Corgi Info

Spirited and athletic, yet steady and dependable,
the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a true "big dog on short legs."

Country of Origin: In Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Corgi drove his master's cattle onto the common land to graze. He also drove off trespassing cattle and hunted vermin. He is descended from the spitz family, hence his foxy face. In Welsh, cor means "dwarf" and gi means "dog."

Size: Shoulder height: 9.75 - 12 inches and 20-30 lbs. Most people who first see a Corgi up close are surprised -- he is always larger-boned and heavier than they imagined.

Coat: Is water-resistant and consists of hard straight hairs with a dense soft undercoat. Acceptable colors are fawn, sable, red, black and tan, and there may be white markings on the neck, chest, and legs.

Character: This is an energetic dog that bonds quickly with its family. It is brave, intelligent, alert, and self-confident. He is polite with guests, reserved with strangers, and makes a sensible watchdog. Most Pembroke Welsh Corgis are fine with other family pets, though territorial with strange dogs and cats -- one of his responsibilities was to chase strays away from his own farm. He is wonderful with livestock, including horses.

Temperament: Pembrokes are good with children, bonding quickly and protecting fearlessly. Occasionally they can be domineering over each other. Like most herding breeds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis prefer their flock (family members and other pets) to be gathered together and may try to accomplish this by circling and nipping.

Care: Corgis require very little grooming. The coat should be brushed occasionally to remove dead hair. 

Training: The intelligence of this breed makes training easy. The Corgi learns quickly and responds well to obedience training. Yet he will have the independent judgment and problem-solving abilities of a true herding breed, so you must have the confidence to establish and consistently enforce rules.

Activity: The Corgi has an abundance of energy. It enjoys games of catch and other activities where it can develop agility skills. Herding, obedience, agility, or chasing balls (with surprising speed) are enjoyable outlets for his enthusiasm and desire to work. If his days include such moderate exercise, along with the loving companionship of his family, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is adaptable and easy to live with.