Miniature Welsh Corgi Pembroke Shepherds have an unusual appearance and multifaceted character. These dogs are always welcome guests at Buckingham Palace, which causes an even greater wave of interest in the breed. For more information about who a corgi is, what makes its appearance remarkable, and what kind of character such a pet has, read the article.
Description of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed
Popularity 18th among 263 dog breeds
Lifespan:
10-12 years
Breed group:
Shepherd's
Height:
25-30 cm
Country of origin:
Great Britain
Average price:
25-30 thousand rubles
Weight:
9-13 kg
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Advantages and disadvantages
- Pros:
- high intelligence and quick learner;
- unpretentious in care;
- playful and friendly, sociable;
- gets along well with children;
- comfortable to keep in an apartment;
- there is no unpleasant odor.
- Minuses:
- difficulties in breeding;
- heavy shedding;
- chews things;
- bites legs during play;
- prone to hereditary joint diseases;
- high price.
Key facts
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ideal pet and family friend. He adores children, it’s not scary to leave even a baby with him, the dog will forgive them anything. Corgis are perfect for those people who have never had a dog.
The characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed say that these dogs are very social. They love to be the center of attention and do not deny themselves the pleasure of once again cheering up their owner. At the same time, the Pembroke is friends with all family members, without becoming attached to one owner.
The Corgi will always try to stay close to the person, follow the heels, no matter what the owner does. If he wants attention, he will ask for it by gently poking him with his nose. If there is no answer, Pembroke will treat this with understanding and will not bother you anymore. Rather, he will lie down at your feet so as not to miss the moment when the owner is free.
The description of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed is replete with positive reviews. This breed is very kind and tolerant of children, they enjoy spending time in their company. They can act as a nanny, protecting the baby from danger and looking after him. No matter how much they are squeezed, they will never show their teeth to the child, but will humbly endure any games.
The Corgi has a keen mind and well-developed intuition, and also quickly and easily adapts to any environment.
The dog understands the owner’s mood well and will not impose his company at the wrong time. She is not touchy or vindictive.
Corgis are very optimistic and have a great sense of humor. If a dog sees that the owner reacts cheerfully to any action, he will definitely repeat it.
Like any herding dog, Welsh Corgis are obedient, not aggressive, but will only obey the commands of an owner who shows sensitivity, love and understanding towards them.
Pembroke Corgis are not very demanding to care for. Their coat is tough and water-repellent, so it does not require frequent washing. Due to their short stature, when walking in damp weather they can get their belly dirty. You can wash it separately with a special shampoo after a walk or get a jumpsuit.
Corgis shed a lot. It is advisable to brush at least once a week, and during the period of active shedding - every day, and also use the services of a groomer.
Pembrokes are prone to obesity, so it is necessary to control your pet’s food intake and prevent him from overeating. In the future, a sedentary lifestyle will negatively affect the spine, joints, as well as the well-being and life expectancy of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed has difficulties with breeding; in 80% of cases, births occur by caesarean section, so if you decide to become a breeder, you should approach this issue carefully and consult with a specialist.
Pembrokes and Cardigans are two separate breeds. They differ both in appearance and in character and temperament. The Cardigan is a more serious dog, while the Pembroke is not averse to fooling around.
Nowadays Pembroke corgis are at the peak of popularity. Their smiling faces collect a huge number of likes on social networks. Be prepared for increased attention on the street and questions like “did she have her legs docked too?”
Basic moments
- A pet of this breed is ideal for a family with children. Corgis feel great both in a small apartment and in a spacious house outside the city. These are cheerful, sociable and energetic dogs. They love to play and run outside. These animals need human company; they cannot be kept on the street, much less on a chain. They are not aggressive at all. Pembrokes are brave and smart. They are easy to train. These pets sense the owner’s mood and try not to bother in vain.
- There are legends about the Welsh Corgi's love for children. You can safely leave your kids with them; the pets stoically withstand all their pranks.
- Welsh Corgis do not need to be dominated, but they only follow the commands of an owner who loves, appreciates and understands them. They will never love a domineering, capricious and hot-tempered person.
