Introduction
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs are small to medium sized dogs that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They are quite similar to Swedish Vallhunds in appearance. These dogs were originally used for herding cattle and horses. Nowadays, these diligent dogs also excel in tracking, agility and other interesting dog sports.
They are also used as therapy dogs for older individuals or hospitalized patients. Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are two different types of Welsh Corgi dogs.
Both these dog breeds are believed to have descended from Schipperkes, Pomeranian, Keeshond and Swedish Vallhund dog breeds. Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs are considered more popular than Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs.
Physical Appearance
The most distinct feature of the physical appearance of Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs is the short stature of the dog. The legs are quite short but the body is still strong and sturdy. The body is much longer than tall.
The eyes are oval in shape and brown in color. The brown color, however, varies in shades depending on the color of the hair coat. The nose and eye rims are usually black in color. The medium sized ears are erect and taper slightly to a rounded point. Generally, the dewclaws are removed and tail is docked.
Color: Common Pembroke Welsh Corgi coat colors are red, fawn, sable, and black and tan. White markings may also be present on certain parts of the body like legs, neck, chest and certain parts of the muzzle.
Height: Both male as well as female Pembroke Welsh Corgis are usually 10 to 12 inches in height.
Weight: The average weight for these dogs ranges between 25 to 30 pounds. The bitches should ideally weigh about 24 to 28 pounds.
Health Problems
Some common yet serious health issues in Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed are Epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Urolithiasis and other dog diseases.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs are also prone to inherited eye diseases like Retinal Dysplasia, Corneal Dermoid Cyst, Cataract, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Lens Luxation etc. They are also susceptible to skin fragility.
Life Expectancy: The average life span of these dogs is about 12 to 14 years.
Litter Size: The average litter size is about 6 to 8 puppies.
Grooming Requirements
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed requires minimal grooming. Brush the thick, weather resistant and medium sized double coat at least on a weekly basis to remove loose hair.
The outer coat is coarse in texture. The undercoat sheds heavily two times in a year. The hair coat is more profuse around the neck, shoulders and chest.
Do not bathe your beloved dog unnecessarily, not because he doesn’t like it but because the naturally water resistant texture of the coat can be damaged due to frequent bathing.
Opt for a firm bristle brush while choosing grooming products for your beloved doggy. Similarly, choose other essential dog supplies very carefully keeping the dog’s needs in mind. Trim the toenails and check and clean the dog’s eyes and ears from time to time.
Temperament
Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed dogs are lively, intelligent, bold, affectionate, fun loving and protective in temperament. Being highly intelligent and smart, these dogs are easy to train.
Proper training and early socialization help to avoid overly shy or aggressive temperament leading to destructive dog behavior. While training, make sure you do not bore your beloved smart dog with repetitive training.
However, due to their strong herding instincts, Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs have a tendency of nipping at the ankles in an attempt to herd their human flocks like cattle. These cheerful dogs are always busy finding ways and means of pleasing their owners.
They thrive on human companionship and tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for a long time. They are playful and caring around children. Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs also get along well with other pets in the house. They can also be kept along with cats, provided the dog and cat are introduced properly.
Key Points
Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed dogs tend to bark excessively. Interestingly, the long and deep barks somehow give the impression of an intimidating massive dog. Therefore, these loyal companion dogs are good at carrying out watchdog duties as well.
They thoroughly enjoy long daily walks and interactive play sessions that provide adequate physical and mental stimulation. They can spend a good amount of time outside in temperate climates. These delightful dogs tend to be calm indoors and hence are suitable for apartment situation even without yard.
Pay a great deal of attention towards your beloved dog’s diet and physical exercise needs in order to avoid obesity which in turn causes unnecessary spinal problems.
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