Pembroke

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi - The Corgi without a Tail

The Pembroke is an enchanted breed that has always fascinated me.  In the early 90's I read a wonderful fable about the Corgis and I would like to share part of it with you.  It goes like this:

Legend says that Corgis were first brought to the British Isles by fairies many, many years ago, long before the land was populated by humans.  Pembroke’s were said to have been used as steeds by these fairies.  If you look closely you can see the marks of the fairy harness visible on the Corgi shoulder.

History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but hardy dog that was found centuries ago in Pembrokeshire, Wales.  The Pembroke's were valued by their family as an affectionate companion, guard-dog, general farm worker, and driver of livestock.  They nip at the feet of the cows and sheep, meaning they "heel" the flock.  The Corgis are low to the ground and the flock kicks over their heads. 

It appears that the Pembroke’s are descendents of Spitz type dogs. Similarities are the sharp-pointed muzzle, the foxy face, erect and pointed ears and a high tail set.  There is belief that they are related to the Swedish Vallhund and the Schipperke.

In 1920 the United Kingdom recognized the Corgis as a pure-breed dog.  In 1934 the American Kennel Club recognized both Corgi breeds as 2 separate breeds.

 Appearance
The Pembroke is a low, moderately long bodied dog with a foxy head in shape and appearance.  His expression is to be intelligent and interested, but not shy.  Colors can be red and white, sable with white markings, red-headed tri or black headed tris.  Coat should be of medium length.  Nose and lips should be black and fully pigmented.

Training
They are very sensitive and intelligent little dogs with the desire to please their owners.  Because of this they can be easily trained.  This breed does not do well with "heavy hands" or forcible correction.  Use kindness at all times including during training periods and you will find your Corgi to excel in behavior and skills.

Care
The average life span of the Corgi is around 12 - 15 years.  They need a good diet and water, exercise, veterinary visits and vaccinations, general grooming, socialization, training and love.  If not show quality, he/she should be neutered or spayed.  One should be careful about allowing puppies to jump down as their bones are soft in their legs.  When born, the puppies have drop ears.  Within the first few weeks the ears will come up on their own, but occasionally ears are temporarily supported with tape.  A Pembroke should be picked up by placing one hand under the chest behind the front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters. 
Corgis are definitely chow hounds.  They will attempt to convince you that they are hungry all of the time.  Do not let them fool you!  Select a good quality food and feed them around 1 - 2 cups of food daily, depending on activity.  You want them to maintain their hour glass shape when viewed from above.  Some people feed them once a day and some feed twice a day.  If you elect to feed once a day, make sure they are given something in the morning such as dog cookies.

The Pembroke's coat is all-weather and generally clean and odorless.  It is best if brushed once a week to remove dead hair.  Like most dogs, they do shed.  I have always said they have their daily shedding, semi-annual shedding and seasonal shedding.

Additional information regarding the breed can be obtained from the PWCCA website at http://www.pwcca.org