Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Herding
	Height:	Male: 10-12 inches, Female: 10-12 inches
	Weight:	Male: 25-30 pounds, Female: 24-28 pounds
	Colors:	red (ginger), sable (tan and black), fawn (yellow-gold and black), tricolor
AKC recognized in:		1934

Recognized in 1934 as one of two separate breeds of the Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is older, smaller, and shorter than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. It is perhaps the smallest dog among all dogs belonging to the herding group.

Both these breeds could have descended from a cross among the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the Schipperkes, and the Swedish Vallhund. The more popular notion, however, is that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi could have originated from Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Not as long-bodied as the Cardigan, the Pembroke tends to be lighter in weight. It has a more wedge-shaped head with ears which are small and close together. Its legs are also noted to be a bit shorter but straighter.

What distinguishes the Pembroke as a Corgi is its lack of a tail. The tail could either be absent, short and bobbed, or docked. When its hair growth changes in length and thickness, the Corgi can develop a fairy saddle. This is a distinct marking which shows up on the dog’s withers.

Speaking of distinction, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been a favorite of the British royalty for many decades. Queen Elizabeth II is famed to own more than a dozen of these dogs.

Temperament

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

As a true dwarf dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is built low yet sturdy. Its classic upright Corgi ears render it with a fox-like appearance. Foxy as it is, it also has an intelligent expression in its eyes.

Athletic and energetic dog that the Pembroke is, it is said to be like a big dog trapped within the body of a smaller dog. With their short stature, they are safe from overhead kicks made by cows. Thus, they’re ideal working dogs for herding cattle and sheep on a farm.

A herding dog by nature, the Pembroke can’t be faulted for being very hardworking and reliable. Alert and interested in its surroundings, it is ranked as tenth among the world’s smartest dog breeds. Easy to train, they make excellent watch dogs and family companions.

Outgoing and energetic as they are, these dogs can be friendly to people they know. Once they’ve been taught, you can count on them to be calm and responsible around children they’ve grown to be protective of.

Health and Exercise

Like most dogs, the Pembroke responds to a calm but firm approach. You must establish leadership and dominance without making this Corgi feel too small a member of your pack. When you’re consistent yet loving as an owner, it will prove to be loyal to your family and obedient to your commands.

If a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is overfed and under-exercised, it will tend to gain weight rapidly. This makes it more prone not only to obesity and arthritis but also to problems of the back and spine.

Like most Corgis, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia and eye disorders like cataracts and retinopathies. Some Pembrokes could also be carriers of an orthopedic disease known as degenerative myelopathy. This shortens what could be a full lifespan of at least 12 years.

Visitor Comments

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