CORGI FACTS AND QUESTIONS:
What equipment do I need to have when I bring my new Corgi home?
Crate, food and water bowls, exercise pen or fenced in yard
(puppy-proofed), toys, rectal thermometer, collar and leash, grooming
equipment (such as nail clippers, comb and brush,
shampoo), dog food (follow breeder's recommendation), clean-up tools
(pooper scoops, plastic bags, etc.) baby gate(s).

The crate provides a
"den", or quiet place for the puppy to sleep and to go when no one is
supervising him. Most dogs will seek out their crate for rest and quiet
time. Crates also protect your dog from unwanted behavior and accidents, and they make riding in the car safer for everyone.

Fresh water should be available at all times.

The puppy should have his own food bowl. Follow feeding instructions carefully, increasing quantities as the puppy grows.

Housebreaking the new puppy is easier with an exercise pen, available at many pet stores or through pet supply catalogs, or a fenced in yard.

 Remember to puppy proof the yard, small puppies can fit through even smaller holes or gaps in fencing. Be especially careful with swimming pools; puppies or adult dogs can easily fall into a pool and drown. If you have a pool I highly recommend that you show the Corgi where the steps are by carefully placing the pup in the water and then carefully help direct it to the step to get out. Do this only if it is warm weather and then dry off the Corgi if he needs it. This may seem kind of harsh to some but it is prudent in case the Corgi ever falls in… it will know how to get out and not drown. Plus Corgis usually love water and swimming!

Toys provide mental and physical exercise. Hard rubber bones, balls (too large to swallow), rubber rings and tug toys are popular. Avoid
anything that can be chewed into small pieces. We have never had any trouble with giving a dog a fresh raw beef soup bone such as part of a leg bone to chew and gnaw on. They love them and they are natural teeth cleaners. You also may be able to come up with a really fun toy by using your imagination; a stout piece of rope that won't fall apart will give hours of enjoyment to a puppy...or two puppies playing tug of war.

A rectal thermometer is important, as your veterinarian will often ask about a temperature if your puppy is showing signs of illness. A dog's normal temperature is between 101 to 102 degrees.

Start the puppy off with a soft, narrow collar and a four to six foot leash. Do not leave the collar or leash on the puppy when he is alone, as
the collar can become caught and strangle the puppy. Remember to increase the size of the collar as the puppy grows. Be sure you can get a couple fingers between the collar and his neck.

Daily grooming is important to the puppy's health and education. Although the Pembroke coat does not mat, a daily "once over" with a comb and brush will keep his coat shiny and keep shedding to a minimum. When bathing your puppy, use a non-detergent human shampoo (baby shampoo) or a specially formulated dog shampoo. Stay away from un-natural perfume shampoos, which can cause allergies. 

When exercising your puppy, be a good citizen and clean up after him. Pooper scoops are readily available at pet stores. Plastic sandwich bags work equally well and can be easily tossed into your garbage can.

Puppy-proof your home. Baby gates are an inexpensive way to confine the puppy during housebreaking. Wires, chemicals in toilet bowls, heat
ducts, garbage cans, house plants, antifreeze, chocolate, onions,
mousetraps, represent just a few of the hazards present. Never leave a puppy unattended. It only takes a minute for a puppy to find something potentially lethal or painful.

What should I expect from an experienced breeder?

