“The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a favorite breed of dog of the British Royal Family and the Duke of York.”
The Pembroke and the Cardigan are similar in looks and many other ways but are not the same breed of dog. The Pembroke has a shorter body, docked tail, with straighter more lightly boned legs, larger eyes and smaller, pointed ears.
Appearance:
Body: Strong, sturdy, and low to the ground with a level backline, deep wide chest, and rounded ribs.
Coat: Moderately long, with a short, thick, weather resistant undercoat.
Color: Red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, with or without, white markings.
Ears: Medium size, taper to a somewhat pointed tip, mobile, and carried erect.
Eyes: Medium size, oval, somewhat oblique (outer corners higher than inner corners). Color varies with the coat, rims are dark and eyes are expressively intelligent.
Feet: Oval, well padded, and arched with center toes longer than outside toes.
Head: Fox-like with a wide skull, flat between the ears, moderate stop, tapering muzzle and black nose.
Legs: Forelegs are short, strong, and turned slightly inwards. Hindquarters are well-muscled and powerful with short hocks.
Neck: Well developed, long, wide, well-muscled, and proportionate to the body.
Size:
Weight: 25 – 27 pounds
Height: 10 – 12 inches
Tail: The tail is docked. Some Pembroke Corgis are inherently lacking a tale at birth.
Behavior
- Recommended for novice dog handlers
- A great companion dog
- Good with children
- Other small pets should be introduced slowly and supervised
The Pembroke Corgi is bold and robust, sturdily built and athletic, care-free, and intelligent. He is a small dog with a big appetite and a mighty bark commanding respect from everyone around him, no matter what the size. He is more popular than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, more easily excited, and more suspicious of strangers.
AKC Standard says, “The Pembroke is one of the most agreeable of small house dogs. It has an affectionate nature but does not force its attentions upon those unwilling to accept them. Its intelligence is undoubted, and it is a remarkably alert, ever-vigilant home guardian.”
He was originally used to herd cattle and has maintained his instincts as a heeler. He will attempt to herd both people and other animals so if you feel something nipping at your heels, you will find your Welsh Corgi is the culprit. He will accept other family pets, including cats, but will instinctively drive off other animals from his territory.
Training
Early obedience training and socialization are important. The Corgi must learn as a puppy that nipping at the heels is not accepted and that he isn’t the boss of everyone around him.
While his intentions are purely instinctive, a nip from an adult Corgi can be painful to children, adults, and other pets.
He is generally good with other animals but early socialization will help to calm his instincts to prey on smaller animals that may, in fact, be family pets.
Corgis are quick learners and respond well to obedience training. However, this is a keenly intelligent breed who might make you feel as though he is training you instead.
Cardigans have the ability to think and solve problems so be sure to make his training and play sessions challenging and rewarding. He won’t respond well to harsh treatment or punishment.
He is an affectionate, loving dog with a big heart and strong desire for human companionship. He will treat guests with respect, remain somewhat aloof with strangers, and don the role of watchdog by warning you of unwanted intruders.
His friendly disposition and willingness to adapt to urban or country living make him an excellent pet for the family. Corgis are clown-like, fun loving and good with children. They enjoy participating in family activities and will go out of their way to please their owner.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 Years
Possible Problems:
- Arthritis
- Elbow Dysplasia – due to abnormal bone growth, joint stresses, or cartilage development
- Intestinal chills – should be towel dried when he comes in from the rain or cold
- Heart disease
- Hip Dysplasia – results in degenerative joint disease
- Spinal problems
- Thyroid disease
Recommended Certificates:
- CERF – for the eyes
- OFA – for the elbows and hips
Puppies should have their eyes examined by a AVCO-certified Ophthalmologist around six to ten weeks of age.
(AVCO is the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist)