Pembroke Welsh Corgi
彭布羅克威爾斯哥基犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, low cattle-herding dog from Wales — a big dog in a small package, with short powerful legs, a fox-like face and a thick double coat that sheds a lot. Pembrokes are bright, affectionate and vigilant, enjoy moderate daily exercise and a job to do, and put on weight quickly if over-fed.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–30cm |
| Weight | 11–14kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–13years |
| Breed group | AKC: herding FCI: 1 |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 4/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord condition of older dogs, is reported in the breed; a DNA test identifies risk. Ask your vet if an older dog shows hind-leg weakness.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Bleeding disorders
Inherited bleeding disorders are reported in the breed; DNA tests exist. Tell your vet before any surgery.
Behaviour
Alert, affectionate, kindly
The CKC describes the Pembroke as intelligent, charming and affectionate, alert and vigilant but kindly; the AKC calls it a bright, sensitive dog that enjoys play with the family and responds well to training.
A herder that needs a job
The AKC says the Pembroke loves physical activity and is happiest with a job to do; moderate daily exercise keeps it fit. Expect a herding instinct — some Pembrokes nip at heels in play — and a loud bark for a small dog.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Welsh Corgi Pembroke (Herding Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Welsh Corgi Pembroke
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Welsh Corgi Pembroke (standard no. 39, group 1)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Pembroke Welsh Corgi — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Welsh Corgi Pembroke — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Welsh Corgi Pembroke — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Welsh Corgi Pembroke — FCI standard no. 39 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.