You’ve got to be having a pretty lousy day if even the site of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi can’t put a smile on your face! This is why it’s no surprise that this little lovable guy has gone from being a very productive member of the family to now a highly desirable companion and “show dog” sometimes!
But just because…
So many other folks seem to have fallen head over heels for these little guys doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be the “right” dog breed for you. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what it might be like to own one of these cute little guys so that if you’re ever allowed to make one of them your own, you’ll know for sure if that’s a good idea or not.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Wales
Original Purpose: Cattle driver and small game hunter
Height: About 10 to 12 inches.
Weight: between 25 to 35 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Herding group
Life-Span: 12-14 years.
Origins of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed
The Pembroke Corgis are thought to have descended from the Teckel strand of dog breeds. This is a beneficial statement if you know exactly what a “teckel” strand of dog is, so let’s take a moment and describe precisely what that is. You see, a “Teckel” is used mainly to define a “type” of dog with a long body, deep chest, and short legs. These dogs have traditionally been known to be fantastic hunters of small game and vermin and are best represented by the Dachshund breed.
And early on…
The Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis were lumped into the “category” of dogs and fell under the vague title of “Welsh Corgi” for quite some time. It is believed that both the Pembroke Welsh corgis and the Cardigan Welsh corgis were bred as herders: dogs that would patrol the farms of the Welsh countryside and secure them from vermin or chase their cattle, where needed. Their speculated beginnings in the twelfth century mean they have worked by our sides for hundreds of years.
And even though…
These two breeds remain as some of the oldest remembered working breeds in the world – it wasn’t until the beginning of last century that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog came to be “officially” recognized as two segregated breeds. Until then, they were regarded as one, and there was copious in-fighting between the two factions regarding which breed was the superior Corgi. Even today, there remains a little healthy rivalry between warring breeders (Which is a topic we’re not even going to get close to discussing)!
In modern times…
Both “types” of Corgi frequently show at Dog shows (e.g., CRUFTS) and make valuable little buddies and clever and relentlessly loyal watchdogs. Even though these little guys were initially intended to “function” as farm watchdogs and vermin controllers, these herding dogs gradually evolved to do all sorts of exciting farm jobs. Today’s resulting breed is wary and watchful while still desperate for attention like any normal family pet should be.
Which is probably why…
The American Kennel Club (AKC) decided to set the Breed standard very early in 1935 when they were officially recognized as an altogether independent breed from Pembroke. Parties were held throughout Wales as both sides of the great debate finally settled their differences and celebrated together.
It was a magical moment for Britain.
Physical Characteristics
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog weighing 25-35 lbs. and standing about a foot tall. They range in colors from sable, blue belton, black & gold, tan, blue, and fawn. One of the nice things about these dogs is that their coats (despite having a double coat) are manageable and don’t require more than the typical brushing every couple of days.
The difference between the two Corgi’s!
Unlike his Cardigan counterpart, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has no tail! The Cardigan’s seat is set low and does not curl over its back. Also, Welsh Corgis are fast and will want to go on many walks and play with you. After all, they’re a part of the “herding group,” meaning they will be ready and eager for a good chase and need lots of mental stimulation!
It should also be pointed out…
That Welsh Corgi bark often, so please know this “trait” before purchasing your new Cardigan Welsh Corgi Puppy! This is why if you live in an apartment or a house with really close neighbors, there’s a good chance this might not be the right dog for you! This is if you want to stay on good terms with your neighbors/landlord.
Personality and Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is sometimes known to be more affectionate than its Cardigan counterpart. But of course, each dog is different, so take this with a grain of salt. They are going to be very active and full of beans for their comparably small size and are likely to guard your house against every single stranger who walks past (remember that barking we talked about?)– so if you have thin walls and angry neighbors, the Corgi might not be for you.
Also…
Welsh corgis are fast and will want to go on plenty of walks, exercise, and play with you. After all, they have that herding instinct, which means they will be ready and eager for a good chase! This is why these guys are excellent family dogs that will be gentle and careful with your children. These little guys are generally best kept indoors and close to their humans for optimal results. Early socialization is essential with any new puppy. Still, if you would like your Corgi to get on well with other puppies and “furry” family members, then it is essential.
As far as guard dogs go…
They’ll provide an excellent early warning system without scaring your guests or loved ones away while providing a friendly, active, and adoring pet for your kiddies.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does have the perfect mix of pet and working dog in its blood and will make a great family member that will always, always, always be ecstatic to see you when you arrive home… he’s just quite likely to let your neighbors know your home, as well.
Potential Health Concerns
The Pembroke is a generally healthy dog, although it does have slightly more common conditions than the Cardigan. That said, however, they tend to suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia in their elder years and may suffer from disc problems on their backs.
- Epilepsy (This is one that the Cardigans aren’t susceptible to)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can lead to blindness.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWDI) is an inherited bleeding disorder that disrupts the normal blood coagulation process in affected dogs.
- Degenerative Myelopathy is a severe disease that can eventually paralyze the hind legs of affected dogs.
- Intervertebral Disk Disease, which affects the spine and its disks
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
