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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Introduction
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is one of two breeds of Welsh corgis (the other is the Cardigan Welsh corgi) of which both are descended from the northern spitz lineage or Swedish Vallhund. This corgi breed is famous for being a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is often referred to as the dwarf dog because of its short stature and distinctively short legs. It weighs 24–31 pounds and stands 25–30 centimetres. The Pembroke Welsh corgi has a playful, affectionate, and eager-to-please personality. The Pembroke has a lifespan of twelve to fourteen years.
A bright-eyed dog with a thirst for fun and excitement, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke loves nothing more than being involved with his family. His friendliness and vivacious nature bring delight and warmth to his forever home. The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is recognised by the Kennel Club around 1920.
History
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke, also known as the Pembroke, was created in Wales around the Pembrokeshire area around the 10th century. The exact origins of the Pembroke remain unclear. His primary role is to be a herding dog. Thus, owners of the dog valued his skills more than aesthetics, so there were no recorded accounts about how they were bred.
However, historians believed that the breed is a descendant of the Vallhund. These are Swedish cattle dogs introduced by the Vikings between the ninth and tenth centuries. Others say that the Pembroke corgi originated from the dogs brought by the Flemish weavers around the twelfth century. Descended from northern spitz-type dogs like the Siberian husky
There were also discussions that the Cardigan Welsh corgi, the older of the two corgi breeds, was used to create the Pembroke.
Both of the corgi breeds played an essential role in helping farmers of South Wales. They were multipurpose dogs that are mainly skilled in herding cattle. Despite their small stature, these dogs were also used to drive sheep and even Welsh ponies. They would nip at the heels of livestock and duck to prevent getting kicked by the hooves.
Around 1920, the two corgi breeds were recognised as purebred dogs by the Kennel Club. The Pembroke and Cardigan were classed as one group despite their obvious differences. In 1926, a club was established and the corgis were allowed to join the show ring. The judges had trouble with the two breeds since they are distinct from each other.
When 1934 came around, the Pembroke was finally recognised as a separate breed from the Cardigan. Soon enough, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke became greatly favoured by the people. He was further pushed into the limelight as King George VI followed by Queen Elizabeth II became smitten with him.
During 1960, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke was one of the most famous dog breeds around the world. However, his popularity greatly waned as years passed by. Today, the breed is enlisted under the Vulnerable Dog Breeds.
According to the KC’s 2019 club registration, only 126 Pembrokes are currently listed in the registry. Today, the Pembroke Welsh corgi's popularity has declined, but it still makes one of the most wonderful companions and family pets.
If you are planning to add a lovable Pembroke into the family, check out For Sale and Rehome section to find the right match for you.
Fun Facts
- In a Welsh legend, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is said to be used by fairies and elves to pull fairy coaches. The breed also served as the fairy warrior’s steed and work fairy cattle.
- The Welsh Corgi Pembroke has saddle markings on his back that is also connected to the legend. These were thought to be left by the Welsh fairies who used him as a mount.
- The breed is Queen Elizabeth II's most favourite dog. She has owned over thirty Pembrokes during her reign.
- In an iconic anime named Cowboy Bebop, one of the characters is a Welsh Corgi Pembroke, Ein. His intelligence was enhanced by man.
Appearance and Grooming
Appearance
The Pembroke is a small dog with a very sturdy build and short legs. He is the smallest of the herding group, weighing 24–31 pounds and standing 25–30 centimetres.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi has a foxy appearance. It has oval-shaped eyes with erect ears. He has a foxlike head with a moderate stop. His skull is somewhat flat between the ears.
His medium, round eyes come in the colour of brown and show alertness and intelligence. He has midsized ears that are quite round and stand upright.
His muzzle slopes gently towards a black nose. He has powerful jaws that showcase a perfect scissor bite. He has a slightly longer neck with a deep and broad chest.
The Pembroke Welsh corgi has a low but strong body. This breed, like its cousin Cardigan Welsh corgi, is referred to as 'true dwarfs' since they are characterised by a short stature due to a condition called achondroplasia. The Pembroke’s legs are strong and well-muscled. His front legs are comparably shorter than his hindquarters.
The Pembroke Corgi has a waterproof double coat with a long topcoat and a dense and thick undercoat. Some dogs with longer coats will have many featherings on their chest, ears, feet, and legs.
Most Pembrokes come in red, sable, fawn or black, or tricolour, and tan varieties. It typically contains white markings.
