5 Things to Know About Pembroke Welsh Corgis

1. Key Characteristics of Pembroke Welsh Corgis

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is much like the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but with a shorter body and straighter legs.

The Pembroke’s ears stand straight up and come to a point. This dog has a naturally short tail that in the past was often additionally docked (though docking of dogs’ tails is not only unnecessary but also cruel).

Unlike the Cardigan, which can be any color, the Pembroke breed standard requires that the animal be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, with or without white markings.

2. Where Pembroke Welsh Corgis Came From

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi came to the United Kingdom in 1107 with Flemish weavers. Starting as farm dogs and cattle herders, the breed entered the show arena in England in 1926, then in 1934 in the United States.

• Fun Fact: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.

3. How Friendly Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis?

The Pembroke is intelligent and sensitive. Extremely friendly and family oriented, this little dog is easy to train.

Very little physical correction is needed to train them. They like to have a job, so give yours tasks to complete, like some fun tricks.

4. Is This the Right Dog for You?

Exercise Needs

MEDIUM: The Pembroke needs at least an hour a day of exercise.

Don’t let this put you off — you won’t need to jog for an hour with these little canines. Simply spend time with them every day doing something active — going for a walk, obedience training in the living room or back yard, or just some plain old playtime.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are taking social media by storm:

Grooming Needs

MEDIUM: The Pembroke has a double coat — an outside coat that covers a dense but soft undercoat.

To keep your dog clean and healthy, brush it once a week and bathe (with dog grooming products) once a month.

These dogs, like any other, require all the regular maintenance that any dog needs — ear cleaning, teeth brushing, nail trimming and regular vet visits.

Health Problems

MEDIUM: These ailments are sometimes seen in the breed:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• vWD (von Willebrand’s disease, a blood disease similar to hemophilia)
• Skin fragility
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Lens luxation
• Urolithiasis (kidney stones)

Other than rare inherited problems — which can often be avoided by going to a responsible breeder — these dogs are sturdy and healthy.

More Stats About Pembroke Welsh Corgis

5. How to Adopt a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Please check adoption resources first. Try Petful’s pet adoption page. (You can filter your results by breed and ZIP code.)

References