Description: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a most agreeable small house dog with an affectionate nature. They have become closely associated with the British monarchy. They were highly popular in the 20th century among royalty. In 1933 the Duke of York obtained for his daughter a Pembroke puppy and they remained a royal favorite. They have also been owned by Queen Elizabeth II and King George VI. The Corgi is an intelligent and remarkably alert breed who is wary of strangers and makes a very good watchdog. Although known for their bark being worse than their bite, they do have a tendency to nip at the heels of people and this trait should be discouraged at a young age in order to remove it. The Pembroke requires companionship and without this may develop undesirable methods of seeking attention. Differences between the Pembroke and the Cardigan: The Pembroke has straighter legs; is not quite as long bodied; the head is generally more wedged-shaped; the ears are smaller and closer together; they are usually lighter; and they do not have a tail or as bushy a tail as the Cardigan. They are often born without a tail at all. They can often appear sprightly in character and are quite confident. Active and devoted, this little dog can be quite amusing in character and appearance at times. They get along with children and other pets, their sturdiness making them suitable companions for even large dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are said to have the heart of a large dog in a dwarfed body, making them an ideal companion.
Type: Herding Dog
Height: Males: 10 - 12 inches; Females: 10-12 inches.
Weight: Males: 25 - 30 lbs.; Females: 24 -28 lbs.
Colors: Red, sable, fawn, or black and tan. Any of these colors can be with or without white makings on the legs and other parts of the body.
Coat: Medium length fur and straight with a dense undercoat; never soft, wavy or wiry. It is water-resistant.
Temperament: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active, alert and obedient. They are quick-witted, very intelligent and easy to train. They are fun-loving, love to be with their families, but can be stubborn. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are devoted, loyal, willing to please and quirky. They tend to bark a lot, however, and are prone to nipping at your heels in order to herd you. This can be overcome with training. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also very good with children, and get along well with other pets. They can be stubborn or headstrong. They are sturdy, loving and handsome little dogs.
With Children: Yes, good, but children should not tease them and should probably be supervised when with a Corgi.
With Pets: Yes, they are good with other pets.
Special Skills: Herding dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are especially high on alert.
Guard-dog: Medium. They can be moderately effective when warding off danger.
Care and Exercise: Bi-weekly grooming with a comb or brush for about 10 minutes is needed for this breed. Bathe Pembroke Welsh Corgis only when necessary. Shedding is bi-annually, and brushing should be done even more during this time to remove dead hairs. Exercise is necessary to prevent weight gain, as this breed can become overweight easier than other breeds. Therefore daily walks are highly recommended, but play sessions should also do the trick.
Training: Very intelligent and not difficult to train. They are quite obedient.
Learning Rate: Very high. Obedience - High. Problem Solving - High.
Activity: Indoors - Medium - High. Outdoors - Very High.
Special Needs: Grooming, socialization, and training.
Living Environment: Apartment life is adequate for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi as long as sufficient exercise is provided. Keep in mind that they have a big bark and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Owners should desire a busy, intelligent dog who is loyal and playful. The best owner for this breed would be an active family living in a suburban or rural home.
Health Issues: Unfortunately, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to slipped disks in the spine or intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, bladder stones, hereditary eye diseases such as PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and obesity.
Life Span: 11 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 8 puppies.
Country of Origin: Wales
History: Accepted as being of Spitz origin, it is believed that the forefathers of the Pembroke were introduced by Flemish weavers to the Celts in the 1100s. And some believe the breed goes back as far as 950 A.D. It has been suggested that its origins consist of a combination of primitive progenitors of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperkes and Swedish Vallhund. They were developed further in Pembrokeshire, Wales, hence the name. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi came first, by which the Pembroke was later produced. The Pembroke only became popular after a dog show in which the judges thought the two variations were too dissimilar, and therefore separated them. Only until after they were separated did the Pembroke's popularity rise! The Pembroke is and was smaller than the Cardigan, not as long and with further spaced ears. They also retained different colorings and were mostly born tailless. A favorite of British royalty, they have been a working dog since the 11th century with their job of controlling the movement of cattle by nipping their heels. This is what has contributed today to the breed nipping at the heels of their owners. They were used as an all-purpose farming dog that was both a cattle herder and drover of geese! They were once owned by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The breed was first entered into a dog show and a club formed in 1926. By 1934 they had been recognized by the AKC. By the 1960s the breed flourished as one of the most popular breeds all over the world, mostly in Britain. Today the breed is still quite popular among many countries.
