Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | high | Long back and short legs raise disc-herniation risk; manage weight and jumping. |
| Degenerative myelopathy | high | A large share of Pembrokes carry the DM gene; DNA testing is standard for breeders. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Surprisingly common for the size; ask for OFA scores. |
| Obesity | moderate | Corgis gain weight easily, and every extra pound loads the spine. |
| Von Willebrand disease | moderate | Inherited clotting disorder seen in the breed; DNA tests exist. |
Pet insurance for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Insurers price a Pembroke Welsh Corgi from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and Degenerative myelopathy. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 22–31 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a Welsh cattle-herding dog whose short legs kept it below kicking height, and whose big-dog drive still shows. Pembrokes are smart, bold, and comically stubborn, with a strong tendency to herd children, other pets, and guests by nipping at heels. They adapt well to smaller homes if exercised daily, but they shed impressively and bark readily. The long back makes weight control and ramps important. A great match for owners who want a trainable character in a compact package.
Origin: Wales
Temperament
Related reading for Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners
Pembroke Welsh Corgi FAQ
How long do Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?
The typical Pembroke Welsh Corgi lifespan is 12–13 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Pembroke Welsh Corgi policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Pembroke Welsh Corgis prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Degenerative myelopathy, Hip dysplasia. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.