Everything you need to know about breeding Welsh Corgis responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Understanding your Corgi's Welsh herding heritage and big dog personality is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 30 lbs (Pembroke), 38 lbs (Cardigan)
Female: 25 lbs (Pembroke), 34 lbs (Cardigan)
Male: 10-12 inches
Female: 10-12 inches
12-13 years
Generally healthy breed
Bold, Friendly
Big dog personality
Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed. Pembrokes have no tails, Cardigans have tails. Both are separate breeds from different Welsh counties.
Intentionally bred dwarfism creates short legs. This causes unique health challenges including back problems and joint issues.
Fearless herding dogs that will boss around animals many times their size. Strong-willed and independent thinkers.
Will herd children, other pets, and anything that moves. May nip heels as part of herding instinct. Need proper training.
Corgis face unique challenges from their dwarf body structure requiring careful breeding decisions
Long back with short legs makes discs vulnerable. Avoid jumping, use ramps. Weight control critical. Surgery often needed.
OFA or PennHIP testing MANDATORY. Both parents must have good/excellent ratings. Affects mobility and working ability.
Genetic test available. Causes blindness. Test all breeding stock - both RCD3 and PRCD variants occur in breed.
Genetic test available. Causes paralysis in older dogs. Two copies of gene needed for disease. Test breeding stock.
Bleeding disorder genetic test MANDATORY. Can be fatal during surgery. High carrier rate in Pembrokes.
Genetic test available. Can cause collapse after intense exercise. More common in working lines.
Idiopathic seizures occur in breed. Usually appears by age 3. No genetic test available. Check family history.
Food-motivated breed prone to weight gain. Excess weight worsens back problems. Strict portion control essential.
Corgis have one of the highest rates of back injuries in dogs. Their long backs and short legs create tremendous stress on spinal discs. Many Corgis become paralyzed from disc ruptures, often requiring expensive surgery or euthanasia.
Prevention is critical:
Many veterinary neurologists see multiple Corgi back surgeries weekly. This is a breed emergency.
Corgis are extremely food-motivated and prone to obesity. Excess weight puts tremendous strain on their already vulnerable backs and joints. Many Corgis are overweight, which significantly increases their risk of disc disease and arthritis. Portion control is essential - they will eat until they burst. Use measuring cups, not eye-balling portions. Their "cute chunky" look is actually unhealthy and shortens their lives. An overweight Corgi is at extreme risk for back injuries.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Welsh Corgi breeding
Male Corgis
2 to 8 years
Female Corgis
2 to 7 years
Wait for complete health testing including back evaluation. Corgis can work and breed into older age if healthy.
Corgis have multiple genetic tests available. Both Pembroke and Cardigan varieties should be tested.
Females: Maximum once per year, 4-5 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Generally good mothers but watch for whelping difficulties due to large puppy heads
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