The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known as an achondroplastic, a dwarf breed, and they come from Pembrokeshire in Wales. Not much is known of the dog's history but it is believed that the dogs came over with Flemish weavers who settled in Pembrokeshire way back in the 12th century already.
This dog breed has always been a cattle herding dog. Their fame has come from them being a favorite dog breed for the British royals and particularly of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Pembroke Welsh stands at between 25 and 30cm in height and weighs between 11 and 14kg.
The coat is thick and shortish and can be fawn or a mix of colors such as white, cream, tan and black. The coat sheds quite a bit. Some of these dogs are born with their tail naturally short while others have the tail docked to give it that distinct look.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loving dogs and with their human families, they want to become involved with their lives. They like to please their owners and are therefore easy to train and socialize, becoming very obedient and amicable.
They’re alert, intelligent dogs and make great watchdogs too. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as children.
British royalty has always loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and why not? He is loving, energetic, feisty, gentle, calm, friendly and intelligent.
Able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside, he will however need to be exercised every day as he has always been a herding- and working dog, used to working.
If you’re willing to bring the Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, he’ll show you what a splendid pet and companion he can be for you too.
Pembrokes can live to be between 12 to 15 years. With good care they can live to be a ripe old age, but just like with any other dog, they can become ill with any of the many common dog illnesses there are.
Some of these diseases are hip dysplasia, monorchidism and degenerative myelopathy. Being a small or short dog, they are also prone to obesity.
This is a condition where only one testicle descends and the other isn’t able to descend into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by 2 months of age. Monorchidism is usually genetic and you may find your dog licking his genital area quite a bit.
If you suspect your dog has monorchidism, you will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord and is usually seen in older dogs, starting with your dog losing coordination in the hind limbs.You’ll notice your dog dragging his feet.
As the disease progresses, the limbs weaken and the dog even has difficulty with standing. Eventually the dog is unable to walk. With time your pet even suffers with urinary and fecal incontinence. Fortunately it isn’t a painful disease but you will want to speak to your vet for advice.
If you bring a puppy home, make sure he gets his puppy vaccines at 8 weeks of age.
Your puppy requires 4 meals a day. Make sure to always give your pet the best quality food there is to ensure his health. Avoid giving him spicy, human food. Dogs like simple, consistent diets which don’t upset the stomach. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, buy the best quality one that isn’t full of preservatives, colorants and fillers. Try and mix in some homemade food occasionally such as chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots. A little bit of raw meat occasionally will do wonders for your pet and he will have more energy, a shinier coat, less skin allergies and less inflammation.
Always ensure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Brush the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s hair twice a week. Feel for any unusual lumps while doing this. Check inside and outside his ears for ticks and fleas and ear infections.
Trim his nails.
Make sure if he goes outside that he has a shady spot to lie down in.
Exercise him. Take him on walks.
Give him your love and attention.
Take him to the vet when you can see that he is sick.
Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t intend for it to have puppies.