Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi trots confidently into a room, having no idea that he is probably the smallest one there.

He is curious, and happily approaches people and animals, even if he's never met them before. He makes friends easily.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a lively companion. He plays games and enjoys traveling, visiting, even obedience training. He is glad to be in the city or the country, as long as his family is nearby.

Like Cardigan Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were developed to herd cattle away from their master's land. Of the two types of Corgis, the Pembroke is the more recent, and came to Wales from Flanders, in the Netherlands.

You can tell the two breeds apart by the Pembroke's docked tail and finer coat. His legs are straighter and his ears more pointed at the tips.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a thick, glossy double coat, with the softer layer underneath. It sheds year round. Brushing every other day is needed to keep the coat looking its best. Colors are red, sable, fawn, or black and tan. He may have white on his face, chest, and legs.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is low-set, strong, sturdy, and active. Bold, but kindly; intelligent and interested.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--10 to 12 inches at withers. Weight--males, 30 pounds or less; females, 28 pounds or less.

Fun Facts

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been the favorite dogs of British royalty since the late 1930s, when King George VI bought one for his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Today, Queen Elizabeth II is often photographed with her Pembrokes.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.