Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Personality

The Pembroke is a small dog with a large opinion of itself. It is bold, bright and affectionate, and its herding heritage shows in a love of having something to do. Expect a lively, funny companion that follows its people around and takes a keen interest in everything.

The breed is usually friendly with its family and children, though its instinct to herd can lead to nipping at heels and chasing. This is a behavior to redirect early with training and plenty of activity, not to punish.

Corgis tend to be alert and vocal, ready to announce visitors, squirrels and the occasional leaf. They can be reserved with strangers, so socialization helps keep that wariness from becoming excessive barking or snapping.

They are clever and can be stubborn in a charming way. A bored Pembroke will find its own entertainment. When it is exercised and engaged, it is a cheerful, devoted partner that suits families who want an active, engaged small dog rather than a lap ornament.

History

Corgis have worked in Wales for centuries as cattle herders, nipping at the heels of cows to move them along and dropping low to avoid kicks. The Pembroke, named for the county of Pembrokeshire, belongs to the spitz family according to the AKC. It is traditionally linked with Flemish settlers who came to Pembrokeshire in the twelfth century, though the exact origins are debated. It is a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which comes from neighboring Cardiganshire and has a long tail.

The two types were shown together in Britain for a time, and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognized them as separate breeds in 1934. The first Pembrokes reached America the same year, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America was founded in 1936.

The breed rose in popularity in the twentieth century, helped by the British royal family. The future Queen Mother acquired a Pembroke for her daughters in the 1930s, and Queen Elizabeth II went on to own more than 30 corgis during her reign. Today the Pembroke is a popular companion and a competitor in herding, agility and obedience.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Pembroke is a low-set, sturdy dog with a long body, a foxy face and large, upright ears. The AKC lists height at 10-12 in (25-30 cm), and weight of up to 30 lb (14 kg) for males and up to 28 lb (13 kg) for females.

The coat is medium in length, with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a longer, straighter outer coat. Colors include red, sable, fawn, and black and tan, usually with white on the legs, chest, neck and muzzle, and sometimes a white blaze on the face. A mostly white dog is not accepted in the show ring.

Many Pembrokes have a naturally short or absent tail, and longer tails have traditionally been docked. Docking is banned in a number of countries, so undocked tails are increasingly seen, and a long tail is perfectly acceptable in a pet.

The head and ears give the breed its fox-like appearance, with alert, intelligent eyes, and an expression that reads as both clever and mischievous. The legs are short, but the dog moves with surprising speed and agility.

Training

Pembrokes are intelligent, quick learners that thrive on positive reinforcement. Treats, toys and praise motivate them well, and they often enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks. The main challenge is that a smart, independent dog may decide it knows better.

Herding instincts can create issues, such as heel-nipping and chasing. Teach a solid recall, impulse control and a reliable leave-it. Give the dog appropriate outlets, such as herding balls, fetch or agility, rather than punishing the natural urge.

Barking is a frequent complaint. Teach a quiet cue early and reward calm behavior, and meet the dog's exercise needs so that boredom is not the cause. Barking at passersby through windows can be managed by limiting access to the view.

Socialize your puppy widely and keep it going. House training is usually manageable with a routine; our crate training guide can help. Keep training sessions short and fun. Corgis do well in obedience, rally, agility and herding trials.

Exercise

The Pembroke is small, but it is a working dog at heart. Plan on about an hour of activity a day, divided into walks, play and training. Many corgis love fetch, hiking and agility, and they can keep up for longer outings if built up gradually.

Because of the long back and short legs, avoid activities that put pressure on the spine. Limit jumping from furniture and cars, use ramps or steps, and discourage repeated stair climbing as a puppy. Healthy muscle and a lean weight protect the back, so keep your corgi fit.

Mental exercise matters too. Puzzle feeders, scent games and trick training help burn energy, and herding-style games can satisfy instinct. Our guide on how much exercise a dog needs gives more general guidance.

In hot weather, go out early or late, as the double coat and compact frame make heat harder. Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area; a corgi that spots something to herd can set off in a flash.

