Playful, happy, and fun, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an exciting choice for those looking for an active companion. With their stubby legs, foxy faces, and agile mobility, these charming pups are always ready for a good time. Their double-layered coats come in a variety of gorgeous colors, each dog unique. Those willing to put in the time and training will be rewarded with a loving, loyal, and happy dog that will be their friend for life.
While most dog breeds have interesting histories, Corgis are gifted with roots in legend. According to the Welsh tales, these puppers were gifts from local fairies over 1,000 years ago. The fairies, according to the myth, would ride the dogs like horses! Charming as this story is, the real history of the Corgi is founded in a form of breeding that is directed at cattle herding. Their low-to-the-ground bodies allow them to nip at a cow’s ankles while dodging their kicks. They were introduced to England in 1107 when King Henry I requested that Flemish weavers come live in Wales to provide a new source of trade. With them came the pups that would eventually be bred into what we now know as the Corgi.
There are two types of Corgis, Pembroke, and Cardigan, and it is thought that the breeds separated in the late 1800s. Queen Elizabeth II of England is known to be a massive fan of these happy fuzzballs and has owned one ever since her first, Dookie, in 1933. Notable painter Tasha Tudor also created a series of works featuring these happy pups, and her images have created even more fans of this adorable breed.
Like all dogs, there are a few common health issues to be aware of. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi will live 12 to 13 years if taken care of properly, and monitoring their health is a key part of their lifelong happiness. Remember, it is important to check with your veterinarian so that your furry friend can stay comfortable, happy, and healthy!
Hip dysplasia is a common problem for many pups, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is particularly susceptible to this issue. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. This can lead to pain and discomfort in your pup if not taken care of and monitored. There are ways to help keep your dog comfortable, such as the use of CBD oil to ease any pain. You can also purchase an orthopedic bed that will help keep their bodies more comfortable while they rest. Taking these early steps, along with regular visits to the veterinarian, will keep your friend happy!
Another condition to ask your veterinarian about is Hyperthyroidism. Like their humans, your pupper will have a thyroid gland in their neck that produces a chemical called thyroxine. This chemical will regulate metabolism, allowing the body to turn food into fuel. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the gland isn’t producing enough of the chemical, making it difficult for your dog to properly fuel itself. Keep an eye on your pup for hair loss, flaky skin, and weight gain as these are the most obvious signs of Hyperthyroidism.
As with many other breeds, older Corgis can be prone to a few issues with their eyes including cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and pupillary membrane. It’s important to keep an eye on their eyes!
One final issue to keep an eye on is Von Willebrand’s Disease. This disease can keep a dog’s blood from clotting properly, leading to easy bruising and nosebleeds as well as prolonged bleeding if they’re injured. 37% of Corgis carry the potential for this disease, and it’s important to check with your breeder when looking at bringing one of these pups into your family.
Be prepared because your fuzzy friend is going to shed! These pups have a weatherproof double-coat, with soft fur under and a course, waterproof outer layer. Because of the amount they shed, you should take a brush to the dog at least once a week. You can also bathe them once a week if you like, and this will also help remove any excess fur. Keeping it on the brush or down the drain is much better than in your carpet! As with all other dogs basics, trimming their nails and brushing their teeth, are a must.
One of the happiest pups out there, your Corgi will almost always have a big puppy smile on their face! Highly intelligent and curious, these dogs always want to be involved in anything their humans are doing. Their personalities make their training moderately difficult, but with a firm hand and a good amount of patience, they’ll learn commands and loyalty rather quickly. These puppers are pushy and demanding, and will often get agitated if they don’t get their way. Their training will need to involve setting rules and boundaries or they’ll wind up in charge!
Barking can be a bit of an issue with this breed. Corgis make wonderful watchdogs, but it’s important to keep their noise level in mind during training so that you can prevent excessive barking.
An active and playful personality means these puppers have high energy levels! Their exercise will be important to not only their well-being but yours as well. A bored dog that doesn’t get enough exercise can grow rambunctious and destructive, so it’s important to keep them busy. Their stubby, adorable legs make them great companions for a walk or a jog but leave them unable to keep up with something as quick as a bicycle. Training them to play games of fetch can also burn off excess energy and keep your dog healthy.
Your Corgi will eat standard, high-quality dry food. Be sure to check the packaging to make sure you get the proper food for a dog their size. These puppers should weigh between 28 and 30 pounds, and monitoring their weight is important. Corgis tend towards obesity, so monitoring their food intake will assure a happier dog. Keep their feeding to, on average, 1 cup of food per day that is divided into two meals. Because of their long bodies, keeping their weight at the proper level will help them avoid Intervertebral Disk Disease, and issue caused by rupturing disks in their back. Maintaining your companion’s diet along with necessary supplements will help them stay comfortable and happy.
Hyper, happy, and fun, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the best companions for those wanting to share an active lifestyle with their furry companion. With the proper training and veterinary visits, these puppers will make a wonderful addition to your family!
Clint Westbrook
A lifelong writer and lover of dogs! Clint can be found at either running around with his furry friends like skittles in his picture or at his computer writing everything and anything about dogs.
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