Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Also known as Corgi, Pembroke Corgi
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 30 cm
- Weight
- 9 to 12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a first dog
Less suited to
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A low-set, sturdy and well-built herding dog with a fox-like head and a lively expression. Some are born with a short tail, others with a full tail, which the FCI standard accepts. Intelligent and hardy, it has an unmistakable look.
History and origins
An old cattle-herding breed from Pembrokeshire, in Wales. According to tradition, its ancestors arrived with Flemish weavers in 1107. Its small size let it nip at the cattle’s heels while dodging their kicks.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative myelopathy
- von Willebrand disease
- Obesity
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Very heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Pembroke Welsh Corgi FAQ
How big does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi get?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands 25 to 30 cm at the withers and weighs 9 to 12 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Pembroke Welsh Corgi live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and herniated disc.
