WELSH CORGI PEMBROKE
Corgis are herders, bred to move cattle. They are fearless, independent and an active breed. For this reason they require daily exercise.
Corgis are smart, protective, loving animals. From our experience they create a crazy bond with one person of the household and you can literally feel the love every time they look at you!
Corgis are eager to learn as they are very smart puppers, so they will be very happy to learn some tricks. This will grow their confidence, as they are huge show-offs. Like any dog, they will need daily exercise, clear boundaries and their owners nearby.
Corgis are double coated dogs, so they will need some brushing every week. As any double coated breed they usually have two big sheds a year but they will lose a little bit of hair all year long.
Nail trims are also very important, we suggest they happen once a week.
The name “Welsh Corgi Pembroke” reflects its origins: “Welsh” means Welsh, “Corgi” derives from the words “cor” (to gather) and “gi” (dog), while “Pembroke” refers to Pembrokeshire, a county in Wales. Also known as “Ci Sodli” (heeler dog), the Pembroke was used on Welsh farms to herd cattle, guard the pasture, and protect livestock.
The breed gained widespread recognition in 1933 when the Duke of York (later King George VI) gifted a Corgi to his daughter Elizabeth, who would later become Queen Elizabeth II. Dookie, the royal family’s first Corgi, captured the hearts of the Windsors and marked the beginning of their famous breeding program under the “Windsor” prefix. Since then, the Pembroke has been known as “the Queen’s dog,” a title it continues to hold as a symbol of elegance and loyalty.
Personality
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is a cheerful, curious, and highly intelligent dog, with an expression reminiscent of a fox. Despite its compact size, it possesses the bravery and character of a large dog, staying true to its origins as a working breed.
Originally bred as a cattle herder, it is known for its unique ability to nip at the heels to move livestock and then drop to the ground to avoid being kicked. In addition to herding, it excels as a hunter of rats and rabbits (in the Barn Hunt sport, popular in the United States) and performs remarkably in obedience, agility, and even as a guard dog.
Even dogs bred for show retain their working instincts and temperament, unlike some other breeds that have lost functional and behavioral traits due to selection focused solely on appearance. The Pembroke perfectly combines beauty, intelligence, and a natural aptitude for work.
Care
Corgis are natural herding dogs, which means they require daily exercise and, due to their working origins, it’s important for them to feel “useful.” Regular training sessions or stimulating play once a week are enough to keep them happy, though engaging them in a sport like agility, obedience, frisbee, or teaching tricks is ideal for their physical and mental well-being.
Their compact size makes them perfect companions for any lifestyle, easily adapting to both city and countryside living. They take up little space but fill any home with joy and boundless energy.
Food
Corgis have a big appetite, so it’s essential to monitor their food intake to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. For females, the ideal weight ranges between 9 kg and 11 kg, while males should weigh between 10 kg and 12 kg.
When it comes to their diet, the BARF diet is preferred, followed by cooked natural meals, canned food, and finally dry kibble (ideally with a low grain content). Regardless of the option, it’s crucial to provide a balanced and high-quality nutrition to keep them healthy and happy.
Coat, colors, grooming
The only “flaw” of Corgis is their shedding… but as owners, we prefer to call it the “fairy dust” they love to spread around the house! To manage this, regular weekly brushing and a monthly bath are recommended to help remove dead hair more quickly. It’s important to use appropriate products for baths, and always dry the coat thoroughly to prevent moisture.
NEVER shave a Corgi’s coat, as it provides excellent protection against cold, humidity, and heat.
The permitted colors in Welsh Corgi Pembrokes are red, red-headed tricolor, black-headed tricolor, and sable.
Children and other animals
Like any dog, Corgis, when well socialized and accustomed from an early age, make excellent family pets. They adapt easily to living with other animals and have a wonderful relationship with children.
However, it’s important to remember that they are herding dogs, and quick movements from children or small animals can trigger their herding instinct. Therefore, adult supervision is essential whenever there is interaction between dogs and children, especially if the children are young and still learning to interpret signs of discomfort or the dog’s need for space.