Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Dogs › Corgi (Pembroke Welsh)
Corgi (Pembroke Welsh): temperament, health and care
Corgi (Pembroke Welsh): temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Small-medium, about 10–14 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Exercise | Moderate |
| Grooming | Dense double coat; heavy shedding |
Temperament and who it suits
Bright, outgoing and bossy; may nip at heels as they herd.
Often suits: families who will manage weight and training.
Corgis gain weight easily, which stresses the back.
Health problems to know about
- Back problems (IVDD)
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh)
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh) live?
A Corgi (Pembroke Welsh) typically lives 12–14 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh) need?
Moderate.
What health problems are common in a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh)?
Common concerns include back problems (IVDD), obesity, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh) need?
Dense double coat; heavy shedding.
Who does a Corgi (Pembroke Welsh) suit?
It often suits families who will manage weight and training. Corgis gain weight easily, which stresses the back.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and pet, and ask PetBot follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.