Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Breed Information Facts, Pictures & More

Nothing cheers up dog lovers more than telling them that there are two types of Corgis to choose from! In this guide, we examine one half of the Corgi duo, the one, and only Pembroke Welsh Corgi. We already have a guide explaining the subtle differences between the two different types of Corgis, so be sure to head that way if you’re curious about their differences.

If, like Queen Elizabeth, you fancy a little bit of royal canine companionship in your life, look no further than this breed as your next furry friend. He is a fun and delightful doggy to share your home with. But he isn’t just a cute canine, and he needs a lot more than just selfies and belly scratches to keep him happy.

So here in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the breed. You’ll want to make sure that this little pup fits perfectly into your family’s lifestyle. So, let’s dive into why his fluffy butt drives us nuts!

History

Pembroke Corgis are the newer of the Corgi types, and from records, it is believed that he came to be in 1107 A.D. His traveling Belgian masters were invited to the United Kingdom by the King, Henry I, and they settled in Wales. There they mixed their herding dogs with the already resident Cardigan Corgi.

Because they look very similar to the Cardigan, and because they are related, they were frequently bred together. This blurred the Corgi breeds. But Corgi lovers, both Cardigan and Pembroke, agreed that their breed lines should be kept separate. And from the 19^th century, they were considered to be distinctly different breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pembroke Corgi as an official breed in 1934.

It comes as a surprise to many dog lovers that the Corgi is more than just his fluffy butt and cheeky face. He is a born and bred herding dog. Hardworking and fantastic at what he does, he is often employed on farms and ranches worldwide. His low stature allows him to nip at the heels of cattle without getting caught in the crossfire. His cuteness and cheeky personality have led him to become a popular family dog.

Temperament

Pembroke Corgis are always looking for a game to play or people to be around. You’ll need energy to keep up with his vibrant personality. Otherwise, he will get bored. And a bored Corgi is a naughty Corgi, and he’ll be getting into trouble and causing destructive mischief.

Thankfully, they have an off-switch, and he also loves to cuddle. These snuggle bugs are literally like a hot water bottle; thick, fluffy, and warm. If you are looking for a canine pawtner to catch up on your favorite boxsets, this guy is up for it! He does not like to be left alone for long periods, and he craves the company of his humans.

He is a vocal dog that barks a lot. Pembrokes make great watchdogs, and he will warn you when someone is about. He can be suspicious of strangers at first, wary of them until they prove to be friendly. After a short time, he will warm up to them, hoping that he has just found his new best playmate. The Pembroke is the more sociable out of the two Corgi types.

He can be an independent dog who isn’t always obedient. He is an independent thinker who is always looking for something fun to do. So, if you are looking for an obedient dog breed, this breed might not be the best choice for you. But his cheeky smile and fun personality makes up for his stubborn ways for sure.

Size & Appearance

Pembroke Corgis are small dogs who are much longer than they are tall. He measures between 10 to 12 inches tall, from paw to shoulders. And he also weighs no more than 30 pounds. Under his fluffy coat, he is a muscular and powerful little pup. This enables him to work all day on the fields. If he isn’t a working dog, many pups tend to be lazy and are overfed by their owners. Leading them to become porkier than they should!

With his large head, large erect ears, large bug-like eyes, he is simply gorgeous. His grin spans from ear to ear, and happiness leaks from his face. All Corgi’s eyes are a shade of brown, and his nose is black. They have a stumpy docked tail, which is one of the easiest ways to separate him from the Cardigan Corgi.

His legs are short, and his thick body is loaf-like, making his butt waddle as he walks. He is one of 19 dog breeds with short legs, and it is thought that it is linked to a mutated dwarf gene. Corgi in Welsh means ‘dwarf dog.’ This trait often comes out when mixed with other breeds.

Coat & Colors

As a traditional working dog, in Wales’s cold wetlands, Pembroke Corgis have a double-layered coat. This jacket protects him from the harsh weather. Keeping him warm in the winter and cool but protected in the summer. The undercoat is soft and dense, and the outercoat is thicker and straight. Together, the layers are waterproof, keeping his body protected.

They take on a variety of shades and colors. A mixture of white, red, fawn, black and tan, and sable are the most frequently seen color options. Many colors, particularly the sable, look darker around his back. Sometimes the hair will be denser and sit in a different direction. Leading to the Welsh legend that fairies rode Corgis in the magical woodlands because of their distinctive ‘saddle.’