An experienced breeder will have plenty of questions for you and your
family about your home, lifestyle, why Pembroke?, dog ownership history,
etc. The breeder is only trying to make sure that you and the puppy are well
matched! The breeder will provide you with a pedigree, sales receipt and
contract, inoculation and worming record and feeding instructions. AKC
registration papers for a full or limited registration will also be provided
as per your agreement. There are different agreements made depending on
whether or not the puppy is being sold as pet or a "show puppy". The
breeder's contract will spell out any health guarantees and spay/neuter
requirements. Most importantly, you should expect your breeder to answer
your questions fully if possible and honestly now and as your puppy grows. An ethical breeder cares
enough to help in any way they can for the entire life of the Corgi.
How old should they be before I can bring one home?
A Pembroke puppy should never be moved into a new home before 8 weeks
of age. Even at 8 weeks, a Pembroke puppy is not large, and requires
constant supervision from the adults in the family. Small puppies can
quickly squeeze behind furniture, chew electrical wires, or fall down
stairs. Many breeders will wait until 10-12 weeks to place puppies in their
new homes. This delay is not meant to deprive the new family of the puppy's
early development, but because most breeders have found that puppies benefit
significantly from interaction with their littermates and their dam during
the eight to ten week period of a puppy's life. Also, by not selling a puppy
prior to eight weeks of age, the breeder will ensure that the puppy is large
enough to fit into a new home and flourish.
Experienced breeders generally screen their breeding stock for hip
dysplasia and eye problems, and sometimes other diseases that they have
become aware of as potential problems. We are very fortunate that this breed
does not have a predisposition to many of the serious health concerns that
plague some other breeds, and ethical breeders are to be commended for their
efforts in keeping the Pembroke healthy and long-Iived. Ask about the health
history of the parents and grandparents of a puppy you are interested
in--this information should be available on a well-bred litter.
 

How much exercise should a Corgi get and what kind?

A Pembroke needs a small amount of exercise to maintain his physical
and mental health. Corgis love to work, play and be part of your routine,
but should not be pushed beyond reasonable limits. They are short legged but
do well on short or long walks, jogging, or working in herding or agility
events. Use common sense when exercising your Corgi; avoid extreme heat or
cold and always provide plenty of cool, fresh water after exercise and
sometimes during exercise if the need arises. Corgis do best when stimulated
regularly through both physical and mental activities. They love attention
and time spent with their owners usually not letting the owner leave their
sight if they can help it.

Do they need to be carried up stairs?

No, the Pembroke is a sturdy, well-muscled working dog, capable of
navigating normal sized steps with ease. Many of ours jump into the back of
a pickup with no problem. As puppies, they can be be taught to use steps,
starting with single steps and progressing to more steps as the puppy grows.
Be especially careful with open staircases; some Pems cannot resist the urge
to jump! Stairs should not be a play area, but simply a means of going from
one area of the house to another.

How long do Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?

Most breeders estimate the ages of 12 or 13 to be the average life
span for the breed, with healthy and happy oldsters well into their teens
not uncommon. Experienced breeders generally screen their breeding stock for
hip dysplasia and eye problems, and sometimes other diseases that they have
become aware of as potential problems. We are very fortunate that this breed
does not have a predisposition to many of the serious health concerns that
plague some other breeds, and ethical breeders are to be commended for their
efforts in keeping the Pembroke healthy and long-Iived.

Do Corgis shed and how should I groom them?

Oh, yes, they shed! A Corgi will generally shed their undercoat (the
soft, lighter hair beneath their coarse outer coat) in the spring or summer
and more than the usual frequent combing and brushing is then called for. A
good bath, followed by some serious combing and/or gentle finger plucking,
will remove the "tufts”. Any dog either sheds or need expensive haircuts. A
broom or vacuum-cleaning bag is cheaper than the local groomer! Most of the
time a good five-minute brushing will keep off the dead hairs.

Are Corgis good watchdogs?

YES! They are alert and those big ears don't miss much! Pembroke’s are
very good about letting you know when something out of the ordinary happens.
They have been used for the deaf and hearing aide dogs for good reason. This
is all they should be expected to do--you do not want to encourage a puppy
to growl or act in an aggressive manner. It is also up to you to teach the
barking puppy that once you're alerted, they can be quiet! No one likes a
yappy dog that barks incessantly, even dog lovers. There are many techniques
such as holding the muzzle for a moment, or startling the dog with a squirt
of water or a rock or object thrown nearby, accompanied by a firm, "Quiet. "
Be consistent in your training. This breed is bright and bossy-if you aren't
in charge, they will happily assume the role and a problem is much harder to
correct than prevent!

Do Corgis get along with other pets and children?

