The King Corgi dog has been a beloved companion to British royalty for over 70 years, with Queen Elizabeth II having a particular fondness for the breed.
They were first introduced to the royal family in the 1930s by Queen Elizabeth II's father, King George VI, who was given a Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a gift.
The breed's intelligence and loyalty made them an instant hit with the royal family, and they quickly became a staple of the palace.
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Quick Facts
The King Corgi dog is a beloved breed, and for good reason. They're originally from Wales, where they were bred to herd cattle and sheep.
Here are some quick facts about the King Corgi:
- The King Corgi typically stands 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 25-30 pounds, with females being slightly smaller.
- They have a dense, double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, fawn, sable, black and white, and brindle.
- With proper care, the King Corgi can live up to 12-13 years.
Their temperament is one of their most charming qualities - they're affectionate, outgoing, playful, intelligent, and loyal. With a moderate exercise needs, they require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a beloved breed known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to be around people and other animals, making them great companions for families.
Their intelligence is one of their standout features, as they are relatively easy to train and can learn a variety of commands. This intelligence also makes them a popular choice as therapy dogs.
In their origins, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were bred to herd cattle and sheep, and they still have these instincts today. They may try to herd people or other animals, which can be quite amusing.
The breed's short legs give them a distinctive look, and they're also known for their ability to "sploot", where they lie down with their legs splayed out behind them. This adorable trait has captured the hearts of many dog lovers.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also known for their loyalty, forming strong bonds with their owners and families. They're always happy to see them, and they make great family pets.
If this caught your attention, see: Rescue Corgis
Pembroke Welsh Highlights
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for being very friendly and playful dogs, making them great companions for families.
Their intelligence is one of their most notable traits, and they can learn a variety of commands with ease.
Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, and they still have these instincts today, often trying to herd people or other animals.
Their short legs give them a distinctive look, and they're also known for their ability to "sploot", lying down with their legs splayed out behind them.
Corgis are loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families, always happy to see them.
They're relatively easy to train due to their intelligence, and they make great therapy dogs because of it.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Adopt a Corgi Dog
Pembroke Welsh History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history that spans centuries. They originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where they were believed to have sprung from the lairs of fairies and elves.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first bred by farmers who kept working dogs to help with cattle herding. They didn't keep good records about the matings, which makes their historical pedigree a bit misty.
According to Welsh legend, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a gift from the fairies to two children who found them in the fields. The children's parents believed the dogs were used by the fairies to pull their carriages and ride into battle.
The breed was officially recognized as a purebred dog by the UK Kennel Club in the 1920s. They were initially known as Welsh Corgis when exhibited for the first time in 1925.
In 1934, the Kennel Club recognized the Pembroke and the Cardigan as two separate breeds. This was followed by the American Kennel Club in the same year.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained popularity in the U.S. and is now among the top 50 most popular breeds for family pets.
For your interest: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs
Royal Connection
The royal connection of the King Corgi dog is a fascinating story. In 1933, breeder Thelma Gray brought a litter of puppies to show the then-Duke of York, the future George VI, and his family.
A few years later, Gray gave the royal family another Pembroke Welsh Corgi called Jane. This was not the first time the breed had been a part of the royal family.
The royal family chose a dog and named him Dookie, and later another dog named Jane, who gave birth to a puppy called Crackers.
A different take: Are Cattle Dogs Good Pets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest breed of corgi?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the largest breed of corgi, weighing up to eight pounds more than its Pembroke counterpart. This slight weight difference makes a big impact on a dog that's only about a foot tall.
What happened to Queen Elizabeth's dog after she died?
After Queen Elizabeth's passing, her two corgis moved to Prince Andrew's home in Windsor.
Sources
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (carolinavet.com)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Pembroke Welsh Corgis (akc.org)
- "Queen 'given corgi puppy' by Andrew on Philip's 100th birthday" (metro.co.uk)
- "Queen left 'devastated' by death of Dorgi puppy, Fergus, given to her by Prince Andrew" (nzherald.co.nz)
- "Queen left 'devastated' after death of new dorgi puppy Fergus, say reports" (sky.com)
- "'The Queen's corgis are part of her family – Monty's death is a great loss'" (telegraph.co.uk)
- "Queen left with just one dog as her beloved dorgi Vulcan dies 'of old age'" (mirror.co.uk)
- stopped breeding corgis (telegraph.co.uk)
- passed away (theguardian.com)
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