Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a wonderfully affectionate breed. Despite their small stature, they're surprisingly athletic.

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 0ft 10in - 1ft 0in
Weight: 26-30lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 14 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly4/5
  • Stranger-Friendly3/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount3/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount4/5
  • Easy to Train3/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need4/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance4/5
  • Heat Tolerance4/5
  • Apartment-Friendly4/5

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Information

Of the two Corgi breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular one. It is similar to the Cardigan Corgi, but with straighter, more petite legs and a shorter body. His ears are adorably upright and alert, and his face always seems to have a happy, mischievous look. He’s one of the few dogs who doesn’t have a tail.

People with Pembroke Welsh Corgis will find them to be smart, sensitive, and affectionate. He can be bold at times, but never too much so. Despite his odd body shape, this breed is quite athletic, doing exceptionally well at dog shows.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been traced back as far as 1107 AD. It's believed that they were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers. They used the dogs to herd cattle and sheep. The name comes from Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Queen Elizabeth II is famous for having corgis since her first dog Dookie who she got in 1933. She ceased breeding corgis in 2012 to ensure none were left when she passes.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Training & Temperament

Pembrokes can tend to have a mind of their own but respond well with slow patient training. It's best to start them young with both training and socialization, so they're comfortable around various people and places.

They're happy to please their owners and seek attention from anyone they meet if socialized properly. They have a herding instinct and might nip at ankles as a puppy. They also may chase after anything that moves.

pembroke welsh corgi breed photo

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Exercise

These Corgis were raised to herd livestock, so they have a good amount of energy to expend. They enjoy long walks or jogs, but nothing too fast as they have short legs. They also do well with canine activities like agility, herding, obedience, and tracking. Avoid extreme heat or cold exposure.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming

Pembrokes shed moderately throughout the year and more so during the early summer. Brushing them will help contain the hair. Bathing can also help remove loose hair, but only brush them when dry. Their ears should be checked and cleaned and their nails trimmed regularly.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health

Pembrokes are typically a healthy breed. They are prone to obesity and should be carefully watched to maintain a healthy weight. Their teeth should be brushed to keep them clean.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Welsh_Corgi, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis be apartment dogs?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of space, so they should adapt well to apartment living.

Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis be left alone?

While Pembroke Welsh Corgis prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good with kids?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis do well with kids. Supervise them closely, as with any dog, but they are unlikely to become aggressive.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis friendly with strangers?

Although Pembroke Welsh Corgis can take a bit to warm up, they are mostly friendly with strangers.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis get along with other dogs?

Although Pembroke Welsh Corgis will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues that socialization can help.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Pembroke Welsh Corgis bark an average amount. Expect barking to alert you, get attention, or react to strangers and other dogs.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed a lot?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed quite a bit. Brush them often to limit the hair on floors and clothing.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis need a lot of grooming?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis don't require very much grooming. Typical maintenance and baths are enough.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis need a lot of exercise?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a good amount of energy and needs walks and play to stay happy.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis easy to train?

Although Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be a challenge to train, they can learn with dedicated work or some professional help.

Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis handle cold weather?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they handle colder climates well.

Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis handle hot weather?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis do well in hot climates and can stay out longer without overheating.

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