Pembroke Welsh Corgis are thousands of years younger than Cardigan Welsh Corgis. They are also slightly smaller than their older cousins. Though both share the Corgi name, they came from different lineages and places.
Pembroke Corgis are descendants of the Spitz breed. While Cardigan Corgis came from the same lineage as Dachshunds called the Teckel breed. They are from the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, hence the name.
Like Dachshunds and Cardigan Corgis, they also have noticeably short legs and long bodies. Pembroke Corgis are double-coated dogs and shedding is to be expected. Their coats protect them from the harsh elements brought by different seasons.
Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi a Purebred or a Mixed Breed?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a purebred dog. Though a younger breed than Cardigan Corgis, Pembrokes have been around for ages too. They have short legs and long bodies and usually have docked or cropped tails.
Conforming to tradition is the usual reason for tail docking. On a more practical side, tail docking is done to prevent injuries while doing herding duties. Some are naturally born with very short tails so in such cases, cropping the tail is not needed.
The practice is getting mixed opinions from different people. Some aren’t so keen on tail docking and say that it’s unnecessary and cruel. While the other groups do it for tradition and practicality.
Cropped tail or not, it wouldn’t change the fact that Pembroke Corgis are purebreds. There are no Merle Pembroke Corgis and if you have spotted one, it’s probably a Cardigan. Or a mixed breed like an American Corgi.
What Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi a Mix of?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are purebreds but they share the same ancestry with a few breeds. These breeds include Spitz, Samoyed, Pomera, and Keeshond. Surprisingly, their lineage is different from Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
Despite having the Corgi label, Cardigan Corgis came from the Teckel dog breed. Pembroke Corgis have been walking around with their short legs for ages. They’ve been in Wales for more than 1,000 years.
Culturally relevant might be an understatement when describing the Pembroke Corgis. You can say that they found a way to achieve iconic status. Aside from their working-class role as herding dogs, Pembroke Corgis became royal pets too.
The Queen of England, Elizabeth II, has Pembroke Corgis as pets. Their regal status has earned them a chance of being called Royal Corgis. Though they share the bloodline of other dogs, Pembroke Corgis did not come from a mixed breed.
Where Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis From?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are proud natives of Pembrokeshire county in Wales. They are named after the town of Pembroke where they’ve been herding for years. Like their older relatives, Pembroke Corgis are energetic dogs.
Pembroke is located Southwest of Wales. And it’s one of the biggest towns in Pembrokeshire county. You cannot underestimate their size because they are hardworking dogs.
It’s safe to assume that they are their home land’s pride. Because they’ve made great contributions by keeping livestock and crops safe. Pembrokeshire has big agricultural areas where farmers need all the help they can get.
Pembroke Corgis might be small, but they act big to do their tasks successfully. They’re all-around farm dogs but their loyal nature makes them great lapdogs as well. No wonder the Queen of England has a fondness for them.
What Were Pembroke Welsh Corgis Bred for?
They make great lapdogs but their energy and work ethic make them suitable for farms. Pembroke Corgis don’t let their size be an obstacle. This breed is a true-blue herding type of canine.
Slacking off is not so enticing for these four-legged dynamos. That’s why they need constant stimulation be it mentally or physically. A little bit of feistiness is a part of their charm and it makes them competent herders.
Pembroke Corgis are great indispensable assistants to local farmers. Despite the rapid growth of industrialization, these smart pooches cannot be easily replaced. This breed is a natural when it comes to working on a farm. Don’t laugh at the oddity of their shape because they’re pretty agile.
Pembroke Corgis have a softer side and show this by being loyal and affectionate. But the herding instinct is strong so they don’t take their duties for granted.
How to Breed Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Since Pembroke Corgis are purebred, you might need to spend some amount for DNA testing so you can be sure that the dog in front of you is a real Pembroke Corgi. The widespread practice of crossbreeding makes it difficult to find purebred dogs.
The low population of Pembrokes doesn’t make the search easier. Though their number is higher compared to Cardigans, it’s still lower than average. If you want to try your luck, make sure that you’re finding the right connections.
