If you are looking for a small dog to add to your family, you might want to consider the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Often confused with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is probably best known as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite breed. They are affectionate, intelligent, and energetic, making them ideal for more active families.
For those who don’t know much about this breed, below you will find everything you need to know about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi – from breed history to lesser-known facts. With this information, you can decide if this is the right dog for you.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been around for a long time. They were once used for herding sheep, cattle, and other livestock, but today they are primarily family pets. Due to their friendly nature, Corgis make great pets, but they are quite active, so you must be prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise and physical activity.
Breed Overview
| Height | Weight | Lifespan | Colors | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-12 inches | 25-30 pounds | 12–15 years | sable, fawn, red, black, and tan | friendly, playful, intelligent |
Origin and History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The exact origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is unknown, but it is believed to date back to 1107 AD. They were brought to England by Flemish weavers when Henry I invited weavers to work and live in Wales. These weavers brought dogs used for herding sheep and cattle; these dogs are thought to be the foundation for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi we know today.
These dogs were originally used as guard dogs, herding dogs, and, of course, family pets. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II was a huge fan and owned Pembroke Welsh Corgis from 1933 onwards!
Temperament and Intelligence of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Although the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is small in size, they have a big personality! They are playful and affectionate with their families. They love to play and can be quite active (after all, they used to chase sheep and cattle). Their past as herding dogs makes them brave and very agile, but they can have an independent streak and a desire to do things their way.
Corgis are extremely intelligent, so they are easy to train and excel in agility training and competitions. Since they are very loyal and loving to their families, they can also make fantastic watchdogs. Early training and plenty of activity will keep your dog happy and healthy!
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Since they are very friendly, they get along well with children of all ages, but children should be taught how to handle them properly. Although they are muscular and capable of defending themselves, they are still small and should not be involved in rough play. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi will happily join family members for walks, hikes, or backyard games. They can be energetic, so be prepared for lots of play! Due to their herding background, they also have a protective nature, so they can make excellent watchdogs who will look after all family members.
Do They Get Along with Other Pets?
Corgis can get along with other animals, including dogs and cats. However, due to their independent nature, they may be a bit indifferent toward other dogs in the household. They are likely to tolerate smaller animals, and since their prey drive is not high, they should not chase them. However, if your dog is properly trained and socialized from a young age, you shouldn’t encounter too many issues with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and other pets.
Things to Know About Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There is much more to know about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi than what has been mentioned. You need to know how to properly care for your dog, including grooming, diet, and more.
Dietary Requirements:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi will thrive on high-quality dog food that is suitable for their age and size. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate amount to feed your dog each day, as serving sizes on dog food bags are not always accurate. This is especially important for Corgis, as they are prone to weight gain. Also, look for healthy, low-calorie treats for your dog.
Exercise:
Since they were originally bred for herding, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are fairly active dogs. They need about an hour of exercise and play each day. They enjoy long walks or runs, but due to their short legs, they won’t be able to keep up with runners or cyclists. They can also participate in tracking, herding, and agility competitions. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are happiest when they have a task to complete, so let them “help” around the house. They enjoy games like fetch and mental stimulation activities like puzzles.
Training:
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very intelligent, so they are easy to train. However, you may sometimes encounter problems due to their independent nature. Occasionally, they want to do things their way! Still, training should be relatively simple. Don’t forget to start socializing your Pembroke Welsh Corgi from a young age, so they learn to get along with other animals and people!
Grooming:
Due to their thick double coat, Corgis shed a lot. To keep their coat healthy and shiny, you should brush it daily with a slicker brush to remove loose hair. This will reduce the amount of hair on your furniture. When shedding season comes, from late spring to early summer, you’ll also need to use a rake to strip their undercoat. In addition to minimizing loose hair, you should regularly brush your dog’s teeth, bathe them as needed, and trim their nails.
Health and Conditions:
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are relatively healthy but are prone to certain health issues. Specifically, they may develop skeletal or joint problems, so if you get your dog from a breeder, ensure the breeder has conducted all necessary tests.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Here are a few fun facts about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi you may not have known:
1. The Word “Corgi” Means “Dwarf Dog” in Welsh. Some believe the word “Corgi” comes from “cor,” meaning to watch over, and “gi,” meaning dog; others think “cor” means dwarf, translating to “dwarf dog.”
2. One of These Dogs Was Amazon’s Mascot! Amazon’s editor-in-chief had a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Rufus who came to work every day. Rufus soon became the company’s unofficial mascot and helped foster its dog-friendly culture.
3. This Breed Is Enchanted. Legend says that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi worked for the Fae, pulling carriages and serving as steeds for fairy warriors.
How to find Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies?
You may have difficulty finding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. There is a high chance that you will need to get your Pembroke Welsh Corgi from a reputable breeder. You can find many reputable breeders through the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.
When you get your puppy, you can expect a lively and intelligent dog! Your Corgi puppy will love to play and should respond well to training (although this dog can have a bit of a stubborn streak). Your puppy may be quite vocal until you teach it to bark less, so be aware of this.
Conclusion
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a sweet, energetic, and loyal dog that makes a wonderful pet for families and individuals. They love running with kids, going on walks, and being involved in everything you do. The biggest downside to Corgis is probably their tendency to bark, but if you start training them early, you should be able to curb excessive barking.
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