Pembroke Welsh Corgi — Complete Breed Guide
Herding · from Wales · AKC rank #16 (2025)
Key facts
| Breed group | Herding |
| Origin | Wales |
| Weight | 10–14 kg (22–31 lbs) |
| Height | 25–30 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–13 years |
| Coat | medium double |
| AKC popularity rank (2025) | #16 of 202 recognized breeds |
Trait ratings
Our editorial 1–5 scoring, based on breed-standard temperament data.
Monthly cost
Expect roughly $80–$160 per month (estimate: food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance). Smaller, low-maintenance breeds sit at the lower end. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi coat colors and varieties
Officially the Pembroke Welsh Corgi wears a medium double coat, but ask around and you'll hear plenty of variety names — black are the ones buyers ask about most. These are variations within one breed, not separate breeds, and they don't change the trait scores on this page.
A reputable breeder talks health testing before coat color. Treat color-first marketing as a red flag.
What does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi cost?
Two budgets matter: the puppy, and everything after. After: about $80–$160 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming, and insurance — smaller, low-maintenance breeds sit at the lower end.
The puppy price has no fixed answer — anyone quoting one for the whole internet is guessing. Breeders who health-test their parents and take the dog back if life goes sideways usually charge more up front than sellers who don't. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies: what to expect
Puppyhood is the expensive, exhausting, wonderful part. Plan for a first vet visit within days of bringing yours home, a vaccine series over the first few months, and training that starts the day it arrives — not at six months.
The first year costs more than the monthly estimate above suggests: vaccines, spay/neuter, a crate, and chewed shoes add up. Socialize early and widely; the temperament scores on this page assume a well-socialized dog.
Health issues to know
- hip dysplasia
- intervertebral disc disease
- eye disorders
- obesity
- Families with children
- First-time owners (easy to train)
- You need a quiet dog (thin walls, close neighbors)
- Anyone in the home has dog allergies
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi live?
Typically 12–13 years. Larger individuals and lines with known health issues tend toward the lower end.
How much does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi cost per month?
Roughly $80–$160 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming and insurance — an estimate that varies by location.
Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi good for apartments?
It scores 3/5 for apartment suitability. Workable with enough daily exercise and routine.
Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi good with kids?
It scores 4/5 for kid-friendliness. Excellent family choice, with normal supervision.
Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi shed a lot?
Shedding scores 5/5. Yes — heavy, year-round shedding.
What is the difference between a Pembroke and a Cardigan Welsh Corgi?
They are separate breeds: the Pembroke is smaller and lighter with a docked or naturally short tail and pointed ears, while the Cardigan is larger, heavier-boned, with a long bushy tail and rounded ears. Pembrokes (10–14 kg in our dataset) are the famous royal dogs and generally a touch more outgoing. Same herding heritage, different dog.
Why should I not get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
Three honest reasons: extreme shedding (5/5 — the glitter of the dog world), loud and frequent barking (4/5), and herding instincts that mean nipping at heels, including children’s. Add a long back with disc-disease risk. If you want a quiet, low-shed, low-effort dog, the Corgi’s cute exterior hides the opposite.
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Health information is for general guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog. Cost figures are rough estimates and vary by location.