The Welsh Corgi is a type of dog whose traditional function was cattle herding. Two breeds of Welsh Corgis are recognized. Both are named after adjoining agricultural counties in southwest Wales, United Kingdom. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are named after Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire, respectively.
The Pembroke ancestry is attributed to imports from central Europe while the Cardigan is attributed to settlers from Scandinavia. The geographical distance between the two counties may have contributed to the distinction between the two breeds. When the two counties shifted from cattle to sheep, the small-sized herding dog was unsuitable for sheep.
Farmers in Cardiganshire started to cross-breed their Welsh Corgi with the Welsh Sheepdog. The merle color of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was a result of this cross-breeding. This color is absent in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The first documented appearance of the Welsh Corgi in dog shows was in 1925 after the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders, and the Pembroke Welsh corgi breeders formed a club. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi became the more popular breed when Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) was given one as a gift from her father on her 18th birthday. She was able to breed ten generations from her original Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and personally owned as much as 30 dogs at one time.
Bred for Looks
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a longish body and short legs. At 10-12 inches height, they easily avoided the hooves of the cattle. Compared to the Cardigan and their Dachshund relatives, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a bit shorter.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi head is fox-like in appearance. Its ears are straight and somewhat pointed.
The colors of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi include fawn, black, tan, red, and sable. There are white markings on the body, face, necks, and legs. Pembroke welsh corgi breeders warn that the merle color in Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a result of cross-breeding and call such dogs “mutts.”
Easily trained and adaptable, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active and eager pet. Their size makes them comfortable in city apartments, and their liveliness makes them as good as countryside pets.
Bred as Pets
The American Kernel Club included the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in their purebred list in 1934. The breed is currently one of the most popular pet dogs in the United States. There are Pembroke Welsh corgi breeders in many locations in the US.
More people prefer club documented puppies since breeders take extra measures to ensure the health of both the adult dogs and the puppies. The puppies are observed and monitored growing up until such time the puppies assert their independence. Most breeders give warranties on the genetic health of the puppies.
Cross-breeds produce uncertain results. Kennels from certified breeders ensure that standards are maintained while raising pure breeds. After all, pet temperaments run in the breed. It’s always a better option to go to an expert and honest breeders.
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