Pembroke Sheltie -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Shetland Sheepdog

		Pembroke Sheltie
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Pembroke Sheltie

The Pembroke Sheltie is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Shetland Sheepdog. This hybrid will make an incredible pet, combining the tenderness and gentleness of the parent Sheltie breed with the regal attitude of the Corgi. Your Pembroke Sheltie will be a lively, loyal and affectionate part of your family, fitting in well in any home or family setting, but don't expect him to announce the presence of a stranger. He will, however, not hesitate to intervene should the situation become dangerous for his beloved human family.

History of the Pembroke Sheltie

The Pembroke Sheltie is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Shetland Sheepdog. Although we know the breed originated in the United States, we don't know the date of origin. We can assume, however, that the hybrid was born in the last two to three decades, when the increased interest in mixing pure breeds for various reasons became popular. To find out what your hybrid puppy may become, we'll need a history of the parent breeds. The Pembroke Sheltie hybrid is recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club and Dog Registry of America.

	A little of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke
	The Welsh Corgi Pembroke originated in the UK, but that wasn't the beginning of its history. In the early 1100s, Pembrokeshire Corgi, then resembling Schipperkes, came to England with Flemish weavers, eventually creating colonies in southwest Wales, creating buildings resembling those of their homeland and using the canine breed for breeding and guarding duties. Their small size and body configuration made them perfect for these tasks, being able to pinch the heels of cattle to keep them in line without getting hit in the process. They were used to round up sheep, cattle and even geese for marketing. Eventually, the Corgi found its way into the hearts and homes of the rich, royal and famous and became a beloved companion and pet. The American Kennel Club recognized the Welsh Corgi Pembroke breed in 1934, the same year it was recognized by the Kennel Club in England. There are two varieties of Corgi, the Pembroke and the Cardigan, and the Pembroke is the Corgi parent breed of this hybrid.

	Standard of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke
	A little of the Shetland Sheepdog
	The Shetland Sheepdog originates from Scotland, in particular the Shetland Islands, just 80 kilometers north of Scotland. Described as a miniature Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog could be found all over England in the 1800s, performing the herding tasks required for small livestock. Eventually, the Border Collie took over these responsibilities in Shetland, but the Sheltie remains a popular pet, show dog and sheepdog for those living on farms. This intelligent, affectionate canine breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911, and remains a popular pet worldwide.

	Standard of the Shetland Sheepdog

Appearance of the Pembroke Sheltie

The Pembroke Sheltie is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Shetland Sheepdog and, as such, can inherit appearance characteristics from one or both parent breeds. Your Pembroke Sheltie hybrid will probably measure around 30.5 to 38 centimeters and weigh 6 to 13.5 kilos at maturity. Depending on which parent breed has the most influence in the biological mix, your hybrid will probably have a medium to long, smooth, soft, double-coated coat. Coat colors can be brown, red, sandy and white. Her tail will be long and bushy, her legs short and straight. It will have black almond-shaped eyes, a black nose on a darker muzzle and a scissor bite.

Temperament of the Pembroke Sheltie

Your Pembroke Sheltie hybrid is an excellent member of the fur family. He's loving, lively, intelligent, loyal, protective and courageous. He makes an excellent pet for new pet owners. Also, like most dog breeds, proper socialization at a young age will ensure that he'll be great with children and other animals, even the family cat, but don't be surprised if they play and run around the house together. This is not a barking dog, so don't expect him to alert you when a stranger wanders in. Although he accepts most strangers, it's important to note that he also protects his human family, not hesitating to intervene if the situation gives rise to these instincts. He combines the best of the British Corgi's regal attitude and the Sheltie's gentle disposition to provide a wonderful, loving family member.

Needs and activities of the Pembroke Sheltie

Your Pembroke Sheltie hybrid is an active dog, requiring 1-2 hours of daily exercise. His shepherd heritage drives him to move and investigate. He's a hunter, with strong instincts coming from both sides of the biological mix, so it's essential that you keep him on a leash whenever he's outside the house or other enclosed space. This is both for his safety and your sanity, unless you're chasing him around the neighborhood, following those interesting scents intentionally adds exercise to your exercise routine. He'll love those long walks or jogs, letting off steam and playing in the dog park or fenced-in backyard and those interactive games of fetch, Frisbee, search and find, earth dog activities and obedience practice. Because he has an above-average level of intelligence, it's important to keep him both mentally and physically challenged to avoid the annoying and frustrating behaviors that can develop from a bored dog. His medium size makes him suitable for apartment or condo living, provided the owner is committed to providing appropriate exercise for him. They are equally at home in family homes, with or without fenced yards. He can live in urban or rural environments, as long as he can exercise properly on a daily basis. He has a double coat, so colder temperatures are well tolerated and warmer temperatures are moderately tolerated, but extra protection may be needed at those warmer temperatures.

Maintenance of the Pembroke Sheltie

Your Pembroke Sheltie is a minimal seasonal excretor and, unfortunately, is not hypoallergenic. It is considered to be in the moderate maintenance category, its coat requiring brushing at least twice a week and bathing only as needed to preserve the vital oils in its coat. You should check his ears at least once a week, cleaning them as needed with a cotton ball and a washing solution approved for canine ears. His nails should also be checked weekly and trimmed if necessary, unless he manages to keep them worn down by physical activity. Tooth brushing is also recommended, and should be carried out two to three times a week, if not daily, to prevent the development of periodontal disease and the tooth loss that goes with it. He's in the low category for drool and smell.