The Brooklyn 99 Dog Breed: Everything You Need to Know About Cheddar the Corgi

If you are a fan of the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, you are likely familiar with Captain Raymond Holt’s most prized companion: a fluffy, highly intelligent, and sometimes mischievous dog named Cheddar. Cheddar steals almost every scene he is in, leading many viewers to wonder about the Brooklyn 99 dog breed.

Cheddar is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

In the show, Cheddar is portrayed as an exceptionally loyal and clever sidekick, capable of retrieving specific items, participating in the precinct’s annual Halloween Heists, and serving as a ring bearer. But how much of this is Hollywood magic, and how much represents the true nature of a Corgi?

Whether you are looking to add a “fluffy boy” to your own family or simply want to know more about Captain Holt’s favorite canine, this guide will explain the history, temperament, and care requirements of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

What Makes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Special?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but surprisingly robust dog, originally bred in Wales to herd cattle, sheep, and horses. Despite their short legs and long bodies, Corgis are incredibly agile and energetic. They belong to the herding group, which means they are hardwired to work, think, and stay active.

There are actually two distinct Corgi breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Cheddar from B99 is a Pembroke, which is the more popular of the two. You can usually tell a Pembroke apart from a Cardigan by their tail. Pembrokes traditionally have docked or naturally short bobtails, while Cardigans have long, fox-like tails. Pembrokes also feature pointier ears and a slightly more compact frame.

Cheddar’s Intelligence vs. Real Corgi Smarts

On Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Cheddar executes complex commands flawlessly (most of the time). In reality, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are indeed highly intelligent. They learn new commands quickly and thrive when given a job to do.

However, this high intelligence also comes with an independent streak. Because they were bred to move cattle by nipping at their heels, they can be stubborn and strong-willed. A real Corgi will learn how to open doors or manipulate their owners for treats just as quickly as they learn to sit or stay. Consistent, reward-based training is essential to keep their bright minds focused on positive behaviors.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Profile

If you are considering bringing a Corgi into your home, you need to look past their undeniable charm and evaluate whether their lifestyle matches yours. Here is what you can expect from this spirited breed.

Temperament and Personality

Corgis are affectionate, outgoing, and deeply loyal to their families. They want to be involved in whatever you are doing, whether that means hiking a trail or watching television on the couch.

Because they are alert and vocal, Corgis make excellent watchdogs. They will quickly let you know if a stranger is approaching the house, or if the mail carrier has simply walked past the window. While this makes them great protectors, it also means they can be prone to excessive barking if not trained early.

Exercise and Activity Needs

Do not let their short legs fool you. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not a low-energy lap dog. These dogs require significant daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

A bored Corgi is a destructive Corgi. To keep them out of trouble, plan for at least one hour of physical activity per day. This should include:

• Brisk walks
• Fetch in a securely fenced yard
• Mental stimulation like puzzle toys or scent games
• Agility or obedience training

Grooming Captain Holt’s “Fluffy Boy”

Cheddar always looks impeccably groomed on screen. Maintaining that beautiful Corgi coat takes dedicated effort. Pembrokes have a thick double coat consisting of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarse outer coat.

They shed constantly throughout the year and “blow” their coat—shedding heavily in clumps—twice a year during seasonal changes. To manage the shedding, you will need to brush your Corgi at least two to three times a week. During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing with an undercoat rake is highly recommended.

Common Health Considerations

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but their unique physical structure makes them susceptible to certain health issues.

Because of their long backs and short legs, Corgis are at risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a spinal condition that can cause pain or paralysis. To protect their backs, owners should discourage their Corgis from jumping on and off tall furniture or running up and down steep stairs. Using dog ramps for couches and beds is a simple way to prevent joint and back strain.

They are also prone to:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an eye condition
• Obesity, which severely worsens back and joint issues

Always feed your Corgi a high-quality diet and carefully measure their portions to keep them at a healthy weight.

Is a Corgi the Right Dog for You?

Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is incredibly rewarding, but it is not for everyone.

A Corgi is a great match if you:

• Live an active lifestyle and enjoy daily walks.
• Have the time and patience for consistent, positive reinforcement training.
• Do not mind regular shedding and routine grooming.
• Want a highly interactive and affectionate companion.

A Corgi might not be the best fit if you:

• Live in an apartment with strict noise restrictions (they love to bark).
• Have very small children who might be frightened by a herding dog’s instinct to nip at running heels.
• Work long hours and cannot provide adequate mental and physical stimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific dog played Cheddar on Brooklyn Nine-Nine?

Throughout the show’s run, Cheddar was played by a few different dog actors. The most famous and longest-serving dog to play Cheddar was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Stewart. Sadly, Stewart passed away in 2019, and the role was taken over by his real-life sister, Stella.

Are Corgis good for first-time owners?

Corgis can be good for dedicated first-time owners who are willing to put in the work. Because they are intelligent but stubborn herding dogs, novice owners must be committed to obedience training and providing enough exercise to prevent behavioral issues.

Do Corgis bark a lot?

Yes, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are naturally vocal dogs. They were bred to use their voices while herding and will quickly alert you to anything they consider unusual. Early training can help manage nuisance barking, but they will rarely be completely silent.

Are Corgis good with other pets?

Corgis can get along very well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are socialized together from a young age. However, their strong herding instincts mean they might try to herd other household pets by chasing or nipping at them.

How much does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi cost?

Purchasing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the breeder’s location and pedigree. Adopting through a breed-specific rescue is often much more affordable.

Conclusion

The Brooklyn 99 dog breed is famous for a reason. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is intelligent, fiercely loyal, and packed with personality. While your own Corgi might not execute elaborate Halloween heists like Cheddar, they will absolutely steal your heart. Just remember that behind that adorable smile and fluffy coat is a real working dog that requires daily exercise, consistent training, and plenty of mental stimulation. If you can provide those essentials, a Corgi will make a fantastic, lifelong companion.