Talk to your vet and reputable breeders so that you can find the best deal. See to it that your resources are sufficient because the prices can be ridiculous. Avoid those puppy mills and their dodgy practices.
The chance of getting ripped off is high when dealing with shady breeders. That’s why it’s important to ask for an expert’s advice. If you manage to find a legitimate breeder, go for a male and female pair.
Or you can just get a female to mate with a male Pembroke Corgi. Being a breeder takes time, work, and other resources, so you’ve got to get yourself ready. Tedious is the word that comes to mind and being patient is crucial.
Mating is just the early stage of breeding. Taking care of a pregnant Pembroke Corgi or any other dog is no joke. See to it that she is under a vet’s supervision to ensure her safety.
When it’s time to deliver those pups, the health of everyone can’t be ignored. A safe and comfortable space is necessary to prevent things from going south. The involvement of experts is great, as handling things on your own can lead to failure.
There are different tests for pups to go through. This is to keep their health in check and to be sure that they are legit — that they are indeed healthy Pembroke Corgis.
Tests, quality food, and supplements aren’t cheap. Your commitment and mental/physical strength are also vital for successful breeding. Though they are small dogs, cramping them up in a small space can be dangerous.
Remember that owning a single dog is already challenging. Breeding is on a whole different level because it’s not just a hobby. It’s a form of work or livelihood.
Despite the lucrative nature of dog breeding, don’t let the prices drive you nuts. Prioritize the safety and comfort of these dogs. Whatever dog breed you’re planning to get, being responsible is a must.
Do things legitimately and ethically. Your vet and a good breeder will give you insight into the nature of breeding. It’s alright to be confident, but pick the brains of experienced folks so breeding can succeed.
How Many Puppies Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Have?
A Pembroke Corgi can give birth to 6 to 8 puppies on average. The number of puppies is impressive despite the mother Corgi’s short stature. They have fairly long bodies anyway so they can accommodate such litter sizes.
Aside from taking care of a mother Pembroke Corgi, her pups need care too. Their small and delicate state makes them susceptible to different health issues. See to it that they’re also under the supervision of your vet to aid them in their growth.
Bigger dog breeds can have 10 to 12 puppies in their litter. Since Pembrokes are smaller, they can only have 6 to 8 puppies. It’s not a cause for concern because the number is normal for their breed.
The age of a pregnant Pembroke Corgi can also affect the number of puppies — puppies she can conceive and give birth to. The older the mother is, the smaller her litter will be.
What Colors Are Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
Pembroke Corgis come in different colors. But compared to Cardigan Corgis, there’s not a lot of variety in their coats. Their common coat colors are fawn, sable, black, and different shades of red.
The chest and paws are usually white and possibly a few tanned parts. Some coats have brighter shades than others. The eyes are surrounded by the same color pattern on their backs most of the time.
You’ll notice that their coats look flat in comparison to what Cardigan Corgis have. A Pembroke Corgi’s coat color is usually two-tone or comes in tricolor. Cardigans have different shades of color on their backs that resemble spots or stripes.
Imagine the coats and colors that cats have, Cardigan Corgis are similar to that. Coat-wise, the Pembroke Corgis have more solid yet flat-colored coats. Their coats and size make them stand out from other Corgi breeds.
Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Come in Blue Merle?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in fawn, sable, black and different shades of red. But a Merle type of coat is not included. This coat type is found in Cardigan Corgis or a mixed breed like the American Corgi.
The Merle color or pattern of the coat is not natural with Pembroke Welsh Corgis. If you’ve stumbled upon a Merle Corgi with attributes of a Pembroke, it’s a result of crossbreeding. A Merle coat is also rare among Cardigan Corgis and such color or pattern affects the price.
Merle Pembroke Corgis are not considered purebreds. A bigger Corgi with such a coat is more or less a Cardigan Corgi. If a Merle Corgi has similar features to a Pembroke, it’s a cross between Cardigan and Pembroke.
Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis Have Blue Eyes?
