Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Temperament: active, friendly, loyal
Cost: $550 - $650
Lifespan: 12 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: families

History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from the same family as the Spitz, the Elkhound and the Pomeranian. Unlike its cousin the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke does not have Dachshund characteristics. Corgis are heelers, used as a working breed to herd livestock much the same as the Australian Cattle Dog. Various folklore attributes the name 'Corgi' to Celtic origins (Corgi being Celtic for 'dog') or alternatively to the Welsh phrases, Cur meaning 'to watch over' and gi meaning 'dog'. The Pembroke is said be a descendant of dogs owned by Flemish weavers who settled in west Wales. It also bears a striking resemblance to the Swedish Vallhund, suggesting a link perhaps brought about by viking invaders in the ninth century.

Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis since 1944 when she was given her first, Susan, as an 18th birthday present. It is this high profile which has caused the breed to be so popular in the United Kingdom.

What's the difference?

Just how similar are the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis? Both Corgis are closely related, have similar physical characteristics and both are working dogs. Notwithstanding this, breeders claim that each breed initially evolved from separate lines, the Pembroke relying on influences from the spitz breeds, whilst the Cardigan developed through similar lines to the Dachshund and Basset. The Cardigan is larger, longer bodied and sports a long tail. The tails of most Pembroke Corgis are docked by breeders. Colour and coat also differ, the Cardigan may appear in any colour whilst the Pembroke is either red, sable, fawn or black and tan. White markings may be present on the legs. The Cardigan's head is fox-like with larger ears, whilst the Pembroke's muzzle is trim and compact.

All Corgis are dwarfs. That is, they carry the achondroplasia gene which causes short limbs yet leaves the body a normal size.

Temperament

Outgoing, friendly and loyal. Nonetheless the Pembroke is instinctively a herding dog, a heeler, and may display this tendency if it sights a nice pair of heels on the move to nip at. Pembrokes are active dogs, breeders suggesting they are more outgoing and excitable than the reserved Cardigans. They are affectionate and accepting of children though may be suspicious of strangers. They are quite active, not docile lap dogs. Pembrokes don't really need excessive space, preferring to have plenty of attention rather than acres of room.

Health and lifespan

Corgis are generally hardy and healthy dogs. Like other breeds, they may suffer from eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma. These diseases can be tested for by a veterinarian and you should enquire of the breeder if the parents have been screened. Since all Corgis are dwarfs they are prone to a series of skeletal problems. Choose a compact and well proportioned animal if possible. Unusually long bodied Corgis are more prone to slipped discs in the middle of the back. Back problems may also occur in aged dogs, particularly if they are overweight and poorly exercised. Corgis have an average lifespan of 12 years.

Grooming and maintenance

The short double coat needs occasional brushing to remove dead hair and dirt. Corgis have two seasonal moults a year, in spring and autumn and require more diligent grooming at this time. They make great house pets but expect some hair around the place.

Breeding and cost

Corgis have few whelping problems though small bitches have been known to require caesareans. Average litter size is six to eight pups. A Pembroke pet costs around $550, more for a show quality dog. Puppies are not always readily available and many are 'reserved' before they are born.

Space and exercise

Despite their working heritage, Corgis don't need a large space to run around. They do like company and if left in the yard with little attention may become destructive.

Ideal owner

Pembroke Corgis are great family pets and are also popular with the active elderly. They are suitable as house pets and not too boisterous with children. Remember their heeling heritage though if you're running around with these royal canines.

Further information

We filmed this segment in Sydney with the help of members of the Welsh Corgi Club of New South Wales.

ACT
Welsh Corgi Club of Canberra Inc
Secretary: Mr P Rummery
Phone: (02) 6231 6460

NSW
Welsh Corgi Club of NSW Inc
Secretary: Mrs J Georgiou
Phone: (02) 9411 4233

Qld
Welsh Corgi Club of QLD
Secretary: Mrs J McCann
Phone: (07) 3879 8546

SA
Welsh Corgi Club of South Australia Inc
Secretary: Mrs M Purchase
Phone: (08) 8263 3285

Tas
Welsh Corgi Club of Tasmania
Secretary: Mrs A Anagnostis
Phone: (03) 6224 1904

Vic
Welsh Corgi Club of Victoria Inc
Secretary: Mrs G Cherry
Phone: (03) 5941 1859

WA
Welsh Corgi Club of Western Australia
Secretary: Mrs J Spargo
Phone: (08) 9255 1108

NT
North Australian Canine Association - NACA
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

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