Author: DogsBlogSS Team
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a veterinarian.
breeding pembroke welsh corgis
Breeding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi can feel like setting out on a big, meaningful journey — one that carries both joy and serious responsibility. With those adorable stubby legs, expressive faces, and big personalities, Corgis are irresistible. But behind every cute puppy comes a web of genetics, health concerns, and ethical decisions that deserve respect and care. If you’re thinking about breeding your Corgi, it’s not enough that she’s “healthy” or “friendly.” Responsible breeding demands more: respect for the breed’s health, temperament, and long-term welfare.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the major considerations involved in breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis — from why you should or shouldn’t do it, to the tests and timing involved, to what to expect during whelping. I’ve drawn on expertise from Corgi clubs, veterinarians, and breed-health resources, aiming to give a clear, balanced, and human-centered perspective. Think of this as a chat between friends — one who loves Corgis deeply, and one who wants you to love them responsibly.
I. Core Requirements & Ethical Considerations
Should I breed my Pembroke Welsh Corgi just because she is healthy and friendly?
It’s easy to assume that a friendly, healthy Corgi automatically makes a good candidate for breeding. Unfortunately, that’s a common misconception. A “pet-quality” dog — sweet, well-behaved, and loved — doesn’t necessarily meet the full standards breeders aim for.
According to Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Responsible breeders stress that good temperament and general health are only the beginning. Equally important are conformation (how closely the dog meets the physical standard for the breed) or performance titles — for instance from showing, herding, or other recognized trials — to prove that the dog carries desirable traits worth passing on. According to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA), breeding should involve only dogs “of sound temperament and structure, with clear/normal hips and eyes, and clear of other known inherited problems.”
If your Corgi ticks the “friendly and healthy” boxes, that’s wonderful — but it doesn’t automatically mean she’s a responsible choice for breeding.
What is the difference between a “backyard breeder” and a responsible Corgi breeder?
The distinction matters — a lot.
A “backyard breeder” is often someone who sees a healthy, sweet Corgi and decides to breed simply because they believe “why not?” The motivation may be profit, or underestimating the complexity of breeding. These breeders often skip thorough health testing, don’t take care of the puppies’ long-term future, and may have little regard for temperament or structural soundness. Puppies might be sold quickly, often without proper contracts or support for the new owners.
By contrast, a responsible Corgi breeder invests time, money, and heart into every step:
- They perform comprehensive health screenings for genetic diseases and structural soundness.
- They use breeding contracts (often with “limited registration” or spay/neuter clauses) to prevent irresponsible future breeding.
- They offer support to puppy buyers, sometimes even for life — advising on care, temperament, and how to manage a herding dog’s instincts.
- They aim to improve the breed rather than just multiply dogs.
In other words: a backyard breeder is often motivated by convenience or profit, while a responsible breeder is driven by respect for the breed’s welfare and future.
What are “breeding rights” and why do breeders restrict them?
If you’ve ever seen a puppy advertised as having “limited registration,” that’s what this refers to. Breeding rights (the right to reproduce those puppies) are often restricted intentionally — for very good reasons.
By selling puppies on limited registration — often with a spay/neuter contract — responsible breeders help safeguard the gene pool. They avoid flooding the world with poorly screened dogs bred without care. This helps prevent overbreeding, reduces inherited disease risk, and maintains breed integrity.
In this way, restricting breeding rights isn’t about being controlling — it’s about being responsible, ethical, and thinking long-term.
II. Health Testing & Genetics (The “Must-Haves”)
When it comes to breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis, health and genetics aren’t optional — they’re mandatory. This section dives into the critical tests, genetic risks, and structural issues a breeder must seriously consider.
What specific health tests are mandatory for breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis?
According to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and other breed-health authorities, there are several recommended — often essential — tests for any Corgi considered for breeding.
Some of the most important include:
- According to Good Dog,Hip (and sometimes elbow) dysplasia screening: Because Corgis have short legs and long backs, joint health is vital. X-rays evaluated by recognized schemes (e.g., Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – OFA, or other equivalent hip-scoring programs) should ideally be done after the dog reaches maturity (often 2+ years old).
- According to Good Dog, Eye certification (e.g., via Canine Eye Registry Foundation – CAER / OFA eye exams): This helps catch heritable eye conditions that could impair future puppies.
- According to PetMD , Blood/clotting disorders — especially Von Willebrand Disease (vWD): Since vWD is an inherited bleeding disorder, testing helps avoid passing it on.
- According to UFAW, Neurological/genetic disease screening — especially Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Because DM is a progressive spinal cord disease linked to a known gene mutation (SOD1), DNA testing is essential.
