Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Get to Know Pembroke Welsh Corgis

• Royal Favorites: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are famously known as the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned more than 30 Corgis during her reign. Their connection to the British monarchy has made them iconic.
• Herding Instincts: Despite their small size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally bred for herding cattle in Wales. They are highly agile and have strong herding instincts, often nipping at the heels of livestock to keep them in line.
• Distinctive Appearance: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their short legs, long bodies, and fox-like faces. They have a naturally bobbed tail, which distinguishes them from their close relatives, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis, who have long tails.
• Intelligent and Trainable: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly intelligent and easy to train. They excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials, making them popular in dog sports and activities.
• Social and Outgoing: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their social and outgoing personalities. They enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. They are also known for their playful nature and enjoy engaging in interactive games.

Breed History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog that has become one of the most popular and recognizable breeds worldwide. Originating in Wales, United Kingdom, around the 10th century, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is believed to have descended from dogs brought by Flemish weavers who settled in Wales. These early dogs were likely crossbred with local Welsh dogs, resulting in a robust, hardworking herder. Corgis were originally used for herding cattle and driving livestock due to their low stature and quick agility. They have been the favored companions of Welsh royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned several throughout her reign. Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi remains a beloved companion and show dog, known for its playful, affectionate, and intelligent nature.

Personality and Behaviour

• Friendly and Social: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their friendly, social, and outgoing personality. They enjoy being around people and can be very affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions for singles, families, and seniors alike. They are generally good with children and other pets, though their herding instinct might cause them to try to ‘herd’ smaller animals or even family members by nudging or barking.
• Intelligent and Quick Learners: Corgis are intelligent and quick to learn, excelling in obedience and agility training. They are often used as working dogs in various roles due to their problem-solving abilities and eagerness to please their owners. Their intelligence also means they can be somewhat stubborn at times, so training should be consistent and patient. Positive reinforcement techniques are particularly effective with this breed.
• Alert and Protective: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known to be alert and protective. They make excellent watchdogs, barking to alert their owners of strangers or any unusual activity around the house. Their loyalty to their families can sometimes translate to a strong guarding instinct, making them natural protectors of their home.

Care

• Exercise: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. While they do not require extensive exercise, they need daily physical activity to keep them fit and happy. Corgis are highly adaptable and can thrive in apartment living as long as they receive daily walks and playtime to meet their energy needs.
• Grooming: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Weekly brushing is recommended to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Corgis shed heavily twice a year, so more frequent grooming may be needed at these times. Routine care also includes regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to maintain overall health.
• Training and Socialization: Training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be a fun and rewarding experience, as they are eager to learn and enjoy mental challenges. However, they can also be independent and stubborn, so training should be consistent and firm yet gentle. Early socialization is key to helping them become well-adjusted and to prevent any potential herding or guarding behavior from becoming a problem. Exposure to various people, animals, and environments from a young age will help them develop into confident and well-rounded dogs.