Exercise & Living Conditions

Originally bred as a working dog with excellent shepherding skills, Pembroke Corgis are surprisingly energetic dogs that need at least 45 minutes of intense exercise every day. Come rain or shine, this guy expects you to take him out. Although he loves to laze on the sofa with his humans, this is only once he is worn out. He’s got plenty of physical and mental energy that needs to be burned.

All working dog breeds are energetic, even if they aren’t used as a working dog. Many underestimate their energy output and assume he is more of a posh lapdog. But he is far from it. He loves a good romp outdoors and can go for much longer than 45 minutes if you want a longer adventure. Just like on the field, he is agile and athletic. Making him an ideal frisbee catcher and fetcher.

As a smaller dog, he is suited to apartment living. But preferably one with access to the outdoors. If this is not possible, just be sure to take him out a little bit more. They love the fresh air, and he needs access to it. Equally, he is also suited to large home living, just as he does in Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II.

As long as the Corgi is socialized well as a pup, he will get along well with other household pets. He is also fond of children and will do well in a family home. He can live with younger or older kids, retired couples, or any kind of family in between. Because this is a herding breed, they may try to herd other animals and children. Although he means no harm by it, his famous heel nipping technique should not be tolerated in the family home.

Training

For the Pembroke Corgi to be the happy-go-lucky and fun dog that we all know and love, he needs to be socialized as a pup. A good breeder will begin this process straight away, which is just one of many reasons why you should work with a reputable breeder. Socialization is the process where a dog is exposed to different sights, sounds, and environments, to help him grow into a confident dog. It also includes introducing him to as many other dogs as possible to learn polite doggy etiquette.

They are known to be a little independent and stubborn at times. So, he’s not the easiest dog to train. However, with a treat in hand, and a fun training session, he should pick up commands fairly quickly. But it will take patience on your part. Thankfully, because he is so intelligent, he is fine for first-time dog owners, just don’t expect him to be the most obedient dog.

As an ex herding dog, you might not be able to let the Corgi off the leash. He might just run off and try herding the nearest group of strangers. For this reason, we would advise getting a harness and keeping him on the leash. Leash training is a great idea because it ensures a more comfortable walk for you both. Harnesses will take the pressure away from his neck, and they can prevent him from pulling too.

Remember to look out for the potential herding behavior in the home. If you notice any herding behavior, sometimes circling, but mostly nipping, tackle it immediately. A strong firm no is needed, as well as redirecting his focus elsewhere. Thankfully, if he is exercised and stimulated adequately, this rarely happens.

Health

The Pembroke Corgi is a relatively healthy dog breed that enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. All pedigree dog breeds are more susceptible to particular health concerns over others, and the same goes for the Corgi. The concerns below are the main conditions that all potential owners should be aware of. Just bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive and a good way to offset these costs is with pet insurance.

Hip Dysplasia: This occurs when the hip joint does not form as it should. This results in the increased wearing of the joint, and it will likely affect his mobility in later life. This is usually found in larger dogs, but it is quite common in the Corgi. Both parents should be tested for a good hip score to reduce the likelihood of their pup’s developing this.

Eye Conditions: The Corgi is prone to a variety of eye concerns, particularly progressive retinal atrophy. This is a degenerative condition that can eventually result in complete vision loss. It is not painful, but it will affect his quality of life.

Intervertebral Disc Disease: The Corgi is a long dog with little legs, which increases his chances of suffering from this degenerative disease. Essentially, the cushioning between the spinal discs no longer absorbs the shocks, causing it to bulge and press on the spinal nerves. It is painful for him and can lead to paralysis.

The best way to keep your pup healthy is to keep up with regular veterinary checks. Exercise him adequately and feed him a nutritious diet. Most importantly, get him from a reputable breeder who breeds healthy dogs.

Nutrition

Pembroke Corgis will consume between one and one and a half cups of high-quality kibble every day. It needs to provide him enough energy to sustain him throughout the day. But not too much so that he will put on too much weight. A high-quality Corgi approved kibble will give just the right amount of nutrients, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.

Be sure to look for a small-breed kibble that is small enough for him to eat comfortably. An age-specific diet is also crucial because it ensures that he will eat the right nutrients according to his age. This is especially important during puppyhood when his body needs growing fuel to develop as he should.

The Corgi breed is known for piling on the pounds quickly. This is mainly down to him being very greedy. For this reason, be sure to follow package instructions strictly according to his weight and age. Never feed him more than he should have. Monitor his daily treat intake, reaching for the low-fat options where you can. If he is starting to look more chunky than he should, switch him to a weight management kibble.

