Pembroke Welsh Corgi health guide
Also known as: Corgi, Welsh Corgi
About this breed
Corgis are bright, sturdy herding dogs on short legs, and their long low back defines their health risks. Keeping them lean and protecting the spine prevents most of the serious problems we see.
Living in Macau's climate
The thick double coat holds heat, so schedule walks around Macau's cooler hours in summer and provide air conditioning at home. Weekly brushing, increased during the spring and autumn coat blows, keeps the skin ventilated in high humidity.
Common health conditions
Intervertebral disc disease
Signs: Sudden yelping, hunched back, wobbly or dragging hind legs.
Prevention: Block jumping on and off furniture with ramps, avoid stairs where possible, keep weight lean, and treat hind-leg weakness as an emergency.
Hip dysplasia
Signs: Bunny-hopping run, stiffness after rest and reluctance on stairs.
Prevention: Feed to a lean body condition from puppyhood and start joint checks early; weight control is the single best protector.
Obesity
Signs: No waistline, ribs hard to feel, slowing down on walks.
Prevention: Measure meals, cap treats at 10 percent of calories, and weigh your Corgi at least twice a year.
Degenerative myelopathy
Signs: Slow, painless hind-leg weakness and paw scuffing in older dogs.
Prevention: No cure exists, but DNA testing identifies risk and physiotherapy keeps affected dogs mobile for longer.
Daily care tips
- Guard the waistline ruthlessly; obesity plus a long back is the classic Corgi injury recipe.
- Use ramps for sofas, beds and car boots.
- Give this working breed daily physical and mental exercise.
- Brush weekly, daily during the twice-yearly coat blow.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with hip and spine assessment.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with weight, gait and back check.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood work and mobility scoring.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Pembroke Welsh Corgi patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.