Welsh Corgi

When you consider that most sheepdogs are big, tough dogs, the Welsh Corgi is noticeably out of the picture. Yes, yes, do not be surprised, these cuties are in fact the most, that is, the real sheepdogs. Moreover, the history of the breed went so deep into the centuries that there are a lot of legends and fables around its representatives. It is worth looking under the veil and find out what kind of dogs they are?

Interesting facts about the birth of the breed

The Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog and belongs to the sheepdog family. Their appearance is associated with Wales, an ancient Celtic area, and dates the event to the tenth century. Their small size and excellent physical form are of great help in the hard work of shepherding: the dogs dodged cattle horns and limbs with skill. The Welsh-corps were trusted to grazing not only sheep, but also large horned animals and small horses – the ponies. The dogs would bite the legs of the animals entrusted to them, thus preventing them from scattering and herding them back into the herd.

Until now, the origin of the name of the breed has not been precisely established. But there are two unofficial theories. One translates the Welsh Corgi as a “dwarf dog”, while the other says it’s a “guard dog”.

As for the legends, according to one of them, these dogs were gifted to people by fairies and elves of misty Albion, who used them for riding. In confirmation of this, some representatives of the breed have traces – light-colored outlines on the muzzle and back, reminiscent of the harness.

But the real story is somewhat different. Images of corgi-like dogs were found as far back as the Celts of Britain, the Britons. And the age of these data is quite impressive – 1500 years BC. There is an opinion that these tribes brought the dogs to the territory of the state, where they later formed finally.

However, scientists do not reject the possibility that the Corgi were originally inhabited in Wales, before the arrival of the Celts. There is also the possibility that the breed was formed in the Stone Age, when the inhabitants of the island fed on sea creatures and birds. Back then dogs were used to look for game – birds on rocks and critters in dense bushes.

The Celts who came to the islands were cattlemen, and they found other uses for the Welsh-Corps. Despite their compact size and complete lack of aggression, the Shepherds were excellent herders. They were able not only to graze herds on their own, but also to protect them from predators, chase off other people’s livestock from the occupied territory. The difference of the breed lies in their taciturnity during work, but in ordinary life they are very sociable pets.

Even back in the day, the Welsh Corgi was used as protectors of younger family members and other pets. The dogs entered the Welsh Show in 1925, at least that is the documented date. But being working animals, they did not make much of a furore among the more showy specimens.

Nevertheless, work on the breed continued and in its course the Welsh Corgi became more popular and in demand. The division of the two subspecies of the Corgi into Pembroke and Cardigan breeds took place in 1934 at the suggestion of the American Kennel Club.

The dogs became even more popular when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain herself got a few representatives of this breed. Not only that, she is still a devoted fan.

Learn what kind of dog is better to have in an apartment.

What a Welsh Corgi looks like

These dogs are the smallest of the herding breeds. They have a long, stocky body and short but very strong limbs. This constitution allows the animals to be quite frisky and active. Given that there are two breeds of Welsh Corgis, it is correct to consider representatives of both species.

The size of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is somewhat more compact than that of the Cardigan – its height varies from 25 to 30 cm, weight 10 to 13 kg. Welsh Corgi Cardigan weigh a little more – 14-15 pounds, height at withers – 30 cm. Both names of the breeds came from the names of the counties of Wales, the dogs themselves are somewhat different.

Welsh Corgi Cardigan. As noted, Cardigans are larger, they have large rounded ears and a broad chest. They have a straight back and a long tail. Their paws are slightly higher than those of the Pembroke. The standard allows a variety of colors, but there are restrictions, for example, the predominance of white hair in the color is considered a vice. Wool coat is dense, two-layered. The top coat is of medium length, and the undercoat is short and very soft. Cardigans are distinguished by their noble appearance, and their character is in tune with them – balanced and respectful.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke. But the Pembroke is a real positive and delightful dog. Their pointed muzzles and large pointed ears make the dogs look like chanterelles. The velvet brown eyes with a good-natured look, a wonderful smile, and mischievous look have melted more than one heart. Pembrocks are more elegant than cardigans. Their paws are shorter and they are shorter in stature.

The tail is short, a result of breeding or kuping. The animals are not decorative gentles, they are very strong, hardy and have a sharp mind and intelligence.

Coat of Corg Pembroke is wonderful – thick, shiny, of medium length, silky to the touch.

