Welsh Corgi

Group: Working
Size: Medium
Lifespan: 10-16 years
Exercise: Medium
Grooming: Very low
Trainability: High
Area of Origin: Wales
Date of Origin: Ancient times
Original Function: Cattle driving

History
Precisely when the Welsh adopted the Pembroke is obscure. Indigenous to South West Wales, it is believed that the forefathers of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were introduced by Flemish Weavers, brought to Britain in the 1100s by Henry I. Now accepted as being of Spitz origin (as opposed to the original Cardigan variety, which is alleged to be of Dachshund descent) it has been suggested that its origins are a combination of the progenitors of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperke and Swedish Vallhund. However, there is no ambiguity that the Pembroke was a highly valued associate of the Welsh drover in years gone by and indeed, is still worked today as a sheep and cattle dog in many countries.

The Pembroke as a pure breed has now evolved to a very high level of quality worldwide. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame, has been its popularity with the British Royal Family. In 1933 the then Duke of York obtained for his daughters a Pembroke puppy, Rozavel Golden Eagle, who won a special place in the heart of Princess Elizabeth (later HM Queen Elizabeth II). To this day the breed remains the royal favourite.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is distantly related to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, probably sharing a common ancestor, the Swedish Vallhund. Despite this however, the Cardigan is regarded as being of Teckel (dwarf dogs such as Basset, Dachshund, etc) descent whereas the Pembroke is regarded as being of Spitz descent. The Welsh farmers of Cardiganshire developed and kept the breed as a valuable working companion. Their small stature made them ideal to live with in the small cottages, and when herding and protecting flocks and herds they could go in under the stock to bite the heels, never getting injured, as the heels would fly well above their heads. The name Corgi as applied to the Cardigan means cur dog. Not derogatory, but 'Cur' being simply a working dog – or dwarf dog. It has been suggested that all small working dogs in Wales were once referred to as Corgi. Logically this suggestion has some merit and can be confirmed by the situation of the Cardigan and Pembroke – both small Welsh dogs, originally of no relation, but still both Corgis.

Temperament
Known for its bark, which is worse than its bite, the Corgi is a small dog that thinks big. The Corgi should be outgoing to the point of being pushy, but not precocious and never, ever, shy or aggressive. It is intelligent enough to allow you to think that you are the boss, then there are times when you will realise that it has outsmarted you. This intelligence, combined with a wicked sense of humour, frequently makes Corgi owners wonder whether their dog is laughing with or at them!

Upkeep
The Corgi is easy to feed, not being known as fussy dogs, but it is extremely important that they are not allowed to become overweight as this puts a strain on their long backs and short legs. To keep in neat condition, an occasional bath is advised and a weekly brush or comb to remove shedding coat. Like all working breeds, they do need good exercise but can be kept on quite a small section if given regular exercise. Their working instinct is still very obvious and they are very capable farm helpers.

Breeders

Unfortunately there are no known breeders of the Corgi at this time. Please take a look at some alternative suggestions below or if you know of a registered breeder please contact us.

You may also be interested in:

• Swedish Vallhund

• Dachshund

• Basset Hound

Breed information sourced from: https://www.dogsnz.org.nz
Images sourced from Google Images.
No copyright infringement intended.