Pembroke Welsh Corgi
PEM-brook WELSH KOR-gee
Affectionate, Smart, Alert, Bold. Originally bred for herding cattle by nipping at heels.
An adult Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs 27-30 lbs (male) or 25-28 lbs (female), needs 610-990 calories daily, and lives 12-13 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is intervertebral disc disease. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs 610 to 990 calories per day. An average male (28 lbs / 12.9 kg) needs around 810 kcal; a female (26 lbs / 12.0 kg) roughly 770 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Pembroke Welsh Corgi. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-13 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
45-60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Don't let their short legs fool you; Corgis are athletic herding dogs with surprising speed and stamina. Herding instincts run deep in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Without a job to do, they may try to herd children, other pets, or even passing cars. Channel that drive into structured activities: agility, flyball, advanced obedience, or herding trials if available in your area. Without sufficient exercise, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a medium-length, thick, weather-resistant double coat coat. Origin: Wales (Pembrokeshire).
Queen Elizabeth II's famous breed (she owned more than 30 Corgis during her reign). Their long spine and short legs create the same IVDD risk as Dachshunds; weight management and avoiding jumping are critical. Their 'sploot' (lying flat with legs behind them) is distinctive and beloved on the internet.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your Pembroke Welsh Corgi between 610 and 990 calories per day. A 28-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily works well for most small breeds. Avoid free-feeding, as many small dogs will overeat when food is constantly available. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 27-30 lbs (12.2–13.6 kg). Females run lighter at 25-28 lbs (11.3–12.7 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
Health records for the breed show intervertebral disc disease as the most prevalent concern in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. IVDD is a spinal condition where the discs between vertebrae degenerate and can rupture. Prevent jumping on and off furniture, use ramps, and keep the dog at a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress. Other conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, von willebrand disease. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi thrives on 45 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Good activities for this breed include agility, herding trials, frisbee. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. An under-exercised Pembroke Welsh Corgi will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026