The Pembroke and Cardigan are often mistaken as the other. However, the two have several differences. The Pembroke possesses a shorter body and has pointed ears. On the other hand, the tips of the Cardigan's ears are more circular.
Does the Pembroke Welsh corgi shed?
The Pembroke has a fluffy coat and wears a fairy saddle on its back. The Pembroke Welsh corgi sheds throughout the year. He is a moderate shedder that tends to moult heavily during autumn and spring. Note that the breeds are not hypoallergenic, thus he may not be compatible with dog owners who have allergies.
Do Pembroke corgis have tails?
Pembroke corgi naturally possesses a bobbed tail. In the old times, tail-docking of the Pembroke was a norm.
However, in 2007, a law that banned this tradition was set into place. Exemptions to this rule include particular working dogs like the spaniel and terrier breeds. Dogs with health problems that need their tails docked are excluded too.
One can differentiate a Pembroke from a Cardigan through their tails. The Pembroke's tail is shorter and almost docked, whilst the Cardigan’s is long.
Grooming
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke sheds moderate amounts of fur every day. Thus, brushing should be done daily. Use a comb and a slicker brush to remove loose and dead hairs.
Once the shedding season starts, more frequent brushing is needed. When it comes to bathing, some people prefer to bathe the Pembroke regularly to help control the shedding. However, baths can be done only when necessary.
Cut his nails at least once or twice a month or when you hear his nails click on the floor.
Check and clean his ears once a month to prevent overaccumulation of debris and wax, and prevent infections due to bacteria growth.
Tooth brushing must be done daily to avoid periodontal disease, which is a prevalent health issue in dogs. If this is not feasible, do it at least twice or thrice a week.
Temperament and Intelligence
Temperament
The Pembroke is a high-spirited dog that doesn’t want to miss out on the fun. If socialised at an early age, he will grow into a sociable and friendly dog. Despite his amiability with people, he has a protective streak and tends to be wary around new faces. However, he is not outwardly aggressive towards them unless provoked.
His keen senses paired with loyal nature makes him a good guard dog. The Pembroke is a great watchdog since it is naturally suspicious of strangers and is quick to bark.
If he senses a threat, the Pembroke will not hesitate to bark to ward off the intruder. Just make sure that he undergoes proper training and socialisation to ensure that he fits the task set for him. This will make him a good judge of character and prevents him from barking at anyone who passes by your home.
Pembroke Welsh corgi is an affectionate and loving dog. It is undoubtedly clingy and will follow its owners wherever they go. Due to this, it is important that a Pembroke is raised in a household where at least one family member stays home. When left to its devices for longer periods of time, the Pembroke suffers from separation anxiety and tends to develop bad habits.
The ever-playful Pembroke corgi is a great canine buddy for children, preferably older ones. He goes along well with other animals if they are introduced during puppyhood.
Befriending fellow pets can be a little challenging when it's done during his adult years. This can be solved through an unhurried and proper introduction. Allow the dogs to get to know each other at their own pace. Then, they will be great buddies in no time.
It is great with children but it is not the best choice for families with small kids. The Pembroke still requires supervision when around children and other animals. The dog has herding tendencies and may nip at things that move.
Moreover, younger children might roughly handle the dog during playtime, which results in injuries on both parties. With that said, children need to learn how to gently treat animals to prevent hurting them.
Intelligence
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is a smart dog with big enthusiasm for learning new things, it has the greatest desire to please its owners.
Whilst this makes him relatively easy to train, it also has its drawbacks. He can also pick up bad behaviours quickly because of his intelligence.
Deal with this dilemma by starting the training early. This way, you will be able to stop any unwanted behaviours before it becomes a destructive habit when he matures. Firmness and consistency coupled with patience and gentleness should be observed during training sessions.
Avoid incorporating punishment methods for this will damage your bond with your dog. The Pembroke corgi loves to please his owner, and food is a good motivator for him as well.
Thus, use positive reinforcement methods to encourage him further. Offer him praises, give him treats, or reward him with a fun activity. It loves to eat and thus can be motivated to do well in training. Note that the breed is prone to obesity, so it is best to be moderate when giving treats.
Nutrition and Feeding
Nutrition
The Pembroke Welsh corgi must be fed with high-quality dog food that meets its high energy needs. Provide your Pembroke with dog food specifically designed for his breed and age.
A balanced diet should include meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. Also, include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain the health of Pembroke's coat. If you're not sure about what and how much to feed a Pembroke Welsh corgi, then consult a veterinarian.
