This long, low breed of dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is similar to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi but is now recognized as a separate breed. Some histories trace the Corgi to Swedish dogs more than a thousand years ago. Others believe the breed begins in Wales about 1200 B.C. In either case, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was used as a cattle dog in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The two breeds were recognized as separate in England in the 1930s.

The Pembroke is a very intelligent dog, sensitive to the needs of its master and responsive to gentle handling and training. This breed can be a challenge to train and the dog may try to “con” its master, especially if given half a chance. However, with proper breeding and socialization, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be an excellent family pet.

Temperament
The Corgi has always been a working dog, often used to nip at the heels of cattle to drive them. The dog’s low profile allowed them to avoid being kicked by the cattle. Pembroke Welsh Corgis will bark quite a bit and can make excellent watchdogs, in addition to being comfortable with children that are not overly aggressive. Corgis are generally good-natured and devoted to family members.

Basic obedience training is probably a good idea for a new Pembroke Welsh Corgi that will be brought into the family. Most Corgis will be obedient with basic training, but even so, the dog should not be allowed to run free. It would probably be best to have a fenced yard for the pet to run in. Taking your Pembroke Welsh Corgi for several daily walks would probably be best.

Size and Color

Pembroke Welsh Corgis stand about 10 inches to 12 inches tall and weigh from 24 to 28 pounds. Experienced owners urge new owners to be careful about overfeeding the Corgi, as it tends to gain weight easily.

Corgis can have red, sable, fawn or black and tan coats with white markings. Some say the legend of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of being used by fairies for various purposes. This legend points to the “fairy saddle” on the shoulders that is part of the Corgi coat. The American Kennel Club considers a predominantly white or bluish color to be unacceptable for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Feeding and Grooming Requirements

New owners of Pembroke Welsh Corgis should avoid overfeeding their pet, as this breed tends to gain weight easily. Feeding high-quality commercial food should be fine in the proper amounts, but low-cost food with excessive grain content (corn, wheat, soy) should be avoided. Some dogs are allergic to these grains and develop skin and breathing problems in reaction to the large amounts of grain in cheaper commercial foods. Remember, table scraps and treats should be limited.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally easy to groom because of its short, water-resistant coat. Some regular combing and brushing will usually be sufficient. The Corgi sheds twice a year. The dog should be bathed only when necessary.

Exercise Needs

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has always been a working dog, helping farmers drive cattle and acting as a guard dog for the farm. This breed is quite energetic and will need a fenced yard to run in or regular walks on a leash. The Corgi can tend to gain extra weight if the diet and exercise are not in correct amounts.

This breed should probably not be allowed to run free, even though a well-trained Corgi will be obedient. This is an intelligent and inquisitive breed and the small size can make confrontations with larger dogs a problem. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have done quite well in some obedience and show competitions.

With good care and proper nutrition, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will give you 12 to 15 years of enjoyment and companionship. As with most purebred dogs, the Corgi may develop a few health problems that are inherent in the breed. Many of these conditions can be avoided through good breeding and with early checkups by a veterinarian.

The breeding pool for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is actually quite large in the United States, so breeders do have the opportunity to avoid some of the genetic problems that can come from non-selective breeding. Keep in mind that problems do occur in the best situations. Those who are considering a Corgi as a family pet should be aware of potential genetic disorders that may come up.

Among these conditions is the less threatening fluffy coat that some Pembroke Welsh Corgis have develop because of indiscriminate breeding. The Corgi coat should be composed of a short undercoat and a slightly longer, thicker overcoat. However, the hair should not be long, puffed up or fluffy.

Monorchidism is a rare condition that sometimes affects this breed. The male of the breed may develop only one testicle. In a related condition, unilateral cryptorchidism, both testicles develop but one remains in the abdomen and does not descend. The two conditions are distinct and new owners of Pembroke Welsh Corgis should be aware of the possibility of monorchidism. The condition can be confirmed through a procedure called plasma testosterone analysis. Most people experienced in dog health recommend neutering of such a male and add that this dog should not be used for breeding.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that can develop to several degrees, causing pain and limited movement in dogs. The level of arthritis results from an abnormally developed hip joint. Cartilage damage is one of the first problems that arise. Generally, as the cartilage cannot remain thick and elastic, the inflammation spreads from the joint to the surrounding tissue. Dogs with hip dysplasia often show obvious signs of lameness and pain when walking or rising from sleep.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals urges owners and breeders to have their dogs tested through the radiographic process that can identify joint irregularities. This process can help prevent use of young dogs in the breeding pool and eliminate some cases of hip dysplasia. It is highly recommended that owners and breeders consult with a veterinarian about this procedure. If you are thinking about adding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a family pet, ask your breeder about OFA certification.

Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye disease that may affect several breeds of dog, including the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This condition has been recognized in dogs for nearly a century, with the first modern-day description coming in Gordon Setters. The retina tissue in the back of they eye contains nerve receptors called rods and cones. Progressive retinal atrophy usually affects the rods first, causing problems with vision in dim light. The cones, which provide daylight vision, are often affected later.

Owners should be aware of the possibility of their pet developing a cloudiness or change in appearance to the eye often described as a “shine.” Diagnosis can be made by an ophthalmoscopic examination. Different breeds of dog develop this condition at different times.

With proper breeding and care, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should live 12 to 14 years without major health problems. Because of their long, low build, the Corgi may also develop some spinal problems. This breed should not be allowed to jump from great heights and should be discouraged from jumping onto and off furniture.