- Caring for an animal is not difficult. Its fur has the property of repelling water and not absorbing dirt, so the animal does not need to be bathed often. Twice a year, when the pet sheds, it needs grooming.
- The pet's diet must be balanced. The Welsh Corgi is prone to overeating, so you need to monitor the amount of food.
- You should be careful about your animal's physical activity. To avoid injuring your spine, you should avoid jumping from heights. Most experts advise keeping puppies away from stairs. There is no need to use a harness; the animal must be immediately accustomed to the collar. Pembroke is not suitable for soft bedding. It is best to use a special orthopedic mattress.
- Welsh Corgis are difficult to breed, so if you are going to do this, consult with experienced breeders first and try to come to the right decision.
You can hear from Pembroke owners that this is a big dog in a small body. It's amazing how much love, fun, joy, sociability and devotion can fit into such a small animal. The level of intelligence and intuition of these animals far exceeds that of many large breed service dogs. Thanks to their excellent character, amazing artistic abilities, and attractive appearance, these animals have won the love of residents of all corners of the globe. They are also popular in Russia.
History of the origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The origin of this breed originates in Wales, which explains its name - “Welsh”. But the meaning of the word “corgi” is only surrounded by guesswork. It is believed that the name comes from the Welsh “cor” - “gather”, “gi” - “dog”, which is inherent in its herding instinct. According to another version, it comes from the word “cor”, which means “dwarf”, which also fits the description of this short-legged dog.
There are opinions that the origin of the breed dates back to 500 BC. e. Archaeologists discovered a corgi-like skeleton dating back to the 8th-9th centuries AD during excavations in South Wales.
There is a version that in the 9th century, corgis were brought to England by the Vikings.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed was first mentioned in the laws of the kingdom dating back to the 10th century. According to the law, the owner of a corgi herding cattle had the right to demand a whole bull if the dog suddenly died a non-natural death. No other dog breed had the same value. Even if it belonged to the king, no one was worth more than one ram. This was explained by the fact that corgis were able to graze livestock on their own, without human accompaniment. They bravely defended the herds from wolves, returned stray livestock without loss, working as a well-coordinated team with their brothers.
These dogs looked after not only sheep, but also herds of ponies and poultry such as wayward ducks and geese. Corgis fully performed the function of a shepherd, which is why they were worth their weight in gold.
Corgis first began exhibiting in England in 1924. At that time, Pembrokes and Cardigans were considered the same breed, but with all the similarities and differences, it was very difficult to evaluate them at exhibitions. These dogs, different in size and body structure, were clearly not competitors to each other. Therefore, a year later, the decision was made to officially separate the two breeds and breed them separately from each other in two different counties in Wales. Two neighboring counties separated by a mountain range - Pembrokeshire and Cardinganshire - eventually became home to two different dogs: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Their popularity overtook them after their appearance at Buckingham Palace. In 1932, the Duke of York gave a Pembroke corgi puppy to his daughter, Elizabeth II. To this day, representatives of this breed do not leave the palace, actively participate in official receptions and are rightfully called royal dogs. It’s not for nothing that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the world’s most famous corgi connoisseur and connoisseur.
Appearance of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke
General impression
In the photo, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog with a long body and short, strong legs. This is how it really is.
Head
The corgi's muzzle is similar to a fox's: the skull is wide and long, and has a narrowed nose. The eyes are round and always dark in color. The ears are erect, rounded, and small.
Neck
Medium length, smoothly passing from the withers to the skull.
Torso
Elongated, with a flat top.
Forelegs
The paws are short, straight, powerful, the bones are wide and strong. The elbows fit tightly to the chest.
Hind limbs
The paws are short, thinner than the front ones, but strong.
Tail
Natural – long, should not fall over the back. Often the tail is docked. There is a bobtail (naturally short ponytail).
Wool
Straight, hard, medium length with a dense short undercoat.
Color
Pembroke Welsh Corgi colors: golden red, light red, fawn, tri-color red with black back and white chest. There are no white individuals.
