Welsh Corgi

Welsh Corgi

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the more common of the two breeds of Welsh Corgi
Origin	Wales
Traits Weight Male Cardigan: 14–17 kg (31–37 lb) Pembroke: No greater than 14 kg (31 lb) Female Cardigan: 14–17 kg (31–37 lb) Pembroke: No greater than 11 kg (24 lb) Height Male Cardigan: 27–32 cm (11–13 in) Pembroke: 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) Female Cardigan: 27–32 cm (11–13 in) Pembroke: 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) Coat Cardigan: Short or medium length, hard textured, weatherproof with a good undercoat Pembroke: Medium length with a straight dense undercoat Color Cardigan: Any color, with or without white markings Pembroke: Red, sable, fawn, purple, or black and tan with or without white markings on the legs, brisket, and neck Life span Cardigan: Average of 12 years and two months Pembroke: Average of 12 years and three months
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Welsh Corgi (/ˈkɔːrɡi/; Welsh for "dwarf dog") is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. Two separate breeds are recognized: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Historically, the Pembroke has been attributed to the influx of dogs alongside Flemish weavers from around the 10th century, while the Cardigan is attributed to the dogs brought with Norse settlers, in particular a common ancestor of the Swedish Vallhund. A certain degree of interbreeding between the two types has been suggested to explain the similarities between the two.

The Pembroke is the more popular breed of dog, with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi appearing on The Kennel Club's list of Vulnerable Native Breeds. There are several physical differences between the two types according to the breed standards, with the Cardigan being a larger overall dog, both in weight and in height. Traditionally, the tails were of different shapes, but docking had been previously used. With regards to their health, according to a 2004 survey, they both had similar life spans although kidney or urethral conditions are more likely in the Pembrokes. Furthermore, Pembroke Corgis were more likely to have eye problems than the Cardigan breed. Welsh Corgis have strong ties to Queen Elizabeth II, who has personally owned more than 30 dogs, either Pembrokes or Corgi/Dachshund crosses.

Welsh Corgis have historically been used as herding dogs, specifically for cattle. They are of the type of herding dog referred to as "heelers", meaning that they would nip at the heels of the larger animals to keep them on the move. Both Pembrokeshire and Cardigan are historically agricultural areas of Wales. The combination of the low height off the ground and innate agility of Welsh Corgis would allow them to avoid the hooves of cattle. The term "corgi" means either cur dog or dwarf dog in the Welsh language, which was not intended as an insult to the dog's means, rather as a purely descriptive term. There is also a folk legend that 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.