Dog Breeds > Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The highly intelligent and active Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the smallest herding dog and is one of the two types of Welsh Corgi Breeds which originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Though they have an extremely low built structure, they are known to be very good working dogs and can also be very loyal house pets.
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Fascinating Facts
The origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dates back to the 10th century when the corgi breed were used as full fledged working dogs for hunting vermins, driving cattle and as farm hands. The Cardigan Welsh corgi breed was believed to be cross bred with that of the Swedish Vallhund to create this second type of Welsh Corgis having exceptionally high intelligence and good herding skills. Due to their low height, they herded cattle by nipping at their feet and managed to run between them without getting hurt. This breed is one of the favourites of the British loyalty having Queen Elizabeth II as one of their noted owners.
Physical Appearance
The physical appearance of the Pems is what makes them stand out from all the other types of herding dogs. A long body built very low to the ground with tiny legs is what gives them their special look. With a height of 12 inches at the most and weighing about 25 – 30 pounds, these small bundle of energy sports triangular upright ears giving them an appearance of a fox. With a very short or no tail at all, they possess oval feet and brown eyes which vary depending on the color of the coat. A Cardigan Welsh Corgi coat can be black, red, fawn or tan, bi or tri- coloured with or without white marks. These white marks can be found on their legs, chest, and muzzle.
Grooming
Grooming a Pem is quite easy. The moderately coarse outer coat coupled with the shorter and thicker lower one will be quite fine with regular combing and brushing. They shed twice a year and a firm bristle brush should be used for maximum effect.
Mood
Pems are highly intelligent, energetic and alert dogs which have a tendency to bark. Generally with the right training and exercise they remain in a good mood and are very friendly. Loyal at heart they like to be loved and paid attention to.
With Children
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be very good companions for children. Though they might nip at their heels playfully due to their inborn herding skills, but if trained properly they become quite sturdy and protective making them a good choice for guarding children and playing with them.
Training & Exercise
While training a Pem it should be remembered that leadership needs to be communicated right from the start. They have to be made understood that humans are the masters and not the other way round. Little things like leading the way while taking your dog for a walk goes into communicating such important factors to it. The breed required masters who are calm but firm as well as loving. Apart from this, socializing from puppy hood and not letting them bark at you are something which has to be kept in mind while training this highly intelligent and trainable dog.
In case of exercise, a daily long walk should be enough to keep this highly energetic dog happy and healthy.
Health & Life Expectancy
Having life expectancy of about 12 – 15 years, this breed is prone to PRA, glaucoma and back problems. Remember that they have a tendency to grow fat causing more back problems. Hence avoid overeating and missing out on exercises.
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