Beyond those, many responsible breeders also check for elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, and sometimes spinal-disc susceptibility, given the Corgi’s long back and susceptibility to back problems.
Skipping these tests is not just irresponsible — it’s potentially harmful for the puppies and the breed as a whole.
What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and how do I avoid producing affected puppies?
According to PetMD, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a serious, progressive neurological condition that affects the spinal cord. Over time, a dog’s hind legs weaken; eventually, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility can occur. It’s sometimes likened to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans.
In Corgis, this condition is related to a mutation in the SOD1 gene. Thanks to modern genetics, breeders can perform DNA testing to detect whether a dog is:
- Clear (no mutation),
- Carrier (one copy of the mutation), or
- According to pwcca,At-risk / “homozygous” (two copies).
A key guideline from the PWCCA is that you should never breed two carriers together. That dramatically reduces the risk of producing puppies that could develop DM.
At the same time, experts caution against trying to eradicate all carriers from the gene pool at once — because in many populations, a large percentage of Corgis are carriers. According to PWCCA data, 87.8% of Pembrokes test either as heterozygous carrier or homozygous “at-risk” for SOD1. Eliminating them all instantly could severely narrow the gene pool, which increases risks of other genetic problems.
That’s why a thoughtful, long-term strategy is often best: match carriers only with clear dogs, and over generations gradually favor clear lines — but without abruptly cutting out large portions of the breeding population.
Is the “Fluff” gene a health concern or just cosmetic?
The so-called “fluff” gene — which can cause a longer, fluffier coat — is generally considered a cosmetic variation, not a health issue. For some breeds, particularly in show contexts, long coats may be seen as a blemish or disadvantage because they stray from the standard coat type. For Corgis, this often reduces show prospects rather than causing direct health problems.
That said, responsible breeders should still be transparent about these traits. If a dog carries the fluff gene, the breeder should mention it, so future owners or breeders know what to expect. While the fluffiness usually has no impact on a dog’s well-being, eyes and joints remain far more consequential.
Does dwarfism (chondrodysplasia) complicate breeding for Corgis?
According to pwcca,Yes — and for good reason. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dwarf (chondrodysplastic) breed. This gives them their iconic short stature and long body, but it also means they are more susceptible to structural problems.
According to pwcca,,One major concern is spinal health. Because Corgis have long backs relative to their height, there’s an increased risk of back problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), especially if the dog’s topline (back) is not straight or if their structure is weak. Many experts emphasize the importance of a straight, strong topline when selecting a breeding dog — a feature that helps support the spine and reduce long-term risk.
In short: dwarfism gives Corgis their charm — but it also requires extra vigilance. Breeders must prioritize structural soundness, not just appearance.
III. Breeding Logistics & Whelping (The Process)
Even if the health and genetic boxes are checked and you’ve found a responsible match… now comes the really hands-on part. This section covers what to expect when mating and birthing Corgis.
Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis require C-sections or can they free-whelp?
Unlike some brachycephalic (short-nosed) or otherwise compromised breeds (e.g. Bulldogs), Corgis usually can whelp naturally — given proper preparation and care. Their hips and pelvis are generally healthy enough to allow for natural delivery.
That said, there are important caveats. Corgi puppies have relatively large heads compared to the mother’s size, and the mother’s long back and compact build can increase the risk of whelping complications. For that reason, a responsible breeder should always be prepared for an emergency C-section — just in case. Even if your dog seems healthy and delivered puppies easily in the past, each litter is different.
In short: yes, natural whelping is common and possible — but you should plan as though a C-section might be necessary.
How many puppies are in an average Pembroke Welsh Corgi litter?
Litter size can vary, but data suggests that the average litter for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is around 5 puppies, although litters of 1 up to as many as 9 have been recorded.
Many breeders report typical litters of 5 to 7 puppies, though small litters (singletons) and larger ones are possible, depending on health, genetics, age, and parity.
It’s always wise to be prepared: whether you get one little pup or a whole handful, each brings the same responsibility.
What is the “tail docking” requirement and is it necessary?
According to Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips,Tail docking in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is rooted in breed standards — not in health. In countries like the United States, many breeders dock tails when puppies are just a few days old (typically 2–5 days) to meet traditional appearance standards.
According to Veterinary Care at Your FingertipsHowever, docking is controversial. Many vets and animal-welfare advocates argue it causes unnecessary pain, can impair communication and balance, and may have long-term consequences.
According to Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips,There’s also a genetic alternative: some Pembrokes are born with a natural bobtail, due to a partially dominant “bobtail gene.” According to tail-docking guides, a dog with one copy of this mutation (N/BT) may be born with a naturally short tail — while two copies (BT/BT) are often lethal (embryos don’t survive).
