If you are looking for a dog with brains, beauty, and brawn, look no further than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This breed is one of the two types of Corgis that originated in Wales and have a legendary heritage. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but mighty dog that can herd cattle and sheep, guard the farm, and charm the royals. It is also a loyal, friendly, playful companion that will brighten your life. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, from its stunning appearance and delightful personality to its health and care. Get ready to be amazed by this incredible and enchanting breed.
Breed Overview
| Dog Breed | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Corgi, Welsh Corgi, The Pembroke |
| Coat | Medium length, thick, weather-resistant double coat |
| Coat Colors | Fawn, Black & Tan, Black & White, Red, Sable |
| Coat Patterns | Solid, Bicolor, Tricolor, Merle |
| Weight | Up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female) |
| Height | 10-12 inches |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
| Origin | Wales |
| Breed Ranking | 11th most popular breed of dog according to the American Kennel Club |
History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 10th century or earlier. The word “corgi” means “dwarf dog” in Welsh, which accurately describes this breed’s short stature. However, the origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still a matter of debate among experts.
One theory is that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi descended from the Swedish Vallhund, a spitz-type dog that was brought to Wales by the Vikings. The Pembroke inherited its fox-like head, erect ears, and stubby tail from this ancestor. Another theory is that Flemish weavers who migrated to Wales in the 12th century introduced the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke was then crossed with local Welsh herding dogs to create a versatile, hardy cattle dog.
Regardless of its exact origin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where it was used as an all-purpose farm dog. The Pembroke was adept at herding cattle and sheep, guarding livestock and property, hunting rodents and vermin, and being a loyal companion to its human family. The Pembroke was also known for its ability to nip at the heels of cattle without getting kicked, thanks to its low-set body and agility.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was often confused with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, another ancient breed that originated in Wales. The two breeds have many similarities, such as their size, coat, and herding instinct. However, they also have some differences, such as their tail length, ear shape, and body structure. The two breeds were sometimes interbred in the past, but they were officially recognized as separate breeds by the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity and fame as the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who received her first Pembroke as a gift from her father in 1933. Since then, she has owned more than 30 Pembrokes and has been a patron of the breed. The Pembroke has also been featured in many movies, books, cartoons, and video games, such as The Queen (2006), The Accidental Tourist (1988), Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999), and Nintendogs (2005).
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular herding breeds in the world. It ranks 11th among 195 breeds in terms of AKC registrations in 2020. The Pembroke is admired for its intelligence, personality, and appearance. It excels in various canine sports and activities, such as agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and herding. It is also a wonderful family pet that enjoys being with its human family and having fun.
Physical Characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a low-set, sturdy, and athletic dog that has a distinctive appearance. It has a medium-length double coat that can be black and tan, red, sable, or fawn, usually with white markings on the chest, neck, legs, and face. The coat is weather-resistant and sheds moderately throughout the year.
The Pembroke has a fox-like head with large, erect ears and dark, oval eyes. It has a short, stubby tail that can be natural or docked. The tail is one of the main differences between the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which has a long tail. The Pembroke also has slightly smaller and pointier ears than the Cardigan.
The Pembroke has short but powerful legs that enable it to move quickly and agilely. It has a deep chest and a level back. The average height of the Pembroke is 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder, and the average weight is 24 to 30 pounds.
Personality
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog that loves to be around people. It is affectionate and companionable without being needy. It is also very intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistency. The Pembroke can learn various tricks and commands and compete in agility, obedience, rally, and herding events.
The Pembroke is a herding dog at heart and has a strong instinct to chase and nip at moving things. This can include other animals, children, cars, or bikes. Therefore, it is important to provide the Pembroke with proper socialization and training from an early age to prevent unwanted behaviors. The Pembroke also needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy.
The Pembroke is a vigilant watchdog that will alert its owners of any strangers or intruders. It has a loud bark that can be heard from far away. However, unless provoked, it is not aggressive or hostile towards people or other dogs. The Pembroke can get along well with other pets if raised with them or introduced properly.
The Pembroke is a sensitive dog that thrives on human attention and affection. It does not like being left alone for long periods or ignored by its owners. It can suffer from separation anxiety or boredom if neglected or under-stimulated. The Pembroke is best suited for families who can provide it with enough time, love, and activity.
Interesting Facts
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that has many interesting facts and stories associated with it. Here are some of them:
- The word “corgi” means “dwarf dog” in Welsh, which reflects the breed’s short legs and stature. However, the origin of the word is disputed. Some say it comes from “cor,” meaning to watch over or gather, and “gi,” a form of the word for dog. Others say it comes from “curgi,” meaning to watch over.
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the two types of Corgis that originated in Wales. The other is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which has a longer tail, rounder ears, and a heavier body. The two breeds were sometimes interbred in the past, but they were officially recognized as separate breeds in 1934.
