Adorable pembroke welsh corgi pup

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information Profile

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information Guide

Pembroke welsh corgi dog photo
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed information profile includes history, appearance, size, temperament, lifespan, health, training of Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs and puppies.

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All About Pembroke Welsh Corgis

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales as an all purpose working and herding dog. It is thought that this small dog breed is a descendent from Spitz-type ancestors and was brought to Wales by Flemmish weavers. Over the generations that followed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s appearance and size evolved somewhat but his herding instincts remain.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a handsome and friendly dog. He is solidly built and naturally tailless. The Pembroke’s temperament has been described as a big dog in a small body; distinct of character and heaps of fun.

Sweet corgi puppyPembroke Welsh Corgi Facts

Origin: Pembrokeshire, UK
Life span: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: Outgoing, Playful, Bold, Protective, Tenacious, Friendly
Height: Male: 25–30 cm, Female: 25–30 cm
Weight: Male: 10–14 kg, Female: 10–13 kg
Colors: Red, Fawn, Sable, Black & Tan, Blue, Black & White
Grooming Needs: Minimal – just brushing.
Good With Children?: Best for older, respectful kids
Good With Cats?: Usually. Depends on the cat.
Non Shedding: No – Corgis are moderate shedders.
Hypoallergenic: No
Exercise Needs: Moderate. Corgis need a good walk every day.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi History

Adorable pembroke welsh corgi pupAlthough the precise ancestry of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is unclear, historians believe this breed dates back to the eleventh century. Early on, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was bred for practical purposes, namely herding sheep and cattle and occasionally herding the Welsh Pony. The Corgi’s diminutive size was a fundamental qualification for this job because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi herded by nipping at heels while nimbly avoiding kicks to the head.

There is little doubt that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are related. In fact, until the early 20th century, both breeds were considered one diverse breed even though the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed separately in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The division resulted from early unsuccessful attempts at showing the Pembroke in the ring.

In 1926 a club was formed for the Pembroke and eager breeders swept the Pembroke Welsh Corgi from the farm to the ring. Not surprisingly, the judges were unimpressed and few people took notice of this dog. Undeterred, the breeders strove to capitalize on the Pembroke’s fetching, fox-like appearance. Their efforts resulted in the establishment of the modern day Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Perhaps the best known tidbit about the Pembroke is its connection to England’s Royal Family. In 1933, King George VI purchased one for his daughter, Princess Elizabeth. Ever since, several Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been Her Majesty’s beloved companion dogs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Appearance

Cute pembroke welsh corgi puppy photoThe Pembroke Welsh Corgi is of short stature, smaller than his Cardigan Welsh Corgi sibling. This Corgi has sharp, fox-like expression and has no tail. The Pembroke is long and low with a thick neck and moderate bone density.

The most distinguishing feature of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are its stubby legs which are unpredictably powerful. Its coat is commonly red, sable or fawn, but black and tan are growing in popularity. White flashings are popular, but not essential.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is active and quick-witted. He will seek any opportunity to play and will often revert to herding type games. This can be problematic for children whose role in the game, unbeknownst to them, is that of a cow whose heels will be nipped without warning.

Strangers (mailmen, joggers and the like) may be wary of the Pembroke’s bark, which unless curbed in training, can sound most unwelcoming. This perception contradicts the true temperament of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. When properly socialized, the Pembroke likes other pets, most dogs and even felines. In short, he is loving, amiable and unwaveringly loyal.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Exercise Info

Pembroke welsh corgi dog imageIf you happen to be at a professional crossroads and are considering sheep farming as a career, then the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the dog for you. Barring that, you will need to consider that the Pembroke’s compact legs need regular daily exercise with a distance in the region of 8 to 10 kilometers.

More reasonably perhaps, try an off-leash dog park where your Pembroke can herd to his heart’s content (however unsuccessfully).

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming Info

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has simple grooming requirements. A daily brush and a occasional bath will do. The exception to this rule is as the seasons change and your Pembroke sheds his winter coat. Much more frequent brushing will be needed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Training Info

Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners’ primary training need is similar to that of other breeds. That is, training your Pembroke to evacuate outside.

Crate training is typically effective here. The real challenge is curbing your Corgi’s instinctual habit of heel nipping. This action is a throwback to his herding days and a means to move cattle over great distances. Your grandmother however, needs no such prodding but she will surely get it.

The jury is out about whether a water spay bottle is an effective tool for curbing this nipping behaviour. Some Corgis hate this technique and the nipping is then compounded with aggression.

Another technique is to roll the Pembroke onto his back as soon as he nips. This submissive position should be held until he is calm and understands the NO! command. With luck, your Corgi will obey, but don’t dismay if he does not. There are many training centres that specialize in this behaviour so maybe professional trainers will find greater success.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Info

Health concerns for your Pembroke Welsh Corgi include; Intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, CHD, epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, VWD, PRA, lens luxation, urinary stones.

Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi the Right Breed of Dog For You?

Adorable pembroke welsh corgi puppyFor the average person, hobnobbing with royalty is unlikely. But, for a glimpse into the life of a royal pet, look no further than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is an active and fun-loving dog with near boundless energy.

Rural families are better suited for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi than are city folk as the exercise requirements can be daunting. And, if the only thing you herd is your children into a minivan, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can make a terrific pet.

More Information about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed