The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their adorable looks, and the fact that they are known to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite dogs, have turned these sheepdogs into canine royalty. Although their sweet appearance may make you believe that they are familiar and calm dogs, in fact, corgis have a peculiar temperament that makes them suitable for more well-experienced owners.
Stay with us and learn all about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog: we will review its main characteristics, its care, its health and training tips so that you can enjoy a lifetime together.
Origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Corgi is believed to be one of the oldest shepherd breeds in the world, as its lineage dates back to the 12th century. Historians believe that they descend from dogs brought by merchants and conquerors of Flemish and Viking origin, and that they are also related to Spitz breeds such as the Samoyed or the Pomeranian.
What is known for sure is that their ancestors were employed in South Wales as guards and shepherds. Two types are distinguished: the Cardigan and the Welsh. However, the Cardigan breed originated in the county of Cardiganshire, while the Pembroke line began in the county of Pembrokeshire; hence their names.
They were considered the same breed until 1934, when it was decided to set a different standard for Cardigans and Pembrokes. After that, the Pembroke Corgi popularity increased while the Cardigan Corgi plummeted. As if that were not enough, the Pembroke breed became even more famous when Queen Elizabeth II fell in love with these dogs as a child and began to breed them.
Today, they are one of the best-known breeds in the world, and they often show their skills in dog shows and as companions in thousands of homes around the world. However, Pembroke Corgis are considered to be in some “danger” in their native Britain, as not enough cubs are registered as the years go by.
Physical traits of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This breed has a lot of strength concentrated in a small body: Pembroke Corgis are long and short, but still strong and with some robustness. Their legs, while not exactly long, are thick and thick.
Its head is shaped like a fox and its expression is alert. They have black noses, medium-sized round brown eyes, and rounded, raised ears. By breed standard, Corgis have medium-sized ears, but they tend to look quite large in proportion to their body.
One of the main differences between the Cardigan Corgi and the Pembroke Corgi is their tail, as many of the latter are born with very short or tailless tails, while the former have long, fox-like tails.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has medium length straight hair with a thick undercoat. They can be reddish, gold, black or tan, and may have white spots on the legs, chest and neck.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is typically smaller than the Cardigan, standing around 10 to 12 inches at the withers. The ideal weight for males is 10 to 12 kg, while females usually weigh between 10 and 11 kg.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi temperament and personality
Pembroke Corgis have an active temperament, very guardians, and they are also very intelligent. While they are kind and loyal to their family, they are not among the most sociable of dog breeds.
These are dogs that tend to be cautious with strangers and aggressive with unfamiliar dogs if the encounter is not favorable. That is why it is extremely important to socialize them well as puppies to avoid aggression and fear in adulthood. In addition to proper socialization, Corgis need training – teaching them dog commands is not an option, these dogs require constant mental stimulation. To educate and motivate them, we recommend always using positive reinforcement.
Common behavior problems for this breed include excessive barking and a tendency to herd people by trying to snout at the ankles. Both behaviors can be channeled into appropriate activities through positive reinforcement and regular exercise. If you consider their needs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can make an excellent companion animal.
Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Keeping a Corgi groomed aesthetically is quite easy. In general, brushing them twice a week is enough, and they don’t need to be bathed too often, unless they get filthy. In fact, frequent baths can damage the natural protections of their coat and be counterproductive to the health of this breed.
Being sheepdogs, Corgis need a lot of exercise and company. Since they are small, they do not require as much exercise as German or Belgian Shepherds, but they do need several moderate walks a day and time to play. Dog sports can help channel their energy and sharpen their skills, but agility is generally not recommended as it can damage the spine of the little corgi breed.
If they get enough exercise, corgis can adapt very well to life in an apartment or small house, but keep in mind that they can bark a lot. If your house has a garden, they can exercise there.
Common Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Problems
Among the most common health conditions of this breed we can find intervertebral disc disease (IVD) and hip dysplasia. Although these conditions are increasingly rare, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi also tends to suffer from the following diseases:
- Epilepsy.
- Van Willebrand’s disease.
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
- Isolated lens luxation or ectopia lentis.
- Kidney stone disease or urolithiasis.
To prevent these diseases and detect them in time, it is important to go to the vet and carry out regular checks. You must also follow the vaccination and deworming schedules