Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Wales in the 1100s. The word “corgi” means “dwarf dog” which accurately describes this breed. There are differing accounts as to how the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated. It is believed that the Pembroke Welsh Corgis were introduced by Flemish weavers as a working dog. While the exact ancestry of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is often debated, it is believed that the breed originated from a combination of the following breeds: Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow-Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, and Finnish Spitz. It is often accepted that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi descended from spitz-type breeds that were taken to Britain with the Vikings. The breed’s original purpose was to herd sheep and to lead them by biting their legs. While its primary function now is to serve as a loving companion, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still used as a watchdog, guard dog, and herder. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has appeared in media in the past. This breed began to gain popularity in the 1930s when King George VI gifted one to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. In fact, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has maintained a symbol of royalty with Queen Elizabeth II. To this day, Queen Elizabeth II maintains this breed within her sight at all times. In 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was officially recognized by the AKC. The breed has maintained a steady popularity ranking within the AKC, although not as high as it used to be. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has also appeared in an anime known as Cowboy Bebop as a dog named Ein whose intelligence was enhanced by man. 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a longer body than it is tall. His stance is that of an alert, watchful canine.His expression is that of an observant gaze. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has big, upright ears and a nub for a tail. His build is that of a sturdy frame, which allows for maximum speed and flexibility. The eyes of this spirited breed are dark brown with black rims. Despite his body being low to the ground, he is quite effective at herding and maintains excellent drive. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a dense medium-length undercoat that is water-resistant. The outer coat is coarse, long and straight. Coat colors range from black and tan, fawn, red, to sable with white markings. This breed has a foxy-looking appearance in terms of its head with a skull that is fairly wide and flat between the ears. His nose is black and fully pigmented and the mouth contains the inner side of the upper incisors touching the outer side of the lower incisors.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be brushed weekly with a rubber curry brush to remove all dead hair from its fur. Brushing should ideally require 10 minute sessions in order to fully remove loose hair. The frequency of bathing will vary depending on what kind of tasks your dog is participating in but a bath is recommended to take place at least every 6 to 8 weeks. This breed is not hypoallergenic and is an average shedder. In order to keep the shedding at a minimum, ensure your Pembroke Welsh Corgi is being brushed on schedule. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth. Weekly brushing of the teeth, at a minimum, is required to maintain oral health. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not typically emit any noticeable smell and is not known to be a drooling breed. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active breed that likes to be able to run around and it is important to provide this dynamic dog with daily exercise in order to prevent obesity and to keep him busy and content. This breed is capable of living in average weather climates but would fare better living indoors with access to outdoor exercise. This breed would fare best in a living arrangement where there is access to plenty of running area and a schedule of daily walks.