Stay away from commercial dog food. Whilst most of them cost less, they are low in nutrients and minerals, so they don't cater to his nutritional needs. Moreover, commercial dog food often contains preservatives, flavouring, and additives, which are health hazards. Do not forget to provide your Pembroke with fresh water every day.
Feeding
As a breed that loves to eat and quickly puts on weight, make sure that its food is measured and servings are divided into two meals a day.
A Welsh Corgi Pembroke puppy should be fed at least one cup of dog food per day. Split his meals into three smaller portions for easier digestion. An adult Pembroke weighing 9 kg, 10 kg, or 11 kg needs around one cup of dog food daily.
A Pembroke that weighs around 12 kg requires approximately one to one and a half cups of dog food per day. Divide his food into two smaller servings to avoid overeating and bloat.
The following are typical calorie needs of an adult Pembroke per day:
- Senior and less active: up to 730 calories daily
- Typical adults: up to 820 calories daily
- Physically active/working dogs: up to 920 calories daily
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is prone to obesity. Thus, he must observe a healthy and well-balanced diet. Overfeeding and free grazing is a no-no. Measuring the amount of his daily meal and checking his weight weekly are effective ways to prevent weight gain.
Consulting the vet will help you pick the right high-grade dog food that fits your Pembroke corgi.
Health and Exercise
Health
The Pembroke is a relatively healthy dog breed that can live up to twelve or fifteen years. if properly cared for with all needs provided, especially when it comes to nutrition and exercises, he may even surpass these ages. Similar to most dog breeds, the Pembroke is vulnerable to a few health conditions. These include:
- Cataracts
- Cutaneous asthenia
- Cystinuria
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Monorchidism
- Myelopathy
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with pulmonary hypertension
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Retinal dysplasia
- Von Willebrand disease
Keep these diseases at bay by setting and following preventative measures. It involves making sure that your Pembroke puppy completes all the necessary vaccinations, health checks, and yearly boosters. Regular vet check-ups are crucial in keeping him in great shape. The vet will be able to closely monitor his condition and provide you with the necessary advice that ensures that he continues to have a clean bill of health.
Exercise
The Pembroke is happy to laze around the house and chill, but it is a highly energetic dog with incredible stamina. Since it was bred to work (herd cattle), it loves to be outdoors more. It is important to give your corgi adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation.
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke needs at least forty to sixty minutes of exercise every day. Take him for a walk, play fun games, or simply teach him new tricks. The Pembroke will be happy to oblige any enjoyable activities since he loves having something to do.
For a breed with a lot of energy, the ideal home for a Pembroke Welsh corgi one that is situated in the countryside where there is a big space to roam and run. If you have a backyard, let him run and roam around to his heart’s content.
It can also be content to dwell in a city apartment with a securely fenced yard or back garden. Just make sure to check the fences before you allow him to explore the yard. The last thing you’d want is for your dog to escape from home during playtime.
A Pembroke puppy should not be subjected to rigorous exercise. This can greatly damage his joints and bones, which are still developing.
Meanwhile, an adult Pembroke must not be allowed to jump down or hop on furniture. It can strain his back or result in fractures. If possible, provide ramps or steps on areas where your dog is likely to get up and down.
Cost of Ownership
If you are interested in caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, you would need to go on a waiting list as this breed is rare in the UK. The price for a well-bred pedigree puppy is at least £1000. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, you will need to feed your dog high quality dog food and treats, which can set you back £30-£40 a month. You would also need to spend on dog accessories such as leads, collars, eating bowls, crates, beds, and toys. The combined initial cost for these things is estimated at £200.
Moreover, you need to consider paying for pet insurance to offset veterinary bills in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. Depending on where you live and your dog’s health and age, a time-limited cover can cost £20 a month while a lifetime one can cost up to £50 a month. Generally, insurance companies do not cover routine veterinary consultations, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering or spaying, so you may also have to spend an additional £1000 annually for these services.
On average, the minimum cost to care for a Pembroke Welsh corgi is £50-£90 per month depending on your pet insurance premium. This estimate does not include the rates for other services such as walking and grooming.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Highlights
- The Pembroke Welsh corgi is one of the two corgi breeds.
- It is naturally suspicious of strangers and is quick to bark.
- The Pembroke sheds throughout the year and more so during spring and autumn.
- It can stay anywhere in a countryside or city apartment as long as it has a secured fenced yard.
- It is an active dog with light to moderate exercise needs.
- It is the best choice for experienced dog owners with older children.
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Interested in getting a Welsh Corgi Pembroke? Visit our For Sale and Rehome section.
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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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