The majority of Pembroke Welsh Corgis have brown eyes. Brown is their natural eye color but it’s also possible for one to have blue eyes. Although blue eyes are more common with Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
A blue-eyed Pembroke Corgi puts the purity of his breed into question. Some organizations consider blue eyes in Pembroke Corgis as a fault. Thus disqualifying them as purebred Pembroke Corgis.
Blue eyes are more common in Corgi dogs that belong to American and Cardigan breeds. Eye color can qualify/disqualify one as a member of the Pembroke camp. Merle genes are usually present in blue-eyed Corgis.
Though blue eyes look cool and appealing, there are some risks involved with the said eye color. It’s not always a good indicator if a Corgi would have health problems in the future. But it’s worth noting.
Some blue-eyed dogs, usually of merle descent, suffer from poor vision and hearing problems. There’s some link between eye color and health problems. That’s why it’s not encouraged to breed two merle Corgis.
As this sometimes results in weak, sickness-prone offspring. That’s not always the case because other breeds have blue eyes that don’t affect general health. Discuss this with your vet if blue eyes make you nervous about your dog’s condition.
Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Have Tails?
You might have seen several Pembroke Corgis with cropped or docked tails. The truth is, Pembroke Corgis are born with tails. But the absence of a long tail is a result of having it docked at 2 to 5 days old.
Some organizations require a Pembroke Corgi’s tail to be cropped or docked. This practice separates them from the Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Some groups are not very supportive of the required practice though.
There are Pembroke Corgis born with really short tails to the point that tail docking isn’t even necessary. Despite looking like tailless dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with tails.
Why Do Pembroke Corgis Normally Have No Tails?
Pembroke Corgis do have tails but they lose them because of docking. It was believed that tail docking prevents the spread of the rabies virus. So the tradition was born.
Some farmers think that the tail is a liability for Pembroke Corgis when it comes to herding. Tail docking is done for traditional and practical reasons. The American Kennel Club (AKC) requires tail docking when registering a Pembroke Corgi.
Some owners are against this practice so they kept their Pembroke Corgis’ fox-like tails intact. Tail docking is done when a dog is still young because the part is still soft. Tails harden with age, so to make the method less painful, they do it on puppies.
How Long Are Pembroke Welsh Corgi Tails?
Without docking, Pembroke Corgis are supposed to have tails similar to a fox. The estimated length is about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or longer. But due to registration requirements, their tails’ length should not be longer than 2 inches (50.8 mm).
Some Pembroke Corgis don’t have to go through docking for having very short tails. Or no tail at all aside from an odd-looking stub on their backs. If you’re planning to register your Pembroke Corgi, expect his tail to be docked.
But tail docking is not required in all places, so the possibilities are somehow dependent on that. Pembroke Corgis can have tails similar to Cardigan Corgis and foxes when allowed. Tail length may vary but the required length is 2 inches (50.8 mm) and below.
Can Pembroke Welsh Corgis Have Long Tails?
Those fluffy tails would be there if not for the tail docking requirement. They can grow long when left unaltered. But because of tradition, it’s still common for Pembroke Corgis to walk around with short tails.
Some folks would insist that having a tail is detrimental to herding. But the other side is not too keen on the normalization of tail docking. Keeping your Pembroke Corgi’s tail intact is completely up to you.
Unless you’re in a place where it is required. Whatever your decision is, make sure that your Pembroke Corgi is in safe hands. You can have a talk with your vet about this whole deal to help you decide.
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Tails Docked?
Tail docking is a common practice for Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This sets them apart from their older Welsh Corgi cousins. It’s being done for traditional and practical purposes.
Tails are considered a hindrance in dogs who work as cattle herders. If a Pembroke Corgi is allowed to have a tail in your area, the choice is yours. You can have its tail docked or you can skip it.
If you’re going for the common practice, have it done while your Pembroke Corgi’s still a pup. And if you choose the latter, feel free to go that route. Whatever your choice is, see to it that you’re not comprising his health and safety.
Why Are Pembroke Corgis Tails Docked?
It’s believed that tail docking prevents rabies from spreading. People do it as a preventive measure. Tail docking is also compulsory for some organizations.
