Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a Welsh herding breed — a low-set, short-legged dog once used to drive cattle and long associated with the British royal family.

History

It was bred in Pembrokeshire to herd cattle by nipping at their heels and ducking the kicks, the low body an advantage at that work. It is a separate breed from the older Cardigan Welsh Corgi, though the two were once shown together.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bright, bold and affectionate, a big dog's personality in a small frame. It is alert and can be vocal, a legacy of its droving and watchdog past.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work and takes readily to training, though the herding instinct and appetite both need managing. The medium double coat sheds steadily and needs regular brushing.

Health

The long back carries a risk of intervertebral disc disease, and weight gain makes it worse; hip dysplasia and eye conditions are also known. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.