Description

The Corgi is a small herding dog breed that originated in Wales. They are mostly known as Welsh Corgi and have been made popular by Queen Elizabeth II who keeps at least four in her retinue at all times. Low-set, strong and sturdily built, the Corgi gives an impression of substance in a small space. These herding dogs mostly perform their duties by nipping at the heels and its low stature allows it to avoid being kicked in the process. Corgis specialize in herding cattle and are one of the few breeds able to herd geese. The Corgi is one of the most agreeable small house dogs, as well as an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding and obedience. Corgi is highly intelligent, loyal, even-tempered, fun loving and good with children which makes it a good family dog.

The Welsh Corgi is a breed of considerable antiquity. There are two breeds of Welsh Corgis, the Pembroke and the Cardigan, each named for counties in Wales where they originated. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more common among the two. The most obvious difference between the Pembroke and the Cardigan breed is that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail, while the Pembroke does not. 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. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands 10 to 12 inches and weighs approximately 28 lbs whereas the Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands about 12 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 30 lbs.

The Corgis are double coated and have a short, thick, weather resistant undercoat with a longer, coarser outer coat. Coat colors include red, sable, and fawn, black and tan with or without white markings. There are often white markings on the legs, chest, neck and parts of the muzzle.

Coat

Corgis have an undercoat of fine soft fur, with an overcoat of short, somewhat coarse fur. Their undercoat sheds continuously all year round, with extensive seasonal shedding occurring at least twice each year. The ruff around the neck is slightly thicker and longer. Corgis with longer, thicker coats and exaggerated feathering on the ears and backs of legs are commonly referred to as "fluffy" corgis or "fluffies". The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is allowed more colors than the Pembroke Corgi which include brindle and blue merle.

History

The history of the corgi, like that of most dog breeds, is difficult to trace and authenticate. There is mention in an 11th century manuscript of a Welsh cattle dog, though there is no evidence about whether this is the corgi or an ancestor. Welsh Folklore says corgis were a gift from the woodland fairies, and that the breed's markings were left on its coat by fairy harnesses and saddles. The first recorded date for corgis appearing in the show ring in Wales is 1925.The first show corgis were straight off the farm and gained only moderate attention. Subsequent breeding efforts to improve upon the dog's natural good looks were rewarded with increased popularity. For years the two breeds, the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi, were shown as two varieties of a single breed. Corgis can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, and showmanship, fly ball, tracking and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Corgis are usually easily trainable, and have been ranked in the 11th place among the “World’s Smartest Dog Breeds”. Cardigan and Pembroke corgis exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

Temperament

Corgis are very hard working and loyal. They function as good watchdogs due to their alertness and tendency to bark. Originally bred for farm work, including herding sheep and cattle they have proven themselves as excellent companion animals and are also competitive in sheepdog trials and dog agility. Corgis are affectionate, devoted companions that can also responsible guardians. They are highly alert to the approach of strangers to their territory and will be very vocal until they and/or their owner are assured that the stranger poses no threat.  They are good with other non-canine animals, but can be combative with other dogs if the owners do not properly communicate to the dog that aggressiveness is an unwanted behavior. They are capable problem solvers. The Corgi sometimes attempt to herd people by nipping at their heels, and should be taught not to do this. Some Cardigan corgis are 'one-man dogs'. They tend to be wary of strangers and to reserve their affection for a select few with whom they are familiar. If socialized at a young age, they can be nice with other dogs and house pets. The Corgi must be given proper socialization while still young to relax its over-protective nature. The Corgi should not be allowed to develop the Small Dog Syndrome which makes it believe that believe it is the pack leader to humans.  If a Corgi is treated in a way that it is mentally sound, it will not develop this syndrome. Given proper attention, this dog can be an endearing and enjoyable companion.

Health

Corgis have a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to ensure that a Corgi lives a long, healthy life. If the Corgis are not kept active or are overfed, they can easily become obese. This condition can kill a Pembroke corgi particularly early, since biophysical stresses on the spine resulting from the weight of an over-sized belly can lead to secondary diseases such as osteoarthritis. Corgis are at risk of developing a disease called degenerative myelopathy or DM. Pembrokes are also at risk for hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand's disease and eye disorders. Von Willebrand's, a clotting disorder, is detected by a DNA test. It is eliminated by the avoidance of breeding carriers or affected Pembrokes to each other. Having as many ancestors as possible tested and given at least a fair rating by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) is the best way to avoid a dysplastic Pembroke, although this is no guarantee against it.

Grooming

Corgis are an easily maintained breed. Its outer weather resistant coat is easy to groom. It is shed twice a year. The coat should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush. The easiest method of grooming the coat is to get into the habit of combing it out daily. This will help stimulate hair growth and will keep the owner on top of any skin or flea problems before they can become a problem. However when they shed their undercoat in spring and summer more than the usual combing and brushing is needed.   The Corgi should be bathed only when necessary with a good quality shampoo. The Corgi’s toenails should be routinely inspected and cut. It is best to get on a regular schedule of cutting toenails about once a week. Routine tooth care is also of extreme importance.

Exercise

This smart and energetic breed should do well with a moderate physical, as well as mental, exercise routine. If it is allowed to become a couch potato it will easily gain too much weight. Daily herding is still an ideal form of exercise for this breed. However, when herding is not an option, a balance between training sessions, play activity, and moderate distance walks is recommended. As with children, the Corgi should be taken outside to play, whether teaching them to retrieve a ball or taking them on routine walks around the neighborhood. Corgis excel in the performance arenas of herding and agility, but are not so full of excess energy that they must have a way to burn it off. They are perfectly content to sit at their owner’s feet. Corgis accompany their owners on walks, hikes and thoroughly enjoy walking on the beach. The Corgis tolerate exercise well, but should not be pushed beyond reasonable limits. Extreme heat and Cold exercising condition should be avoided and plenty of fresh, cool water should be provided after exercise.

Training

The Corgi is a very intelligent breed that should be obedient and loyal, with good breeding and early socialization by the breeder. Two areas that should be the focus of early obedience and basic corgi training are the tendency to nip at people’s heels and aggressiveness toward other male dogs. The corgi was bred as a working dog and was often used to drive cattle by nipping at their feet and barking. The dog can be trained not to do this, though it will need the owner to be enough patient. In addition, careful training can limit the problems with over-aggressiveness, as long as care is taken not to make the Corgi too timid or frightened. The Corgi pup should be put on a leash break as soon as the owner gets it.  The Corgi has the independent judgment and problem-solving abilities of a true herding breed, so the rules should be confidently established and consistently enforced or it may make up its own rules.