Corgis have been a beloved breed for centuries, but have you ever wondered why they're so popular in pop culture? The Queen of England, Elizabeth II, has been a long-time fan of the breed, and it's estimated that she's owned more than 30 corgis during her reign.
The Queen's love for corgis is just one example of the breed's enduring popularity. In fact, corgis have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including the popular movie "Babe", which tells the story of a pig who dreams of becoming a sheepdog, but is ultimately outdone by a clever corgi named Fly.
Corgis are also known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them a popular choice as service dogs. In fact, the breed has been used as a therapy dog, assisting people with disabilities and providing comfort to those in need.
From the Queen's palace to the big screen, corgis have captured the hearts of people around the world.
Broaden your view: How Many Corgis Did the Queen Have
Famous Corgis
The British royal family is perhaps the most well-known group of Welsh Corgi owners in the world. They've had a special place in their hearts for the breed, with Queen Elizabeth II owning over 30 Welsh Corgis during her reign.
Queen Elizabeth II's first Pembroke Welsh Corgi was named Susan, a gift from her father King George VI on her 18th birthday.
The Queen's love for Welsh Corgis is so well known that she even incorporated a Corgi into her opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics, where the Corgi, named Monty, appeared alongside the Queen and James Bond in a short film.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Names of the Queen's Corgis
Ralph
Ralph is a beloved corgi with a huge following on Instagram, boasting an impressive 238,000 followers.
He lives in Northern California with his human family and another corgi named George. Ralph's Instagram is more than just cute dog photos, it's a window into the life of a growing human family as seen through a corgi's eyes.
Ralph's family consists of his mom, dad, a toddler son, and a newborn baby girl, making for a lively and entertaining household.
The Breed Has Royal Ties
The Queen's love for Pembroke Welsh Corgis is well-documented, and it's fascinating to learn more about their royal ties.
Queen Elizabeth II received her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Susan, as a gift from her father, King George VI, on her 18th birthday.
The Queen went on to own over 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis during her reign, making her perhaps the most famous Pembroke Welsh Corgi owner in history.
For more insights, see: Queen Elizabeths Corgis
In the Ring
Welsh Corgis have become increasingly popular in the show ring. They're known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism, making them a crowd favorite.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a smaller and more popular breed of Welsh Corgi. They have a shorter coat than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, and black and tan. Their bright personalities and high energy levels make them great candidates for agility and obedience training.
Here's an interesting read: Why Are Corgis so Popular
Corgi History and Origin
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's name is shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to mean "dwarf dog" in Welsh, which is a fitting description for this small but mighty breed.
The Welsh Corgi breed has its roots in Wales, where it originated around the 10th century. They were primarily used as herding dogs.
Their short stature allowed them to nip at the heels of larger animals without being kicked, making them ideal for herding cattle, sheep, and other farm animals. Their strong work ethic and independent nature also made them well-suited for farm work.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was the most common breed, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed later by breeding Cardigans with local Spitz-type dogs.
Corgi Characteristics and Abilities
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are expert herders, having been used for this purpose for decades. They're small in size, but big on talent.
From the beginning, these dogs were used as herding dogs, family companions, and guardians of the farm. This multi-faceted role has helped them develop into well-rounded dogs.
Many Pembroke Welsh Corgis still compete in AKC Herding competitions today, showing off their herding skills. Their dedication to herding is a testament to their intelligence and trainability.
They're a popular breed for a reason – their unique combination of size, intelligence, and herding ability makes them a valuable asset to any farm or family.
Corgi Colors and Varieties
Corgis come in a wide range of colors, including red, fawn, sable, and black.
Red corgis have a distinctive reddish-brown coat, which can vary in intensity from a light golden red to a deep, rich red.
Fawn corgis have a light tan or golden coat, often with a black mask on their face.
Sable corgis have a dark brown coat with a black mask and black tips on their fur.
Red and fawn corgis can also have white markings on their chest, paws, and face.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the most common variety of corgi, known for its short stature and long body.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a larger variety of corgi, with a more muscular build and a tail.
Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi varieties can come in the same range of colors, including red, fawn, sable, and black.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is often preferred as a family pet due to its friendly and outgoing nature.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is often preferred by hunters due to its strong prey drive and high energy level.
You might like: Cardigan Corgi Colors
Corgi in Popular Culture
Corgis have made a name for themselves in popular culture, and it's not hard to see why. Rufus, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was Amazon's unofficial mascot in the early days of the company.
Rufus would walk the halls, attend meetings, and snooze the day away, becoming a beloved fixture at Amazon.
Enchanted Dogs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is steeped in myth and legend, particularly in Welsh folklore. In fact, legend says the fairies and elves of Wales used them to pull fairy coaches and work fairy cattle.
These dogs have been serving as the steeds for fairy warriors, leaving behind the marks of the "fairy saddle" over their shoulders in their coat. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's unique coat pattern is a testament to their enchanted heritage.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's short stature and sturdy build make them well-suited for their fairy work, allowing them to navigate the dense forests and rolling hills of Wales with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first corgi queen?
The first corgi owned by a British monarch was Susan, a Pembroke Corgi given to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday. Susan holds a special place in the Queen's heart, even inspiring a personal headstone design.
Sources
- passed away (people.com)
- followers (instagram.com)
- Loki (lokithecorgi.com)
- Sutter Brown (ca.gov)
- 12 Beautiful Corgi Colors & Patterns (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (pwcca.org)
- The Right Fit: Welsh Corgis (thedogjournal.net)
- Per Women’s Healthopens in a new tab (womenshealthmag.com)
- per NPRopens in a new tab (npr.org)
- died in 2018opens in a new tab (time.com)
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