Another reason is that having a tail is a liability in some agricultural circles. It’s said that Pembroke Corgis with tails are more prone to injuries when assigned as working dogs. Pembroke Corgis are bred for herding and they’re perfectly suited for the job.
Some are just doing it for cosmetic reasons. Whether you’re against it or not, tail docking is common for Pembroke Welsh Corgis. There are cases where a Pembroke Corgi was born with a tail too short that docking wasn’t needed.
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Born With or Without Tails?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with tails and they only lose them because of tail docking, as it’s one of the requirements for their breed. Docking is usually done 2 to 5 days after birth.
Adult Pembroke Corgis with docked tails are common. Though it’s still possible for you to stumble upon an adult one with his tail intact. A few of them are born with very short tails that spare them from the said method.
Docking should be done early because tails harden with age. To avoid injuring the tail a Pembroke Corgi goes through it while he’s still a puppy. A puppy’s tail is softer so the healing process becomes easier.
Can Pembroke Corgis Be Born Without Tails?
Some Pembroke Corgis are born without tails and docking becomes unnecessary. Dogs born without tails are called bobtailed dogs. This is usually caused by the mutation of a gene called C189G.
Pembroke Corgis are naturally born with tails though some are born without them. But having extremely short tails or no tails at all doesn’t separate them from those with tails. They still belong to the Pembroke Corgi group.
It’s a different story for Merle Pembroke Corgis though. A Pembroke Corgi with a merle coat is not recognized as a member of the Pembroke breed. So calling one with such a coat a Pembroke Corgi is kind of incorrect.
The fact that merle-coated Corgis share some attributes with Pembrokes, can be confusing. Going back to the topic about tails, the presence/absence of a tail does not exclude one from the breed. But groups like the AKC require the tails to be docked before recognizing one as a Pembroke.
How Big Does a Full-Grown Pembroke Welsh Corgi Get?
A full-grown Pembroke Welsh Corgi is about 10 to 12 inches (254 to 304.8 mm) tall. The measurement applies to both male and female Pembroke Corgis. They are a couple of inches shorter than Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
Though small in height because of their short legs, they have long bodies. Their bodies are sometimes just as long as what taller breeds have. That’s partly a reason why they’re categorized as medium-sized dogs.
Those long, tube-like bodies have additional weight. It makes them heavier than dogs of similar height. Like Cardigan Corgis, their shortness is an advantage when herding farm animals.
How Long Is a Full-Grown Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
Although they’re a little short on a vertical measurement, Pembroke Corgis have long bodies. They stand at about 10 to 12 inches (254 to 304.8 mm) high on average. A full-grown Pembroke Corgi’s body is 22 to 26 inches (558.8 to 660.4 mm) long.
That’s a couple of rulers long and twice the measurement of their height. This mismatch in height and length makes their bodies look strange. But the weird proportions are normal for this breed.
To make sure that there’s nothing wrong with their bodies, regular checkups are important. If your vet gives your Pembroke Corgi a clean bill of health, don’t worry too much. Those cute, stubby legs and long bodies are normal for Pembroke Corgis.
How Much Should a Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight?
Pembroke Corgis have an average weight of 22 to 30 pounds (10 to 14 kg). Male and female Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also similar in weight. The males are sometimes a kilogram heavier but barely noticeable
Corgis have big appetites and being such voracious eaters can make them prone to weight gain. But thanks to their energetic nature, they can burn those calories down. See to it that your Pembroke Corgi’s eating the right foods that will serve as his fuel.
Don’t forget about exercise so that he can avoid the curse of obesity. And other health issues related to being overweight. It’s not hard to convince Corgis to exercise since they’re naturally active and full of energy.
If your Pembroke Corgi lacks the appetite for food and activity, seek medical help immediately. Being idle is not common for their breed and sluggishness can be a sign of a serious issue. Proper nutrition and regular exercise help in preventing weight-related issues.
How Much Should a Male Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight?
