What Are Corgis and What Makes Them Special

Corgis are a beloved breed of dog known for their short stature and long bodies. They originated in Wales, where they were bred to herd cattle and sheep.

Corgis are a type of herding dog, which means they were bred to help farmers and shepherds manage their livestock. Their intelligence and energy make them well-suited for this task.

One of the most distinctive features of corgis is their short legs and long bodies, which can make them appear quite comical. This unique appearance is due to their breeding history, where farmers wanted a dog that could herd livestock quickly and efficiently.

Their intelligence and loyalty also make them popular family pets, as they are quick to form close bonds with their owners.

A different take: Herd of Corgis

Corgis are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train, and they can learn a variety of commands. Their intelligence makes them a great choice for families and therapy work.

Corgis have a short stature, typically ranging from 10 to 12 inches in height, and they weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Their low-set body and sturdy build give them a distinctive look.

One of the most recognizable features of corgis is their short legs, which allows them to "sploot" - lie down with their legs splayed out behind them. Their unique appearance is just one of the many things that make them lovable companions.

Here are some common coat colors found in corgis:

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, making them great companions for families.

Their intelligence is another notable trait, allowing them to learn a variety of commands and even being used as therapy dogs. With proper training, they can thrive in a variety of roles.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a unique appearance, with short legs and a distinctive "sploot" pose when they lie down. Their short legs are a result of their breeding history, where they were used to herd cattle and sheep.

Explore further: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Standard

They are also known for their loyalty, forming strong bonds with their owners and families. This loyalty is a result of their herding instincts, which still remain strong today.

In terms of size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are relatively small, with a common height at the withers of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). Males should weigh no more than 30 pounds (14 kg), and females no more than 25 pounds (11 kg).

Their coat is another notable feature, with two layers that vary in length along their body. The outer coat is rougher and longer, while the inner coat is shorter and more resistant to harsh weather.

Here are some common colors and markings found in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed:

Note that some of these colors may be considered a fault in conformation shows.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being friendly and playful dogs, making them great companions for families.

Their friendly nature is matched by their intelligence, which makes them relatively easy to train. They can learn a variety of commands and are often used as therapy dogs.

A unique perspective: Are Rottweilers Friendly

Corgis have a strong herding instinct, which can sometimes get them into trouble, especially if they're not provided with adequate stimulation.

They're also prone to obesity if their food intake isn't moderated, so it's essential to keep an eye on their diet.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to be involved in the family and tend to follow their owners wherever they go, which can make them great family pets.

Their desire to please their owners makes them eager to learn and train, but their working background and stubbornness can sometimes make training challenging.

Corgis are naturally alert and tend to bark at strangers, making them good watchdogs, but they can also be suspicious of new people and environments.

Early socialization is crucial for Pembroke Welsh Corgis to grow up to be well-rounded dogs, and it's essential to expose them to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be challenging to train due to their intelligence and working background, but with the right motivation, such as food rewards, they can learn quickly.

Suggestion: Are Corgis Easy to Potty Train

Their herding instinct can also cause them to nip at their owners' ankles, especially when they're young, so it's essential to be patient and understanding.

Overall, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loving and intelligent dogs that make great family pets, but they do require some special care and attention to thrive.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a larger breed compared to the Pembroke, standing between 10.5 and 12.5 inches at the withers.

Their bone structure is more exaggerated, with a bend in the front two legs that fits around the ribcage. This is a notable difference from the Pembroke breed.

A Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat is dense and slightly harsh in texture, with a medium length. The undercoat is short, soft, and thick.

They come in a variety of colors, including shades of red, sable, and brindle. White markings are expected on this breed of Corgi.

Cardigans have a more heavily set bone mass than the Pembroke breed, with denser bone mass. This can affect their overall weight, which should be between 30–38 pounds.

The breed standard allows for a range of colors, but one with a black coat can have tan or brindle points under conformation show rules.

Readers also liked: Bouvier Des Flandres Colors

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small but sturdy breed with a distinctive appearance. They have erect ears that are firm, medium in size, and tapered to a rounded point.

Their head shape is fox-like, with a proportionate equilateral triangle of the head. This sets them apart from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which is slightly longer and has larger ears.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their double coat, which sheds heavily throughout the year, especially in the spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help keep their coat under control.

The breed standard indicates that their coat should be naturally water- and dirt repellent, although some individuals may be more prone to getting dirty.

Additional reading: Dogs Breeds That Start with B

Modern Corgis are a relatively new development in the breed's history, emerging in the 20th century.

They were bred to be a companion dog, with a focus on their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature.

Corgis are highly intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can also be strong-willed and independent.

This makes them a great fit for experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and mental stimulation.

In recent years, the popularity of Corgis has led to the development of new colors and patterns, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's red and fawn coat.

Despite their small size, Corgis are a robust breed and can live up to 12-14 years with proper care and attention.

Their short stature and long bodies can make them prone to back problems, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to maintaining their health.

Corgis are highly social dogs and thrive on interaction with their human family members, making them a great addition to active families.

For more insights, see: Great Pyrenees Breed Standard