Corgi breed history
The Corgi is a small breed of herding dog that originated in Wales. There are two distinct breeds of Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which differ in their physical characteristics and ancestry. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two breeds, and its history can be traced back to the 10th century, when the Vikings brought dogs with them to Wales. These dogs were bred with the local Welsh herding dogs, which eventually led to the development of the Corgi breed.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally used as herding dogs, as well as for guarding and hunting. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, on the other hand, is believed to have descended from the Teckel family of dogs, which were brought to Wales by the Celts around 1200 BCE. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was used as a herding dog, and was prized for its ability to drive cattle and sheep.
The two breeds of Corgi remained distinct until the 19th century, when they were first shown in dog shows in the United Kingdom. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was recognized in 1935. Today, both breeds of Corgi are popular pets and are known for their playful personalities and loyalty to their owners. They have also become well-known through popular culture, particularly the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which has been a favorite breed of the British royal family for many years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of herding dog that originated in Wales. They typically weigh between 25 and 30 pounds and stand about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive appearance, with short legs, a long body, and a foxy face. Their ears are erect and pointed, and their tails are typically docked, although some countries have banned tail docking. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a dense double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, sable, fawn, and black and tan.
They are an active and intelligent breed, with a strong herding instinct. They are known for being loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers. These dogs are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, back problems, and eye conditions. They also have a tendency to gain weight easily, so it's important to monitor their diet and exercise levels.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. They are also popular as therapy dogs and make great family pets. They are good with children and other pets, although their herding instinct can sometimes lead them to chase or nip at smaller animals. In recent years, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has gained popularity thanks in part to their association with the British royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned and bred many Corgis throughout her life.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small breed of herding dog that also originated in Wales, but is distinct from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are slightly larger and more robust than the Pembroke, standing about 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall and weighing between 25 and 38 pounds. They have a long body, short legs, and a wedge-shaped head with large, rounded ears that stand erect. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a long, bushy tail that is not typically docked. Their coat is thick and water-resistant, with a variety of colors including red, brindle, blue merle, and black and white. They have a friendly and affectionate personality and are known for being loyal and protective of their families.
Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a strong herding instinct and is intelligent and trainable. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, and also make great family pets. They are good with children and other pets, although their herding instinct may cause them to chase smaller animals. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and degenerative myelopathy. It's important to monitor their weight and exercise levels to prevent obesity.
While the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not as well-known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, they have a devoted following and are recognized by the American Kennel Club as a separate breed. They are often described as the "Corgi with a tail" due to their long, fluffy tail, which sets them apart from their Pembroke cousins.
Corgi personality and characteristics
Corgis are generally recognized for their fluffy, long bodies and cute, stubby legs. Their energetic personalities, need for regular exercise, and playful disposition make them great companions, especially for families with kids. They enjoy playing and need regular exercise, so taking them for walks or playing fetch is a great way to keep them happy and healthy. Corgis are known to have herding instincts and can be trained to perform various tricks. Due to their intelligence and strong obedience skills, they make excellent watchdogs. However, their small size means they need extra care, particularly when around larger animals.
Corgis in the United States
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are popular breeds in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is consistently ranked among the top 20 most popular breeds in the country, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is ranked in the top 70.
Corgis have gained popularity in recent years thanks in part to their appearance in popular culture, as well as their reputation as loyal and affectionate family pets. Their small size and playful personalities make them well-suited for apartment living, although they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavior issues.
Many corgi owners also participate in corgi meetups and events, where corgis and their owners can socialize and participate in activities such as corgi races and costume contests. Overall, corgis are beloved pets in the United States and around the world.