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Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Welsh Corgi Pembroke
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1200s

In the Pembrokeshire district of Wales, the Corgi without a tail has been the all around farm dog for centuries. It is an excellent cattle drover and vermin router. Although it has been interbred with the Cardigan Corgi since the 19th Century, it did not have the same ancestors. The Cardigan has dachshunds and farm collies in its background and the Pembroke descended from northern spitz type dogs. The small size is an asset in the Corgi's style of droving. It nips the heels of the cows and when they kick in retaliation, it drops to the ground to avoid the flying heels. The little dog is fearless; seemingly unaware that it is so small. The first Corgis were shown in Britain in 1925 with both types in a single class. In 1934 the two varieties were separated for show purposes.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Ci Llaathaid (meaning Yard Long Dog)

AKC Group: Herding

Breed Club: Pembroke Welsch Corgi Club of America inc.

Rescue Club: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue

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Body Type:

  • Sturdy dog whose body is long in relationship to its very short legs
  • Muscular in appearance
  • Height: 10-12 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 25-38 pounds
  • The tail is very short and, if not naturally bobtail, is always docked
  • The ears are erect, of medium size and are not altered. The Pembroke's ears are set closer together and are smaller than the Cardigan's

Personality:

  • Bright and alert but only moderately active
  • Intelligent and very willing to please
  • Easily trained
  • However, the Corgi will train you with ease if you are not careful
  • Playful nature
  • Excellent with children
  • Good watchdog
  • Reserved with strangers
  • Noisy

Coat:

  • The straight, medium-length coat lies flat and is harsh to the touch
  • Permissible colors are red, sable, fawn, black, or tan, with or without white markings
  • Minimal amount of grooming necessary

Health Concerns:

  • Generally robust
  • Tends to have back problems
  • Possible eye disorders
  • Possible bleeding disorders
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • The Pembroke is much more popular than the Cardigan. It enjoys the patronage of the Queen of England. Her father King George VI gave two Pembrokes to his daughters as childhood pets. She still fancies the breed and is often photographed with them
  • Does well in an apartment. Owners often have two Corgis so they can amuse themselves when left alone