Discover the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed celebrated for its friendly and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their origins in Wales, where they were initially bred for herding cattle, sheep, and horses starting in the 10th century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a friendly Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
As Sniffspot user AG says, "He is incredibly friendly and playful; he’s a huge cuddle bug and most of the time just wants to be as near to you as he can be. There’s never any doubt if he loves us or not."
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Pembroke Welsh Corgis, these dogs are known for being friendly and social. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also very affectionate with children and friendly with other pets.
When living with a Corgi, 71% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 51% of owners found that a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer, and owners say that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and obedience classes.
In terms of exercise, 59% of Sniffspot owners say their Pembroke Welsh Corgi benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity such as walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Corgi community would not recommend this breed for first-time owners.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi traces its origins back to Wales, where it was developed over a thousand years ago. Believed to have been brought to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 10th century, the breed quickly became integral to Welsh farming life. The Corgi's low stature and agility made it the ideal dog for herding cattle, a task it performed by nipping at the heels of livestock while avoiding kicks.
Throughout the centuries, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi remained a staple on farms across Wales. Unlike many other herding breeds, the Corgi's small size and friendly demeanor allowed it to transition smoothly from a working dog to a household companion. By the early 20th century, the breed gained recognition outside of Wales, particularly after being favored by the British royal family, most notably Queen Elizabeth II, who received her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dookie, in 1933.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's popularity grew steadily worldwide, particularly in the United States, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934. Today, the breed is cherished for its lively personality, intelligence, and loyal nature, maintaining its dual role as both a beloved pet and a capable herding dog.
As a Pembroke Welsh Corgi owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs require moderate grooming maintenance. This means Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners should expect regular brushing and periodic baths. These dogs have a double or short coat, ideal for protection from weather and underbrush. Their coat is considered high-shedding.
To keep your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat healthy and up to breed standards, include brushing in their daily routine and brush weekly to manage shedding. Among common herding breeds, the grooming needs for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are moderate maintenance.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Corgis are considered very athletic and high-energy.
Corgis thrive with 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, chasing a ball or frisbee, and puzzle toys.
When small breeds like Corgis don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like barking, stubbornness, and herding behavior with small children. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular exercise to avoid excess energy.
What should you feed your Pembroke Welsh Corgi to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, their diet is important. A reported 63% of our community feeds their Corgi commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Corgis should eat 1.5 to 2 cups per day of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 25-30 lbs. However, your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's ideal weight and food depend on their sex, activity level, and age.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed is most prone to joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, arthritis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 43% of Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners noted joint problems such as arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. The risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 29% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 27% of Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners claim their dog struggles with skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis — common Corgi health concerns. If you're worried about any of these health issues, consult your vet.
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Corgi is whether or not they fit with your current family. How friendly are Pembroke Welsh Corgis compared to other small-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Corgi's herding instinct into a friendly and affectionate family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like barking, stubbornness, and herding behavior with small children. Our community Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a Corgi puppy or an adult Pembroke Welsh Corgi, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Corgi is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as barking, stubbornness, and herding behavior with small children. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Corgi.
As a herding breed, Pembroke Welsh Corgis benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Corgi community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
As dogs bred for herding cattle, sheep, and horses, Corgis are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
Anton Shcherbakov on Unsplash
We asked Sniffspot Corgi owners what they love the most about their Pembroke Welsh Corgi pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Corgi owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 60% of our Sniffspot community, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not a great first-time dog. This comes from their stubborn nature and moderate exercise needs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Corgi owners. These Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is typically between 12 - 15 years years.
An adult Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs between 25 - 30 lbs pounds and stands between 10 - 12 inches inches tall.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs require moderate maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs have a double or short coat, which is well-suited for protection from weather and underbrush. They are considered high shedders.
To maintain your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat, it's important to brush weekly to manage shedding. Among herding breeds, Pembroke Welsh Corgi grooming is categorized as expected.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Corgis are classified as moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Corgis are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Corgis note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and puzzle toys.
If small breeds like Corgis don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very friendly and social with children with children.
Our research indicates that Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Corgi is crucial. A significant 63% of our community feed their Corgi commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Corgis should consume 1.5 to 2 cups per day cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 25 - 30 lbs pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Pembroke Welsh Corgi's sex, activity level, and age.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed is particularly prone to joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 43% of Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners reported joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Corgi's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 29% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 27% of Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners indicated their dog struggles with skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis, which are common Corgi health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Corgi's veterinarian.
Whether you're a current Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog owner or you're considering adopting a Corgi, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners.
Sources:
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.