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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (pronounced /ˈkɔrɡi/) is a herding dog
breed which is said to have originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It
is one of two breeds known as Welsh Corgis: the other is the
Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Corgi is the smallest dog in the
Herding Group. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are famed for being the
preferred breed of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who owns
several. These dogs have been a dog favoured by British royalty
for more than seventy years.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been ranked at #11 in Stanley
Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, and is thus considered an
excellent working dog.
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Country of Origin
Wales, UK
Weight
22-30 lb
Height
10-12 in
Coat
Undercoat of soft, fine fur and an
overcoat of short, coarse fur
Color
Red, sable, fawn or tricolor with our
without white markings
Life span
12-14 years
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Description
Appearance
The Pembroke is a low-built dog whose upright ears give it a very
expressive fox-like appearance. Tails are often short or absent,
some naturally, others due to docking. Overall the Pembroke has a
sturdy, confident and athletic build that has given it the loving
nickname of a "big dog trapped in a small dog's body." Like most
herding breeds, Pembrokes are active, intelligent and athletic
dogs. As working dogs, Pembrokes were originally used to herd
sheep, horses and cattle, a task they accomplished by "nipping" at
their heels, their short legs helping kicks pass safely over their
heads.
Size
A Pembroke is 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) tall at the shoulder
and is 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) in length; Pembrokes in peak
condition weigh about 27 pounds (12 kg) for the male, the females
being about 22 pounds (10.0 kg) unless pregnant, then the weight
varies. They can become overweight easily if not fed and exercised
properly.
Temperament
Pembrokes are very hard-working and loyal. They are usually
easily trainable. They have title of 11th place in "Worlds Smartest
Breeds". They function as good watchdogs because of their
alertness and their tendency to bark. Pembrokes are typically
outgoing, friendly dogs.
Coat and Color
Pembrokes can be red, sable, fawn, or tricolor with or without white
markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, or as a narrow
blaze on the head. Tricolors can be black headed or red headed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn't distinguish amongst the
tricolors; rather, it refers to them as black and tan with white
markings. White above the hocks, over the top of the body or on
the ears is not acceptable for conformation.
Corgis have an undercoat of fine soft fur, with an overcoat of short,
somewhat coarse fur. Their undercoat sheds continuously all year
round, with extensive seasonal shedding occurring at least twice
each year. There can also be extensive shedding of coat in
females after the weaning of pups, after a heat, or when a female
is spayed. Many corgi enthusiasts believe the volume of shed fur
can be significantly reduced by feeding a quality food, and regular
brushing is highly recommended. Corgis with longer, thicker coats
and exaggerated feathering on the ears and backs of legs are
commonly referred to as "fluffy" corgis or "fluffies". The fluffy coat
is a cosmetic flaw; but while it is not permitted in the conformation
show ring or in breeding females, fluffies make wonderful pets and
performance dogs in obedience, agility, tracking and herding.
Fluffy tricolor corgi.
What can also be seen in some corgis is a "fairy saddle" marking
over the dog's withers, caused by changes in the thickness, length
and direction of hair growth. The phrase arises from the legend
that the dogs were harnessed and used as steeds for fairies.
Tail
Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (very
short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not
aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other
characteristics and artificially shortening the tail when necessary.
Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are
again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob
tails.
Health
The length of the spine can cause spinal problems and early
arthritis in Corgis, especially those that are overweight. Maintaining
a healthy weight is best to prevent obesity and ensure that a
Pembroke lives a long, healthy life. Pembrokes have a typical life
expectancy of twelve to fourteen years.
Thus, Pembrokes, if not kept active or if overfed, can easily
become obese. This condition can end a Pembroke Corgi's life
particularly early, since biophysical stresses on the spine resulting
from the weight of an over-sized belly can lead to secondary
diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Corgis are at risk of developing a disease called degenerative
myelopathy or DM. Research regarding DM is underway, and a
test for DM has been developed and is available through the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The three scores are "at risk",
"carrier" and "clear". Currently there are very few "clear" dogs and
more "at risk" and "carriers". "Clear" Pems will not develop the
disease nor pass it on to offspring. "Carrier" Pems will not develop
the disease; however, one could possibly pass one copy of the
gene to its offspring. "At risk" Pems have two copies of the gene,
and therefore will pass one gene along to offspring. In addition, "at
risk" Pems have a risk of developing the disease. In particular "at
risk" Pems, the percentages of developing DM are not known at
this time. Further research is being done. There is a free test for
dogs over age 10 on the OFA site. This will be used for research
by the University of Missouri and owners are encouraged to test
their older dogs so that determination can be made as to why
some dogs develop DM and some do not, in spite of having two
copies of the gene.
Pembrokes are also at risk for hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's
disease and eye disorders. Von Willebrand's, a clotting disorder, is
detected by a DNA test. It is eliminated by the avoidance of
breeding carriers or affected Pembrokes to each other. One of the
parents must be rated clear to avoid the disease. Both parents
should have a recent passing CERF rating within one year before
being bred to avoid eye problems such as persistant pupillary
membranes (PPMs), retinal dysplasia or cataracts. Hip dysplasia is
poly-genetic; more than one set of genes is involved. Having as
many ancestors as possible tested and given at least a fair rating
by OFA is the best way to avoid a dysplasic Pembroke, although
this is no guarantee against it.
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Fluffy Tricolor Corgi
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