The Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog that originated in Wales. Its name is derived from the Welsh words cor and gi meaning dwarf and dog.
There are two breeds of Welsh Corgi, the larger Cardigan and the more popular Pembroke. Both breeds are low-slung, sturdy dogs with short legs and deep chests and delightful foxy faces. The Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis can easily be distinguished by their tail, or lack of, with the latter having a bob tail. The Cardigan Corgi also has rounder larger ears than the Pembroke, which has pointed ears. Corgis are happy, sociable and fun-loving dogs, which are eager to please their owners, making training fairly easy. Well-socialised Corgis are excellent family dogs which are agreeable with children and other pets, so long as they have learned not to herd them! Corgis love getting outside and will benefit from short walks and plenty of playtime in the garden. Given the chance, Corgis do well at agility and herding activities. They are very bright dogs and if allowed to get bored, they can become destructive.
History
The Welsh Corgi was developed over a thousand years ago as a dog which was low to the ground dog allowing it to safely nip at the heels of cattle as they herded them, whilst avoiding being kicked. Over the years, they became a versatile farm dog and hunting partner. They have gained much fame in recent years as the beloved dog of choice of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
