A dog of the herding group, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog originating in Pembrokeshire, Wales, whose name translates, from Welsh, to “dwarf dog”. There are actually two breeds known as Welsh Corgi, the other one being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Corgi is one of the smallest breeds that are part of the herding group.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being the breed favored by Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned more than 30 such dogs. Its origins have been traced back to the beginning of the 12th century. It is said that it has arrived to Wales due to Vikings and Flemish weavers bringing specimens to Wales when they traveled to reside here. Corgis would herd sheep, geese, ducks, cattle and horses, being not only the smallest but also among the oldest breeds of herding dogs.
Close relatives of the Corgis are the Schipperkes, Pomeranians, Keeshonds, Chow Chows, Samoyeds, the Finnish Spitz and the Norwegian Elkhounds. The Pembrokes and the Cardigans were first recognized as distinct breeds in 1934. The Pembroke was actually bred from the Cardigan. Recently, the Pembroke was ranked the 25th most popular dog, specifically in 2011.
Longer than it is tall, the Pembroke stands low to the ground. It has a wide skull that is flat between the medium-sized, erect ears. It has a more wedge-shaped head than the Cardigan. Its oval eyes are colored in shades of brown that vary in agreement with the coat color. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The legs are very short and the feet are oval-shaped. Dewclaws are present, but they are commonly removed.
The tail is usually docked but it can also happen that the dog is born without a tail. However, in most of Europe the habit of docking dogs’ tails has been banned. The coat is a double one, with the undercoat being short and weather resistant and the outer one being long and coarse. Corgis with longer hair are known as “fluffy Corgis”. Coat colors common to the Pembroke are red, fawn, sable, tan and black, and white markings can be present or not. White markings can be present on the muzzle, neck, chest and legs. This breed is prone to glaucoma and to suffering back disorders.
A very intelligent breed, the Pembroke is ranked number 11 in Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs”. An excellent herding dog, it can herd from domesticated birds to cattle and horses. It can compete in dog agility trials, showmanship, tracking, obedience, flyball and herding events. It is loyal and happy to please its owner. It is a very energetic and active dog. Given its size, it might be allowed to misbehave, as a small dog jumping on a human, for example, is considered cute, while an Akita is considered a problem when doing the same. Small dogs must be taught that the human is the leader of the pack in the same way that large dogs are taught this. If the Corgi learns that it is a follower and not a leader, it will be good with children too.
A fine guard, a great show and obedience dog and a talented herder, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent companion that can adapt to apartment life too.
