Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

Feeding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a bit like managing a food-obsessed flatmate - they're absolutely convinced they're starving, even five minutes after dinner! These little characters are notorious for their hearty appetites, which means you'll need to be the responsible one when it comes to portion control.

Choose a high-quality dog food that meets nutritional standards, and don't be swayed by those pleading Corgi eyes at dinner time. Most adult Corgis do well on two measured meals per day, while puppies under 12 months need three to four smaller meals. The exact amount depends on your dog's age, activity level, and the specific food you're using - your vet can help you work out the right portions for your mate.

Here's the thing about Corgis and weight - they're basically the equivalent of that friend who looks at a piece of cake and gains a kilo. Their herding dog metabolism is efficient, which served them well in the Welsh hills but can lead to pudgy pups in comfortable Australian homes. Obesity is particularly serious for Corgis because extra weight puts tremendous strain on their long backs and short legs.

If your Corgi starts looking more like a furry sausage than an athletic herder, it's time for a diet chat with your vet. Reduced-calorie foods and careful treat management usually do the trick. Fresh vegetables like carrots or green beans make excellent low-calorie training rewards.

As your Corgi hits their senior years (around 7-8), consider switching to a senior formula with added joint support. Some Australian owners find their Corgis benefit from omega-3 supplements for coat and joint health, but always check with your vet before adding anything to their diet.

If you're thinking about getting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, here's what I wish someone had told me upfront - invest in a really good vacuum cleaner! These gorgeous dogs come with a thick, weather-resistant double coat that sheds year-round, with extra-spectacular shedding sessions twice a year that'll have you finding Corgi hair in places you didn't know existed.

Daily brushing with a slicker brush is your best friend for managing the constant hair tumbleweeds. During shedding season (spring and autumn), you might want to brush twice daily and consider professional grooming to help strip out that undercoat. Many Australian Corgi owners swear by regular baths during peak shedding times - just make sure your mate is completely dry before you start brushing, or you'll end up with a matted mess.

The good news is that apart from the shedding, Corgis are pretty low-maintenance in the grooming department. Their coat naturally repels dirt, so they don't need frequent baths unless they've discovered something particularly interesting (and smelly) during their adventures. Use a mild, soap-free shampoo when you do bathe them - oatmeal-based formulas work well for Australian conditions.

Don't forget the basics - check and clean their ears weekly, especially during humid Brisbane summers or dusty outback conditions. Those upright ears can collect debris. Trim their nails every few weeks (you'll hear them clicking on your tiles when it's time), and brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues.

If your Corgi has white markings around their eyes, daily cleaning with pet-safe wipes will prevent tear staining. It's a small price to pay for that adorable face that greets you every morning!

Training a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is like working with an enthusiastic student who's also a bit of a class clown - they're incredibly smart and eager to please, but they've definitely got their own ideas about how things should be done! The good news is that their intelligence and food motivation make them excellent candidates for training, whether you're in a Melbourne obedience class or working in your backyard in Perth.

Start socialisation early - expose your Corgi puppy to different people, places, and situations between 7 weeks and 4 months. This is crucial for preventing them from becoming overly protective or nippy. Australian puppy schools are brilliant for this, and you'll often find other Corgi owners who understand the unique joys and challenges of the breed.

These dogs need a job to do, whether that's learning new tricks, participating in agility classes, or even something as simple as carrying the newspaper from the front gate. Without mental stimulation, you might find your Corgi has redesigned your garden or decided your favourite shoes needed some "improvements." Many Australian dog sports clubs offer activities perfect for Corgis, from herding trials to Treibball (where they herd giant balls instead of sheep).

Exercise-wise, don't let those short legs fool you - Corgis are athletes! They need at least an hour of activity daily, broken into walks, play sessions, and training. Beach walks along the Gold Coast, bushland hikes in the Blue Mountains, or even agility training in your local park all work brilliantly. Just avoid extreme heat - those low-slung bodies can overheat quickly during Australian summers, so early morning or evening exercise is best.

Remember, a tired Corgi is a good Corgi, and a mentally stimulated one is even better!