Grooming

The Pembroke sheds a great deal. Its dense double coat releases hair year-round and then blows heavily twice a year, so expect fur on clothes, furniture and floors. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush or undercoat rake keeps shedding under control, and daily brushing helps during the seasonal blowouts. A deshedding tool and a good vacuum are practical investments.

Do not shave a corgi. The coat protects against heat and cold, and shaving removes that protection.

Bathe only every couple of months or when dirty, using a gentle dog shampoo, and dry down to the undercoat.

Check the ears weekly, as upright ears are generally healthy but can collect debris. Trim nails regularly, because short legs mean nails hit the ground quickly. Brush teeth several times a week, using our dental care guide as a reference.

Trim the hair around the feet and the back of the hind legs if it gets untidy. Start handling paws, ears and mouth early so that grooming becomes a calm routine.

Feeding

Corgis love to eat and put on weight easily, which stresses their long backs and short legs. Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog's age and activity, measure portions with a cup or scale, and avoid free feeding.

Adults are usually fed twice a day. Start with the guidance on the food label, then adjust: you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing and see a waist from above. Our dog food calculator offers a starting estimate, and your vet can help you set a target weight. For an overview of body condition, see how to tell if your dog is overweight.

Keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories, and use part of the daily kibble for training. Low-calorie snacks, such as a few green beans or carrot pieces, are good substitutes for high-fat treats.

Begging is a corgi specialty, so do not give in. A puzzle feeder or slow feeder makes meals last longer. Provide fresh water at all times.

Health

Pembrokes are generally sturdy, but their body shape and genetics bring some known risks. Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur. Intervertebral disc disease, which affects the spine, is a concern for dogs with long backs and short legs, so protect the back by keeping your dog lean and limiting jumping.

Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease, is found in the breed, and a DNA test is available. Von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder, also occurs and can be tested for. Eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are reported, and some puppies are born with patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect that a vet may first notice as a murmur.

Obesity is one of the biggest preventable problems. Keeping your Pembroke slim helps everything from the joints to longevity.

The usual life span is 12-13 years according to the AKC. Ask breeders for hip and eye exam results and any DNA test results for both parents, and keep up with annual vet visits, vaccines and parasite prevention as advised by your vet.

Health conditions to know about

• Intervertebral disc disease — Spinal disc problems in long-backed, short-legged dogs; keep weight down and limit jumping.
• Hip dysplasia — Inherited hip malformation that can lead to arthritis.
• Degenerative myelopathy — Progressive spinal cord disease; DNA test available.
• Von Willebrand disease — Inherited bleeding disorder; DNA test available.
• Obesity — Common and preventable; extra weight stresses the back and joints.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Degenerative myelopathy DNA test
• Von Willebrand disease DNA test

Read more: intervertebral disc disease (ivdd).

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

A Pembroke can live in an apartment, a suburban home or a farm, provided it gets exercise and company. Barking is the main obstacle in close quarters, so plan on training and attention to keep neighbors happy.

The breed wants to be with its family and may become bored or destructive if left alone for long periods. Daycare, a dog walker or a pet sitter may be needed for long workdays.

In the cold the double coat is a good insulator, and many corgis enjoy snow. In hot weather the dense coat and short legs make it prone to overheating, so provide shade, water and cooler exercise times.

Stairs and furniture can be tough on that long spine. Pet stairs, ramps and baby gates help protect the dog as it grows and ages.

Corgis often get along with other dogs and cats, particularly when raised together, but the herding instinct can cause chasing. Fence the yard securely, and consider a harness for walks to protect the neck and back.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy prices vary widely and can be high because of demand, so be careful with sellers who capitalize on the breed's popularity. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, the AKC parent club, recommends a hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP) and an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, with the results registered with OFA. Those are also the requirements for a CHIC number. DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy and von Willebrand disease are also available, so ask whether the parents have been tested.

Reputable breeders raise puppies in the home, let you meet the mother, ask you plenty of questions and keep litters few.

Be cautious of online ads showing many litters, a price too good to be true or unwillingness to let you visit. Do not buy a puppy that you have not seen in person or by live video with its mother.

Corgi rescues and shelters sometimes have purebreds and mixes. Adults may come already house trained and with known temperaments. If you adopt, ask about barking, other pets and reactions to children.