Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
Working

Group:

Working

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

10-16 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

very low

Trainability:

high

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

high

Area of Origin:

Wales

Date of Origin:

obscure

Other Names:

none

Original Function:

cattle driving

History

Precisely when the Welsh adopted the Pembroke is obscure. Indigenous to South West Wales, it is believed that the forefathers of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were introduced by Flemish Weavers, brought to Britain in the 1100’s by Henry I. Now accepted as being of Spitz origin (as opposed to the original Cardigan variety, which is alleged to be of Dachshund descent) it has been suggested that its origins are a combination of the progenitors of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperke and Swedish Vallhund. However there is no ambiguity that the Pembroke was a highly valued associate of the Welsh drover in years gone by & indeed, is still worked today as a sheep & cattle dog in many countries. The Pembroke as a pure breed has now evolved to a very high level of quality worldwide. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame, has been its popularity with the British Royal Family. In 1933 the then Duke of York obtained for his daughters a Pembroke puppy, Rozavel Golden Eagle, who won a special place in the heart of Princess Elizabeth (later HM Queen Elizabeth II) To this day the breed remains the royal favourite.

Temperament

Known for its bark, which is worse than its bite, the Pembroke is a small dog that thinks big. The Pembroke should be outgoing to the point of being pushy, but not precocious and never, ever, shy or aggressive. It is intelligent enough to allow you to think that you are the boss, there there are times when you will realise that it has outsmarted you. This intelligence, combined with a wicked sense of humour, frequently makes Pembroke owners wonder wether their dog is laughing with or at them!

Upkeep

Like many humans, the Pembroke requires life membership to a slimming club! It is more than happy if it can finish its own mean and then help you out with yours! It's tendency toward obesity can lead to spinal problems so food intake must be rigidly controlled. In all other respects the Pembroke is remarkably healthy. Most of the year, grooming requirements are minimal however a much higher level of brushing or coming is required during seasonal coat shedding. The Pembroke will train you with ease to its way of thinking and doing things. Although a house pet without peer, as an urban dweller the Pembroke requires companionship & regular exercise. Without this it may devise undesirable methods of seeking attention. Two Pembrokes in a household are often better than one. Few of its peers equal its flexibility both in the send of what it was bred to do and the role it can play as a member of the family.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Low set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space, outlook bold, expression intelligent and workmanlike. The movement should be free and active, elbows fitting closely to the sides, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs should move well forward, without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hind legs.

Head and Skull:
Head to be foxy in shape and appearance, with alert and intelligent expression, skull to be fairly wide and flat between the ears; moderate amount of stop. Length of foreface to be in proportion to the skull as 3:5. Muzzle slightly tapering. Nose black.

Eyes:
Well set, round, medium size, hazel in colour and blending with colour of coat.

Ears:
Pricked, medium sized, slightly pointed. A line drawn from the tip of the nose through the eye should, if extended, pass through or close to, the tip of the ear.

Mouth:
Teeth level, or with the inner side of the upper front teeth resting closely on the front of the under ones.

Neck:
Fairly long.

Forequarters:
Legs short and as straight as possible. Ample bone carried right down to the feet. Elbows should fit closely to the sides, neither loose nor tied.

Body:
Of medium length, with well sprung ribs. Not short coupled or terrier like. Level top line. Chest broad and deep, well let down between the forelegs.

Hindquarters:
Strong and flexible, slightly tapering. Legs short. Ample bone carried right down to the feet. Hocks straight when viewed from behind.

Feet:
Oval, the two centre toes slightly in advance of the two outer ones, pads strong and well arched. Nails short.

Tail:
Short, preferably natural.

Coat:
Of medium length and dense; not wiry.

Colour:
Self colours in Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, or with White markings on legs, chest and neck. Some white on head and foreface is permissible.

Height and Size: Dogs:
9 - 10.8 kg (20 - 24 lb). Bitches: 8.1 - 9.9 kg (18 - 22 lb).
Height from 25.4 - 30.3 cm (10 - 12 in) at shoulder.

Faults:
The following are serious faults: White on the body giving a piebald or skewbald effect, or hound like markings. Long fluffy coat, accompanied with feathering on ears and feet. Overshot or undershot mouth.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.