| Height | 10-12 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Affectionate / Smart [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Wales [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 16 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A strong, athletic little dog developed to herd cattle and other livestock, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi loves physical activity and is happiest when he has a job to do. Corgis benefit from moderate daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Pembrokes can do well on long walks or slow jogs, but their short legs won't allow them to keep up with a bicycle rider. [1]
Grooming
The Pembroke has a thick, weatherproof double coat'¿a soft, light undercoat covered by a coarse outer coat. The breed sheds a fair amount on a daily basis, and even more so in the late spring/early summer. A daily once-over with a comb and a slicker brush will remove a lot of the shed hair before it is all over the house. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Pembroke is typically a healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, cardiac issues, degenerative myelopathy, and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder. As with all breeds, a Pembroke's ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1934. [1]
- It ranked No. 16 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 20 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Pembroke, Pem, or Pembi (U.K.).” [1]
- The AKC lists Wales as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-13 years.
How big does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi get?
AKC breed information lists height 10-12 inches and weight up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.