Pembroke Welsh Corgi
History
- It may not look like it at first glance, but breed historians contend the corgi descends from the spitz family of dogs. This family is characterized by small pointed ears, pointed muzzle, thick fur, and a bushy tail. The corgi is a dwarfed version, likely related to the Swedish valhund or Norwegian buhund.
- The name Corgi may be derived from the Welsh "cor" (dwarf, or sometimes, to gather) and "ci" (dog), although it could also be derived from the word for cur.
- A Welsh cattle dog was mentioned as early as the 1100s, although it's not know if that was a type of corgi. They were well-documented by the 1800s.
- Corgis were used to drive cattle, gather flocks of geese and chickens, herd sheep and ponies, and to guard the farm.
- Their short stature and nimble action enabled them to duck beneath the kicking hooves of cattle.
- As a working dog, they were passed over in the early days of dog showing. Only in 1926 did they enter the show ring in England. At first, Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh corgis were shown as the same breed, despite the fact that the two were almost certainly derived from different stock.
- In 1933, Princess Elizabeth acquired her first Pembroke corgi, drawing attention to the breed. Her Corgis remain the most well-known Corgis in the world.
- The first corgis came to America in the early 1930s.
- The AKC recognized the Pembroke in 1934.
- By the 1960s, the Pembroke was one of the most popular dogs around the world, and especially in Britain. Its popularity has since waned somewhat, but it still has many followers.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Behavior Concerns
- Makes a biddable and fun-loving family member.
- Gentle and playful with children.
- When excited, many tend to nip at heels in play.
- Moderately outgoing toward strangers.
- Good with other dogs and pets.
- Willing to please, learns quickly.
- Does best with reward-based training using food or play.
- Some can bark a lot.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Suggested Exercises
- Makes a fairly calm and alert housedog if given adequate exercise.
- Requires daily exercise in the form of a long walk or short run. Vigorous games are also helpful.
- A well-fenced yard is essential.
- Herding is the favored exercise.
- This is not a breed for an inactive owner.
- Obedience training is essential for the mental exercise it provides.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming
- Coat is medium length and somewhat coarse.
- It requires brushing once a week to remove dead hair.
- Shedding is average.
Suggested Pembroke Welsh Corgi Nutritional Needs
- Pembrokes have a tendency to be overweight.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
