Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgi, either of two breeds (Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi) of affectionate dogs developed in Wales to herd animals. The breeds are similar in appearance but are of different origins, and the tail of the Pembroke is usually docked. Their resemblance results from crosses between the two breeds, and they are often referred to as cousins. Cardigans and Pembrokes were considered one breed for show purposes until 1934. The Pembroke has always been the more popular of the two breeds.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be traced back to dogs brought to Cardiganshire, Wales, by the Celts about 1200 bce. The original type was known as the Bronant and was possibly related to the progenitors of the Dachshund. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is descended from dogs brought to Pembrokeshire, Wales, between the 10th and 12th centuries by Vikings, Flemish weavers, or both. Some of the ancestors of the Pembroke breed probably belonged to the spitz group that produced the Keeshond, Pomeranian, and Samoyed. The Corgi gained exposure and popularity from its association in the 20th century with the royal family of Britain; Queen Elizabeth II owned Pembroke Corgis since her childhood.
Both Welsh Corgis are small, short-legged dogs with foxlike heads and erect ears; they are surprisingly quick and agile with amazing hearing abilities. Both are hardy, able farm dogs and good guards and companions. The Cardigan is larger, with a long tail and ears that are rounded at the tips, while the Pembroke has a very short tail (or one entirely docked) and smaller pointed ears. The Cardigan’s front feet turn outward, while the Pembroke’s face straight ahead. The Cardigan has a short to medium-length coat of reddish brown, brindle, black with tan or white, or blue-gray with black mottling (merle). The Pembroke has a more finely textured coat of red, sable, or fawn, or of black-and-tan. Both breeds may have white markings.
Care and upkeep
Coat care for either breed entails weekly brushing (sometimes daily, depending on the owner’s tolerance of the breeds’ daily shedding) and occasional bathing. The coat sheds heavily twice a year, in spring and fall. As with all breeds, check the ears, eyes, teeth, and nails regularly. No special upkeep is required.
- Other name: Dwarf Dog (perhaps the meaning of the Welsh word corgi)
- Area of origin: Wales
- Breed group: Herding
- Height at withers: Pembroke: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm); Cardigan: 10.5–12.5 (27–32 cm)
- Weight: Pembroke: 28-30 pounds (13–14 kg); Cardigan: 25-38 pounds (11–17 kg)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II of England owned more than 30 Corgis in her lifetime. When she reached her 80s, the queen stopped breeding Corgis to prevent leaving too many of them to live on after her death.
Corgis need one to two hours of daily exercise and play. If under-exercised, they can suffer obesity and depression.
Temperament
Like most herding breeds, Corgis were developed to act quickly on human commands from a distance and to think for themselves. They are eager to please and very easy to train. Cardigans tend to be quieter and less energetic than Pembrokes. Due to their amazing hearing ability, Corgis are wonderful watchdogs with a big-dog bark.
Both breeds are eager to join in activities but also content to lie quietly (if having been exercised). They especially enjoy activities that involve running and following quick directions. They excel at the organized sports of herding, agility, and obedience.
Corgis are amiable and playful and make excellent and gentle companions for people of all ages, including children and older adults. They can, however, nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them. Elizabeth II’s Corgis made headlines on numerous occasions for nipping at royal staff and visitors. The dogs also bark when excited, sometimes excessively, as barking is a means of moving cattle.
These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.