Grooming
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s grooming needs are moderate compared to other dog breeds, mainly because of their thick double coat, a short, light undercoat with a longer, coarse outer coat. The good news is they don’t need a haircut, and you can manage their maintenance at home. Here are some grooming tips for your Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
Brushing and bathing: They shed year-round, but more in the late spring or early summer. Daily brushing with a comb and slicker brush is the best way to keep their hair off the floor and furniture, and a bath once or twice a month (especially during shedding season) will loosen the dead hair and make it easier to comb out.
Nail trimming: Every dog’s nails grow at a different rate, but a general rule is to trim their nails every two to four weeks or before you hear them clicking on the floor.
Ear cleaning: You’ll also want to check your Corgi’s ears weekly for dirt or signs of infection, like redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
Dental care: It’s recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth daily to reduce plaque and tartar. Periodontal disease can lead to sore gums, loss of teeth and even more serious issues like organ failure. Besides regular brushings at home, be sure to get an annual professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian to keep your Corgi’s teeth in tip-top shape.
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Training
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed was born to herd, so they have a lot of energy and require significant training to keep their brains busy and occupied. The dog is very intelligent and loves to learn, so they respond well to training activities. They may be strong-willed but are highly sensitive, so they do best with positive, reward-based training. Be sure to use lots of treats, praise and play breaks to reward your pup for doing a good job.
Teach your dog the basics, like sit, stay and come and how to walk nicely on a leash. You may find that commands like leave it and drop it are useful, too; a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy loves to explore with their mouth, which can get them into trouble from time to time. After your pup masters the basics, work with your pup on curbing their barking and herding tendencies. You can help them learn when it’s appropriate to bark and herd, but you’ll never completely train those instincts out of your pup.
Early socialization, especially between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months, will help your Corgi grow up to be a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Take your pup on walks to let them meet new people and dogs, and enroll them in puppy school. Puppy school is a great place to meet new people and learn to play nicely with other puppies.
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Diet
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed typically does well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult or senior). Be sure to look for the statement on the packaging that says it meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific needs.
Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, especially on hotter days or after long walks.
Corgis are prone to overeat and gain weight, so you may have to watch your dog’s calorie consumption. Instead of leaving the food bowl out so your pup can graze all day, only put the bowl down at mealtimes. And don’t forget to factor in the treats! Treat calories count too, so be mindful of how often you give your Corgi snacks and resist giving them scraps from the dinner table.
Concerned about your Corgi’s diet or weight? Consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their needs.
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Exercise
As puppies, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has seemingly boundless energy. As they grow up, they tend to chill out a bit; however, adult Corgis still need about one hour of exercise every day. A daily long walk or even slow jog will do the trick, but their short little legs can’t keep up with faster-paced pursuits. If you’re looking for a good summertime activity, Corgis love the water and are great swimmers.
Corgis are working dogs, aka dogs bred to perform a job, so they love physical activity and having a task to complete. They were bred to herd cattle, after all! Many Pembroke Welsh Corgis also excel in dog sports such as agility, herding and tracking. Corgis are smart and need to keep their minds occupied, too. Whether that’s through agility work or puzzle toys, keeping your Corgi busy will keep them out of trouble. If they’re bored, they’ll let you know with their high-pitched bark, or they’ll run around and steal things, like your socks.
Thanks to their thick double coat, Corgis don’t mind cold weather, but get hot easily. So, make sure you keep your outside activity to the cooler parts of the day in the summer months.
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Environment
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can make great pets for active pet parents or families—if they’re trained not to herd the kids. If you’re looking for a pup who will wear out the kids and vice-versa, the Corgi may be a good choice.
Corgis love people and assume that everyone around them is there to pet and play with them, so guests should be prepared to interact with your dog. And if you have other pets, that’s not a dealbreaker: Corgis can be trained to live successfully with cats and typically enjoy the company of other dogs.
As long as you can give your Corgi the exercise they crave, they can thrive in any home environment, whether that’s an apartment or a home with a large yard. This loyal breed loves hanging out with their people, so they’re happy wherever you are.
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