Pet Wiki

Short legs, royal attitude.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Also called Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Pembroke, Corgi, Pem

A confident, outgoing little worker that is friendly without being clingy.

SizeSmall
Weight9 to 14 kg (20 to 31 lb)males 10 to 14 kg, females 9 to 13 kg123
Height25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in)123
Lifespan11 to 13.2 years435
CoatMedium-length straight double coat
OriginWales, United Kingdom (Pembrokeshire); FCI lists Great Britain as country of origin637
GroupSheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1)
Exercise90 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
bold and friendly
quick to learn
loves joining in family life
143

Personality what they are like

A confident, outgoing little worker that is friendly without being clingy. Corgis like to be where their people are and are keen to please, though their herding brain gives them an independent, determined streak. They are alert and make watchful house dogs, and young ones may try to herd by nipping at heels, which gentle training redirects.1834

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length straight double coat

A long, low and sturdy little dog with a fox-like head and upright ears. The weatherproof coat is of medium length and straight, with a dense undercoat, and is a little longer around the neck, chest and on the backs of the legs. The tail is naturally short in some dogs; full tails are now accepted and sit in line with the back.123

Coloursredsablefawnblack and tanany of these with white markings on legs, chest and neck12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to active. Guidance ranges from about 20-40 minutes (Hill's) up to around an hour a day (Royal Kennel Club). They enjoy herding, agility, obedience, tracking and flyball.453

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the double coat at least weekly and more often during the spring and autumn shedding peaks, when the undercoat comes out in quantity. The coat is kept natural with very little trimming.4532

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to town or country and suits a smaller house with a small to medium garden, provided daily exercise and mental work are given.5

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A good-quality complete dog food in measured portions. Corgis have a hearty appetite and need only modest amounts, so keeping treats in check helps them stay trim on their long, low frame.43

Company who they like around

A people-focused dog that wants to be involved in household activity. Usually fine with children and other pets when raised with them; supervise play with running children because of the herding instinct.43

The story where it all began

The Pembroke is the traditional cattle dog of south-west Wales, with roots often traced back to around the 10th to 12th centuries. One theory links it to Spitz-type dogs brought by Vikings, possibly related to the Swedish Vallhund; another points to dogs arriving with Flemish weavers who settled in Pembrokeshire around 1107. On unfenced farms corgis kept cattle in check by nipping at their heels and ducking the kicks, and drovers took them on long journeys to markets in England. A Corgi Club formed in Wales in 1925, the Kennel Club separated the Pembroke from the Cardigan in 1934, and the Welsh Corgi League followed in 1938. The breed reached America in the early 1930s. Its fame grew worldwide after the royal family acquired a Pembroke in 1933, beginning a long association with Queen Elizabeth II.9732

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name comes from the Welsh words 'cor' (dwarf) and 'ci/gi' (dog).3

  2. 2

    Welsh folklore says fairies rode corgis, and the slightly different line of fur over the shoulders is nicknamed the 'fairy saddle'.3

  3. 3

    Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her reign, starting with a family dog that arrived in 1933.3

  4. 4

    Corgis herded by nipping the soft part of a cow's heel, staying low enough that kicks usually sailed over them.9

  5. 5

    Welsh drovers used corgis to move cattle and even large flocks of geese to markets as far away as London's Smithfield, over 200 miles.9

  6. 6

    Despite their short legs, fit Pembrokes can reach speeds of up to about 40 km/h (25 mph).3

  7. 7

    UK registrations rose again around 2017-2018, a revival partly credited to the Netflix series The Crown.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name is derived from the Welsh words 'cor' (dwarf) and 'ci' (dog), combined with the county of Pembrokeshire in Wales, where the breed was developed.8

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

CadiDewiEinionFfionGruffMeganNiaOwainPipRhysSionTegan

A day in the life told by a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

I started my day by checking the perimeter, our yard is my kingdom, and I must guard it. My human called me for breakfast, and I trotted over with my tail high. After, we went for a walk, and I tried to herd a leaf, but it blew away. I’m not bossy, just helpful! Later, I played fetch in the garden and napped in a sunbeam. When the doorbell rang, I gave one sharp bark to announce the visitor. My human smiled and gave me a treat. Life is good when you’re a corgi.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 39, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 2 (Cattledogs); definitive acceptance 13 Nov 1963; current standard published 16 Jun 20226
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group; Corgis first shown in 1925 and given separate breed status from the Cardigan in 19347
AKC
Herding Group; first Pembroke registered 1934 (Little Madam); breed club PWCCA became an AKC member club in 19379
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 19592

Popularity Ranked 16th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.10

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and at what times?

Feed your Pembroke Welsh Corgi a good-quality complete dog food in measured portions. Adult dogs do well with two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4311

What should a Pembroke Welsh Corgi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Stick to a good-quality complete dog food for your Corgi. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep treats in check to maintain a healthy weight.12

How often should I bathe a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing your Pembroke Welsh Corgi about every 70 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. More frequent baths may be needed if they get very dirty.13 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi need brushing?

Brush your Corgi's double coat at least weekly, and more often during spring and autumn shedding peaks. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every three days, and daily during heavy shedding.4532 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's nails, and how often?

Trim your Corgi's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks according to Pet Wiki's plan. Trim a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.13 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi need?

Your Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs moderate to active exercise. Guidance ranges from 20-40 minutes up to about an hour a day, and Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests around 90 minutes daily. They enjoy activities like herding, agility, and obedience.453 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's teeth and ears?

Brush your Corgi's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using only dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.13 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi live?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life.435

Is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi good with children and other pets?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are usually good with children and other pets when raised with them. Supervise play with young children as they may try to herd by nipping at heels, which gentle training can redirect.43

Can a Pembroke Welsh Corgi be left alone?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very people-focused and prefer to be with their family. They can be left alone for short periods but may become anxious if left for too long. Provide mental stimulation and a routine.1834

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 39 fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  2. UKC Pembroke Welsh Corgi standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, history
  3. Wikipedia: Pembroke Welsh Corgi en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, lifespan, fun facts, popularity
  4. Hill's Pet: Pembroke Welsh Corgi hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
  5. The Royal Kennel Club: Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, living space, lifespan
  6. FCI nomenclature: Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) No. 39 fci.beused for recognition, origin
  7. Welsh Corgi League: Breed History welshcorgileague.orgused for history, Kennel Club recognition
  8. AKC: Pembroke Welsh Corgi akc.orgused for temperament
  9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America: Brief History pwcca.orgused for history, AKC recognition, fun facts
  10. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  11. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.