How to Care for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welshi Corgis expect nothing less than the “royal treatment”—well, Queen Elizabeth’s Corgis anyway. The rest of the Corgis also need some tending to. Although they have an average life expectancy of 11 to 13 years (and can live up to 15 years)—there are several things to know about these little guys and gals to keep them healthy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Spay or neuter your Corgi for a longer, healthier life. Spaying your female before the first heat period will prevent breast cancer and help eliminate uterine infections. Neutering your male before age 4 will eliminate the chance of testicular cancer, help reduce the risk of prostate problems and curb aggression.

2. 

   Take your Corgi for regular medical checkups. You can also perform a monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums.

3. Stay up to date on your Corgi's vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm preventatives.

4. Have your Corgi's teeth cleaned and scaled professionally on a regular basis. Ask a trained professional or veterinarian for a recommended schedule. Every 6 months to once a year is usually recommended. You may also want to brush your Corgi's teeth.

5. Feed your Corgi a quality dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and contains the right balance of protein, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals or you may prefer to feed a homemade diet. Avoid table scraps and extra treats. Although an energetic breed, Corgis tend to gain weight easily.

6. Make sure your Corgi gets regular exercise. Although their legs are little, they sure love to run--so don't deprive them of off-leash romps

7. The Corgi's soft, medium-length coat is easy to groom and is shed twice a year. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush. Bathe your Corgi when necessary--or a good rule of thumb is about every 2 to 3 months. Keep your Corgi's nails trimmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Corgis will do fine in an apartment as long as they get sufficient exercise. This breed is very active indoors and can do OK without a yard.
• Pembrokes get along well with other breeds, especially when socialized from an early age.
• Corgis are an intelligent breed and do better with training that isn't repetitive, since they tend to get bored easily.
• Pembrokes make great companions.
• Pembroke Corgis may be prone to hip dysplasia and back disorder, also cataracts and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), so stay on top of eye exams as well.
• Some Pembrokes tend to get separation anxiety if they're away from their "main master."
• NEVER BUY A CORGI FROM A PET STORE. Pet stores normally get their dogs from puppy mills. If getting a Corgi from a breeder, make sure to visit in person and see how the parents are cared for.

Resources

• For Paws Corgi Rescue

[mvalora]

on 8/21/2009 I have 2 corgis and they are very spoiled. But we do keep them trim. They love to eat! Good article.

[diggitydogg]

on 5/14/2009 As far as diet, it will depend on whether she's feeding a commercial dog food or homemade diet. If it's a commercial dog food, there are a variety of good ones on the market. I help take care of my friend's Corgis and they get Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance. You want to avoid foods with corn, extra fillers and byproducts, so it's important to read the ingredients. Corgis also have a tendency to overeat, so she will need to pay attention to portions and make sure the dog gets enough exercise. They love to run and are a lot of fun.

[nairobat]

on 5/12/2009 I'm helping my daughter check dog breeds so she can find the right one for her before she decides to adopt. I was wondering...It says to feed them a balanced diet. What, exactly, might a balanced diet be for this breed of Corgi?

[agilepem]

on 1/3/2009 Corgis were bred to be herding dogs, and my two enjoy herding sheep (though they originally herded cattle). Because of their high food drive and intelligence, they are easy to train, and mine both compete in agility and obedience.

They also shed a lot. Buy a good vacuum.

[diggitydogg]

on 1/7/2008 I have a friend with two Corgis that I watch sometimes. One has to be fed inside her crate because of that problem.