Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Pint-sized and spunky, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a generally healthy purebred with only a few minor and serious health problem possibilities. Due to their small stature, these pups are prone to growth disorders, such as dysplasia, that affect them from birth. In many cases, these disorders require surgery to correct, however most of them are non-threatening when it comes to longevity.

With early detection, most health issues that could plague your Pembroke Welsh Corgi are manageable. Some are even preventable with a nutritious diet, routine exercise, and regular vet visits. Ask your vet to perform tests and examinations for all kinds of breed-specific health conditions upon your first visit with your new pup.

One of the most common health conditions that a Pembroke Welsh Corgi could inherit include:

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Common in small dogs, this condition occurs when the cushions between vertebrae begin to bulge outwards, causing compression of the spinal column. This results in nerve damage, severe pain, weakness, and eventual paralysis. Surgery is absolutely required to remedy this condition permanently.

Other health problems that you should watch for signs of include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and cherry eyes. The average, healthy Pembroke Welsh Corgi boasts a lifespan between 12 to 14 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Also known as Pems, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a royal favorite, as the Queen of England owns, and has owned, several of the adorable, tiny pups. They make excellent, albeit stubborn, companions to singles, couples, and families. Their overall temperament is even, but they have a natural herding instinct that can cause them to yip and nip at smaller animals and children. This is something you have to work on training out of them.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are easily spoiled and crave constant attention from their loved ones. They are prone to separation anxiety, and destructive behavior as a result, so try to avoid leaving them alone for long periods of time. If you absolutely must be out of the house, make sure you bond your Pem puppy with a trustworthy friend. This way your friend can come over, sit, and play with your pup when you are away.

Protective of loved ones, and quite a loud barker, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi would make a great watchdog at night-time. He is cautious around and way of strangers, so suspicious activities will pop up on his radar in the evening hours. During the daytime, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs plenty of exercise, so a romp in your fenced-in backyard would be ideal. However, if you lack a backyard, take him over to a dog park for an hour-long play session with other pups his size. You should also walk your Pem at least twice per day and invest in a few toys for indoor playtime.

Training-wise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi presents a challenge because of his stubbornness and strong-willed nature. In some aspects, he is eager to please his loved ones. In other aspects, he would prefer to play the role of the dominant one, so he will test your boundaries. Be firm, consistent, and patient. Show him that you are the alpha with a clear, strong tone to a positive, encouraging voice. It might take some repetition, but he will happily comply with your commands after you establish your dominance.

Grooming

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are moderate shedders year-round and it gets worse towards the summertime, however they will certainly fluff back up in the colder months. Keep a vacuum on hand to clean up any excess hair from your furniture, floor, and clothes.

These pups have an easy-to-brush coat, but brushing depends on the rate of shed. For the colder months, brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi 3 times a week. In hotter conditions, brush him one a day to avoid a build-up of matted, excess fur. For basic care, bathe him when he is dirty, trim his nails every 3-4 weeks, and brush his teeth 3-4 times a week. You should also clean his ears once a week.

Diet

Every Pembroke Welsh Corgi is different in their size and nutritional needs, so it is important that you ask your vet how much your Pem should be eating. These pups, unfortunately, are prone to being overeaters. Establish a meal plan to train them when to expect food. On average, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi will eat twice a day, with ½ cup of dry, high-quality kibble for each meal.

These pups can have quite a bit of fluff, especially around their nubby little bums. In the summertime, the extreme heat can harm them, so keep a fresh dish of cold water around the house to maintain their proper hydration. Toss in a few ice cubes to keep the water chilled.
 

Find A Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breeder

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Cost

Opt to adopt before you shop for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Check your local animal shelters and rescue projects for an adoptable pup to call your companion. While the adoption fees vary based on state and county regulations, the average adoption fee ranges from $75 to $250 in most cases. However, if you factor in vaccination costs, spay and neuter services, and first-time vet visits, you could spend upwards of $500 before you bring your Pembroke Welsh Corgi home.

If you choose to buy your Pembroke Welsh Corgi outright, be sure to search for a tried-and-true, reputable breeder. On average, breeders charge between $300 to $750 for Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies. However, this price varies depending on popularity, AKC registration, and health history.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a solid 2 on the ranking scale. He is a headstrong pup for the most part, but he still loves belly rubs and praise from his family. He is protective, so he makes an excellent watchdog, but he is also stubborn, which means training could take a bit longer than usual. However, with hard work, patience, and determination, you could transform this bouncy, strong-willed sweetheart into the perfect family companion.

 

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