Welsh Corgi, either of two breeds (Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi) of affectionate dogs developed in Wales to herd animals.
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.
Breed Data
- 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
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.