The Welsh Corgi is a type of dog that represents two distinctive breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, out of which the first one is more common.
Origins
The origin of this dog breed is uncertain. The Cardigans are believed to originate from the Roman Empire, while the Pembrokes are considered to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish, inhabitants of Flanders (Flanders was the name given to France in the past by the Dutch).
Main Physical Features
Cardigans are larger than Pembrokes, presenting a foxy and flowing tail and large rounded ears. Pembrokes, on the other hand, have a small stature, being considered practical dogs. Their coat can have any color (Cardigans present a much higher range of colors than Pembrokes). The weight of such dogs is of 27 pounds in case of a male Corgi and of 25 pounds in case of a female. Regarding their height, males and females equally measure 12.5 inches. There are no notable differences between Cardigans and Pembrokes in terms of height and weight.
Temperament Aspects
This type of dog is docile and can be trained to herd cattle. They perform their duties without too many commands and, thanks to their low stature, they successfully avoid being kicked in the process of herding a person's livestock to grazing areas.
Training
These dogs can be trained to take part in various dog shows, because of their overall appearance. In the past, these dogs were considered to be a gift from the woodland fairies, because of their beauty. Besides learning how to walk and present themselves during a show, Corgis can also be taught how to perform various tasks to help farmers.
Health
Corgis are known as being some of the healthiest herding animals. Cardigans tend to be a little more problematic, presenting several hereditary health problems, among which canine degenerative myelopahy, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Do not think that Pembrokes may not suffer from any disease whatsoever, because they are prone to some issues as well, and, among the most encountered ones in their case, we can name epilepsy and intervertebral disc disease.
Life expectancy
Cardigan Corgis have a life expectancy of 12-14 years, and Pembrokes, because of their better health, of 12-15 years. To make sure that a dog of this breed will reach 14/15 years, you need to exercise it daily. A dog like this is very suitable for outdoor activities, such as tracking, flyball and herding, but in order to be good at these activities, it needs to be exercised.
Conclusion
Since Corgis have been made popular by Queen Elizabeth II, more and more people have been looking for this dog breed. Dogs like this were even incorporated into storybook fantasies, such as "Corgiville Christmas" or "Corgiville Fair" (written and illustrated by Tasha Tudor). So if you too desire a quite famous dog by your side, perfect for outdoor activities and always ready to help you in your tasks, a Corgi is one of the best choices.
