Pembroke Welsh Corgi
AKC & CKC Herding Group
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- Active individuals or families who enjoy daily walks and activities
- Those wanting a loyal, affectionate companion that's good with children
- First-time dog owners who can provide consistent training
• Excellent family dogs: Friendly, good with children, and generally sociable with other pets.
• Highly intelligent: Quick learners who excel in obedience, agility, and trick training.
• Adaptable size: Small enough for apartments but sturdy enough for active lifestyles.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You dislike shedding (they shed heavily year-round)
- You prefer a quiet dog (Corgis can be vocal and barky)
- You want a low-energy companion (they're surprisingly active)
• Heavy shedding: Require regular brushing to manage their double coat.
• Herding instincts: May nip at heels, especially with running children.
• Prone to obesity: Need careful diet management due to their structure.
Owner Suitability
P Pembroke Welsh Corgis are big dogs in small packages—intelligent, energetic, and full of personality. Despite their short legs, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their strong herding instincts may lead them to 'organize' your household, and early training is essential to manage barking and stubbornness. Expect year-round shedding despite regular grooming. With proper care, they're loyal, affectionate companions.Stats:
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 28-30 pounds
- Coat: Medium-length double coat
- Colors: Red, sable, fawn, black/tan (with or without white markings)
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
Despite their small size, Corgis are sturdy, athletic dogs with surprising speed and endurance.
Origin & History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi traces its roots to the rugged hills of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where these sturdy little dogs earned their keep as indispensable farm helpers. Bred by Welsh farmers as early as the 10th century, their short stature proved perfect for herding cattle - they could nip at the heels of livestock while deftly dodging kicks with their low profile and agile movements.
These intelligent herders didn't just move livestock - they guarded homesteads, hunted vermin, and served as all-purpose farm dogs. The breed gained royal favor when King George VI gifted young Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) with a Pembroke in 1933, beginning her lifelong devotion to the breed.
Today, while still capable herders, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have transitioned primarily to beloved companions. They shine in dog sports like agility and obedience, and serve as excellent therapy dogs. Their combination of intelligence, affectionate nature, and comical personality has made them one of the most recognizable and adored breeds worldwide.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: High energy; needs 45-60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. | ✓ | ||||
| Ease Of Training: Highly intelligent but can be stubborn. | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Heavy; thick double coat releases heavy fur year-round with seasonal blowing | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Moderate shedding; weekly brushing required. | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Excellent with children when properly socialized. | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Excellent alert barker with protective instincts. | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Good for active first-time owners. | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Strong; may chase small animals. | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Vocal breed; may bark excessively if not trained. | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Good, when properly socialized; herding instincts may lead to bossy or nippy behavior. | ✓ |
Health Considerations
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Spinal issues due to long back
- Hip Dysplasia: Common despite small size
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Inherited eye disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy: Progressive spinal cord disorder
- Obesity: Prone to weight gain which exacerbates back problems
- Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting disorder
- Epilepsy: Higher incidence than many breeds
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.