Corgi Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Corgi?

Some dog experts believe that the Corgi's history traces back to herding dogs that came to the British Isles with the Vikings. Over the centuries, they have proven to be reliable farm workers: Not even large herds of cattle could intimidate the Corgi. On the contrary, the cattle dogs would pinch the large animals in the fetlocks and guide them into the desired direction this way. It is probably for this very reason they were called "Welsh Heelers". The first entry in the history books about the little dog was made about 1000 years ago. Even in the Laws of Hywel, written by Howell the Good, it is mentioned: The king set the value of the dog equal to that of a full-grown bull. Although the breed has been around for so many years, the Welsh Corgi Club was not founded until 1925, since then the breed has also been presented at dog shows.

The breed became famous through its connection to the British royal family. In 1933, King George VI bought the first Corgi named Dookie. His daughter, now Queen Elizabeth II, even bred Welsh Corgi Pembrokes herself until 2008. Until 1934, Pembrokes and Cardigans were crossed and were considered as one and the same breed. It didn't only start when the adventures of the dog pack in Corgi Royal delighted cinema fans that the breed started to be known as bright and clever. The movie is about the adventures of little Rex, who came to Buckingham Palace as a puppy and had to assert himself in the big world when he fell out of favour with the Queen.

What are the breed characteristics of the Corgi?

Visually, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Welsh Corgi Cardigan are very similar to each other. Both stand out with a clearly square build, which reminds of a Dachshund. Their short legs are also typical for the breed. The large ears are set high and carried upright by the dogs. In some Welsh Corgi Pembrokes the tail is naturally short. Pembrokes are considered to be more lively by nature.