Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Although many breeders believe Welsh Corgis have two different varieties, the American Kennel Club (AKC)accepted them as a single breed until 1934. However, after 1934, they were born as two separate breeds: Pembroke and Cardigan. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the tiniest members of the AKC.

To know more about this little breed’s history, characteristics and other aspects, scroll down to the following parts!

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and are wrapped around by fairy tales and folklore. As per one legend, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are believed to jump down from the lairs of fairies.

On the contrary, historians believed they descended from the Swedish Cattle Dogs.

However, nothing solid is known about their mating. In 1920, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognised Pembroke Welsh Corgis as purebreds. Gradually, they became popular in the U.S. today; they are listed among the top 50 breeds. In addition, Queen Elizabeth II was very fond of Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Some of the characteristics of Pembroke Welsh Corgis are:

• Lifespan: On average, Pembroke Welsh Corgis live up to 12 to 13 years.
• Height: Male Pembroke Welsh Corgis grow up to 12 to 12 inches while the females grow between 9 to 11 inches.
• Colour: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have different coat colours, such as sable, tricolour, red, and white markings.
• Weight: Male Pembroke Corgis weigh between 25 to 30 pounds, while females weigh around 20 to 25 pounds. 
• Temperament: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a playful, friendly nature and are generally even-tempered.
• Energy Level: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are moderately energetic and love to get physical and mental stimulation.

Even though Pembroke Welsh Corgis are even-tempered, they must be trained to keep them safe and under control. The following tips will help you to train your Pembroke Welsh Corgi more effectively:

• Expose Them to Outer Environment: Pembroke Welsh Corgis love the outdoors, so it's a good idea to familiarise them with the world. You can also take them for long drives and boat rides to keep them interested.
• Teach Them to Play Fetch: Pembroke Welsh Corgis need physical stimulation, which can be achieved by playing fetch. Fetch is an elementary activity to keep the Pembroke Welsh Corgis active and moving.
• Have Crate Training: Crate training is significant for Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies. Also, to avoid unwanted dirt, potty training your pup is essential. However, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very smart and like to keep themselves clean and tidy.
• Teach Basic Commands: Your Pembroke Welsh Corgis should be accustomed to basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, or ‘heel’. You can move on to the advanced ones once they are well-versed in the basic commands.

The following are some of the common health problems seen in Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with Pulmonary Hypertension: Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital disorder of the vascular system in which deoxygenated blood bypasses the lungs in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. PDA can be treated through surgical intervention, but if left untreated, it results in pulmonary hypertension.
• Degenerative Myelopathy: In this, the spinal cord's nervous and supportive tissue system in Pembroke Welsh Corgi gradually degenerates. It mainly affects the rear portion of the dogs and causes lameness and weakness of the rear legs, eventually resulting in paralysis.
• Cystinuria: Pembroke Welsh Corgis cannot re-absorb cysteine protein due to a genetic disorder. As a result, the protein gets excreted through the urine. This may also lead to stone formation in the urinary tract. Generally, male Pembroke Welsh Corgis suffer from this.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition in which dogs suffer from mild or severe seizures. In the majority of the cases, Epilepsy is an inherited disease. Even though seizures are scary to look at, they have an excellent prognosis. However, proper treatment is required after diagnosis.
• Intervertebral Disk Disease: Owing to the long backs of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, they are prone to certain vertebral diseases. In this disorder, the spinal disks rupture in dogs and manifest as weakness, paralysis, instability, and problems in climbing up or down the stairs.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: This blood disorder affects the blood clotting process. Affected Pembroke Welsh Corgis will show specific symptoms, such as prolonged bleeding time, bleeding gums, and unexplained nosebleeds. It has no cure.
• Cutaneous Asthenia: Cutaneous asthenia causes the connective tissues in the skin of Pembroke Welsh Corgis to become fragile, stretchy, and loose. This gradually affects the blood vessels and results in blood blisters and bruising. This condition is also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Some of the tips to take care of Pembroke Welsh Corgis are:

• Food and Nutrition: Pembroke Welsh Corgis should be fed 3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dog food, divided into two to three meals. The food portion depends on the dog's age, size, metabolism, build, and activity level. However, Pembrokes love to eat and are prone to obesity.
• Grooming: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are double-coated and shed continuously throughout the year, heavily during two seasons. However, their coats vary; some have fluffy coats, while others have fairy saddles. Daily brushing is recommended during the shedding season.
• Keep Them Active: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are moderately energetic and need lots of activity to stimulate them physically and mentally. As they are prone to obesity, they must be kept active to keep them healthy.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were mainly bred as livestock and family dogs in Pembrokeshire. Their double coat makes them weather-resistant, along with heavy shedding. Corgis are very affectionate and agile and love human company. Apart from this, Corgis barely have tails.