Pembroke Welsh Corgi: temperament, size, care and health

About the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a short-legged, long-bodied herding dog that stands only 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder yet carries itself like a much larger animal. The head is foxy, the ears are large and upright, and the tail is either very short from birth or docked in some countries. Colors run from red and sable to fawn, often with white on the chest, legs and face, and some dogs are tricolor.

Pembrokes were bred in Wales to move cattle, and they did so by darting in and nipping at the heels, then ducking under the kick. That job produced a quick, tough, low-slung dog with a lot of confidence. People keep the breed today for its cheerful nature, its manageable size and a personality that is bigger than its frame.

Temperament and family life

Corgis are social, attentive dogs that like to stay near their people and supply a running commentary on whatever is going on. They are generally friendly with family and reasonably good with guests once they have settled. They can be wary of strangers, and they often bark to announce visitors, passing dogs and noises outside.

Herding instincts show up at home. A corgi may try to herd children, other pets or even adults by nudging and nipping at ankles. Calm redirection and early training usually keep this under control, but very small children need supervision with any dog this lively. Corgis are usually fine with other dogs and cats when raised with them, although some are bossy.

Exercise and training

Despite the short legs, this is an athletic, energetic dog. A brisk daily walk plus play or training sessions keeps most adults content. Many enjoy herding trials, agility and tracking. Avoid encouraging repeated jumping off furniture or running up and down stairs, since the long back is vulnerable.

Pembrokes are quick learners and eager for food rewards, which makes training enjoyable, but they can be strong-willed and will test limits. Short, varied lessons work better than drilling. Because they love to eat, portion control matters from the start, and an overweight corgi puts much more strain on the spine and joints.

Grooming and shedding

The thick double coat sheds heavily, and the dog blows its undercoat twice a year. Corgis are sometimes described as having hair everywhere, and that is a fair summary of life with one. Brushing a few times a week and daily during shedding season keeps the mess manageable. A bath every couple of months is usually enough.

Keep the nails short, because overgrown nails change how a short-legged dog stands. Check the ears and brush the teeth as part of a regular routine.

Health

The breed's long back makes intervertebral disc disease a concern, so many owners limit stairs and jumping. Hip dysplasia occurs, and breeders commonly screen hips. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal disease, can be tested for with DNA. Some lines carry inherited eye conditions, so annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are advisable for breeding stock. Von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder, has also been identified in the breed.

Obesity is probably the most preventable problem. This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

Corgis in Pembrokeshire, in southwest Wales, are generally traced back many centuries as farm dogs that helped manage cattle. The Pembroke and the Cardigan were shown together for years and were officially separated into two breeds in Britain in 1934. The Pembroke's association with the British royal family, especially Queen Elizabeth II, raised its profile worldwide. It has since become one of the more popular herding breeds in the United States.

Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi right for you?

A Pembroke suits people who want a smart, spirited small-to-medium dog and do not mind barking, shedding or a dog that keeps tabs on everyone. It fits an active household and handles apartments if exercise is regular. It is not a good match for someone who wants a quiet, low-maintenance companion.

The closest alternative is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which is a bit larger and often calmer. The Swedish Vallhund has a similar build and job, and the Lancashire Heeler is a smaller heeling dog with a related sort of character.