Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A short-legged cattle dog with a big voice and a bigger appetite
- Group
- Herding
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 24 to 30 lb
- Height
- 10 to 12 in
- Lifespan
- 12 to 13 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Origin
- Wales
- Puppy price
- $1,500 to $3,500
- Monthly cost
- $90 to $180 a month
Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by region.
Good for
Watch out
The ten scores
higher is easier to live with higher means more work, noise or cost. All scores 1 to 5.
What living with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is like
Picture a cattle dog shrunk down to knee height, and you have the Pembroke. Welsh farmers used it to nip at the heels of cattle, and the low build kept it under the kicks. The job is gone, but the brain is the same. A Corgi wants to boss things around, and that includes kids, cats and the vacuum. Expect it to herd you toward the kitchen at dinnertime, with a pointed bark if you are slow.
Now for the hair. Pembrokes shed all year and drop huge amounts twice a year. Your black pants will show it. A lint roller in every room is not a joke. They also bark a lot, with a deep voice that sounds like a far bigger dog. Neither of these goes away with training, so be honest about your tolerance before you commit.
What you get in return is a sturdy, funny dog that is easy to live with. AKC calls it affectionate and companionable without being needy. It learns fast and loves a task, so trick training and short herding games keep it happy. It fits a house or a flat, as long as it gets real exercise. Kids who know not to run screaming past it usually get along well with it. Corgis also love food. Keep them lean, because extra weight on that long back causes trouble later. Puppy prices and monthly costs swing a lot from region to region, so ask around locally.
Care basics
Exercise
Give a Pembroke at least an hour of activity spread over the day. A brisk walk in the morning, fetch at lunch and a sniff walk after dinner works well. They have more stamina than the legs suggest. Skip big jumps and steep stairs for puppies whose joints are still growing.
Grooming
Brush two or three times a week with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. During the big seasonal sheds, daily brushing saves your floors. A warm bath can help loosen dead coat. Shaving is not advised, since the double layer protects against heat and cold. Trim nails every few weeks.
Training
Corgis learn quickly and like to show off. The hard part is the herding: nipping at heels and barking at moving feet. Redirect that early with a tug toy and reward calm. Puppy classes help with manners around strangers and other dogs. Keep sessions short and upbeat, and they will work hard for a bit of cheese.
Feeding
This breed will tell you it is starving at all hours. Do not believe it. Corgis put on weight fast, and a heavy Corgi strains its back and hips. Use a measuring cup, cut meals a little on days with lots of training treats, and ask your vet to check body shape at every visit.
Health checks
Before buying, see the hip and eye certificates for the sire and dam, which the breed club treats as the core tests. Many breeders also test for von Willebrand disease and degenerative myelopathy. Later in life, watch for scuffing back feet or a wobbly gait and mention it to your vet.
Home setup
Corgis do fine in flats if you can stand the barking and the hair. A strong vacuum earns its keep here. Use gates or ramps where furniture is high, since jumping down is hard on a low dog. They like being near people, so set the bed where the family hangs out.
Health conditions common in the breed
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms loosely and can lead to arthritis. The breed club asks whether parents were cleared by OFA or PennHIP. |
| Degenerative myelopathy | A slow spinal cord disease of older dogs that weakens the back legs. A DNA test shows risk, but not every at-risk dog gets sick. |
| Von Willebrand disease | An inherited bleeding disorder that many Pembroke breeders test for. Your vet can tell you what to screen for before surgery. |
Not every Pembroke Welsh Corgi will have these. Your vet can tell you what to screen for and when.
Common behaviour questions
Why does my Corgi nip at my kids' ankles?
Herding is in the genes, and running kids look like cattle on the move. Teach the kids to stop and stand still, and give the dog a toy to grab instead. Reward the dog every time it picks the toy.
Why does my Corgi bark at me when I sit down?
Corgis often demand attention or food with a bark. Answering the bark teaches it that barking works. Wait for a quiet second, then give the attention.
Why does my Corgi chase the vacuum?
Moving, noisy things set off the herding urge. Start with the vacuum off and treat calm looks at it. Then run it in another room and slowly work closer, rewarding the dog for staying back.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Pembroke and a Cardigan Corgi?
They are separate breeds. The Cardigan is a bit larger and has a long tail, while the Pembroke is lighter. Both are herders with similar energy.
How big does a Pembroke get?
AKC lists about 10 to 12 in at the shoulder. Males weigh up to 30 lb and females up to 28 lb.
Is a Corgi a good first dog?
Many first-time owners do well with one. It is smart, sturdy and keen to learn. Just plan for daily exercise, constant hair and a dog that will try to run the house.
Not veterinary advice. Breed traits are averages and every dog is an individual. Talk to your vet about your own dog's health.
Sources
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