Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of two dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. These herding dogs are believed to be descended from Swedish Vallhund dogs that came to Wales with the Vikings. The phrase "cor gi" translates to "dwarf dog" in Welsh.

Appearance

A Pembroke is between 10 and 12 inches (250 to 300 mm) tall at the withers (tallest point in the shoulders) and weighs no more than 30 lb (15 kg); dogs in peak condition weigh about 27 pounds (12 kg) for the male and bitches about 2 pounds (1 kg) lighter. Pembrokes can be red, sable, fawn, or black and tan with or without white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, underneath, and as a narrow blaze on the head. Too much white is considered a fault in show dogs.

Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails.
 

[ Corgis' upright ears are distinctive. ]

Temperament

Like most herding breeds, they are active, intelligent, and athletic dogs despite their shorter legs. The short legs may seem to be a disadvantage, but they can run and jump just as well as any other dog of comparable size. Though still sometimes used as a working dog, today they are more commonly kept as companions. They are happy, loving, and eager to please. Pems are intelligent and quick thinkers, which can make them challenging to train, but their desire to please means that they thrive on praise.

[ Sable Pembroke doing agility teeter-totter ]
 

Although short, Corgis are fast runners and, like most herding breeds, need a minimum of an hour's exercise daily. They are, contrary to appearances, a medium-size dog and should not be thought of as a toy dog or one who needs less attention and activity.

Health
The length of the spine can cause spinal problems and early arthritis in Corgis. Corgis usually live about twelve to fourteen years.

Pembroke Corgis, if not kept active and if overfed, can easily become obese, which is bad for their elongated backs.
 

History
Originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are outstanding competitors in sheepdog trials and dog agility.

Corgis are becoming more popular in the United States and rank 23rd in American Kennel Club registrations as of 2005.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Pembroke Welsh Corgi".