Corgi History
<hardy>The powerful pup in a petite package!strong>
So, either you have a fun small bundle or are contemplating investing in one. Here you will uncover some unique Corgi information about this fun little breed.
<sturdy>Fun Detailshardy>
Historically the Corgi came from Wales. The Welsh farmers bred the Corgi to withstand the severe terrain and climate of their region. These folks needed a small tough dog with a flat cranium to be able to dodge flying hooves and herd the stout dark cattle that had been bred for the inhospitable environment. The composition of the Corgi coat was equally as crucial as their stature. It needed to be short, dense and weather-resistant to withstand the wet and muddy conditions that have been ever present.
The Welsh called their special breed the Corgi. The name is believed to originate from the Welsh cor which means “dwarf” and a gi a derivative of ci which means “dog”. It was near the 1800s that the Corgi was initially exhibited at Welsh agricultural shows under the classification of Cwn Sodli, Curs or Heelers.
<robust>Royal Rootsstrong>
A different interesting piece of Corgi information is that 1933 was a big year for the Corgi. The breed grew to become an established element of the royal family when King George the VI initially introduced Dookie, the Welsh Corgi, into his family. His little princess ,now known as Queen Elizabeth II has carried on the tradition. She received her first Corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday gift and has kept and bred Corgis ever since. 1933 was the same year that the first Corgi, Little Madam, made her way to the United States. In 1934, Little Madam’s fame continued when she became the first Corgi to be enlisted with the AKC when the breed was given official recognition. Her matecompanion, Captain William Lewis, who was also bought in England by Mrs. Lewis Roesler was the 2nd Corgi registered with the AKC. This was when the Corgi was categorized as one breed.
<durable>A Distinction to be Made hardy>
Originally the Corgi was labeled as one type; however, the farmers of Cardiganshire and Pembrokshire journeyed down their own respectiveroads to planning their own great herding dog. Nowadays these two Corgi breeds are known as the Pembroke and Cardigan. It is considered by some that these two canines do not even share a similar ancestry. Others believe that the Cardigan came about due to crosses of their native Welsh heelers using the Pembroke. Despite of their origins, at first glance it is easy to tell the diverse variations between the two. But to an aficionado the variations are a plenty.
<hardy>Cardigan or Pembroke – hardy>If we start off at the rear the most apparent variation is the tail or absence of one. The Cardigan has a bushy, fox-like tail though the Pembroke has none. If a Pembroke is born with a tail it is docked. Their coats are essentially the same; however, their colorings are different. The Cardigan standard will allow a broader variety of colors like red, sable, blue merle and brindle while the Pembroke’s colors are red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or with no white markings.
The Cardigan has a longer body and larger bones than the Pembroke. The Cardigan also has bowed legs where the Pembroke’s are primarily straight. The Cardigan’s ears are disproportionate to its body, they are quite large for its modest frame. The ears of a Pembroke are a lot more pointed and of medium size. The temperament of the two is relatively similar . Having said that it appears that the Pembroke is a bit bolder in contrast to its cousin, the Cardigan.
Pembroke or Cardigan, Cardigan or Pembroke? A little tip I noticed my vet inform her students once: The Pem”broke” tail “broke” off. No matter which Corgi you have (or want) I hope you loved the Corgi information revealed here.