The average weight of a male Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 22 to 30.8 pounds (10 to 14 kg). There’s not much difference between males and females when it comes to height and weight. Female Pembroke Corgis are only heavier when they are pregnant.
Despite one’s shortness, the weight of a Pembroke Corgi is similar to taller dog breeds. Their weight allows them to be agile so that they can perform well as herders. If you own a Pembroke Corgi, feed him with proper and nutritious types of food.
Don’t skip exercise because this breed likes to be active by walking or running around. This trait helps them in keeping their weight under control despite having big appetites. Taking them out for exercise is not hard for they’re not the lazy types.
When Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Stop Growing?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis reach their full size at about a year old. Some may need a few months more after one year to be fully grown. But reaching their full size in one year is more common.
You will notice that your Pembroke Welsh Corgi is slightly smaller compared to Cardigan Corgis. It’s only normal for your loyal pet as he is from the smaller and younger breed. If he’s growing slower than normal, see to it that there are no health problems involved.
If your Pembroke Corgi took a longer time to grow, pushing the panic button ain’t necessary. But the advice of your vet is very important to be sure that your dog’s doing okay. Normal or slow growth will not change the fact his health condition is a priority.
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Healthy?
They are healthy and energetic dogs when raised properly. But Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also prone to some health issues. Hip dysplasia and IVDD are the usual suspects that affect the Corgi breed in general.
These conditions are present due to how their bodies and bones are structured. Don’t ignore the early signs so that the progression of the said diseases can be slowed down. The common signs are lethargy, weakened muscles, and unusual gait.
If you hear whining, there’s probably some serious pain involved. Don’t allow them to stay in such a sad and unbearable state. Get in contact with your vet right away if you’ve encountered these signs.
Some Pembroke Welsh Corgis do suffer from epilepsy as well. A condition that is not common with Cardigan Corgis. You can say that Cardigan Corgis are slightly healthier than their younger Corgi cousins.
Sudden and uncontrolled movements like shaking or twitching are signs of epilepsy. Loss of consciousness that leads to falling and foaming are strong indicators of the condition. These signs need immediate medical attention since epilepsy is a serious condition.
Your vet will treat him with prescription drugs like Phenobarbitone or Potassium Bromide. Your dog needs more supervision if he’s epileptic. Get harmful items out of the way to prevent injuries when he’s having seizures.
Though he’s from an active, hardworking breed, don’t let him get too tired. Because exhaustion is one of the most common epileptic triggers. Getting pet insurance will help you cover the cost of treatments.
How Long Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Live?
These bunch of energetic canines can live from 12 to 15 years. Some of them even managed to live up to 18 years. Your Pembroke Corgi’s lifespan would depend on genetics and overall health.
Some health conditions can be passed on from one generation to the next. For a Pembroke Corgi who inherited disease-prone genes, his lifespan can be compromised. But with proper treatment, health concerns can be managed or even cured.
It depends on the severity though. Early detection of an issue is important and prevention is better than cure. Beware of silent killer diseases so your Pembroke Corgi can have a clean bill of health.
Of course, you can’t do this on your own unless you’re a veterinarian yourself. Let your vet help you in making your Pembroke Corgi live his life to the fullest. So that he can live a long life and even surpass the 12 to 15 years expectancy.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
The average lifespan of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years. They are already adults at the age of 1 or 2, so they’re pretty much grown-up dogs for the majority of their lives.
Your Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s lifespan can be shortened if you take his health for granted. You can’t afford to overlook the issues and end up with the worst-case scenario. Let your vet walk you through the steps that will keep your Pembroke Corgi healthy.
Aside from a great amount of medical attention, keep him in top shape with two things — proper diet and exercise. After all, they’re voracious eaters and have high energy levels.
Keeping a dog is no joke, so being a responsible owner is vital. Provide your Pembroke Welsh Corgi with the best that you can offer. But not to a point of spoiling him. He will not disappoint you with the love, loyalty, and hard work that he can give.
Make sure that you develop a healthy relationship with your Pembroke Corgi though. And you have to be ready to keep up with the demands of owning a pooch. Help him live a long and productive life and fill those years with great memories.