Size
Average height of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 25-30 cm at the withers. The optimal weight of a male is 12-13 kg, the weight of a female is 11-12 kg. In general, the weight of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi allows it to be carried in your arms, which can be extremely comfortable.
The size of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also good: they allow you to keep a dog even in studio apartments.
Personality of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke
Ask any Pembroke owner and everyone will tell you that they are an intelligent, friendly and cheerful breed. The main merit of the remarkable character of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the fact that the dog is a herding dog, and this activity developed his intelligence and raised him to be a team player.
Pembrokes are active, mobile, love to play and frolic, and mischief. They give the impression of being a cheerful dog with their famous smile and cheerful personality.
Being shepherds, corgis were excellent at protecting their herds from wolves. Today's pet has inherited the fearlessness of its ancestors; it will not be afraid to fight a much larger opponent.
They also passed on the instinctive need to “organize the herd.” Pembroke needs everyone around him to walk as a group in the same direction. For these purposes, a four-legged pet can bite people's legs with its front teeth, as it would do when guiding a flock of sheep or geese. As a puppy, it can run after the legs of random passers-by while walking.
Corgis are food lovers. They are real gluttons, which is also an echo of an energy-consuming activity. But leading an apartment lifestyle and not refusing to indulge in something extra, they run the risk of overeating, which can lead to obesity and in the long term affect the pet’s health.
Of course, having a set of common characteristics, each Pembroke is individual as a person. You will never meet two absolutely identical dogs. One will be calm, the other will be more active, the third will be noisy. But in any case, this dog will always be the smartest, kindest and most loyal friend.
Owner reviews
Here's what the “korzhists” say about their favorites:
Corgis are very affectionate “children” who try to give all their love. Well, be a bit of a hooligan. This is so much fun!
Do you want a lot of happiness, fun, joy and new experiences? Then feel free to get yourself a korzh, but remember that a dog is always a responsibility. She needs education, care and attention.
Do you want to get a singing creature?! Do you want a smiling dog?! The best breed in the world!
What color is happiness? Mine is red and white. Or maybe three-color. Happiness is a Corgi
In general, owners of charming shepherd dogs are happy that they have such dogs.
Education and training
Many will be surprised, but the same training methods are applied to the Welsh Corgi as to the Shepherd. Dog experts say that the psychological portraits of these two different breeds are very similar.
Therefore, from a very early age, this dog needs to be shown who is boss in the house: you need to be moderately strict and persistent with it. The main thing in raising and training a corgi is consistency of actions and due categoricalness. What was once prohibited should not be allowed later.
Corgis are highly trainable. No special techniques are required for it. They often take prizes in agility competitions and even perform in circuses.
The only thing that must always be maintained is the dog’s interest in training. If you repeat the same thing, the corgi will quickly get bored with it, and he will stop following commands. It is better to use a game format, changing the sequence of tasks and giving commands in a cheerful tone.
Before you bring your corgi puppy home, you should take care of the following:
- While your puppy is teething, hide all wires and shoes out of your baby's sight. Every time you see your puppy chewing on things, immediately stop this action with the command “ugh!” and give him a special toy in his teeth.
- For the first time, remove all carpets and place baby diapers in different rooms.
- After all the vaccinations, if possible, take your baby out for walks as often as possible so that he gradually gets used to going to the toilet outside. The first walks can be 10-15 minutes 4-5 times a day, then the walking time can be increased and the number reduced.
When teaching a puppy commands, first of all you need to teach him to respond to his nickname. Say your pet's name every time you speak to him.
The first command learned after the name is “come to me!” You should definitely say the dog’s name when calling it to you.
The "place" command is also pronounced along with the dog's name. Next, the puppy must be moved to a specially designated place or bed.
Pembrokes easily master the “bring it!” command. Hold your baby by the collar while you throw the ball or stick, then release him after giving the command. Don't forget to praise your pet and reward him with a treat for his performance.
Thanks to their ability to learn quickly, corgis do not need professional work with dog handlers. They easily learn everything at home, and then delight the whole family with their talents.
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Additional Information
Due to its increased love for humanity, this breed cannot be used as a guard dog. To avoid unforeseen situations, it is worth teaching your pet from an early age not to take food from strangers and not to allow strangers to pet the dog.
