Pembroke Welsh CorgiCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the breed comes from Pembrokeshire, in Wales, and that the name comes from the Welsh “cor” (dwarf) and “ci” (dog). The Pembroke is linked to the Flemish colonies that settled in Pembrokeshire after the Norman conquest; its line has been traced back to the year 1107. The dogs were used by the Flemish and the Welsh to drive cattle.

The Pembroke and the Cardigan appeared together at shows in 1925, were recognised by the Kennel Club in 1928, originally under the same name, and were separated into two breeds in 1934. Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her reign.

How the breed developed

• 1107 – The breed's line is traced back to this year.
• 1925 – The first shows, together with the Cardigan.
• 1928 – The Kennel Club recognises the Welsh corgis.
• 1934 – The Pembroke and the Cardigan become separate breeds.
• 13 November 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as low-set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active. The AKC says a well-built male is “a big dog in a small package”, with short but strong legs, muscular thighs and a deep chest. Although it is long and low, it is surprisingly fast and agile.

General appearance

The head is fox-like in shape and appearance, with an alert, intelligent expression. The coat is of medium length and straight, with a dense undercoat, never soft, wavy or wiry.

The accepted colours are red, sable, fawn and black and tan, with or without white markings on the legs, chest and neck. A little white on the head and muzzle is permitted.

The standard describes it as bold and workmanlike, outgoing and friendly, never nervous or aggressive.

The AKC says the Pembroke often has a will of its own, but it is energetic, eager and very intelligent. Early socialisation and puppy classes are highly recommended: the puppy should get used to different people, places and situations between 7 weeks and 4 months of age.

Tips for effective training

• Start socialisation early. Between 7 weeks and 4 months.
• Give it a job. It is happiest when it has a task.
• Be consistent. It often has a will of its own.
• Teach it not to bark at everything. It is an alert watchdog.

The AKC says it is a strong, athletic dog that loves exercise and is happiest when it has work to do. Long walks or slow jogs suit it, but its short legs do not let it keep up on long, fast runs.

Tips for a balanced life

• Do not let it jump down from a height.
• Watch its weight: it has a long back.
• Be prepared for hair around the house.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it has a thick, weather-resistant double coat that sheds quite a lot every day and even more in late spring and early summer. Going over it daily with a comb and a slicker brush removes a lot of hair before it ends up around the house.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the ears weekly.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “Dwarf dog”. That is what “corgi” means in Welsh.
• The Queen's dog. Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis.
• Big in a small package. The AKC says a well-built male looks like a big dog.
• Two corgis. The Pembroke and the Cardigan have been separate breeds since 1934.
• A fox's head. The standard describes its head as fox-like.

Queen Elizabeth II's corgis

Wikipedia says the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was the favourite breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who owned more than 30 royal corgis during her reign.

What is the difference between the Pembroke and the Cardigan?

They are two separate breeds of Welsh corgi; see also our page on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

What does “corgi” mean?

“Dwarf dog”, in Welsh.

How big does it get?

It measures 25–30 cm; males weigh 10–12 kg, females 9–11 kg.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–13 years.