Corgis have a rich history that dates back to the 10th century in Wales. They were originally bred for herding cattle and horses.
Their short stature and agility made them perfect for navigating the rugged Welsh countryside, where they would help gather and move livestock.
Corgis were also known to be fierce and protective of their herds, which made them valuable assets to farmers and ranchers.
Origin and History
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's heritage dates back over 1,000 years BCE, with a dog resembling the Cardigan Welsh Corgi arriving in Wales with the Celts.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi shares the same heritage as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and they were considered the same breed until 1934. They were named after the areas of Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire.
Their size made them ideal for working with cattle, as they could nip at the livestock's heels while avoiding being kicked. The Corgi's style of working actually drove the cattle farther afield rather than keeping them herded together.
Check this out: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Color
The Corgi's size and working style became particularly valuable to working Welsh crofters (farmers) when the British Crown created a rule that decreased the size of their land to a few fenced-in acres.
The Crown eventually abolished this practice, and the crofters were able to own and farm their own land, leading them to use more traditional herding dogs.
Since the 1930s, fanciers have emphasized each breed's individualities, with the Pembroke having a foxier look and straighter legs, as well as a lack of a tail. The Pembroke is the favored dog of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was named for Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales, and was encouraged to cross the English Channel with Flemish weavers in the year 1107.
The breed was popularized in 1933 when the Duke of York acquired a Pembroke puppy, and it has since become the favorite of the British royal family.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was recognized as a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in 1934, and it has become a beloved companion and show dog.
See what others are reading: Pembroke Corgi Cardigan
Breed Information
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed that dates back to the 10th century, and its original purpose was to herd cattle on Welsh farms.
These small herding dogs were perfect for the job due to the rough terrain and sparse vegetation in the region, allowing them to safely handle smaller livestock.
The Corgi's name is debated, but it's believed to come from the Welsh words for "dwarf" and "dog", or possibly from the word "curgi", meaning "to watch over."
Corgis were once a common sight on Welsh farms, with almost every farm having at least one in the 1850s.
Corgi Care and Training
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are easy and fun to train, learning quickly and retaining their lessons with enthusiasm. They're sensitive, so it's essential to use positive, reward-based training methods.
They're incredibly intelligent, which makes them a great fit for agility courses and show competitions. With early training and plenty of activity, your pup will be happy and healthy.
Their herding background also makes them courageous and agile, but they can have an independent streak and desire to do things their way.
Intriguing read: Welsh Corgi Training
Caring for Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a short, dense coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to developing good behavior.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake and ensuring they get plenty of exercise is crucial. A healthy weight is essential for maintaining joint health and preventing other health issues.
Their short stature means they can be prone to back problems, so careful lifting and handling is necessary to avoid straining their backs.
Take a look at this: So Cal Corgis
Training
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are easy and fun to train, responding well to positive reinforcement.
They learn quickly and retain their lessons with enthusiasm.
Their intelligence and responsiveness make them a joy to work with, but they do require gentle handling.
Positive, reward-based training is the way to go, as harsh methods can be damaging to their sensitive nature.
With patience and consistency, you can bring out the best in your Corgi and develop a strong bond with them.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament & Intelligence
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed that's full of energy and personality, despite its small stature. They're playful and affectionate with their families, loving to play games and be active.
Their herding background makes them courageous and agile, but also gives them an independent streak. They can be quite stubborn at times and want to do things their own way.
Corgis are incredibly intelligent, taking to training well and excelling at agility courses and show competitions. Early training and plenty of activity will keep your pup happy and healthy.
Their loyalty and love for their families make them fantastic watchdogs.
Appearance
Corgis are known for their unique appearance, which sets them apart from other breeds. They have an intelligent look on their face at all times, like they're always figuring out what's going on around them.
Their legs may be shorter than average, but they make up for it with a confident gait. They're actually referred to as one of the dwarf breeds because of their shorter legs, despite having a normal-size body.
Their heads resemble those of large foxes, which is a distinctive feature of the breed. They have medium-length coats with a short, thick undercoat.
The outer coat is longer than the undercoat and is coarse to the touch. AKC allows them in solid color outer coats in red, sable, fawn, black, and tan with or without white markings.
White is acceptable on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, under parts, and as a narrow blaze on the head.
Recommended read: Corgis Mixed with Other Breeds
General Corgi Information
The Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are ancient breeds that possibly date back to the 10th century.
Both breeds originated from Welsh farms, where they were used to herd smaller cattle due to the rough terrain and limited vegetation.
Corgis were once found on almost every farm in Wales in the 1850s, and were known for their ability to safely handle smaller livestock.
The origins of the word "corgi" are debated, but it's believed to be a combination of two Welsh words that mean "dwarf" and "dog."
Corgis were eventually replaced by Border Collies as the primary farm dog, as farmers needed longer-legged dogs to herd sheep in fenced pastures.
The Kennel Club recognized Corgis as a breed in the 1920s, and for a time, Pembrokes and Cardigans were bred together.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America was founded in 1936 to promote and protect the Pembroke breed.
If this caught your attention, see: Herd of Corgis
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Corgis bred to have short legs?
Corgis were bred with short legs due to a genetic condition called achondroplastic dwarfism, which became a dominant trait through selective breeding. This unique trait helped farmers control sheep and cattle more effectively.
Are Corgis hunting dogs?
While Corgis were originally used for hunting small game, their primary role is as herding dogs. They were bred to herd cattle and other livestock, not as traditional hunting dogs.
Featured Images: pexels.com
