Breed Type

Working or herding dog.

History

Most sources believe the Pembroke originated from the Spitz group of canines and were brought to Wales across the channel from England by Flemish weavers in 1107. The breed was developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales to be a herding dog for farm livestock. They developed into an intelligent and adaptable breed that also became highly valued as a companion.

Description

The Pembroke is a low-set dog with a sturdy, muscular appearance without appearing heavy-boned. The head should be fairly broad across the skull with a pointed muzzle giving a foxy appearance. The ears are large, erect and pointed with slightly rounded tips. The eyes should be round and dark with black rims and the nose and lips should also be black. The Pembroke Corgi should have a deep chest that lets down into short but relatively straight legs. Feet should be well arched and turned neither in nor out with a small, neat and oval shape.

Pembrokes can be born with a naturally short stub like or bob tail or a long tail (however the gene that produces the short or bob tail is a dominant one). AKC standards state tails must be docked if they are longer than 2 inches in length. In countries where tail docking has been banned (for examples, the UK and Australia) the standards state the tail should be short, and preferably natural.

Size

Height -10-12 inches (25-30cm)
Weight
Male: - AKC max 30 pounds, preferred medium of 27 pounds - ANKC, KC (UK) and FCI 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg)
Female: - AKC max 28 pounds, preferred medium of 25 pounds - ANKC, KC (UK) and FCI 20-24 pounds (9-11kg )

Coat

The Pembroke's coat is a double layer, highly weather resistant coat. The top coat is slightly coarse and of medium length. The undercoat is softer, shorter, water resistant and will have a major shed twice a year. Overall length varies in that the hair on the back of the forelegs, undercarriage and rear of hindquarters is slightly longer. The neck, chest and shoulders hair is slightly ruffed. Corgis are shown in their natural condition with only a little foot hair tidying permitted. Whether you are showing or not, Pembroke corgis do require regular brushing and combing which should be increased at seasonal shedding times.

Standards refer to the corgi outer coat being of ‘self colors'- which can be fawn, red, sable or black and tan. These colors can be with or without white markings which can be seen on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle underparts or a blaze on the head. ‘Mismarks' is a color fault where these self colors have white on the back between the withers and the tail, on the sides between the elbows and back of the hindquarters or on the ears. Another serious color fault is ‘whitelies' which is a white body color with red or dark markings. Another fault is 'bluies' where the colored parts of the coat have a bluish or smoky hue. (This is often associated with light or blue eyes, and liver or grey eye rims, nose and lip pigments). Sabling refers to black-tipped hairs which may appear lightly or so heavily that from a distance the dogs appear almost black. Tricolor refers to corgis that are black and tan with white markings. The tan is often not present at birth but usually appears a few weeks later. This is important to know as Pembrokes that are just black and white are considered to be a mismark.

Temperament

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi standards describe the breed as: "Never shy nor vicious", "never nervous or aggressive", "outgoing and friendly", "outlook bold but kindly", "expression intelligent and interested", and even "workmanlike"!

They are highly intelligent, loyal, and possess a unique sense of humour. They are very people oriented and are good with children - however their herding instincts can see them attempting to herd children and even adults when excited! Fortunately, their intelligence means they can easily be trained out of this. Pembrokes do bark and make good guard dogs because of this. However they can also nuisance bark if feeling neglected or bored so excessive barking should be quickly discouraged and quiet behaviour rewarded!

Longevity

12-15 years

Health

The Pembroke is a robust need with no special health needs beyond the routine dog maintenance (grooming, teeth and ear cleaning, vaccinations, worming etc). It is very important to prevent them from becoming overweight and to keep good strong muscle tone as this will help prevent the development of spinal problems later in life. 

Possible Genetic Disorders

Pembrokes can be prone to Hereditary Cataracts (HC), Corneal dystrophy, Retinal Dysplasia and Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). CHIC and most Pembroke clubs recommend eye screening by a certified national body for any breeding Pembrokes. Hip Dysplasia scoring is also recommended for breeders but although the Pembroke can have dysplastic hips, they rarely suffer from the worst affects of the disease. Pembrokes that are not kept at their best weight and fit can also be prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease. They also have a slight predisposition to Degenerative Myelopathy and Von Willebrands disease. 

Best Suited

To those with a good sense of humour and willing to share their home and life with a dog. You need to be committed to regular daily exercise and be willing to keep your Corgi stimulated and responsible with dog obedience training.

Worst Suited

  • You are a ‘neat freak'. Dogs do need to be inside your house, and join you for rides in the car. Pembrokes will undergo a major shed twice a year and shed moderately at other times - living with dogs means accepting some degree of ‘mess'.
  • You cannot commit to providing for your dogs needs for the next 12 years.
  • You just want instant protection for your home and self. Corgis do make good guard dogs but they are first and foremost companion animals.