Many people have come to this breed specifically as a companion for
their child-they are low to the ground, sturdy and they adore children! It
is essential that children be taught to respect the puppy, especially when
it is eating, or in its crate sleeping or just for a rest. Puppies like
children need their rest so they do not become cranky…. or ill! .
Many breeders have other pets that have close relationships with their
dogs, and make an effort to introduce their puppies to other species during
their early socialization. Common sense is needed in introducing the puppy
to a small cage pet so that no one gets nipped, and Pup understands that the
hamster is a pet and not something to be "dispatched" Corgis were bred to
work the farm and ratting is one of the jobs! Of course they do well with
livestock and many horse owners would not have a complete family without a
Corgi or two! Pembroke’s living with other dog breeds generally become the
"boss" and herd the others around. They are also happy to herd the children,
especially if they're running and playing. The parents must be consistent in
correcting this behavior from the beginning to prevent a later problem with
"nipping heels." It may be cute in a pup, but a pinch on the calf from a
larger and still enthusiastic herder hurts…ouch!

Should I get a male or female?

The males are just as good with children and other pets as the
females, and are as easy to housebreak. If anything the female is usually
more aggressive than the male but it does vary with each individual Corgi.
The experienced breeder will be able to advise you which puppy's temperament
meets your needs. They don't want to put the most energetic puppy with a
retired couple who want a quiet companion, nor the quiet puppy in the home
with 6 children and a position waiting on the baseball team! We breeders are
quite familiar with the different type of temperaments in our Corgis and
have placed many Pembrokes into the right family situation for the Corgi as
well as the family. We have many perfect Corgi family fits!
Are there many differences between Pembrokes and Cardigans?
Although the Pembrokes and the Cardigans have similarities, they are
two different breeds, not a variation of each other. The most readily
identifiable physical difference is the tail: the Cardigan has one and the
Pembroke doesn’t. The Pembroke’s tail is rarely naturally docked or docked
close to the body with a band at about three days old. The Cardigan is
larger and longer than the Pembroke, heavier boned with a smaller eye and
larger ear. Both the Pembroke and the Cardigan are intelligent dogs, easy to
train and good with children

I work….or go to school….can I handle a puppy?

First, try to bring your Corgi home during your vacation or on a long
weekend when you can spend some bonding time with your new addition and
start his or her house training. If you can not go home at lunch, try to get
a friend or petsitter to take your puppy out at noontime. If that
is not feasible, leave the puppy's crate door open so he or she can
have access to water, food and newspapers (or secure yard even better) until
you come home after work.

How about two puppies?

This decision depends on you and your family situation. Of course two
takes more training time but it can definitely be worth it. Many of our
families have found that two (or three) are better for them than one. We
often have a family buy one puppy and them come back for a second in a year
or two while the first Corgi is still young and already trained. The two
Corgis bond quickly since they are both young. We also have families who
bring a pup into their home with an older dog whom adjusts surprisingly fast
and in fact enjoys the younger pups antics. Two can give twice the pleasure
but for many families one is enough and they are not up to the task of
training two.

NOW THE FACTS;
Corgis are sensitive and intelligent dogs. They are easily trained as
long as training is done consistently and firm but gentle handling. No need
for severe physical correction. They are healthy and long-Iived dogs and
make excellent companions for either rural or urban family homes.

They require a proper diet and yearly vaccinations for protection
against diseases. Owners who have taken proper care of their dogs are
usually rewarded with their Corgis living a very full and active life.
Proper pet care also includes regular exercise and grooming
Please don't allow your Corgi to become overweight. A thinner dog will
live a longer, happier, healthier life. Pembrokes are great con-artists.
Don't believe them! And don't believe what the dog food bag says about how
much to feed. Always feed a good name brand-not generic food. Avoid table
scraps and extra treats except for use in training.

The modern world is an extremely hazardous place for inquisitive dogs
and although your Corgi is obedient it should not be allowed to run free.
The Corgis compact size is a disadvantage if a larger dog confronts him. If
you do not have a fenced yard, your dog will certainly need several daily
walks. He is an energetic dog, and too much inactivity just might cause him
to think up unacceptable activities for himself!