- According to Welsh legend, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was an “enchanted” dog that was used by fairies and elves to pull their coaches, work their cattle, and serve as their steeds. The markings on the Pembroke’s back are said to be the traces of the “fairy saddle.”
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity and fame as the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who received her first Pembroke as a gift from her father in 1933. Since then, she has owned more than 30 Pembrokes and has been a patron of the breed. The Pembroke has also been featured in many movies, books, cartoons, and video games.
Common Health Issues
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally a healthy breed that can live up to 12 to 13 years. However, like any dog breed, it can be prone to certain health conditions that owners should be aware of. Some of the common health issues that affect the Pembroke are:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, leading to pain, arthritis, and lameness. Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed by X-rays and treated by medication, surgery, or weight management.
- Degenerative myelopathy: This progressive disease affects the spinal cord and causes weakness, paralysis, and loss of coordination in the hind legs. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but supportive care such as physical therapy, supplements, and mobility aids can help improve the quality of life of affected dogs.
- Eye disorders: The Pembroke can inherit or develop various eye problems such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), lens luxation, or corneal dystrophy. These conditions can affect vision or cause blindness in some cases. Regular eye exams by a veterinarian can help detect and treat eye disorders early.
- Von Willebrand’s disease: A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding after injury or surgery. It can be diagnosed by blood tests and treated by blood transfusions or medications.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This is a condition that causes the discs between the vertebrae to bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. IVDD can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis in some parts of the body. IVDD can be treated by medication, surgery, or physical therapy, depending on the severity of the case.
To prevent or reduce the risk of these health problems, owners should choose responsible breeders who screen their dogs for genetic diseases and provide health certificates. Owners should also keep their dogs at a healthy weight, exercise them regularly but moderately, feed them a balanced diet, and visit the vet for routine check-ups and vaccinations.
Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. Its coat only needs brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair and dirt. The coat may need more frequent brushing during shedding seasons to prevent mats and reduce hair loss. The Pembroke does not need frequent bathing unless it gets very dirty or smelly. Bathing too often can strip away the natural oils and damage the coat.
Other grooming tasks include trimming the nails every few weeks, cleaning the ears regularly, and brushing the teeth daily or as often as possible. These tasks help prevent infections, injuries, and dental problems.
The easiest way to groom a Pembroke is to start from an early age and make it a positive experience with praise and treats. The dog will learn to enjoy and cooperate with grooming sessions.
Diet
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs and matches its activity level. The amount and type of food that the Pembroke needs may vary depending on its age, size, metabolism, and health status. Owners should consult their vets for specific recommendations on how much and what kind of food to feed their dogs.
In general, the Pembroke should be fed twice a day, with measured portions to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Owners should also regularly monitor their dogs’ weight and body condition scores and adjust their feeding accordingly. Obesity can cause many health problems for the Pembroke, such as joint issues, diabetes, or heart disease.
Owners should always provide their dogs with fresh water and avoid giving them human food, especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or anything spicy or fatty. These foods can be toxic or harmful to dogs.
Where to Buy
If you are interested in buying a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy, you have several options to choose from. However, you should also be aware of the average price, rarity, and where to find reputable breeders.
- The average price of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the breeder, location, pedigree, and demand. Some puppies from champion bloodlines can cost more than $3,500. You should also factor in the costs of transportation, registration, vaccination, and spaying or neutering.
- The rarity of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy depends on the availability of breeders and the popularity of the breed in your area. Generally, Pembrokes are not very rare, as they are one of the most popular herding breeds in the world. However, some colors or markings may be more rare than others, such as black and tan or sable.
- The best way to find reputable breeders is to do your research and ask for referrals from friends, vets, or breed clubs.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning more about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed that is full of charm and personality. This breed is not only adorable and charming but also smart and loyal. They will be your best friend, your protector, and your partner in crime. However, they are not a breed for the faint of heart. They are energetic and demanding dogs that need a lot of attention and care. They will challenge you, test you, and sometimes frustrate you. But they will also love you unconditionally and make you laugh every day. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that will change your life for the better.. if you are ready for that adventure.
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FAQ
How much is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
The price of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy can vary depending on the breeder, location, pedigree, and demand. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Some puppies from champion bloodlines can cost more than $3,500.
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis born with tails?
Most Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with tails that are naturally short or absent. However, some Pembrokes may have longer tails that are docked when they are a few days old. Docking is done for historical tradition or to conform to the breed standard. Some countries have banned docking for cosmetic reasons.
Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed?
Yes, Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed heavily all year round, with peaks in the spring and fall. They have a double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and a longer topcoat. The undercoat helps them stay warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The topcoat protects them from dirt and water.
How big do Pembroke Welsh Corgis get?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs that have a long and low body. They stand about 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 30 pounds for males and up to 28 pounds for females. They are the shortest breed in the herding group. Their size makes them suitable for living in apartments or houses with small yards.