Welsh Corgi Colors

Common corgi colors include the following:

• red with white;
• tricolor (black-headed, red-headed, deep-headed);
• deer;
• black (rare).

There are cardigans of tiger color and with black spots on a gray background (blue-merle). Standard allows for white collar, light-colored spots on head, paw and belly. Pembrocks have a slightly lighter coat on the ears and head than the rest of the body.

Interesting to know: how to name a Welsh Corgi girl and boy.

What is the character of the Welsh Corgi?

In the standard of the breed, you can find amazing qualities of representatives of this breed. For example, they are intelligent, responsive, and have a great sense of humor! Does every dog deserve such a description?

Dogs are very agile and sympathetic to others. The balanced psyche, which is characteristic of purebreds, allows keeping these pets at the same time with other animals, children. Often owners, fascinated by Welsh-corps, breed several pets of this breed at once. This is not a bad option, since historically, their loyalty to their peers is laid down.

Dogs are noted for their loyalty. Getting attached to their owner, they show love to all family members. But there is a nuance, during the game the Welsh Corgi can direct the movement of the child, biting the legs. Therefore, it is better to get a dog when the baby is older.

Dogs are characterized by correct behavior. Not in the mood with the owner? The dog won’t intrude and will quietly retreat. But at the first whistle it will bring and certainly not without tenderness! And their appearance, rich facial expressions can bring a smile at first sight.

Welsh Corgis are great companions. They can accompany their master wherever he goes, are not afraid of new places and are loyal to strangers and animals. Like all herding dogs, they need long walks, vigorous and fun games.

At home the dog behaves calmly, doesn’t get underfoot and doesn’t need extra attention. And very often the Corgi is quiet on the master’s furniture, preferring to stretch out in a cooler place. Despite its compact size, the dog has guarding qualities. When strangers approach, he will bark loudly and defend family members, regardless of the size of the attackers.

Thanks to their remarkable intelligence, the Welsh Dog quickly sees that their outward appearance provides them with an advantage. In this case, they may try to manipulate the owner to their advantage. This can be corrected through proper training and education. Such qualities as nastiness and vindictiveness are absolutely not characteristic of the representatives of this breed.

Dogs are easily socialized and trained. But in this case, it should be taken into account that the intelligence does not allow to perform commands thoughtlessly. Here Cardigans are distinguished by a more sensible and calm character. Pembroke dogs are more impulsive and active.

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How to care and feed the Welsh Cargo

The dog does not require special care. Its fur can be combed out 1-2 times a week with a special brush, in the seasonal moulting more often, to reduce the amount of hair in the house and accelerate the process of changing it. Ears and eyes should be inspected after walks. Once a week the ears should be cleaned and wiped with a cotton swab, the teeth should be cleaned as well.

The eyes should be rinsed if necessary. Frequent baths are not recommended, it is enough to wash the pet 3 times a year, and when necessary. It is better to use special high-quality detergents.

Welsh Corgi are characterized by activity and mobility, for them it is important to splash out excess energy. They are suitable for outdoor living, but with the condition of a spacious enclosure and a warm kennel. But even in the apartment these dogs feel comfortable, but it is important to make regular long walks.

The pet is a follower of everything new, the corgi will be delighted by unexplored places, scents. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically change the place for walking.

Dogs have a special constitution – elongated heavy body with short legs, so representatives of these breeds is not recommended overweight. Such a phenomenon threatens spinal problems and an apathetic state. Also, jumping of the pet is not recommended, as there is a risk of damage to the vertebrae or limbs.

The pet’s diet should be carefully selected, taking into account the size, age and activity of the dog. Corgis have a sin – they love to eat and turn on their charm to beg for some tasty treat. In this case it is necessary to “educate” all members of the family. This is especially true for the “hearty” representatives of the family, who are ready to “melt” under the sight of the favorite beggar. Go on the sly dog in any case, you can not, or after a while the animal from the agile and active will turn into a clumsy, fat creature with a constantly bad mood.

Read more: what to feed the Welsh Corgi.

Welsh Corgi photos

Welsh Corgi Videos

Welsh Corgi Puppy Prices

The breed is quite popular, so it is not difficult to buy a puppy. Many famous people have such a pet in their favorites, so a Cargo puppy will cost about $600 – $1000. The Welsh Corgi – good-natured, obedient, active, playful – is an excellent choice as a pet.