Breed guide
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breeding Guide: Litter Size, Whelping, Puppy Weights and Health Testing
Updated September 6, 2026 · 6 min read · By the BreedBloom team
Pembrokes are a popular small herding breed with a specific genetic burden: degenerative myelopathy. The at-risk genotype is so common that the breed club's guidance focuses on informed matings rather than exclusion.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi at a glance
Typical litter size
5–7 puppies (average around 6)
Birth weight
9–13 oz (250–370 g)
Adult weight
24–30 lb (11–14 kg)
Gestation
About 63 days from ovulation (57–72 from breeding)
Whelping
Usually free-whelping. Puppies are relatively large for the dam; a radiograph count helps plan.
Breeding and whelping notes
DM: a majority of Pembrokes carry at least one copy. Test both parents, avoid producing at-risk puppies where possible, and never breed at-risk to at-risk.
Body condition matters for the long back; keep puppies and adults lean.
Tail docking and natural bobtails: know your registry's rules and the bobtail (T locus) genetics if you breed natural bobtails.
The fluffy gene (FGF5) produces a long, non-standard coat; test if you want to avoid or disclose it.
Health testing before breeding
•
Hips: OFA or PennHIP
•
Eyes: annual CAER exam
•
DNA: DM (degenerative myelopathy) — extremely common in the breed, vWD1, EIC (Pembroke), and the fluffy (long coat) gene if relevant
•
Cardiac exam recommended
Keep the paperwork attached
Test results are only useful when they travel with the dog. Keep certificate numbers and dates on each dog's record and include copies in every go-home packet.
Tracking a Pembroke Welsh Corgi litter
Enter the ovulation or tie date and BreedBloom builds the Pembroke Welsh Corgi litter timeline: ultrasound window, X-ray count reminder, temperature checks, the day 3–16 ENS/ESI schedule, deworming and vaccination tasks, and per-puppy weight curves you can compare against the whole litter. Families follow along in the BloomPetz portal, and the go-home packet is assembled from the same records.
About these figures
Figures on this page are typical ranges drawn from breed club and veterinary references; individual lines vary. Confirm health-testing requirements with your breed's parent club, and whelping plans with your reproductive veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How many puppies do Pembroke Welsh Corgis have?
Typically 5–7, average around 6.
How common is DM in Corgis?
Very common. A large share of Pembrokes carry one or two copies of the SOD1 mutation. Breeders test and plan matings to avoid at-risk puppies.
What is a fluffy Corgi?
A Pembroke with two copies of the long-coat (FGF5) gene, producing a long, soft coat that is outside the standard but not a health issue. A DNA test identifies carriers.
Run your program on BreedBloom
Dogs, litters, puppy weights, ENS/ESI tasks, waitlists, contracts and go-home packets in one connected record, with a family portal built in. Free for up to 3 dogs.
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