Caring for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very smart dog that enjoys having a human family and being part of the “pack.”

Pembrokes are loyal and can make great watchdogs, as they are fearless, independent, and highly adaptable.

The Pembroke’s characteristic long body and short stubby legs can be misleading, as these are powerful and hard-working herding dogs.

Although low to the ground, they remain very agile in their daily tasks.

Pembrokes have medium-sized erect ears that taper to a rounded point.

Their coat is short and made of two layers—a coarse topcoat and a soft, thick, waterproof undercoat. The double coat means that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds a lot.

Pembrokes do not do well in extreme temperatures and should not be outdoors much during extreme hot or cold weather.

Other than routine brushing to maintain coat health and decrease excessive shedding, the Pembroke’s grooming needs are minimal.

The Pembroke is known for its adorable hind end and waddling fluffy backside.

DAILY CARE

Pembrokes require a proper diet and regular medical care with appropriate vaccinations for protection against diseases. Owners who have taken proper care of their dogs are usually rewarded with their Pembrokes living a long and active life. Proper pet care also includes regular exercise, grooming, a regular check of the dog's teeth, and toenail trimming.

Please don't allow your Pembroke to become overweight. A thinner dog will live a longer, happier, healthier life. Pembrokes are great con-artists. Don't believe them! And don't believe what the dog food bag says about how much to feed. Always feed a good name brand-not generic food. Avoid table scraps and extra treats.

Though your Pembroke might be obedient, no dog should ever be allowed to run free. The modern world is an extremely hazardous place for inquisitive dogs. Although the Pembroke is not a toy breed, his compact size is a disadvantage if he is confronted by a larger dog. If you do not have a fenced yard, your dog will certainly need several daily walks. He is an energetic dog, and too much inactivity just might cause him to think up unacceptable activities for himself!

TRAINING

Basic obedience training is strongly recommended by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America. This training is best when it teaches you how to teach your dog. The time you spend in training, especially during the first year of your pet's life, will be repaid many times over by giving you a well-behaved companion, one that is bonded to you and your family for the rest of his life.

Today Pembrokes are seen in many areas of dog activities. Many of their competitions are sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. They are worked in obedience & rally, herding, tracking, and agility. They are still used as working stockdogs and are loyal family companions.

SPAY/NEUTER

There is concern in Canada about dogs being abandoned or turned in to shelters because the owner no longer wants to care for the animal. In some cases, the owner has discovered that the dog has a physical or temperament problem, very often the result of irresponsible breeding.

The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility. Through the years a Breed Standard for Pembroke Welsh Corgis has been developed. It is an approved, written description of the ideal Pembroke: how it should move, look, and act. This Breed Standard is used by conscientious and knowledgeable breeders to evaluate how closely they approach the ideal in producing quality Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Pembrokes that are found to deviate to some extent from the Standard in appearance, size, action, temperament, or that have known hereditary defects, are not used for breeding by responsible breeders. These dogs are spayed or neutered. The use of such a Pembroke for breeding is evidence of careless, unknowing, and unconcerned breeding.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Canada strongly recommends that you spay or neuter your Pembroke. Most responsible breeders require this by selling their pet Pembrokes with spay/neuter contracts.

You may already know that the basic disposition of your Pembroke will not be changed by spaying or neutering. Neither of these procedures will turn your pet into a fat and lazy Corgi-shaped "couch potato!" Obesity is caused by giving the dog too many snacks and too little exercise.

As Pembrokes have become more popular, some owners have been tempted to breed them in misguided efforts to make a profit. If you are able to make a profit breeding and selling Pembrokes, you are not doing it with the care and concern that you should be exercising! This "uncaring production" of animals is not beneficial to the breed, and is most often harmful. Only quality Pembrokes should be bred by knowledgeable breeders in an effort to improve the breed. Careless and uninformed breeding will only serve to harm those virtues and characteristics we value most in Corgis.