Pembroke Welsh Corgis

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular and well known Corgi breeds due to the affection Queen Elizabeth has for these much loved dogs. She has owned over 30 Corgis since receiving her first as an eighteenth birthday present. She is often photographed with her Corgis and this has led to the breed’s high profile. There are plenty of Corgi fans in Australia.

The Pembroke Corgi is actually a herding dog and has been bred to undertake much of the same tasks as an Australia Cattle dog. Despite their short stature they are agile and fast and require a good hour of exercise each day. As working dogs Corgis are also intelligent and thrive on companionship and affection.

The Pembroke Corgi is believed to have originated from the Swedish Vallhund and it is thought that they were introduced to the United Kingdom in the ninth century by Viking invaders.

These dogs are extremely loyal and have a loving temperament which is well suited to families. However they retain their herding instinct and may have a tendency to nip at people’s heels if they haven’t been trained out of this behaviour. While these dogs are active they don’t need a huge backyard, although a walk every day is important. It is important that your dog isn’t left alone for hours on end every day as they have a close affinity with humans. They thrive on attention and if this is supplied, you will be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion.

Corgi Health and Care

Pembroke Corgis don’t suffer too many health problems though their diminished size and elongated spine can cause them to suffer back problems. Arthritis is also a common complaint in older dogs. They can also suffer from eye diseases like glaucoma and regular checks by your veterinarian are recommended. Ensuring your Corgi is kept at a healthy weight is important as excessive weight will put a greater strain on your dog’s back. Corgi’s generally have good health and live to an average of twelve to fourteen years of age.

Corgis have short hair and tend to moult twice a year. They only require occasional brushing but you will have some hair about the house.

The Corgis’ loyalty to their owners can make them wary of strangers. If you purchase your Corgi as a puppy it is important to ensure your pet is well socialised with other people and dogs so they don’t develop any aggressive tendencies and become used to a range of activity.

While Pembroke Corgis are small in stature they have the personality of a big dog, and taking your dog to obedience training is as much benefit for the dog as it is for you the owner. Understanding the psychology of the pack will assist you in ensuring you remain the leader and help to ensure that your dog understands where it fits into your family hierarchy. You can also learn how to give your dog commands and teach it to not pull on the lead. Having a well trained dog ensures you and your dog can confidently enjoy outdoor activities and encounters with others.

Like other herding breeds the Pembroke Corgi does use barking as a means of communication which may not always be appreciated by your neighbours. However, undertaking a dog obedience course will give you the knowledge and tools necessary to keep your Corgi well trained so you’ll have a much better chance of being able to modify this potentially annoying behaviour if it begins to occur.

Corgis are a wonderful dog for active elderly people as they don’t need a lot of space at home. They are also suitable for families with older children. These hardy, muscular dogs are loving, intelligent and alert and if given a lot of time and affection a Corgi is likely to become a much loved member of your family.