The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed of small to medium-sized herding dog with a sturdy build, known for its low-set body, large erect ears, and stubby tail. They are among the most agreeable of all small house dogs, strong, athletic, and lively little herders who are affectionate and companionable without being needy.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are quick, intelligent, and have a forceful will. They are active, animated dogs and are known for their enthusiasm for being a part of the action. These dogs are achondroplastic, which is a dwarf breed with shortened legs. They still handle livestock much larger than they are, and to do so, use speed, a quick nip, and sheer determination.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis make biddable, fun-loving family members and gentle, playful companions with children. They are moderately outgoing toward strangers, good with other dogs and pets, and willing to please, which makes them quick learners. Reward-based training using food or play is best for them. Some can bark a lot.

Appearance of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a short-legged breed with a sturdy build. According to the American Kennel Club, a well-built male Pembroke stands 25-30 cm at the shoulder and weighs 12–15 kilos. They have short but powerful legs, muscular thighs, and a deep chest that equip them for their herding duties. They are also known for their low-set body, large erect ears, and stubby tail. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a fox-like snout and erect, triangular ears. They have a thick coat that sheds heavily, so frequent grooming is needed.

Grooming

Coat

• Corgi’s have a thick coat that sheds heavily and requires frequent brushing and grooming.
• The coat should be brushed at least once a week to keep it in good condition.
• Regular bathing is also needed to keep the coat clean and healthy.

Ears

• The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent any dirt or debris from accumulating.
• If necessary, use a damp cloth or cotton swab with an ear cleaner to gently remove any excess wax.
• Avoid using sharp objects such as tweezers or q-tips as this could cause damage to the ear canal.

Eyes

• The eyes should be carefully checked to make sure they are free of any dirt, debris, or odors.
• Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris.
• If necessary, use a tear stain remover to help reduce the appearance of tear staining.

Nails

• Nail trimming should be done regularly to keep the nails from becoming too long and uncomfortable for the dog.
• Use a nail trimmer specifically designed for dogs and cut them at a 45-degree angle.
• Make sure to avoid cutting the quick, which is the sensitive area of the nail.

Anal Glands

• Anal glands should be checked and cleaned regularly to keep them from becoming impacted.
• If necessary, the anal glands can be manually expressed by a veterinarian or a professional groomer.
• Monitor the glands and seek veterinary care if they become irritated or infected.

Feet

• The feet should be checked regularly to make sure they are free of any dirt, debris, or odors.
• Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris.
• If necessary, use a paw balm or moisturizer to help keep the feet soft and supple.

Skin

• The skin should be checked regularly for any signs of dryness, flakiness, or irritation.
• Use a pet-safe shampoo and conditioner to help keep the skin and coat healthy.
• Consider using a hypoallergenic shampoo or a medicated shampoo if needed.

Diet

• A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for keeping the Pembroke Welsh Corgi healthy.
• Choose a diet that is rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
• Avoid any foods that contain artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Character

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are active, intelligent, and eager to please. Here are some of the typical character traits of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

• Affectionate: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their affectionate nature and love to be around people. They are loyal and loving companions and are often referred to as “big dogs in small bodies.”
• Intelligent: These dogs are highly intelligent and quick learners. They are known to excel in obedience training and are often seen participating in dog sports such as agility and herding.
• Energetic: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an active breed and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
• Playful: These dogs have a playful and curious nature and enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners.
• Good with Children: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their good nature with children. They are gentle and patient and make great family pets.
• Good with other pets: Pembroke Welsh Corgis can get along well with other pets as long as they are socialized properly and introduced gradually. It’s important to always supervise interactions and use positive reinforcement techniques to help them learn to behave appropriately around other animals.
• Alert and Protective: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a strong instinct to protect their families and can be quite vocal when they perceive a threat.
• Independent: These dogs have a strong will and can be independent in nature. They require consistent training and socialization to help them become well-behaved members of the family.

Overall, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly and outgoing breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike.

Exercise needs and training

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a herding breed that is energetic, smart, and has a ton of stamina. As per Stumps and Rumps, a full-grown Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be getting at least 1 hour of physical exercise each day. For puppies, a good rule to follow is “5 minutes of exercise for every month of their age.” A 6-month-old Corgi puppy should be able to walk for around half an hour. However, you should always look at their behavior and make sure you’re not tiring them out completely.

Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the exercise routine includes daily physical activity such as long walks, playing fetch, and other activities that will keep the Corgi active and engaged.

Training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is essential to ensure that they are well-behaved and happy members of your family. Here are some tips for training your Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

1. Start Early: Start training your Pembroke Welsh Corgi as soon as you bring them home. This will help them learn good behaviors and habits from the beginning.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior. This will help your Pembroke Welsh Corgi learn to associate good behavior with positive outcomes.
3. Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your training. Use the same commands and rules every time, so your Pembroke Welsh Corgi understands what is expected of them.
4. Be Patient and Persistent: Training takes time, so be patient and persistent. Don’t expect your Pembroke Welsh Corgi to learn everything overnight. Consistent training over time will yield better results.
5. Socialization: Socialization is crucial to help your Pembroke Welsh Corgi become a well-adjusted and friendly dog. Introduce them to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age.
6. Basic Commands: Teach your Pembroke Welsh Corgi basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leave it. These commands will help them learn to behave appropriately in different situations.
7. Obedience Training: Consider taking your Pembroke Welsh Corgi to obedience training classes. These classes will help you learn how to train your dog effectively and provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs.

Overall, training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires patience, persistence, and consistency. With positive reinforcement techniques and proper socialization, your Pembroke Welsh Corgi can become a well-behaved and happy member of your family.

Some facts about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being an agreeable and loyal pet for families. Here are some fun facts about the breed:

1. Many Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born without tails due to centuries of tail docking. The breed has evolved to be nearly tailless.
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their quick intelligence and forceful will. Despite their small size, they are still able to handle livestock much larger than they are.
3. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a strong, athletic dog that was originally developed to herd cattle and other livestock.
4. Corgis benefit from moderate physical activity and are happiest when they have a job to do.
5. Despite their short stature, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a reputation for being wonderful companions.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active, animated dogs that do not ever want to be left out of the action. In their own minds, they are big dogs in small bodies.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are great watch dogs due to their alert nature.