In addition, these short kids are distinguished by a truly fearless character. This nuance must be taken into account by all owners while walking. A four-legged pet can rush at any dog, regardless of its size. To prevent your dog from getting into a fight with a large male dog, it is recommended to keep your pet on a leash only, or let it off in specially designated and safe places.
Health and disease of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Possible diseases
Thanks to the same herding activity, the Welsh Corgi is distinguished by fairly good health and endurance. If you get all your vaccinations on time, don’t overfeed, and see a veterinarian from time to time, then there shouldn’t be any health problems. True, there are some risk factors:
- There are diseases of the ears and eyes. They are advised to regularly visit an ophthalmologist veterinarian as a preventive measure.
- Pembroke puppies can suffer from a very unusual disease called narcolepsy. This means that while they are actively awake, they may suddenly fall asleep. In this case, do not wake your pet. With age, he will outgrow this disease.
- Problems with the spine due to short legs and long body. This breed is not allowed to jump, as they may get injured. Until the puppy has grown up and become stronger, it is necessary to carry him in your arms down stairs and not let him jump from high curbs.
- Obesity. Monitor your pet's diet and activity. They are still gluttons.
- The problem with the joints also affected them, like other short-legged animals. The disease is hereditary, so they should be monitored from childhood.
To avoid problems in the future, buy a puppy from trusted breeders and ask for a certificate of health from its parents.
Reproductive health
Expect the bitch to have her first heat at six months - yes, this is quite early, but it will not last long, about 10 days of bleeding. It is not worth mating during the first heat: pregnancy may not occur, or may occur with complications, miscarriages and other troubles.
During childbirth, be close to your dog, calm him down, but it is better not to pick up newborn puppies. The dog itself will allow this a little later, in a couple of days.
Who are Fluffies?
Sometimes purebred parents give birth to puppies with defective coats. Their coat is longer and softer than allowed by the standard. Such puppies are called “fluffy”, they have much less undercoat, which is why the coat quickly gets wet and often tangles. Outwardly, they look very impressive, like soft and fluffy foxes. If you do not plan to participate in breeding work, then fluffy will be an excellent choice. In terms of price, they are usually sold cheaper than their counterparts with coarse hair, and in appearance they are in no way inferior to them. However, you must purchase such a dog from a professional kennel, so that under the guise of a fluffy they don’t accidentally slip you a mongrel.
Features of feeding and diet
Pembrokes are unpretentious eaters. They are ready to eat anything, which is not always good. Experts recommend feeding your dog premium food, which contains all the necessary substances. But feeding with natural products is also allowed, the main thing is to provide a balanced diet.
In the second case, the diet should contain proteins (meat, boiled eggs, low-fat cottage cheese) and carbohydrates (buckwheat porridge, rice), as well as fiber in the form of vegetables. Fruits are allowed in small quantities.
Pork, fresh meat, bones, lamb, as well as milk, potatoes, legumes and citrus fruits are undesirable.
Puppies are fed small meals 5 times a day. As you get older, the number of meals is reduced and the serving size is increased. The water should be changed regularly, 2-3 times a day.
Nutrition
Now there is a lot of controversy regarding mixed feeding of dogs: dry food + natural products. Whether this type of nutrition is correct is still unknown, so let’s talk about its usual types: either dry food or “natural” food.
Dry food is divided into four types: economy, premium, super-premium and holistic classes. Holistic and super-premium foods are considered the best in terms of balance and nutrient content. The packaging indicates how many grams per day to give to your pet, depending on its weight.
With natural nutrition it is more difficult, due to the need to independently calculate the norms. The Internet is replete with calculation tables, breeders recommend certain proportions, dog owners advise others, but in the end, everything turns out to be individual.
For those who want to feed their “korzhonka” natural products, there is a group “Lunch for Greyhounds”. There is a lot of useful information about feeding natural foods.
The only thing that can be said about “natural” food: more meat and vegetables, less grains. Gone are the days when dogs were fed porridge with a minimum of meat.
