Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Quick Summary
Intelligent, active herders in a compact package. Ideal for engaged owners seeking a smart, affectionate companion. Consider exercise needs and potential health issues.
Contents
Weight Range
28-30 lbs
♂ Male: 24-31 lbs
♀ Female: 24-28 lbs
Height Range
25-30 inches
♂ Male: 10-12"
♀ Female: 10-12"
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Herding Group
Originally bred for Welsh farmers developed these dogs in medieval Pembrokeshire for herding cattle and sheep
Popularity
#13
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 10"-12" |
| Female Height | 10"-12" |
| Male Weight | 24-31 lbs |
| Female Weight | 24-28 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $800-2000 for purebred puppies. Monthly expenses cover quality food, regular grooming, and preventive healthcare. Consider potential costs for back-related health issues and regular veterinary care.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Pembroke Welsh Corgis combine intelligence with a friendly, outgoing nature. Their high energy levels and herding instincts influence daily behavior. Naturally alert and protective, they make excellent watchdogs while maintaining an affectionate disposition.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring regular family interaction. Generally good with other pets but may try to herd them. Can become anxious if left alone for extended periods. Benefits from early socialization.
Breed Overview
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive fox-like faces and short legs. Their double coat comes in red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and agility, featuring a long body, erect ears, and their signature stubby tail. Their alert expression and confident bearing reflect their heritage as capable herding dogs.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Intelligent and trainable
- ✓ Affectionate with family
- ✓ Good watchdog
- ✓ Compact size
- ✓ Long lifespan
Cons
- ✗ Heavy shedder
- ✗ Can be vocal
- ✗ Prone to back problems
- ✗ Strong herding instinct
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Regularly |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 45-60 minutes of daily exercise through herding activities, brisk walks, or agility training. High-intensity play sessions should be balanced with mental stimulation. Their working dog heritage demands regular physical outlets.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Consider joint-supporting nutrients due to their body structure. Monitor weight carefully to prevent obesity, which can stress their long backs.
Feed 1-1.5 cups high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Choose food appropriate for small, active breeds. Include joint-supporting nutrients. Adjust portions based on activity level and weight management needs.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartments or houses with secure yards. Needs moderate space for indoor activity. Thrives in temperate climates but can manage various weather conditions with proper care.
Requires moderate indoor space despite small size. Thrives with access to a secure yard but can adapt to apartment living with sufficient exercise. Needs space to move freely without stressing their backs.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Medieval farmers in Pembrokeshire, Wales, developed these dogs for herding cattle and sheep. Their unique body structure allowed them to nip at livestock's heels while dodging kicks. Legend connects them to Welsh fairies who used them as war horses.
Historical Purpose
Welsh farmers developed these dogs in medieval Pembrokeshire for herding cattle and sheep. Their low stature helped them avoid kicks while nipping at livestock's heels.
Fun Fact
Queen Elizabeth II was a lifelong Pembroke Welsh Corgi enthusiast, owning over 30 during her reign.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular brushing needed during heavy shedding seasons. Back health requires careful monitoring. Exercise should avoid high jumps or stairs to protect spine.