Have you ever heard of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi? These adorable little pups are absolutely charming with their short legs, foxlike appearance, and lively personalities.
Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle in Wales, these intelligent and loving dogs have since become a beloved breed around the world.
Whether you’re looking for a new furry friend for your family or just love learning about different dog breeds, this article will give you the inside scoop on all things Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy!
A Historical Background on the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been around for quite some time – centuries, to be more precise. This breed of herding dogs traces its origins in Wales.
The first time this breed was mentioned in literature was in the 10th century, and it is thought to have been brought to Wales by Flemish weavers.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was primarily used to herd cattle and sheep, and its low profile made it well-suited for the rugged terrain of the Welsh countryside.
The breed continued to evolve over time, and in the early 20th century, it was recognized as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club in the UK.
During World War II, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity in the United States, thanks in part to its association with the British Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth II is a well-known fan of the breed, and has owned many Pembroke Welsh Corgis over the years.
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still a popular breed around the world. It is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, and continues to be a beloved companion to many.
What Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Typically Looks Like?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dog breed that is usually easy to identify, thanks to three things: their short legs, pointy ears, and foxlike face.
As chondrodysplastic dogs, their short legs are slightly bowed. Their tails are often docked, but many also have natural bobtails.
Like dachshunds, their bodies are definitely longer rather than taller, and adult Pembroke Welsh Corgis often reach about 10-12 inches in height.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s magnificent coat is also waterproof, as evidenced by its slightly glossy appearance (when well-maintained) with an unmistakable luster.
These dogs usually have white and tan colors, but some will also come in or have traces of red, fawn sable and black fur.
What Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s Health Like?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi typically lives to around 12-13 years. Healthwise, it is susceptible to a number of health concerns just like any other breeds, including:
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
These include abnormalities in the hip and elbow joints and the muscles and cartilage that surround them. These may eventually lead to arthritis.
- Cataracts
This condition results in vision interference at the very least, and blindness at the worst if the opacity or cloudiness will cover the entire lens.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
PDA is a congenital heart that results from a shunt that did not close properly from the time the puppy was born, resulting in inadequate amounts of oxygen in the blood.
Over time, this will develop into heart enlargement on the left side and congenital heart failure.
- Degenerative Myelopathy
In Degenerative Myelopathy or DM, the spinal cord undergoes a very slow yet progressive deterioration due to a gene mutation.
This typically occurs in dogs that are at least 8 years old, and can be characterized by an unsteady yet non-painful gait and a feeling of weakness in the dog’s back legs. Over time, it will eventually lead to paralysis.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
VWD, as it is otherwise known, is a bleeding disorder passed down the lineage of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Its main symptoms are bleeding gums, penile sheath in males or vaginal bleeding in females.
This bleeding disorder indicates low levels of Von Willebrand factor (or VWF) in the dog, which is responsible for blood clotting.
Grooming a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Keeping your Pembroke Welsh Corgi looking nice and neat will necessitate some effort on your part, but the end results are always worth it! Here are some things that you need to do to maintain its health and appearance:
1. Brush their coats. Use a slicker brush to remove any loose or dead hair, tangles, and mats from their coat. Brushing regularly will also distribute their natural oils and help keep their coat shiny.
2. Bathe them. Use a mild dog shampoo to give your Pembroke Welsh Corgi a bath every 2-3 months or as needed. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry them with a towel or hair dryer on a low heat setting.
3. Trim their nails. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort or difficulty walking.
4. Clean their ears. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth to clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent infections.
5. Brush their teeth. Brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s teeth regularly with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent dental issues.
6. Check for fleas and ticks. Regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks, especially during the warmer months, and use preventative treatments as needed.
Training Requirements
Training your Pembroke Welsh Corgi is essential for health and good behavior. Here are some things to remember when you undergo a training regimen for your pet:
1. Socialize at a young age
According to the American Kennel Club, the growth stage of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy at 8-16 weeks is the best time to socialize them (see more information about socializing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy here).
Helping them become comfortable around strangers and busy, bustling places is the foundational step in making sure they are adequately trained.
2. Groom them regularly to desensitize them to the sounds
Grooming your Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy isn’t just to make them look presentable – it also helps them understand the normality of the situation and become used to the somewhat bothersome sound of the blow dryer.
Doing this with regularity will fast track the pup to being comfortable with this routine.
3. Expose them to the environment and your usual routines
If you want your Pembroke Welsh Corgi to be your ultimate go-anywhere do-everything companion, start exposing them to such activities and places from a young age.
This will help temper any excitement they might have at these activities and help them become more compliant and enjoyable as they grow older.
4. Make Fetch a regular activity
Corgis love playing fetch – which is a good thing, because this activity will help keep the extra pounds off!
Playing fetch regularly is a form of exercise for the pups, all the while developing and strengthening bonds with you and others who play with them.
5. Crate-Training and Housebreaking
When the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 6 months old, it’s time to introduce crate training and other activities to make them housebroken.
These puppies are very smart just like their ancestors – they learn quickly, are eager to please, and seldom forget training protocols once they’re taught with intention and consistency.
6. Introduce Basic Commands
Alongside crate training and housebreaking includes introducing popular commands that are essential in managing doggie behavior – sit, heel, stay.
Once they’ve got those three to a T, include new commands like ‘down’ so you can have them lie down when necessary or ‘off’ when you want them out of your couch.
Corgi Nutrition
As intelligent and energetic dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs the right nutrition to meet their health and energy requirements.
Here are some tips to ensure that your Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s diet is well-balanced and includes a wide scope of nutritious ingredients:
- Choose high-quality dog food.
This should contain essential nutrients such as protein, fats carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Tailor dog food to your corgi’s age, weight, and activity level.
Puppies require more protein and calories than adult dogs, while older dogs may benefit from a lower calorie diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- Do not overfeed your Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Resist the urge to give your happy corgi more food just because it seems like it wants to munch. Keep in mind that they are quite prone to obesity.
- Opt to feed them small, frequent meals throughout the day.
This will help to prevent overeating and will keep them feeling full (and with the right energy levels) throughout the day.
- Avoid feeding your corgi table scraps.
A lot of human foods are harmful to many dog breeds, not just Corgis. To prevent any digestion problems, just feed them dog food that is especially designed to meet their nutritional needs.
It is also best to ask your vet what specific types of food you need to avoid at all costs, if these will end up giving your corgi serious health problems.
- Provide clean drinking water regularly.
Always make sure they have enough clean water to drink, and always monitor their hydration levels. Being well-hydrated is also crucial to their overall health and well-being.
A Pup Worth Knowing and a Pup Worth Having
There you have it – some interesting facts and pertinent information that every aspiring Pembroke Welsh Corgi owner needs to know. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is truly an endearing breed that is worthy of a loving home.
If you’ve always asked yourself, “Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi a good pet? Are Corgis protective?” The answer is always yes.
Provided that you do your part as a responsible and loving pet owner who sees to it that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy is happy and healthy.
No matter what size or color, they will become a great addition to your home!
If you were to own a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, what color would you want it to be? Share your favorite color combinations in the comments section!
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