| General Information and Frequently Asked Questions about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi | ||
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| What is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi? | ||
Pembrokes are sturdy little dogs whose origins lie in assisting Welsh farmers. Today, Pems are the smallest of the 18 breeds that make up the American Kennel Club's Herding Group. These hardy dogs have been used for centuries to move cattle, sheep, goats and ducks as well as serve as friend, protector and companion for the farmer's family and children. Corgis have proven themselves as general purpose farm dogs, and are often called upon to serve as bird dog, ratter and cattle dog - a true jack of all trades. |
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| Today's Pembrokes Are Descendants Of .... | ||
| While some sort of Spitz dog is certainly involved in its ancestry, it is uncertain whether a Swedish cattle dog known as the Vallhund brought to South Wales by Viking invaders or Schipperkes and Pomeranians, brought to Wales by Flemish weavers were involved in establishing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi that we know today. Whatever its origins, today's Pembroke is a proficient cattle dog and a bright, attractive companion with a foxy face, erect ears, short legs and long body. | ||
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| What's In A Name? | ||
| Pembroke
refers to the Pembrokeshire region of South Wales and was added to the Corgi's name to
distinguish it from a a similar dog in the neighboring region of Cardiganshire. The
origin of the word "corgi" is a little more difficult. Some believe that
the word corgi comes from the Celtic word for dog, which during the Norman Conquest, came
to mean "cur dog". Three types of curs are referred to in ancient Welsh
laws, the watch cur, the house cur and the shepherd's or herdsman's cur. Another popular interpretation is that cor is Welsh for "dwarf", and gi is a form of the Welsh word for "dog". Which ever connotation you choose to adopt, today the word corgi is generally used when referring to both types of the small cattle dog. |
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Is it a
Pembroke or Cardigan?
The Pem's ears are erect, firm and of medium size tapering slightly to a rounded point. Cardigan's ears are larger and more rounded. Cardigans are bigger, longer in body, and taller at the shoulders. Both corgis have deep chests to accommodate the large heart/lung cavity necessary to perform his work. Pems have short legs with forearms turned slightly inward. The Cardigan's front is similar to a Dachshund or Basset with bowed legs and toes that point outward. |
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| Getting to know you. | ||
| Corgis
were recognized as purebred dogs in Britain in the 1920's. In 1934 the Pembrokeshire
and Cardiganshire were recognized as separate breeds by the English Kennel Club. In
1933, the Duke of York, future King George VI, purchased a corgi puppy to be a playmate
for his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. This first dog, "Dookie" was soon
followed by "Lady Jane", "Crackers", "Carol", and
"Sue" who accompanied Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their
honeymoon. Many Pembroke pups have followed through the years and served as
companions to the royal family. The royal corgis are often photographed and accompany the
Queen on many of her daily activities. Certainly the Queen's connection to the breed
has contributed to their popularity. Although often handled by her staff, the royal
corgis are well-loved by the royal family and it is said that the Queen feeds them herself
whenever possible, is concerned with their well-being and involved in their training.
The American Kennel Club first recognized Corgis in 1934. The worldwide publicity surrounding the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II helped spread their popularity in the United States as well as Walt Disney's film Little Dog Lost, and the illustrations of author and artist, Tasha Tudor in her many books. |
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Are They Good
Companions? |
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| Are Pembrokes Difficult To Train? | ||
| As mentioned above, the Corgi is a devoted dog; responsive, sensitive and intelligent. They like to to be doing something, are quick to learn, and eagerly approach a job that brings them praise. They should be handled with clear, consistent commands, gentle firmness and lavish praise. They are eager to please, anxious to comply but resent bullying, may balk at repetitive "drilling" or become apprehensive if tricked into performing. They respond much better to encouragement, soft pats and kind words. When necessary, a stern voice or well-timed, light correction with the lead will usually suffice. | ||
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| The Ideal Corgi Should ....? | ||
| ... be low set, strong and sturdily built giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small stature. The head should be foxy in shape and appearance. They are an active breed and should be kept physically fit and capable to take on a task with enthusiasm and endurance. | ||
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| How Big Will They Get? | ||
| A Pembroke Welsh Corgi should stand 10 to 12 inches at the withers. Although weight should be apportioned to size, a dog should not exceed 30 pounds and a bitch should be under 28 pounds. An ideal dog in show condition will weigh approximately 27 pounds and bitches, 25 pounds. | ||
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| What Colors Do They Come In? | ||
