Breed Profile: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Welsh corgis—both the Pembroke and his close cousin, the Cardigan—are thought to be descended from dogs brought to the British Isles by Scandinavian raiders around the 9th century CE. These invaders’ dogs were likely bred with native dogs, with Welsh farmers selecting for a talent for herding and driving cattle when breeding the offspring of the original Norse-Welsh crosses. These developing corgis also may have been influenced by crossbreeding with spitz-like dogs brought to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 12th century. Corgis served as fowlers’ dogs on the Welsh coast as well as tenders of ducks and geese on Welsh farms.

Pembrokes were interbred with Cardigans before the mid-1800s, and the two were shown as one breed until they were declared separate breeds by the (British) Kennel Club in 1934. Pembrokes have straighter legs, a more wedge-shaped head, and smaller, higher ears than their cousins. Awareness of the Pembroke grew in 1933, when the Duke of York (who became King George VI) acquired one for his daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. Queen Elizabeth II has maintained her interest in the breed throughout her life, and several Pembrokes grace Buckingham Palace to this day. They are currently one of the most prominent breeds in England and Australia. The first Pembroke Welsh corgi was registered in the United States in 1934 as a Welsh corgi, but the following year, the two breeds were recognized as separate. Modern corgis retain the flexibility necessary to make them all-purpose farm dogs as well as family pets.

The following description is of an “ideal” Pembroke. Not all Pembrokes will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The Pembroke is highly intelligent, energetic, and inquisitive. His temperament is the result of his working dog lineage: a working dog needs to follow direction but also needs to think and act independently when necessary, work long hours, and be an adept problem solver. A Pembroke combines these qualities with an affectionate nature that makes him a loving companion as well as a dedicated worker.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a Pembroke is going to fit in with you and your family.

A Pembroke thrives on companionship and craves human attention and affection. He may follow his owner around from room to room and always will be ready to join in on whatever fun his family may suggest. The Pembroke likes to be the center of activity—he can even be a bit bossy with his humans if he gets the chance—and always wants to know what’s going on. The breed gets along well with children, but a Pembroke’s tendency to herd may result in him chasing and nipping at the heels of smaller children. All children should be instructed on the proper way to interact with a dog.

Pembrokes are social animals who need to be with their families and who are not well suited for homes in which they are frequently left alone. They adapt well to city or suburban life as long as their exercise needs are met. Pembrokes also are very vocal—some will bark just to hear the sound of their own voices—which could be problematic for owners with apartments or condominiums. However, this trait also makes Pembrokes excellent watchdogs. They get along well with other pets if properly socialized but can be aggressive toward cats, and often are not intimidated by larger and potentially dangerous dogs. Pembrokes also have a high prey drive and may chase animals, children, bicycles, or cars if they are not controlled.

Pembrokes are energetic and need some daily exercise, and ideally, a fenced yard or other enclosed area in which to romp. As working dogs, they are happiest when they have “jobs” to perform, which can include anything that requires mental focus and physical activity. Pembrokes do not require as much exercise as larger active dogs such as border collies or Weimeraners, but frequent, brisk walks, indoor games, or jogging can provide suitable exercise for this breed. If they don’t receive enough exercise from their owners, Pembrokes often will find their own activities, which can lead to potentially destructive behavior.

Although some Pembrokes have an independent, stubborn streak, most are eager to please and highly trainable. Start training this breed at an early age because Pembroke puppies and adolescents can be inquisitive to the point of destructiveness, especially when teething. This sensitive breed responds best to positive training methods and is adept at learning obedience commands and tricks. Pembrokes also can be housetrained more quickly than many other breeds.