Grooming

The Pembroke Corgi, with his thick and fluffy double coat, sheds a fair bit. To keep him looking his best, you need to groom him most days. Throughout the year, a brush two to three times a week will keep him manageable. And during the shedding seasons, you will be better off brushing him every day. Not only will this keep him looking smart, but it will also prevent the fluff tumbleweeds.

The best brush for the Corgi will be a pin or a slicker brush, as this will penetrate through his thick coat to remove any dead hair. A deshedding tool is also a great device to manage his jacket during the heavier shedding seasons. Corgis love attention, and it is a great way to bond with him too. Start the grooming process from a young age, and it should be a breeze for him when he is older.

He will only need bathing once every 8 to 12 weeks to keep him smelling fresh. If his fluffy butt picks up the dirt on the floor, be sure to brush it out rather than washing him regularly because you risk damaging his natural coat oils. Use a gentle and natural doggy shampoo that will be kind to his skin.

When grooming him, cast a look over his eyes. Considering his susceptibility to poor eye health, noting any changes or discoloration in his eyes will help you take better care of them. Any changes, excess fluid, or dryness needs a vet checkup. Because of his small mouth, he is also more prone to periodontal diseases. So, it’s important to clean his teeth twice a week with doggy toothpaste.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

As you already know, it’s important that you work with a reputable breeder for a variety of reasons. Finding the right breeder is just as important as picking the right puppy. With Pembrokes being a popular breed, you probably won’t have to travel across states to find a top-quality breeder. When searching for a breeder, always do your research.

We recommend finding a reputable breeder by starting your search online. Most breeders will want you to meet their pups and have health clearances too. Always meet breeders in person. A good breeder will make sure that you are the right family for a Corgi, so be prepared for them to ask you lots of questions.

The average price of a puppy from a reputable breeder starts from around $1,000. It could be a little less, but not too much. Much lower, and it could be a warning sign that they are working as part of a puppy mill that breeds sick dogs.

Research shows that those that work with reputable breeders not only have healthier pups, but they also spend less on vet bills in the future. If you are looking for a working Corgi or a show dog, you can expect to pay a little more. Make sure you come up with the perfect Corgi name before brining your puppy home.

In addition to the initial price, you will also need to consider other costs associated with buying a gorgeous Corgi pup. From beds to bowls, collars to dog toys, it all mounts up. Thankfully, the Corgi is a small pup who isn’t as expensive as a large or giant dog.

Rescues & Shelters

Buying a puppy from a breeder isn’t the right choice for everyone. And some people will prefer to go the rescue route. Pembroke Corgis aren’t all that common in rescue homes compared to some other breeds, but they are still out there. Reputable breeders will often put it in their contract that the dog needs to return home if the owner is unable to keep them as a pet. The price of rescuing a Corgi is much lower compared to purchasing a pup from a breeder.

Be sure to visit your local rescue shelter and speak to the staff there. They might be in the know of incoming Corgis or those at other nearby shelters. If that is not successful, fear not! There are many dedicated Pembroke Corgi rescue organizations out there. Here are a couple of resources to get you started:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
• Corgi Rescue

As Family Pets

• The Pembroke Corgi is a happy-go-lucky pup.
• They are very adaptable to most family homes.
• Pembrokes need a minimum of 45 minutes of daily exercise.
• He is a mischievous pup who will provide hours of entertainment.
• The Corgi is an affectionate dog who loves to cuddle on the sofa.
• He is a little aloof of strangers at first, and he makes a great watchdog.
• The Corgi will eventually warm up to regular visitors and be sociable.
• He will do well with a family that has children and other animals.
• Just be watchful of his potential herding behavior.
• The Corgi will need a lot of brushing to keep on top of his shedding.
• He will turn heads in the street, so expect a lot of people to stop you for strokes.

Final Thoughts

And that’s the way the Pembroke Corgi cookie crumbles, folks! He is an amazing little bundle of fun who provides endless entertainment for the whole family. He will charm the socks of everyone that he meets, and you can be sure to fall head over heels in love with him too. Just be sure that you can keep him company for most of the day and that you can commit to his high exercise needs.

Hopefully, we have helped you to realize that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a fantastic pup, and maybe he is your new canine soulmate. Just be sure to work with a reputable breeder, and you are in for the best years of your life. If he is good enough for Queenie, he is good enough for us all!