Basic obedience training is strongly recommended by the Pembroke Welsh
Corgi Club of America. This training is best when it teaches you how to
teach your dog. The time you spend in training, especially during the first
year of your pet's life, will be repaid many times over by giving you a
well-behaved companion, one that is bonded to you and your family for the
rest of his life.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are seen in many areas of dog activities. Many
of their competitions are sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. They are
worked in obedience, herding, and tracking. Agility training and competition
are fairly new in this country and Pembrokes and owners are enjoying the
challenge. They are still used as working cattle and sheep dogs. Of course
they are the very finest of loyal family companions.

There is concern in the United States about dogs being abandoned or
turned in to shelters because the owner no longer wants to care for the
animal. In some cases, the owner has discovered that the dog has a physical
or temperament problem, very often the result of irresponsible breeding.
The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility. Through the years a
Breed Standard for Pembroke Welsh Corgis
has been developed. It is an approved, written description of the
ideal Pembroke: how it should move, look, and act. This Breed Standard is
used by conscientious and knowledgeable breeders to evaluate how closely
they approach the ideal in producing quality Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

Responsible breeders do not use Pembroke’s that are found to deviate
to some extent from the Standard in appearance, size, action, temperament,
or that have known hereditary defects, for breeding. These dogs are spayed
or neutered. The use of such a Pembroke for breeding is evidence of
careless, unknowing, and unconcerned breeding. We take up to two years to
evaluate our breeders. If they don’t look like excellent breeding prospects
we know they will make wonderful companions.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America strongly recommends that you
spay or neuter your Pembroke. Most responsible breeders require this by
selling their pet Pembrokes with spay/neuter contracts. There are several
important reasons for this recommendation:
1. Neutered animals are normally healthier and usually live longer.
2. Veterinarians, breeders, and animal behaviorists agree, IT IS NOT
AT ALL HELPFUL OR FULFILLING FOR THE FEMALE DOG TO HAVE PUPPIES. Having
puppies is a major event for the female dog, and even under the best of
circumstances it can lead to serious physical problems or death
3. Spaying a female Corgi before her first heat season greatly reduces
the risk of mammary tumors later in life. A spayed female will also not
suffer the danger of life-threatening uterine infections, as she grows
older.
4. Neutering a male removes the possibility of testicular cancer. In
addition, the dog will have a much lower risk of developing prostate
problems. Also, a neutered male will generally be more tolerant of other
male dogs.
5. Spaying or neutering will not change the basic disposition of your
Pembroke. These procedures will not turn your pet into a fat and lazy Corgi.
Giving the dog too much food or treats and too little exercise causes
obesity.
As Pembrokes have become more popular, some owners have been tempted
to breed them in misguided efforts to make a profit. If you are able to make
a profit breeding and selling Pembrokes, you are not doing it with the care
and concern that you should be exercising! This "uncaring production " of
animals is not beneficial to the breed, and is most often harmful. Only
quality Pembrokes should be bred by knowledgeable breeders in an effort to
improve the breed. Careless and uninformed breeding will only serve to harm
those virtues and characteristics we value most in Corgis.
The American Kennel Club permits dogs that have been spayed or
neutered to participate in all phases of obedience, tracking, herding, and
agility competitions. Only animals that are capable of reproducing can be
shown in conformation shows.

If the day should come when you can no longer keep your Pembroke (for
whatever reason: divorce, moving to a no-pet apartment, death in the family,
etc.) what should you do? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America urges you
NEVER to take your Pembroke to an Animal Shelter. You should contact the
breeder of your Pembroke. This is one of the reasons that responsible
breeders want to stay in touch with their buyers. If that is not successful,
or if you cannot locate the breeder, then contact Breed Rescue. Sometimes
the local shelter knows whom the Breed Rescue contact person is in their
area for Pembroke’s. If they do not, then please contact a local all-breed
kennel club or obedience club, or the American Kennel Club (51 Madison
Avenue, New York, NY 10010).

You may wait a few weeks to a few months for a pet puppy, or up to a
few years if you want that special show pup.

When contacting us to ask about puppies, please include your full
name, address and phone number, and if you would like a show or
pet puppy.

It is also helpful to include some information about your family ( ie:
ages of your children, any other pets in the household, etc).
We will not respond to "anonymous" inquiries. Thank you kindly!