Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most welcoming house dogs. Even if you are living in a busy and crowded city area, this breed will be happy.
Overall, the popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an athletic, intelligent, and energetic little herder who is affectionate without being needy. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Quick Facts
Real name: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Other names: Pembrokes, PWCs or Pems
Origin: Wales, United Kingdom
Breed type: Herding Dogs
Weight: Male 24–31 lb (11–14 kg), Female 24–28 lb (11–13 kg)
Height: Male 10–12 in (25–30 cm), Female 10–12 in (25–30 cm)
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Color: Fawn, Black & Tan, Black & White, Red, Sable
Coat: Medium length, thick, weather-resist double coat
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – History
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is considered to be one of the younger breeds in the world. Still, their origin can be traced back to 1107 AD. The direct ancestors of this famous breed were brought across the channel by the Flemish weavers, who had been induced by Henry I of England to take up their abode in Wales.
Originally, the sturdy Pembroke Welsh Corgi is from Pembrokeshire, Wales. They were so popular that even today, they are included in traditional tales.
According to folklore and various tales, this breed is a result of sprang from the lairs of fairies and elves. The legend says that one day two children were out in the field, helping their family with cattle.
At one moment they found a couple of puppies. Initially, the children believed that they are foxes, but on the second look that noticed something unusual about them and took them home.
Their parents saw that the ‘foxes’ are actually dogs, puppies to be exact, and they told their children that the pups were a gift from the fairies that lived in the fields. Moreover, they said to them that fairies used them to pull their carriages and ride into battle. That’s how the legend was born.
As the puppies grew, they spent a lot of time with children and learned how to take care of the family’s cattle. Another tale claims that they are associated with Vikings and their folklore.
Either way, this breed has a mythical historical pedigree. One thing is for sure – they are working dogs. Apparently, they were great working dogs from day one; otherwise, they wouldn’t last for so long.
Moreover, AKC recognized Corgis as purebred dogs. In 1925 they were exhibited for the first time, and back then, they were known as Welsh Corgis.
The year 1934 was a huge milestone for this breed because the Kennel Club recognized the Pembroke and the Cardigan as two separate breeds, a move that AKC followed with a suit.
When it comes to official shows and Corgies, Pembrokes were first shown in the States in 1936. With each passing year their popularity grew, and today they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the States. They are also extremely popular with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England.
Queen received her first Corgi from her father, King George VI, in 1933.
The puppy was named Rozavel Golden Eagle and was a playmate for Elizabeth and her sister, Margaret. Ever since, the royal family is crazy about this breed, and now they have a pack of Corgies within their residence.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Physical Appearance
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact dogs in terms of size. They are between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders, and they usually don’t weigh more than 30 pounds.
For a small dog breed, Corgis are rather strong, fast, and sturdily built. They are also heavy-boned, and their appearance is fox-like.
They are also known for their pointy ears and reasonably long necks. Overall, this is a physically well-balanced breed with a deep chest, and a short tail.
According to the breed standards, the tail can be a maximum of inches in length. Their legs are always short, and the coat is medium-length, short, and weather-resistant.
Do not their short legs fool you, because these small size herders are among the best agility dogs – it’s common for this breed to first choice for agility training.
Their coat is always straight, while some waves are allowed. Their coat comes in a few colors, including black, tan, fawn, red, and sable.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Personality
Pembrokes are known for being real people-pleasers. They are also hilarious because they have such a playful spirit.
Did you know that they are even today active as working dogs? Although they are busy herding, the majority of Pembrokes are just pets nowadays.
According to their owners, Pembrokes are active, intelligent, loving, and overall happy dogs. They are also easy to train, although they know to be stubborn occasionally.
This comes as no surprise, considering the fact that they used to herd; therefore, they were independent dogs. One thing about Pembrokes is sure – they would never skip on any action.
Pembrokes are like super active large dogs in small bodies, so always expect an action.
They are not like Chihuahua or Pomeranian to be satisfied with a minimum of exercise. No, they will expect a lot of the time running, playing, and being outdoors.
Again, they used to herd and to herd animals that are significantly larger than they are – so, they are not scared to go over any obstacle.
They are also excellent watchdogs. In general, they love people, but they tend to be suspicious of strangers, and they will bark easily if they feel that any family member might be in danger, or they are.
Living With Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This hardy little dogs, demand time, care, and higher energy level. Living with them will be rewarding and fun. However, although Corgis are considered to be small dogs, they require a lot of energy and time.
They are easy to keep and train, but you will have to observe the Corgi’s diet. This breed is prone to obesity. So, if you are training your Corgi using treats, make sure that you don’t overdo it.
Otherwise, you can expect some serious weight loss plan, and more time outdoor with your Corgi. That being said, keep Corgis weight under control.
This breed is people-oriented, and they will love spending time with his family members.
They are quick to learn tricks, to demonstrate their sense of humor, but they also love to snooze all day long or spend hours sleeping.
They can be manipulative, so make sure to study dogs’ minds philosophy. Since they are great as watchdogs, you can expect excessive barking here and there.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Grooming
Since Pembrokes are double-coated, you will have to invest some time in grooming. With a thick undercoat and a longer topcoat, regular brushing is a must. You can expect heavier shedding at least twice a year, and regular shedding weekly.
Also, the length of the coat may vary on the body, from dog to dog. Some Corgis have fluffy coats, while others have straight and long hair. Many have what’s called a “fairy saddle” over their back.
Luckily, they are easy to groom, but if you don’t provide regular brushing, you can expect excessive shedding.
If you notice that your Corgi sheds more than usual, you should brush his coat every day, with no exceptions. Bath them only when needed, but brush their teeth regularly to avoid pale gums. Don’t forget to trim nails regularly, to prevent other problems.
If you are not sure how to cut dogs nails, let the professional do it – dogs nails have blood vessels, so if you cut too far you can cause bleeding. Check teeth and ears regularly.
Always make a positive experience from grooming.
Eyes should always be clean and clear, with no discharge or redness. It can help to look at dogs eyes frequently, so you can avoid any eye-related problems.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Training
Just like with all breeds, to have appropriately raised Pembrokes, you must provide early socialization and proper puppy training.
Since they are active dogs, make sure to introduce your dog to obedience training and teach him how to behave while on the leash.
Also, if you have children, make sure that you educate them on how to behave around the dogs.
Early socialization is the best way to train your dog. Since Pembrokes are active dogs, make training fun, engaging, and reward-based. Never apply any fear in the training process.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Health
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a relatively healthy and robust breed.
Responsible breeders will always screen their stock for any health issue, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac problems, eye disorders, a bleeding disorder, and degenerative myelopathy.
As with all breeds, eyes, ears, and teeth should be regularly checked.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – The Bottom Line
The famous Pembrokes are known for their forceful will and quick intelligence. Overall, these dogs are active, hardy, and they want to be part of the family at any time.
Although they are small, they have a high level of fro exercise. Originally bred to herd cattle, this breed went a long way from herding to being the ultimate pet.
If you are ready to invest your time and energy into raising a well-behaved Pembroke Welsh Corgi, than this dog might be just for you.
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