Top Dog Breeds: The Corgi

Learn all about what makes the Corgi one of the most popular dog breeds.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been described as a "large dog in a small dog’s body" due to its extremely active and intelligent nature. An excellent guardian despite its small size, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is furiously protective of its property and owners, although this can lead to trouble due to their size. Their complete devotion is unquestionable, and this, coupled with their excitable nature, makes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi a brilliant companion.

Corgi Breed Story

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s lineage is not known, but the history of the breed was theorized by W. Lloyd-Thomas, an expert on Welsh farm dogs. Despite the similarities in looks between the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Lloyd-Thomas said that they were in fact separate breeds, with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi being introduced to Wales over 200 years after the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in the twelfth century. It is thought that Flemish weavers brought the small dog over with them as they settled in Wales. While in Wales, they were bred with local cattle dogs giving them the Spitz, the characteristics that are seen today such as the pricked ears, curly tail and pointed muzzle. The fact that the two breeds of Corgi look alike has been put down to some crossbreeding at an early stage of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s history, which influenced their looks.
READ MORE > [links to the breed's ""Breed Story"" section in Breedopedia in appropriate country]

Corgi Temperament

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a happy, outgoing dog that is never aggressive or nervous around people. Once trained, this breed is a very obedient dog that will always do what you command with a high level of intelligence. If not trained from a young age, they may become overprotective of their owners and what they consider their possessions.
LEARN MORE > [links to breed's Temperament section in Breedopedia in appropriate country]

For Official Standards:

Official Standards

Dog Photos

Corgi Standards

• Country of origin: Great Britain
• Height approximately (at withers/shoulder): 25-31cm / 10-12in (standards may vary)
• Weight approximately: Males 10-12kg / 22-26lbs, Females 10-11kg / 20-24lbs (standards may vary)
• Coat: Straight, medium-length hair.
• Color: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan.  
• Markings: Can have some white markings on the legs, brisket and neck.
• Lifespan: Above average, 12-15 years

Good to Know - Corgi

+ Adapts well to most climates
+ Is good for novice owners
+ Can be happy in an apartment if exercised properly
- Can become very possessive
- Very active indoors
- Strong herding instinct