Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Family: livestock, herding
Place of Origin: Wales
Date of Origin: 1110s
Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-12 inches, Weight: 27 pounds
Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-12 inches, Weight: 25 pounds
Original Function: cattle driving
Primary Current Function: cattle driving, herding trials
Other Name: none
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History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed

There are several theories regarding the hazy past of the corgi. Some say that it was bred in conjunction with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke corgis are believed to have descended from the Swedish Vallhund as well as from Keeshonds, Pomeranians, and Schipperkes to varying degrees. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is generally accepted as being spitz in origin. Even though both breeds were interbred up until the 1930s, they definitely have separate roots. The Pembroke’s ancestors were introduced by Flemish weavers in the 1100s and developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was used to herd sheep and ponies and also to drive cattle by barking and biting at their heels. Its low profile allows it to roll away from a cow’s kick. It was mainly a working dog and drew little interest when first brought to the show ring in 1926. Breeders began to accentuate the differences between the Pembroke and the Cardigan. The breed captured the attention of British royalty, particularly King George VI and later Queen Elizabeth II. In 1934, the corgis were separated into two breeds. The Pembroke’s popularity grew �?in part due to the attention from royalty and also because of its charming personality �?while the Cardigan corgi has not had as much success. The Pembroke is still a working dog today, often found in homes as a watchdog, guard dog, and herder. It is still a favorite pet, even though its popularity has fallen some since the 1960s.

Size and Appearance of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is much longer than it is tall with big upright ears and hardly any tail. It has a sturdy frame and is fast and flexible, capable of a long day of herding. Its eyes are dark with black rims, and its fox-like expression shows intelligence and alertness. It has surprisingly good reach and drive for being so low to the ground. The Pembroke’s medium-length undercoat is dense and water-resistant. Its outer coat is coarse, long and straight in Red, sable, fawn, or black and tan sometimes with white markings on its legs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament

This intelligent breed is quick, active, and extremely bold. It is devoted and protective of its family, defending its home at all costs. It also barks a lot and makes a good watchdog. It is suspicious around strangers and must be trained as a puppy to prevent behavior that is domineering and controlling. This little dog is friendly and playful, although it has been known to nip at people’s heels either in play or in an attempt to herd them. This trait can be tempered with proper training. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is patient with kids as long as they know how to treat pets.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Recommended Maintenance

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s coat requires a ten-minute brushing twice a week to remove loose and dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. It is an active little breed that should remain so. It requires a daily workout to keep it in shape and prefers herding, but will do fine with a walk or a romp in the park. The Pembroke is capable of living outdoors in temperate climates, however it does much better living indoors with access to a yard. It is an extremely intelligent breed that is easy to train.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health

�?Life span: 11 �?13 years
�?Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, CHD
�?Minor concerns: epilepsy
�?Occasionally seen: vWD, skin fragility, PRA, lens luxation, urolithiasis
�?Suggested tests: hip, eye, (blood)