The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of two different varieties out there. The other is slightly less known that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The names are derived from the area where they come from namely the west of Wales. They are watchful dogs that were once often used by farmers to keep the herds together.
Characterized by their small legs compared to the rest of their body, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi became world famous when King Henry, father of the current Queen Elizabeth II, took this dog as a pet. Want to learn more about this dog breed? Then read on below.
History: separated by almost 100 years
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the two different Corgi’s were separately recognized as a dog breed. This dog breed has always served on as a guard dog and for herding livestock. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is younger than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They get their name from the towns of Pembroke and Cardigan, both of which are located on the southwest coast of Wales.
The character: a loyal companion
They are naturally vigilant dogs that are well suited to, for example, a farm. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more often kept as a pet because of its small stature and the fame it gained after the King of England took one as a pet. Because they are naturally used to herding cattle, they sometimes have a habit of biting at ankles, this is something you don’t have to worry about after you and your pup have attended a course.
They are in fact easy to train. Corgis are not known for getting along with other dogs very well. They like their own territory but, unlike other dogs, they get along relatively well with other types of animals. They keep a close eye on strangers but immediately recognize a friend. An ideal watchdog.
The appearance of a Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi grows to 25 to 30 centimeters in height measured from the shoulders and weighs between 9 and 12 pounds. It has a fox-like muzzle with triangular ears that stand up. Its torso is larger in proportion to its head and legs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a medium length coat. They are most commonly found in brown but this can also vary to white or black and they live to be between 12 and 15 years old.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is about 28 centimeters to 32 centimeters tall measured from the shoulders and weighs between 11 and 17 pounds. He has slightly larger ears that also stand up and the same fox-like muzzle as his brother. The body of the Cardigan is also slightly larger in proportion to the rest and the color of the coat has many variations. They live on average the same age as their brother, the Pembroke.
The care
The coat of both Corgi’s must be combed regularly. This prevents the risk of tangles, the hair sticks together which can be very annoying for your dog. This dog breed has the ailment of wanting to gain weight quickly. It is therefore important that you give your dog enough exercise and the best thing is of course if you can do this together. That way your dog not only gets the exercise he needs but you also get a better bond.
There are also several exercises that are good for a dog’s mental state. There are many behavioral problems in dogs due to not enough attention being paid to the mental aspect. Many of these behavior problems can be remedied by a combination of exercise and mental exercises. Examples of mental exercises are: tricks, hiding something or commands. This can be combined with a small course for maximum effect. By making the dog do these exercises, he will have to think for himself.
Specific diet
There are different diets online for your Corgi. The advantage is that your dog gets the nutrients he needs. Your dog will maintain a healthy weight and will not gain unwanted weight. You also ensure that the chance of disorders will be smaller because your dog gets all the nutrients he needs. Of course this is not a guarantee.
Are there diseases that occur in this breed?
Unfortunately there are conditions that occur more often in a Corgi than we would like. First, there is the gray cataract, or as the medical term goes Cataract. This is a condition where clouding occurs at the lens. It can also occur after an eye infection or other eye condition. Another thing that is more common in Corgis is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the joints of the no longer fit together properly. This condition is hereditary and it is good to ask about it when buying a puppy.
Did you know?
During the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics a short film was recorded. In this film, Queen Elizabeth II was seen together with James Bond (Daniel Craig). They went together by helicopter to the Olympic stadium but her Majesty did not do this without her two Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Dog training for this breed
Because this breed of dog is extra prone to obesity, it is important that your dog gets the right training. To begin with, it is wise that your dog goes to puppy school and preferably together with you so that you can immediately take the first opportunity to build a bond with your four-legged friend. In addition, it is also a chance to get your dog used to other dogs that are present at these trainings.
Returning to the susceptibility to obesity, it might be an idea, after the puppy course, to sign your dog up for a dog sport such as Flyball or Frisbee. There are, of course, countless other ways to get the exercise your dog needs. For this breed, a 10-minute walk three times a day will not be enough.
What does a Corgi cost?
The price for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy and Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy is about $1200. Always try to make sure that you buy a puppy with a pedigree from a certified breeder. These breeders dedicate theirselves with a lot of love to a specific breed and takes care of the preservation and improvement of the breed. The mother is part of the household and is well taken care of, she does not get endless litters and there is often a number of home bred animals to admire in the house.
How much exercise does this breed need?
It is important that your Corgi gets enough exercise, this breed has always had an active existence and they like to be able to move around freely. They have a remarkably high energy level for their size and therefore love to go on adventures with their owners. Whether this is through a long walk or another activity does not matter to them.
Recognition in the United States
This dog breed is officially recognized by the AKC in the United States. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was recognised in 1934, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was recognised in 1935. This means that it is a healthy dog breed that may be bred with and can participate in various sporting events.
Do you already have a Corgi or are you planning to buy one?
The two different Corgis are both watchful and sweet dogs. They owe their fame to the English royal family and fit perfectly within family life. For their stature, they are remarkably energetic and you can feel free to take them on long walks. They also get along well with other types of animals and could, for example, live happily on a farm. Are you someone who already owns a Corgi and would like to share your story? You can do that below in the comments.
