Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembrokes make good family dogs for those with older children. They’re bossy by nature and with their natural instincts to control herds of cattle, children are likely to receive a nip at the ankles if they’re running around all over the place. This is just a Pembrokes’ way of getting them under control. If you’re an outdoorsy family who love to get out and about, a Corgi will love joining you! They need plenty of physical and mental exercise.

Pembrokes are loyal and affectionate, so long as their needs are met, they’ll happily join you on the sofa for a snuggle. They make great companions and want to be involved in everything you do, so if your social life is too busy to include your dog, this breed perhaps isn't the one for you. 

Yes! Pembrokes love to play, it’s something they need to do every day to be happy. In the absence of cattle, chasing and grabbing their toys satisfies their natural desire to keep things in order. They’re an incredibly active breed and playtime is a great way for them to work their bodies and minds.

Oh yes, are they ever! Pembrokes are vocal herders, so it makes sense why they take this trait into home environments. They bark when they are excited, frustrated or alarmed.

As well as herding cattle, they were also used as watchdogs on farms, so they’ll certainly be on their guard in the home. This means they’ll bark at pretty much anything that dares move, like people, birds, neighbouring cats, and anything else they think you’d want to know about. 

Their bark is high pitched, so hearing this over and over could affect those with sensitive hearing. For this reason, Pembrokes may not be the right choice if you live in a flat. 

Excessive barking can be a bit of a problem with Pembrokes. Like with all dogs, a bit of barking is to be expected, however nuisance barking is annoying for owners and surroundings neighbours too.

Some Pembrokes have a strong herding drive and when they do, they tend to nip ankles. Luckily, this can be prevented with appropriate outlets for them.

Their loyal and affectionate nature can lead to separation related issues if they’re not taught how to cope with being home alone. 

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs a home where they can be part of the family and children old enough to respect their needs and get involved in training. 

They need access to a garden and live within walking distance to open, green space where they can run and play at least twice a day.

If well socialised well, Pembrokes can live with other pets in the home, it’s easily to introduce them into the household when they’re a puppy, rather than opening the home to new pet when you have an adult Pembroke.

They don’t suit flats or apartments because of their noisy barking, and they need their time spent home alone kept to a minimum. They much prefer someone home to keep them company all day.

Pembrokes need at least two good walks a day, as well as a suitable way to express their natural behaviour. They need lots of time dedicated to playing games involving chasing toys and grabbing them. They are a bright working breed, so mental exercise is essential. Basic training, learning new tricks and using puzzle feeders will also help them to release their built-up energy. 

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, in a calm and polite way (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Pembrokes are easy to train when they’re young, they’re willing to learn and eager to please at this age, so make the most of puppyhood!  

This active breed always wants to be doing something; they’re fast and agile making them great dogs for sports like hoopers and agility. Adolescence is a challenging time for both dogs and humans. For Pembrokes, this is where their bossiness and stubborn personalities can appear. Keep going with their training and you will reap the rewards.

For your Pembroke to enjoy time off-lead, they need to learn how to come back to you when they’re called. This is called ‘recall’ and is vital in open areas where there might be joggers or cyclists about.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are moderate to heavy shedders. They have a double coat, so regular grooming will help them feel more comfortable in warmer weather, while reduce the amount of hair sticking to your carpets, sofa and clothes! 

A slicker brush and a rake are all you need to keep their coats in tip top condition.

Regular grooming sessions will also give you the opportunity to check for any lumps, bumps, cuts, grass seeds and parasites.

Unfortunately, Pembrokes are at risk from several genetic health disorders. If this breed is the top dog on your list, the best thing to do is buy from a reputable breeder who health screen the dogs they breed from. 

Pembrokes can be affected by both hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, heart problems, Degenerative Myelopathy (a disease that affects the spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination) and Von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting disorder).

This stocky little breed is also prone to excessive weight gain, but this something an owner has complete control over, and there are lots of way of keeping them in shape.