Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A big herding dog on short legs — busy, opinionated and far more athletic than the shape suggests.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Herding / Pastoral
- Origin
- Wales
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 10–14 kg (22–31 lb)
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Weatherproof double coat
- Temperament
- BoldBrightBossyAffectionate
History
Used in Pembrokeshire to drive cattle by nipping at heels, recorded in Wales for many centuries.
Appearance
Low-set body, upright ears and fox-like face, in red, sable, fawn or tricolour.
Exercise and activity
An hour daily; keep jumping off furniture to a minimum to protect the back.
Care and grooming
Heavy shedder — brush two or three times weekly and daily in moult. Keep lean to protect the spine.
Health considerations
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Von Willebrand disease
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour daily; keep jumping off furniture to a minimum to protect the back. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Intervertebral disc disease, Degenerative myelopathy, Hip dysplasia, Obesity, Von Willebrand disease), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice