Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Right for You?
In recent years the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has surged in popularity, thanks to the breed’s adorable antics and interesting looks. Popular Instagram accounts, such as Ralph the Corgi, have also encouraged the breed’s recent success. Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi right for you?
Temperament
Pembroke Welsh Corgis (which are distinct from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi) are highly intelligent dogs that are renowned for their working ability. They are both affectionate and alert, and make wonderful family companions and watch dogs. They can be bold, but are kind in their ways.
Size, Coloring, and Upkeep
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are recognized for their long bodies, erect, triangle-shaped ears, and absence of a tail. They are small and sturdy dogs, weighing 22 – 31 lbs, depending on sex. Their coats are short and stiff with the long-coat “fluffy” variation considered a fault. The American Kennel Club recognizes four colors of Pembroke Welsh Corgi: black & tan, fawn, red, and sable. White markings are the only permissible marking for the breed. Upkeep is fairly easy due to their short coat and shedding that occurs only in the fall and spring months.
Other Pets?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a strong herding instinct and should be properly socialized with other animals from a young age, particularly cats. This breed tends to get along well with other dogs.
Children?
As natural herders, Pembroke Welsh Corgis will chase any human or animal that runs, and may nip at a person’s heels. It is important to socialize corgis to children otherwise heel nipping may become dangerous. Besides this habit, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a great companion for families.
Training
As with all dogs, training is a requirement for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Due to the breed’s superior intelligence, basic obedience training can be completed quickly. A common problem is separation anxiety, with 30% of AKC registrants reporting that Pembroke Welsh Corgis do not handle time alone very well. Therefore, crate training may be necessary. Additionally, these corgis should not be trusted off-leash due to their chasing instincts.
Feeding
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can develop significant back problems when overweight, so care should be taken to ensure they are fed high quality, appropriately sized meal portions.
Exercise
Thanks to the breed’s history as a working dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are extremely active and are happiest when given a job to perform. Despite its small stature, this dog does well with long walks, hikes, runs, and bicycle rides. Structured activity is best, as opposed to time simply spent in a fenced-in yard.
Health
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are achondroplastic, meaning they are a true dwarf breed and therefore suffer from associated health conditions. Due to their long backs, intervertebral disc disease is common, as well as canine hip dysplasia. Additionally, Pembroke Welsh Corgis may suffer from lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, urinary stones, and Von Willebrand’s Disease at a disproportionate rate from other breeds. When purchasing a corgi from a breeder, proof of genetic testing is a must.
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