Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts

Let’s talk about… Pembroke Welsh Corgis: what are they?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an adorable and intelligent breed that originated in Wales, United Kingdom.
They are known for their distinctive appearance with short legs, long bodies, and expressive faces.
Despite their small stature, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are sturdy and energetic dogs.
This breed was famously loved and owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
On average, male Pembroke Welsh Corgis stand between 25-30cm tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 24-28cm in height.
Their weight typically ranges from 11-14 kg.
These delightful dogs have a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Exercise Needs 4/5 Grooming Ease 3/5 Trainability 3/5

What is the temperament of Pembroke Welsh Corgis like?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
They are intelligent, alert, and make excellent family pets.
Corgis are highly affectionate and thrive on human companionship.
They are generally good with children and can get along well with other pets when properly socialised from a young age.
Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a herding background and may exhibit some herding instincts. They may try to herd their family members, including children or other pets by nipping at their heels. Early training and socialisation can help minimise this behaviour.
They excel in obedience and agility activities and enjoy mental stimulation.

How much exercise do Pembroke Welsh Corgis need?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis may have short legs, but they are active and energetic dogs that require daily exercise.
On average, they need around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise each day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. This exercise should include walks, playtime, and interactive games.
It's important to note that while exercise is necessary, care should be taken not to overexert them due to their long bodies and short legs. Activities that involve jumping or putting excessive strain on their backs should be avoided. Regular moderate exercise, such as brisk walks or short runs, is beneficial for their overall well-being.
When it comes to exercise for Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies, it's important to provide them with age-appropriate activities. Their exercise needs should be gradually increased as they grow and develop.
Puppies should have shorter exercise sessions multiple times throughout the day, totalling around 30 minutes to 1 hour. As they mature and their bodies strengthen, they can gradually increase their exercise duration.
Full exercise at an adult level can be expected when Pembroke Welsh Corgis are around 12 to 18 months old, but this can vary for individual dogs, every pup is an individual so your vet can advise on the exercise needs for your puppy.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis need grooming?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in a variety of coat colours including red, tri-colour, fawn and sable.
They have a medium-length double coat that consists of a dense undercoat and a slightly longer, weather-resistant outer coat.
Despite their fluffy appearance, they have relatively low grooming needs.
Regular brushing is recommended to help remove loose hair and prevent matting.
It's generally sufficient to brush them once or twice a week. However, during shedding seasons, they may require more frequent brushing to manage the increased hair loss.
Bathing should be done as needed, typically every 2-3 months or when they get dirty.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis easy to train?

Corgis are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them generally responsive to training.
They can sometimes be a bit stubborn though, so patience and positive reinforcement are key in their training.
Early socialisation is essential for Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies to ensure they grow into well-behaved and well-adjusted adults.
Expose them to various people, animals, sounds, and environments to help them become confident and adaptable.
Basic obedience training should start early and be reinforced throughout their lives. Corgis can learn a wide range of commands and tricks, and they enjoy mentally stimulating activities such as puzzle toys or interactive games.
Remember to keep training sessions fun, varied, and engaging to prevent boredom.

What do Pembroke Welsh Corgis eat?

A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for the overall health and well-being of Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Feeding them high-quality commercial small/medium dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended.
They should be fed twice daily as adults, or as directed by your vet.
Puppies require a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development. It's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and consult with your veterinarian for any specific dietary recommendations, but in general feed puppies 3-4 time a day until they are 6 months old when it moves down to twice a day.
Avoid overfeeding and monitor their weight to prevent obesity.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis healthy?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and take preventive measures. Some health concerns that can affect Pembroke Welsh Corgis include:

Bones and Joints

Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis

Eyes

Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation

Neurological

Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits

Urinary

Bladder Stones - Stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.