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Welsh Corgi

History

The origin of the Welsh Corgi is obscure but it has been known in Wales for centuries and is believed to be related to the Sealyham and Border Terriers. Being short in leg it can move where a longer-legged dog is beaten: it can also gallop and is used by some shepherds in the Welsh hills for rounding up the flocks. There are two distinct types exhibited at Shows today, the Cardigan and the Pembrokeshire, the one illustrated being a Pembrokeshire. The mists of time swirl around the origin of the two Welsh Corgis, the Cardigan and the Pembroke, leaving certain only that both breeds developed to modern type in the hills of Wales. Even the derivation of "corgi" is in doubt, with some attributing it to mean dwarf (cor) dog (gi) and others ascribing it to a variation of watch (cur -- to watch over) dog (gi). There's a lovely legend that the corgi was a gift from the woodland fairies, and that the breed still carries the marks of fairy harnesses on its coat. Whatever its origins, there's no question as to the suitability of either breed as a valued pet. They are loyal, alert, even-tempered, fun-loving, and confident, all good qualities for the family dog. To those unfamiliar with the breeds, the only difference at a glance appears to be the addition of a tail on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. A closer examination reveals differences in bone structure, body length, and overall size that indicate a different origin for each breed.

General Appearance Low set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active, giving impression of substance and stamina in small space.Characteristics
Bold in outlook, workmanlike.

Temperament * Outgoing and friendly, never nervous or aggressive.

Head and Skull * Head foxy in shape and appearance, with alert, intelligent expression, skull fairly wide and flat between ears, moderate amount of stop. Length of foreface to be in proportion to skull 3 : 5. Muzzle slightly tapering. Nose black.

Eyes * Well set, round, medium size, brown, blending with colour of coat.

Ears Pricked, medium-sized, slightly rounded. Line drawn from tip of nose through eye should, if extended, pass through, or close to tip of ear.

Mouth * Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck * Fairly long.

Forequarters * Lower legs short and as straight as possible, forearm moulded round chest. Ample bone, carried right down to feet. Elbows fitting closely to sides, neither loose nor tied. Shoulders well laid, and angulated at 90 degrees to the upper arm.

Body * Medium length, well sprung ribs, not short coupled, slightly tapering, when viewed from above. Level topline. Chest broad and deep, well let down between forelegs.

Hindquarters Strong and flexible, well angulated stifle. Legs short. Ample bone carried right down to feet. Hocks straight when viewed from behind.

Feet
Oval, toes strong, well arched, and tight, two centre toes slightly advance of two outer, pads strong and well arched. Nails short.

Tail * Short, preferably natural.
Docked * Short.
Undocked * Set in line with topline. Natural carriage above topline when moving or alert.

Gait/Movement * Free and active, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs move well forward, without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hindlegs.

Coat Medium length, straight with dense undercoat, never soft, wavy or wiry.

Colour * Self colours in Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, with or without white markings on legs, brisket and neck. Some white on head and foreface permissible.

Size * Height: approximately 25-30 cms (10-12 ins) at shoulder. Weight: dogs: 10-12 kgs (22-26 lbs); bitches: 9-11 kgs (20-24 lbs).

The Pembroke was brought to Wales in A.D. 1107 by Flemish weavers.

The name "corgi" comes from the Welsh language and means "dwarf dog."

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the smallest dog in the herding group.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active dog who is willing and able to carry out his owner's commands in the pasture, the obedience ring, or the family home. The typical Pembroke is happy, obedient, friendly, and confident and great fun to live with.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.