The
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog
with large erect ears, a broad flat skull
and a fox-like head. The tail is almost
non-existent. (The Cardigan variety has
a long tail.) The Pembroke's eyes are
dark, preferably with black rims, and
the nose is black. The soft, water-resistant
coat comes in red, sable, fawn or black
& tan, usually with white markings.
Some differences between the Pembroke
and the Cardigan are: the Pembroke usually
has straighter legs as it is not quite
as long- bodied as a Cardigan; the Pembroke's
head is generally more wedge-shaped; the
ears are smaller and closer together than
the Cardigans; also the Pembroke tends
to be lighter than the Cardigan.
Temperament
The
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a hardy, highly
intelligent, obedient, protective and
devoted dog. Corgis are extremely active
and devoted little dogs, and are usually
good with considerate children. They make
fine guards, and excellent show and obedience
dogs. Wary of strangers, it should be
properly socialized and trained when it
is still young - to avoid over-protective
behavior as an adult. Some Pembrokes are
more outgoing, restless and excitable
than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Several
of these brave dogs have lost their lives
defending their homes, as they were too
small for the situation. They sometimes
try to herd people by nipping at their
heels, although they can be trained not
to do this. The Pembroke tends to bark
a lot and makes a good alarm dog. Males
can be aggressive with other males, particularly
if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity.
Prone
to PRA, glaucoma and back disorders. Do
not overfeed this breed, as it tends to
gain weight easily.
Living
Conditions
The
Pembroke will do fine in an apartment
if they are sufficiently exercised. This
breed is very active indoors and will
do okay without a yard. They will do okay
in most climates.
Exercise
Naturally
active little dogs, they should always
be encouraged to remain so. They need
to be taken on a daily, long walk.
Life
Expectancy
About
12-15 years.
Grooming
The
soft, medium-length water-resistant coat
is easy to groom. Comb and brush with
a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when
necessary. The coat is shed twice a year.
Origin
The
Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis
have been considered separate breeds for
only about 70 years. There are several
theories about the origins of the Welsh
Corgi. Both Corgi varieties may be descended
from Swedish Vallhunds brought to Wales
by Vikings in the 800's. Or perhaps the
Cardigan is the older variety, brought
to Wales by the Celts in about 1200 BC.
The name "Corgi" comes from the Celtic
word for dog. Another source claims that
the Pembroke varieties were brought to
Wales by Flemish weavers in the 1100's.
No matter what the breed's true early
history, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed
developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and
was used to drive cattle by nipping their
heels and barking. His low stature helped
him roll out of the way when a cow kicked.
Corgis still maintain that habit when
chasing each other. The Pembroke and Cardigan
varieties were freely interbred until
the 1930's, after which time breeders
tried to accentuate their differences.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well-known as
the favorite breed and pet of Queen Elizabeth
II. Because of royal favor, and perhaps
because of a slightly gentler personality,
the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become very
popular, while the Cardigan is not as
widespread. Some of the Pembroke's talents
include: herding, watchdogging, guarding,
and competitive obedience.
