A Pembroke is 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) tall at the shoulder and is 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) in length; Pembrokes in peak condition weigh about 27 pounds (12 kg) for the male, the females being about 22 pounds (10.0 kg) lighter unless pregnant, then the weight varies. They can become overweight easily if not fed and exercised properly.
Pembrokes are very hard-working and loyal. They are usually easily trainable. They have title of 11th place in "Worlds Smartest Breeds". They function as good watchdogs because of their alertness and their tendency to bark. Pembrokes are typically outgoing, friendly dogs.
The length of the spine can cause spinal problems and early arthritis in Corgis, especially those that are overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight is best to prevent obesity and ensure that a Pembroke lives a long, healthy life. Pembrokes have a typical life expectancy of twelve to fourteen years.
Thus, Pembrokes, if not kept active or if overfed, can easily become obese. This condition can end a Pembroke Corgi's life particularly early, since biophysical stresses on the spine resulting from the weight of an over-sized belly can lead to secondary diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Corgis are at risk of developing a disease called degenerative myelopathy or DM. Research regarding DM is underway, and a test for DM has been developed and is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The three scores are "at risk", "carrier" and "clear". Currently there are very few "clear" dogs and more "at risk" and "carriers". "Clear" Pembrokes will not develop the disease nor pass it on to offspring. "Carrier" Pembrokes will not develop the disease; however, one could possibly pass one copy of the gene to its offspring, as they contain one out of two genes necessary for the disease to express. "At risk" Pembrokes have two copies of the gene, and therefore will pass one gene along to offspring. In addition, "at risk" Pembrokes have a risk of developing the disease.
Pembrokes are also at risk for hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease and eye disorders. Von Willebrand's, a clotting disorder, is detected by a DNA test. It is eliminated by the avoidance of breeding carriers or affected Pembrokes to each other. One of the parents must be rated clear to avoid the disease. Both parents should have a recent passing CERF rating within one year before being bred to avoid eye problems such as partial pupillary membranes (PPMs), retinal dysplasia or cataracts. Hip dysplasia is poly-genetic; more than one set of genes is involved. Having as many ancestors as possible tested and given at least a fair rating by OFA is the best way to avoid a dysplasic Pembroke, although this is no guarantee against it.
