Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs Information

Written by: Susan Elliott

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names:

Common Misspellings:  Pembroke Welch Corgi, Penbroke Welsh Corgie, Corgie, Welch Corgie

Learn all about Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed. You'll find solid information about Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog history, Pembroke Welsh Corgi life expectancy Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog appearance, Pembroke Welsh Corgi temperament and personality, Pembroke Welsh Corgi health problems, Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy care, training Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breeder.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales as an all purpose working and herding dog. It is thought that this breed is a descendent from Spitz-type ancestors and was brought to Wales by Flemmish weavers. Over the generations that followed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's appearance and size evolved somewhat but his herding instincts remain.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a handsome and friendly dog. He is solidly built and naturally tailless. The Pembroke's temperament has been described as a big dog in a small body; distinct of character and heaps of fun.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Facts

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Height: 10 - 12 inches

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight: 27 pounds (male)
25 pounds (female)

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Color Variations: Red Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Sable Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Black and Tan Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Size Variations: All generally small. Females typically smaller than males.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Exercise Needs: Demanding

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming Demands: Moderate

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Trainability: Moderate

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Life Expectancy: 11 - 13 years

Average Pembroke Welsh Corgi Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: Yes

Breed Group: Herding

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog History

Although the precise ancestry of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is unclear, historians believe this breed dates back to the eleventh century. Early on, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was bred for practical purposes, namely herding sheep and cattle and occasionally herding the Welsh Pony. The Corgi's diminutive size was a fundamental qualification for this job because the Pembroke Welsh Corgi herded by nipping at heels while nimbly avoiding kicks to the head.

There is little doubt that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are related. In fact, until the early 20th century, both breeds were considered one diverse breed even though the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed separately in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The division resulted from early unsuccessful attempts at showing the Pembroke in the ring.

In 1926 a club was formed for the Pembroke and eager breeders swept the Pembroke Welsh Corgi from the farm to the ring. Not surprisingly, the judges were unimpressed and few people took notice of this dog. Undeterred, the breeders strove to capitalize on the Pembroke�s fetching, fox-like appearance. Their efforts resulted in the establishment of the modern day Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Perhaps the best known tidbit about the Pembroke is its connection to England's Royal Family. In 1933, King George VI purchased one for his daughter, Princess Elizabeth. Ever since, several Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been Her Majesty's beloved companion dogs.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Appearance

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is of short stature, smaller than his Cardigan Welsh Corgi sibling. This Corgi has sharp, fox-like expression and has no tail. The Pembroke is long and low with a thick neck and moderate bone density.
The most distinguishing feature of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are its stubby legs which are unpredictably powerful. Its coat is commonly red, sable or fawn, but black and tan are growing in popularity. White flashings are popular, but not essential.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has simple grooming requirements. A daily brush and a occasional bath will do. The exception to this rule is as the seasons change and your Pembroke sheds his winter coat. Much more frequent brushing will be needed.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Exercise Needs

If you happen to be at a professional crossroads and are considering sheep farming as a career, then the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the dog for you. Barring that, you will need to consider that the Pembroke�s compact legs need regular daily exercise with a distance in the region of 8 to 10 kilometers. More reasonably perhaps, try an off-leash dog park where your Pembroke can herd to his heart's content (however unsuccessfully).

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is active and quick-witted. He will seek any opportunity to play and will often revert to herding type games. This can be problematic for children whose role in the game, unbeknownst to them, is that of a cow whose heels will be nipped without warning. Strangers (mailmen, joggers and the like) may be wary of the Pembroke's bark, which unless curbed in training, can sound most unwelcoming. This perception contradicts the true temperament of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. When properly socialized, the Pembroke likes other pets, most dogs and even felines. In short, he is loving, amiable and unwaveringly loyal.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Training

Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners' primary training need is similar to that of other breeds. That is, training your Pembroke to evacuate outside. Crate training is typically effective here. The real challenge is curbing your Corgi's instinctual habit of heel nipping. This action is a throwback to his herding days and a means to move cattle over great distances. Your grandmother however, needs no such prodding but she will surely get it.

The jury is out about whether a water spay bottle is an effective tool for curbing this nipping behaviour. Some Corgis hate this technique and the nipping is then compounded with aggression.

Another technique is to roll the Pembroke onto his back as soon as he nips. This submissive position should be held until he is calm and understands the NO! command. With luck, your Corgi will obey, but don't dismay if he does not. There are many training centres that specialize in this behaviour so maybe professional trainers will find greater success.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health

Health concerns for your Pembroke Welsh Corgi include; Intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, CHD, epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, VWD, PRA, lens luxation, urinary stones.

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Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Right For You?

For the average person, hobnobbing with royalty is unlikely. But, for a glimpse into the life of a royal pet, look no further than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is an active and fun-loving dog with near boundless energy. Rural families are better suited for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi than are city folk as the exercise requirements can be daunting. And, if the only thing you herd is your children into a minivan, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can make a terrific pet.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Prices

Average Pembroke Welsh Corgi Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeders. We actively screen Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Pembroke Welsh Corgi Resources:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Profile
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pictures
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Videos

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