Breed of the Week - Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the smallest member of the AKC Herding group, but don’t let their size fool you! They may come in a smaller package, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being not only extremely intelligent and loyal, but also active. Most are always willing to please their owners and like other herding breeds, they need a job to do. Most people associate them with the Queen Elizabeth (II) who owns several, but their popularity continues to grow all over the world. There is even a popular children’s comic featuring a Pembroke Welsh Corgi!

It is believed that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (as well as the older Cardigan Welsh Corgi) may have descended of other breeds such as: the Swedish Vallhund, Pomeranians and even Schipperkes. The Corgi breeds date back as far as the 10th century. They were originally used by the Welsh for herding and guarding flocks, cattle and even horses. Their little legs served a great purpose, allowing the kicks from the herd animals to pass safely above their heads.

People tend to forget how active Corgis can be. They may be on the smaller side, but they live up to the title of: “A big dog in a small package.” They have a lot of energy and they need a lot of exercise. Several long walks through out the day will serve the breed well and having a decent sized yard or a local park to play at will also keep your Corgi entertained! It is important to keep your Pembroke interested– a bored dog can easily become a destructive dog! Also, the Pembroke tends to gain weight very easily, so exercise is key to keeping them in top shape!

Because of their spine length, they can sometimes suffer from spinal problems and arthritis. Keeping your Pembroke at a healthy weight can help prevent health problems and keep him or her healthy and happy.

Pembrokes can also suffer from hip dysplasia, eye disorders and Von Willebrand's disease (a clotting disorder). In order to keep your Pembroke healthy, you should always feed them a proper diet, stay consistent with yearly medical visits and be sure to check and clean the teeth and ears and to keep their nails trimmed.

If you are interested in getting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy, it is important to find a breeder who breeds for healthy and happy puppies. By going to local dog shows or contacting a Breed Club, you should be able to find a responsible breeder who can help you figure out if a Pembroke is really right for you.

Their water resistant coat is very easy to groom, you'll want to brush and comb regularly to keep their coats looking fresh and to ease shedding. They shed heavily twice a year and it is important to groom your Pembroke during these times. A regular brushing during the heavier shedding seasons will make everything easier for your Corgi and your furniture!

Not only do they serve as great companions, Corgis are also are quite popular in herding trials, dog agility, flyball and even obedience! They may be extremely intelligent dogs, but they are still sensitive. Training should be gentle, positive and continuous - you should NEVER use intensive physical correction on them.

There really isn’t much a Pembroke Welsh Corgi can’t excel at! (Although I may be a bit biased!) Since I was ten years old, I’ve grown up with Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They are not only great family dogs, but my guys always did well with our other pets (cats, rabbits, etc.) and my childhood friends. My first Pembroke, Oliver (who is now 11 years old), continues to make everyday I spend with him special. He hasn’t changed or slowed down even a bit since I brought him home as a puppy. He enjoys long hikes, rough housing with his toys, eating breakfast and dinner, and when I come home from work with a special treat or just my full attention. I’ll always be a number one fan of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and I think everyone also should be too!

For more information on this charming breed visit the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.

written by Stephanie Teed