Breed Family: Herding
Country of Origin: Wales
Size: Small, height 25-30cm, weight 11-15kg
Also Known as: Pembroke, PWC, Pem, Corgi
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Care Requirements: Medium
Exercise Requirements: Medium
General information and Appearance
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a compact little dog that sits low to the ground on short legs. Corgis are herding dogs that are also intelligent and affectionate. They do well in families, or doing work on farms.
This unique breed has medium-length straight fur set in a double-coat. The fur is weather-resistant and thick. Acceptable colours include red, sable, fawn and tri-colour. White markings are acceptable with the red, sable or fawn colours. Tri-colour Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a red head, black body and white markings or a black head with red and white markings. The coats do shed heavily, especially seasonally, so some brushing is required for this dog.
Proportionally, a Corgi is built like a medium-sized dog but is much shorter than other dogs with similar weights. They have long bodies and long tails, unless tails are docked. This breed is notable due to the fox-like shape of the head, with a wide, flat skull and a narrow muzzle.
Temperament
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are herding dogs, and as such, they are bold and energetic. They make very loving additions to any family. This breed interacts well with children and other animals as well. Due to the herding tendency of these dogs, they need to be trained as puppies not to bite at the ankles of their owners.
Corgis are very intelligent dogs. They learn new things quickly and also perform well due to the desire to please their masters. Training should begin early to ensure that the dog is properly socialized. Corgis are very loyal and that can lead to wariness of strangers without proper socialization.
This breed is particularly high-energy dog. They need to be physically, as well as mentally stimulated in order to keep them from acting out or gaining too much weight. A good solution to this is teaching the dog agility skills at a course. Corgis excel at flyball, herding competitions, dog shows and agility competitions. These environments allow the dogs to expend their energy and feel mentally challenged.
Health Issues
Pembroke Welsh Corgis do not have many breed-related health problems. Because their long bodies are set low to the ground, some Corgis can suffer from back problems. The biggest factor in the development of back problems is the dog’s weight. It is important to keep a Corgi at a healthy weight to prevent back problems.
Additionally, some dogs of this breed can develop arthritis later in life. Glaucoma and hip dysplasia can also affect Corgis. When purchasing any breed of dog, an owner should always inquire about health problems with the breeder. Breeders in Australia are well aware of health problems and take measures to keep health problems out of their pups.
Grooming and Care
Corgis generally shed quite a bit, especially in the spring and fall. Most of this occurs naturally, but an occasional brushing will help. If the dead hairs are brushed off more frequently, there will be less hair around the house, but frequent brushing is not necessary. Corgis should be bathed only when needed.
Suitability as Pet In Australia
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be incredibly well suited for life in Australia. Corgis are small enough to live in smaller living quarters such as an apartment or flat, given that they have sufficient exercise as well as play time.
Corgis thrive in farm life. They are especially apt at herding. Australians living on ranches, farms or in other country areas will enjoy having this breed to run about either herding or working hard at other tasks.
Corgis are highly intelligent and affectionate. They do well in competitions that showcase their skills so agility or dog-showing enthusiasts may find that Corgis are the best fit. Herding competitions are a natural fit for the small, bold dogs.
This particular breed of dog is loving and eager to please and thus will do well in a family environment. They will follow their owners about the home and show affection to all family members. Their intelligence makes them easy to train. With attention and love, a Corgi will be a perfect family pet.
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Organisations in Australia
Welsh Corgi Club of NSW Inc
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Organisations in the UK
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Breed Rescue
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Organisations in the US
American Kennel Club – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgi Club of Victoria
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