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Pastoral · Wales

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

A walker's guide to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 10 to 14 kgActiveLong backHeel nipperVocalWeight gainHeavy shedding
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleBrisk, bossy, low-slung
With other dogsConfident, can be bossy

Overview

The Pembroke was bred to drive cattle by nipping at their heels and ducking the kicks, and that low, quick, fearless style is still in the dog. It is the tailless or short-tailed Welsh corgi, made famous by royal patronage, and a surprisingly big dog for its height, with real substance and a loud bark.

Pembrokes are bright, affectionate, keen to be involved and often rather bossy. They want to know what everyone is doing and may try to organise it. The long back and heavy build are the health themes to keep in mind on every walk.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day in two walks suits most adults, and they enjoy a good pace for their leg length. Off-lead time with recall games and a few retrieves keeps them fit. They do not need a marathon, but they put on weight the moment they are under-exercised.

Protect the back. Discourage jumping on and off benches, logs and the back of the van, and avoid steep steps where you can. A ramp for the vehicle is the owner's friend.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeYes, with recall

On the walk

  • Recall: Generally good; this is a herder that works with people. Food helps, and so does keeping the dog interested rather than letting it wander off to supervise.
  • Heel nipping: Joggers, cyclists, children and other dogs running past can all trigger a nip at the heels. Keep the dog beside you when something passes and reward attention on you.
  • Barking: Frequent, loud and used to express opinions. Reward quiet and move past triggers rather than letting the dog stand and lecture them.
  • Other dogs: Confident and sometimes pushy with larger dogs, a habit that does not always end well. Supervise group play and step in when the Corgi starts herding.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Lift the dog in and out of the van with a hand under the chest and the rear, or use a ramp.
  2. Count the treats; corgis are food driven and gain weight easily.
  3. Brush out loose hair in shedding season or your van seats will be furry for a week.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Any back problems or hip issues, and does the vet want stairs and jumping avoided?
  • Does the dog nip at heels, and what does the owner do about it?
  • Is the dog on a diet, and what treats are allowed?
Cardigan Welsh CorgiThe olderSwedish VallhundA short-legged Viking cattle dog with the heart of a much bigger animal: energeticLancashire HeelerA tiny black and tan cattle dog from the north west of EnglandShetland SheepdogA small