Corgis are rather rare in this country but are becoming increasingly popular as companion dogs because of their cute appearance and lively nature. The little all-around talents look like modern designer dogs, but they have actually been useful since the Middle Ages. They are said to run through the woods at night with fairies and elves and serve as their mounts – we’ll find out what’s behind the rumors!
The Appearance of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi: German Shepherd with a Dachshund Body?
In fact, Corgis look like undersized German Shepherds, with short legs and long bodies like dachshunds. From Welsh Corgi Cardigans, the Pembrokes are difficult to distinguish for the untrained eye, especially when they develop a dark saddle. For their size, the short-legged powerhouses are extremely muscular and tough.
Differences between Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- With an average height at the withers of 25 to 30 cm for males and females, Pembrokes are slightly smaller than Cardigans.
- The face is also narrower in the smaller version.
- Males weigh between 10 and 12 kilograms, bitches weigh 9 to 11 kilograms. Compared to the cardigan, which weighs up to 17 kilograms, they are significantly narrower and lighter.
- Pembrokes come almost exclusively in light brown and white or red and white, sometimes the dark patches look light and creamy. Cardigans come in all colors. The fur of the Pembroke is also shorter than that of the Cardigan.
- Pembrokes have a short bobtail while Cardigans have a long tail.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Standard
- According to the breed standard, the muzzle should be slightly longer than the skull, with a slight stop in between. The head is quite broad and flat between the ears, and the muzzle tapers like a fox.
- The jaws are strong and the nose is always black.
- The brown eyes are round and do not protrude. The expression should be intelligent and lively. Thick erect ears stand out obliquely from the head and are of medium length. They are slightly rounded at the tips.
- The rather long neck merges into a short, strong back. The chest is broad and well arched, and the rump is wider than the hindquarters.
- The short forelegs adapt to the curvature of the chest. The shoulder and upper arm are at an angle of 90°. The hindquarters are very strong and well angulated. Paws are oval-shaped in front and behind and strong with well-arched toes.
- The bushy tail should be as short as possible, but not all puppies are born with a bobtail.
- Docking is strictly forbidden in Germany and should not be supported for purchases from abroad.
The Pembroke Corgi’s thick fox fur
The hair should grow straight and never be soft, wavy, or wiry. A very dense undercoat, which is usually lighter in color, grows under the medium-length topcoat.
These colors are allowed
- Red in all shades, from fawn to creamy reddish, with small markings (blaze, chest) or large markings (blaze, chest, legs, nape, underside of body)
- Black with red branding and white markings (tricolor)
- Sable with white markings (two-tone brown hair with dark tips)
- A black saddle on the back is accepted. It is rumored that the saddle is a sign that elves ride the corgi.
This is Known for the Origin of the Welsh Corgi Pembrokes
Corgis were common in Wales long before modern breed breeding was introduced and were almost exclusively bred to each other. Cardigan and Pembroke were not distinguished until the mid-19th century. In 1925 they initially shared a breed standard, since 1934 they have been recognized as independent breeds.
Genetic ancestors and designer Corgi hybrids
- The collie dogs from the Scottish-English border area belong to the ancestors of the Corgis.
- Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) also contributed to the Corgi’s distinctive face and body shape and introduced the tricolor coat variety.
- The relationship between European Spitz and German dachshunds is obvious, but not considered proven.
A valuable helper to Welsh farmers
In England, the Corgi has always been regarded as a valuable helper on the farm. In the 10th century, a corgi was as valuable as a bull. The intelligent herding dogs made themselves useful as watchdogs and cattle dogs, but could also be used as hunting helpers.
The Corgi on the rise
- Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and there are also many celebrities with funny four-legged friends at their side.
- Queen Elizabeth II is the most famous corgi breeder in the world. More than 30 corgis have resided at Buckingham Palace during her reign.
- Cardigans are rarer than Pembrokes in Europe.
The Plump Dog with a Sunny Character: Corgis Have Guts
Nothing can scare a well-socialized Pembroke Corgi. The short-legged daredevil does a lot of stupid things and sometimes literally steals the sausage from your plate if you’re not careful. Don’t let his size fool you: He is by no means a lap dog and is most at home in active households with many family members and/or other pets.
Everybody’s darling
The cheerful four-legged friends adapt to any environment if they are loved and given enough attention. Single owners should offer their dog a lot of variety so that it doesn’t get bored. In families with children, he is a great playmate who withdraws on his own when he feels disturbed and does not show aggression. With a Pembroke Corgi, you bring home a 12-kilogram action package – so the breed is not suitable for couch potatoes.