Because of these genetic risks and changing views on docking, many breeders and owners now choose to keep natural tails, especially in countries where docking is banned. Others may allow buyers to choose whether their pup is docked or not (if done early).
In short: tail docking is a breed-standard cosmetic choice, not a health necessity — and increasingly, it’s being questioned and challenged.
How old should a female Corgi be before her first litter?
According to Good Dog, Most breeders recommend waiting until a female Pembroke Welsh Corgi is at least 2 years old before breeding her. That gives time to complete final health clearances — especially hip and elbow evaluations (like OFA or PennHIP) — and ensures she’s physically mature.
It’s also advisable not to breed on her very first heat cycle. Allowing her to be physically and mentally mature helps her handle pregnancy, whelping, and raising her litter more safely and comfortably.
IV. Financial & Time Commitment (The Reality Check)
Breeding Corgis — or any dogs — isn’t a guaranteed money-maker. In fact, for reputable breeders, it’s often a labor of love that ends up costing more than it earns.
How much does it genuinely cost to raise a litter of Corgis?
Consider all the necessities:
- Health testing (hips, eyes, blood disorders, genetic tests).
- Veterinary care during pregnancy, possible emergency C-section, prenatal and postnatal care.
- Quality diet and supplements for a pregnant and nursing dam.
- Whelping supplies (whelping box, heating pads, puppy care kit).
- Time and labor: monitoring pregnancy, whelping, feeding, socialization, vet checks.
- Registration and paperwork.
- Potential unforeseen costs — complications, vet emergencies, after-care, etc.
Even before you factor in the care of the puppies until they go to new homes, the upfront costs add up. For many responsible breeders, once sold, a litter might just break even — or even run at a loss.
Is breeding Corgis profitable?
If you think of breeding as a shortcut to easy profit — think again. The idea of making quick money from a litter is a myth. For every “perfect” litter, there might be complications, costs, unsold puppies, or long-term health follow-ups.
Most reputable breeders, especially those committed to health and ethics, find that they barely recoup their costs — or sometimes absorb a loss. In exchange, they gain something more valuable: the satisfaction of contributing to the breed’s future.
V. Puppy Placement & Temperament
Breeding doesn’t end when the puppies are born. Raising a litter, socializing them, and placing them with good homes is as important as everything that came before.
How do I screen potential buyers for high-energy herding dogs?
Corgis may look like small, cuddly companions — but they’re “big dogs with short legs.” They were bred to herd livestock, and many still carry that instinct. Without proper outlets and handling, that can translate into “nipping” at heels, chasing, or stubborn energy.
As a breeder, you should ensure buyers understand what a Corgi really is:
- A dog who needs regular exercise — walks, mental stimulation, perhaps even herding or agility work.
- An owner willing to manage his instincts (especially around children or smaller animals).
- A home committed to dealing with heavy shedding and grooming needs.
- Awareness of temperament: Corgis can be stubborn or independent — not always ideal for a first-time dog owner seeking a “couch potato.”
Screening responsibly helps ensure puppies go to homes where they will thrive — and where the breed’s good reputation continues.
At what age can Corgi puppies go to their new homes?
Generally, Corgi puppies are ready to go to new homes at around 8–10 weeks old. This timeframe allows them to stay long enough with their littermates and mother to learn important social behavior — for instance, bite inhibition (especially relevant to a herding breed) and basic dog-dog communication.
Sending them off too early can deprive them of those early social lessons. For a breed like Corgi, which may already have strong energy and instinct, that socialization period is especially valuable for future temperament and adaptability.
Conclusion
Breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis is not a decision to take lightly. It’s not about simply producing more adorable puppies — it’s about honoring a breed’s history, its health, and its future.
If you’re seriously considering breeding, take a deep breath and ask yourself: do you really know what you’re getting into? Are you prepared for the long hours, financial cost, emotional labor — and, above all, the responsibility toward the puppies, the mother, and the wider Corgi community?
Responsible Corgi breeding is a commitment: to health testing, to ethical breeding practices, to carefully chosen homes, and to long-term welfare. It’s not easy — but for those who do it right, it’s deeply rewarding. Because when you see that healthy, well-adjusted litter grow into strong, happy dogs — there’s nothing quite like it.
If you commit to doing it the right way — with patience, care, and respect — you become part of something larger: the legacy of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Notice : The DogsBlogSS editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, research-based information about dog health, behavior, and care. All our articles are fact-checked using trusted veterinary sources such as VCA Hospitals, Merck Vet Manual, and the AKC.
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