The following color combinations are found in Pembrokes: fawn and white, red and white, dark red and white, sable and white, and black-headed or red-headed tricolors. Eyes come in variations of brown in harmony with the coat color. Eye rims are dark, preferably black. The nose and lips should also be black. The Pembroke Welsh Club of America (PWCCA) has examples of these colors on their website. |
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| Do Corgis Shed? | ||
| Corgis are a double coated breed that shed twice a year, January through March and April through December. Today's indoor dog lives in an air-conditioned environment and the moderate to warm temperatures of the South prevent them from developing seasonal sheds. They shed year-round. The outer coat or guard hairs are short on the head, ears, and fronts of legs and longer hair provides a face-framing ruff and "fairy saddle" behind the shoulders. The undercoat is short and dense. Corgis should not be shaved. Their double coat provides insulation from temperature extremes, both hot and cold, and provides protection from burrs, thorns and insects. The fine, soft hair can be controlled with weekly brushings, use of a shedding blade or rake and investment in a high-powered vacuum cleaner. | ||
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| What is a Fluffy? | ||
| A Fluffy has a coat of extreme length with exaggerated feathering on ears, chest, legs, feet, underparts and hindquarters. The body coat may appear long, fine and silky but often the outer coat on the back will be normal. | ||
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| What Grooming Do They Require? | ||
| The Corgi's coat is natural and with the exception of excess hair on the bottom of the feet, they should never be trimmed or shaved. The guard hairs repel dirt and water and can usually be tidied with a good brushing. Unless they are regularly involved in outdoor activities, baths should be given no more than once a month and excess bathing can dry out the coat and lead to skin irritations. Weekly combing of the undercoat and brushing of the top coat will help keep shedding to a minimum. A shedding blade or rake can be used to help remove the dried, dead undercoat while leaving the top coat intact. Nails should be trimmed once a week and the excess hair on the pads should be trimmed away. Ears should be wiped out and kept clean and teeth should be brushed regularly. | ||
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| What Are Possible Health Problems I Should Know About? | ||
| While not necessarily common in Pembrokes, all breeders should have their dogs screened by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) for PRA and PPM. Pembrokes owners should also learn about von Willebrand's disease (VWD). Affected dogs may have difficulty clotting when cut and may bruise easily. All Corgis should have annual visits to a veterinarian to keep them up to date with rabies and other vaccinations like distemper-hepatitis-parvo-parainfluenze boosters. They should also be checked for intestinal parasites through a stool sample and an annual blood test done to check for heartworms. In warm climates, all Corgis should be kept on preventive heartworm medication whether they are kept indoors or outdoors. | ||
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| How Much Exercise Do They Need? | ||
| In
addition to a good diet, regular grooming and periodic attention to health care, Corgis
need regular exercise to stay healthy and fit. Exercise will help maintain them at
their proper weight, and provide the stimulation they need to stay alert and prevent
boredom. Most destructive activity by a dog can be linked to in-attention from
owners and boredom. Few urban corgis have the opportunity to herd livestock, but a consistent walking routine, brisk game of fetch or ball-playing as well as regular training for K9 sports such as obedience or agility can enhance your Corgis health and increase the likelihood of a long, healthy life. Corgis have been known to herd soccer balls and most enjoy swimming. |
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What Can I Do With My Corgi? The Corgi valued by the Welsh farmer had to be an intelligent, bold, sturdy dog with tremendous stamina who was a sensible and dependable workman with a strong guarding instinct. Those same characteristics make them an excellent choice for companion, worker, competitor or service animal today. As a farm dog, the corgi seems to have a natural sense about animals, is used to herd cattle and sheep and can often be seen around horse barns and race tracks.
As competitors you will see them in the conformation breed ring, at obedience, herding and agility trials and in tracking tests. In fact, the first dog to earn the AKC's Champion Tracker title, obtaining Tracking Dog, Tracking Dog Excellent and Variable Surface Tracker titles was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. You will also see Corgis involved in Animal Assisted Therapy Programs and used as service dogs for handicapped and hearing impaired people. Corgis have been used as guns dogs and have even earned titles in Schutzhund work. |
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| Corgis Seem Pretty Rare. How Do I Find Other Corgi Owners? | ||
| Breed Clubs and sanctioned events are the best place to meet other Corgi owners, learn more about the breed and find opportunities to get involved in with your dog. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and the American Kennel Club both maintain lists of Regional Specialty Clubs, as well as Breeder Referral and Rescue Contacts. | ||
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| Thinking about BREEDING your corgi? Read this first! | ||
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| Resources:
The New Complete Pembroke Welsh Corgi by Deborah S. Harper. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Breed Standard |
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