Other names/Nicknames:
- Ci Llaathaid (meaning Yard Long Dog)
Country/Date of origin:
- Great Britain
- 1200′s
Height:
- 10 to 12 inches at shoulder
Weight:
- 25 to 38 pounds
Personality:
- Bright and alert, but only moderately active.
- Intelligent and very willing to please.
- Easily trained. However, the Corgi will train you with ease if you are not careful.
- Playful nature.
- Good watchdog.
- Reserved with strangers.
- Noisy.
History:
In the Pembrokeshire district of Wales, the Corgi without a tail has been the all around farm dog for centuries. It is an excellent cattle drover and vermin router. Although it has been interbred with the Cardigan Corgi since the 19th century, it did not have the same ancestors. The Cardigan has dachshunds and farm collies in its background, and the Pembroke descended from northern spitz-type dogs. The small size is an asset in the Corgi’s style of droving. It nips the heels of the cows, and when they kick in retaliation, it drops to the ground to avoid the flying heels. The little dog is fearless—seemingly unaware that it is so small. The first Corgis were shown in Britain in 1925, with both types in a single class. In 1934, the two varieties were separated for show purposes.
Body Type:
- Sturdy dog whose body is long in relationship to its very short legs.
- Muscular in appearance.
- The tail is very short and, if not naturally bobtail, is always docked.
- The ears are erect, of medium size, and are not altered. The Pembroke’s ears are set closer together and are smaller than the Cardigan’s.
Coat:
- The straight, medium-length coat lies flat and is harsh to the touch.
- Permissible colors are red, sable, fawn, black, or tan, with or without white markings.
- Minimal amount of grooming necessary.
Health and Wellness:
- Hip dysplasia.
- von Willebrand’s disease.
- Dystocia.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
- Idiopathic epilepsy.
- Atopy.
- Food allergy.
What you should know:
- The Pembroke is much more popular than the Cardigan.
- The Pembroke enjoys the patronage of the Queen of England. Her father, King George VI, gave two Pembrokes to his daughters as childhood pets. She still fancies the breed and is often photographed with them.
- Does well in an apartment.
- Owners often have two Corgis so they can amuse themselves when left alone.