A Pembroke Welsh Corgi poses for a picture.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi poses for a picture.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

avatarChristy McDowell, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height10-12"
Weight30 lbs
TypeHerding
Life Expectancy12-13 years
Area of OriginGreat Britain

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Of the two Welsh Corgi breeds (the Cardigan and the Pembroke), the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized by the absence of a tail. This breed is well-loved by the British, so much so that they've been dubbed the Royal Dog of England. For everyday dog owners, they're the perfect house pet, known to be playful, tolerant, and devoted.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis From?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed dates back as far as 1107 A.D., when they traveled alongside displaced Flemish weavers on their way to Wales. The Corgis were trained to herd, nipping at the heels of cattle to drive them off their owner’s land.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis became extremely popular when Queen Elizabeth II acquired her first in 1933. The Queen’s Pembrokes were known to revert back to their cattle-driving days and nip at the heels of palace staff. This behavior didn’t tarnish their reputation, and they’ve been permanent residents of Buckingham Palace for over 70 years. The first Pembroke Welsh Corgi arrived in the United States in 1931 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Where Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis From?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed dates back as far as 1107 A.D., when they traveled alongside displaced Flemish weavers on their way to Wales. The Corgis were trained to herd, nipping at the heels of cattle to drive them off their owner’s land.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis became extremely popular when Queen Elizabeth II acquired her first in 1933. The Queen’s Pembrokes were known to revert back to their cattle-driving days and nip at the heels of palace staff. This behavior didn’t tarnish their reputation, and they’ve been permanent residents of Buckingham Palace for over 70 years. The first Pembroke Welsh Corgi arrived in the United States in 1931 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires a high-quality diet, but calorie intake must be monitored closely. This breed is prone to obesity if not provided with a suitable amount of exercise. Measure your Pembroke’s meals, and only offer occasional treats.

Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

What Kind of Diet Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

How Often Do You Need to Groom a Welsh Corgi?

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Healthy?

How Do You Train a Corgi?

How Much Exercise Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Need?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires a high-quality diet, but calorie intake must be monitored closely. This breed is prone to obesity if not provided with a suitable amount of exercise. Measure your Pembroke’s meals, and only offer occasional treats.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is low-set, strong, sturdy, and active. They are long rather than tall, and display a winning attentiveness. The desired height is 10 – 12 inches and the desired weight is up to 30 pounds.

Pembroke Welch Corgi eyes are oval, medium sized, and are usually some variation of brown. Their ears are medium in size, erect, and firm, with a slightly rounded point. The nose is pigmented. The head should resemble that of a fox in regards to shape.

The body of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well muscled, long, and close to the ground. The back is straight from the shoulders to the rump.

Corgis do have tails, they’re just docked to 2 inches or shorter, per competition requirements.

The forelegs are short and slightly turned inward. The shoulders are equal in length to the upper arms. Dewclaws are usually removed at the time of tail docking.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s coat is water-resistant, boasting short hair on top and coarse hair underneath. The breed has a seasonal shedding coat as well. The outer coat may boast white markings or dashes of red, fawn, black, sable, or tan.

The thighs are well muscled and the legs are strong, flexible, and have ample bone. Rear dewclaws should be removed.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Facts

1

Some assume that Corgis are born without tails, but docking is usually performed early. This practice was temporarily banned by the London Kennel Club in 1931.

2

Queen Elizabeth II was bitten by one of her Corgis while trying to break up a dog fight. The Corgi was found to have committed treason.

3

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is about 8 times more popular than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Other Breeds to Explore

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References

  • Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
  • American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
  • “Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi.
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