Pembrokes are often described by the phrase “big dog in a small package” since they do tend to have a “big dog” outlook on life. They are herding dogs, and were also bred as an “all-purpose farm dog”. They tend to be loyal, sometimes protective (as is typical of the herding breeds) and most of all, live to be with their people!!

Personality styles range from the cuddly couch potato to the energizer bunny investigator. A good breeder will try to match your lifestyle to the puppy with the right temperament.

Corgis can be great dogs with children, as long as your children are good with them! Young children should never be left alone with any dog, for the safety of both dog and child.

There is little significant difference between the sexes in terms of temperament as they all generally share a loving nature. They are, of course, individuals and, like people, have their own personalities, regardless of sex. Generally though, if you have more than one Corgi, having one of each sex tends to be the recommended route.

PWCs come in Red and White, Sable and White (a darker reddish-brown with black tips on some hairs) and Tricolour (black, white and tan/red - tris can be red-headed or black-headed). Any colour other than the ones listed here are not allowed in the breed. 

Breeding for dilute colours (sometimes called "bluies") or claiming that "merle" is a purebred PWC is absolutely not allowable. Merle and brindle do not exist in the PWC - anyone breeding 'merle PWCs', bluies or fluffies is not ethical. 

The joke goes, “Yes, twice a year. From January to June and then from June to December.” Actually the amount and timing of shedding varies greatly from dog to dog. Being double-coated, some shed copious amounts of undercoat twice a year; others shed at a slow steady rate all year long. Spaying or neutering can sometimes affect a Corgi’s shedding pattern. 

Corgis need their nails trimmed and their coat brushed weekly. Since they sport an “all-weather” coat, it does tend to repel dirt to a certain extent, and bathing is recommended occasionally, as needed. 

No trimming or shaving is advised as it can ruin the insulating properties of the coat. Shaving does not reduce the amount of shedding. The only trimming needed is the bottoms of the feet. 

Adults need to be walked at least twice a day (puppies more frequently) in addition to enjoying some form of playtime (ball toss, frisbee throw, etc) as well. A fit, well-built Pem is a healthy, happy dog!

Corgis are food efficient, and it is important to keep a Corgi in proper weight. You should consult your breeder for recommendations on what, how much and how often to feed your dog. Never follow the instructions on the food package or leave food availble at all times! The most serious health problem a Pem can have is obesity. 

Some Corgis do bark a lot, others are very quiet. Some barking is a form of warning and a function of the protective nature of the breed, however, excessive barking should be addressed with proper training.

Corgis generally live 10-15 years.

Pems are not long-backed dogs - they are medium-sized dogs with short legs (they are true dwarfs), giving the illusion of a long back. Keeping your Corgi fit and in good weight will help avoid many health problems.

Fortunately, the breed as a whole tends to be very healthy. Good breeders will test for genetic health issues to which the breed is predisposed, and will discuss those with any potential purchasers. The minimum health testing should be screening for Hip Dysplasia, and for eyes to be tested by a board certified Opthamologist. Additional DNA testing can be done for von Willebrands Disease, Degenerative Myleopathy, and long coat. Please check out our Health information here.

Pembrokes and Cardigans are two separate and distinct breeds with many differences in physical and temperament characteristics. In general, the Pembroke is a slightly smaller dog, with slightly pointed ears (as opposed to the rounded and larger ear of the Cardigan), and the Pembroke is a docked breed in this country (as opposed to their fully tailed cousins) It is beyond the scope of this forum to address all of the individual traits which characterize the two breeds.

Breeders occasionally have adult show dogs or retired breeding animals who are looking for their “forever” home. The advantage of these dogs is they are generally very well mannered and used to many different situations. Alternatively, various rescue groups may from time to time have adult dogs looking for a new family