Care and maintenance
Corgis have virtually no characteristic dog odor, so there is no need to bathe them often. True, due to short legs, the abdomen can get dirty in wet weather. It is recommended to wash your dog with specialized products, thoroughly rinsing off any residue from the fur.
It is necessary to examine and clean the ears as needed, and trim the nails once every 1-2 weeks. This breed is prone to eye diseases, so you need to examine them daily, wipe them and remove dirt.
Welsh Corgis shed twice a year. During this period, it is necessary to comb your pet daily.
Pembroke will feel comfortable both in an apartment and in a country house. It is unacceptable to keep him on a leash in the yard or in a cramped enclosure. If your pet lives in an apartment, take care of its physical activity. He should have enough toys at home.
Set up a special place: you can buy a bed at a pet store or lay out a blanket, wrapping it in a pillowcase. The place should not be too soft.
This dog is extremely curious, and when walking on the street, it can pick up something from the ground. Do not forget to correct your pet every time he does this, because poisoning is the least he can get away with. Some owners resort to a muzzle.
In general, caring for and maintaining a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is considered not so troublesome. This is because spending time with this dog is pure pleasure.
Breeding
Before mating, the health of the individuals is checked. This is especially true for genetic diseases. It is not permissible to breed long-haired, nervous and biting dogs.
Dogs are bred when males are 24 months old and females are 20 months old. Although the first heat in girls occurs at 7-8 months. Females over the age of nine years are not allowed to become pregnant.
The girl is prepared for mating in advance: vaccinations are given, prophylaxis against parasites, the condition of the heart, joints, and thyroid gland is checked.
Before the procedure, the individuals are introduced: they are walked together or left in a room for communication.
The bitch's pregnancy lasts from 2 to 2.5 months. As a result, from 3 to 8 puppies are born. Be sure to ensure that a specialist is present at the birth. Your pet may need a caesarean section.
Tips for choosing a puppy
If you decide to have a faithful friend of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed, read the recommendations on how to choose a healthy and strong puppy:
- Don't look for this breed at the poultry market. It is best to purchase from a trusted nursery or from a breeder who breeds this particular breed and will give you the dog with all the documents and a contract.
- When purchasing, the breeder must provide you with a veterinary passport with all vaccinations.
- When choosing a puppy, look at its mother. Character, health and appearance come from 80%.
- If you plan to go to exhibitions, find out what achievements the parents of the future pet had.
- Pay attention to the conditions in which the Welsh Corgi-Pembroke puppies grew up at the breeder, check what kind of food they were fed, so as not to expose the baby to stress at first by dramatically changing his habits and diet.
At one and a half months, the Pembroke's ears can still hang charmingly. There is no reason to worry: they will assume a standing position as the puppy grows up.
The muzzle should be cheerful, cunning, fox-like.
Who should you choose - a girl or a boy? There is no difference in character, intelligence or temperament, but in the conditions of detention they differ, take this fact into account.
Price
Welsh Corgis are among the top 5 most expensive dogs. This is because Pelmbrocks are difficult to breed. It is very difficult to find a suitable pair for mating. Often the owners travel to other cities for this, covering vast distances. However, even a meeting between pets does not mean a successful outcome. In 80% of cases, births of dogs of this breed end in caesarean section. After this, the puppies are nursed, fed, vaccinated, and all the necessary documents are completed. The cost of the puppies should cover all costs.
In accordance with the price gradation for animals of this breed, a pet-class puppy with deviations from the breed standard or the absence of any documents, which will not take part in exhibitions, costs 20-25 thousand rubles. A breed-class Welsh Corgi will cost 30-40 thousand rubles. He must have all the necessary documents, he must be vaccinated and meet all breed standards. Show-class Pelbbroks are champion puppies. This is a healthy elite Welsh Corgi with every chance of having an outstanding showing career. Such an animal will cost more than 50 thousand rubles.
The price of an animal depends on compliance with breed standards, health status and prospects. Girls are more expensive than males.
If you are considering purchasing a Welsh Corgi, think about why you want to do it. No matter what class of dog you have, you will never regret your purchase, because you will have a smart, cheerful, sociable and loyal friend.
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