Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Complete Breed Guide
"Dwarf Dog? I beg to differ!"
Quick Facts About Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Herding
24–30 lbs
10–12"
No
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Overview
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is small in stature but enormous in personality. Bold, bright, and naturally bossy, these sturdy little dogs like to know what's going on at all times and aren't shy about taking charge. Loyal, fun-loving, and surprisingly athletic, they bring more energy and heart to a home than dogs twice their size.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are short, long dogs with big hearts. The breed’s name literally means “dwarf dog,” but their personality and energy are far from small. Pembrokes are lively, confident dogs that love being around people, playing catch, and watching over the house. They enjoy playing with kids and other pets, but surprisingly, they aren’t fond of other dogs and may try to show other Corgis who’s boss. The Pembroke’s herding history may lead them to nip at your heals and/or bark at anything that moves, but with a little training and TLC, they can become well-behaved members of the family.
Temperament and Behavior
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an energetic dog that bonds quickly with their family. These pups are known for their brave, smart, alert, and self-confident personalities. The Pembroke Welsh is a bit less aggressive and less boisterous than their Cardigan Welsh relative, but they make good watchdogs and won’t hesitate to bark at anything out of the ordinary.
Coat & Grooming
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a long, thick, water-resistant outer coat of hard, straight hair and a short undercoat. They can be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, all with white markings on the legs, chest, muzzle, or blaze (vertical line between the eyes). Pembrokes also may have a “fairy saddle” of hair on their shoulders pointing in a different direction than the rest of the coat. These dogs don’t need much grooming; brush them once in a while to remove dead hair, and give them a bath only when needed.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are good with kids as long as they’re respected. They tend to nip at the heels, but training can help curb their bad habits. Pembrokes also can get along well with cats and other pets if they’re socialized at a young age, but they’re not usually fond of other dogs and may be domineering over nearby Corgis. Pembrokes are small enough for apartment life, but they enjoy homes with spacious yards too. They like being outdoors, but they prefer to split their time between life inside with the family and playtime in the yard.
Exercise & Activity
This breed has endless energy and needs more exercise than their size may indicate. Pembroke Welsh Corgis enjoy long walks, running around the yard, agility training, and playing catch with Frisbees. They shouldn’t be allowed to jump too high because it’s not safe for their long back and short legs.
Health Considerations
Hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand's disease, obesity.
Medical References
- AKC – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
- OFA
- Degenerative Myelopathy research – University of Missouri
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi FAQs
Common questions about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed, answered by our editorial team.
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