the dog and look into your leadership skills. A dog that is barking at you in that manner is showing signs of dominancy issues. The human handlers need to communicate to the dog that aggressiveness with other dogs is an unwanted behavior. Usually good with non-canine animals. Do not allow the Corgi to developed Small Dog Syndrome. |
Care Requirements
| Health | As with all long bodied breeds Pembroke Welsh Corgis may have Health issues with their backs in the form of intervertebral disc disease. Canine hip dysplasia is also somewhat problematic and any signs of back or leg problems should immediately be checked by a vet to prevent the situation from becoming worse. Eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Glaucoma can occasional be seen in this breed. von Willebrands Disease and Epilepsy are not commonly seen but may occasionally be found in some bloodlines. Always check the history of both the parents to check for any hereditary health concerns in the line. |
| Grooming | The soft, medium-length, water-resistant coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat is shed twice a year. |
| Feeding | Gains weight easily. Do not overfeed for if they become fat it can cause back problems. |
| Exercise | Naturally active little dogs, they should always be encouraged to remain so. They need to be taken on a daily, long walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | Corgis will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. With enough exercise they can be calm indoors, but will be very active if they are lacking. Will do okay without a yard so long as they are taken for daily walks. In popular culture: The anime series Cowboy Bebop features an extraordinarily intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Ein. Lil' Lightning from 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. In the online series RWBY, Ruby and Yang have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Zwei, who is sent to them by their father Taiyang. |
