Description

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog with large erect ears, a broad flat skull and a fox-like head. The tail is almost non-existent. (The Cardigan variety has a long tail.) The Pembroke's eyes are dark, preferably with black rims, and the nose is black. The soft, water-resistant coat comes in red, sable, fawn or black & tan, usually with white markings. Some differences between the Pembroke and the Cardigan are: the Pembroke usually has straighter legs as it is not quite as long- bodied as a Cardigan; the Pembroke's head is generally more wedge-shaped; the ears are smaller and closer together than the Cardigans; also the Pembroke tends to be lighter than the Cardigan.

Height & Weight

Height:   Dogs 10-12 inches (25-30cm)    Bitches 10-12 inches (25-30cm)
Weight:  Dogs 25-30 pounds (11-14kg)    Bitches 24-28 pounds (11-13kg)

History

Unlike some dog breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not have a traceable breed history. Its origins are obscured by tales and folklore and even contain ties to the wee folk of the British Isles. According to legend, two children tending their family's cattle on royal lands found a pair of puppies, which they thought were foxes.

Pet and Companion

The breed standard general description of the Pembroke is: "Outlook bold, but kindly. Expression intelligent and interested. Never shy or vicious." If there was ever a summary description of the breed, this would be it.

The Pembroke is "a big dog in a small dog's suit."

The Pembroke's personality is playful and fun-loving, but also can be protective and tenacious. Pembrokes love attention and can be real clowns.

The Pembroke will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is very good with cattle and farm animals, they will herd just about any type of animal. They can adapt to and do well in most climates.

Origins

Legend has it that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an "enchanted" dog, and certainly this must be true! 'Tis said he was used by the fairies and elves of Wales to pull fairy coaches, work fairy cattle, and serve as a steed for the fairy warriors. Even today those people with keen eyes and understanding hearts may see the marks of the "fairy saddle" in the coat over the shoulders.

The Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been considered separate breeds for only about 70 years. There are several theories about the origins of the Welsh Corgi. Both Corgi varieties may be descended from Swedish Vallhunds brought to Wales by Vikings in the 800's. Or perhaps the Cardigan is the older variety, brought to Wales by the Celts in about 1200 BC. The name "Corgi" comes from the Celtic word for dog. Another source claims that the Pembroke varieties were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 1100's. No matter what the breed's true early history, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and was used to drive cattle by nipping their heels and barking. His low stature helped him roll out of the way when a cow kicked. Corgis still maintain that habit when chasing each other. The Pembroke and Cardigan varieties were freely interbred until the 1930's, after which time breeders tried to accentuate their differences. A Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well-known as the favorite breed and pet of Queen Elizabeth II. Because of royal favor, and perhaps because of a slightly gentler personality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become very popular, while the Cardigan is not as widespread. Some of the Pembroke's talents include: herding, watchdogging, guarding, and competitive obedience.

In the 1920's Corgis were recognized as pure-bred dogs in the United Kingdom. In 1934 the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis were recognized by the English Kennel Club as separate breeds. American Kennel Club recognition of the two distinct breeds also occurred in that same year.

Pembrokes are sensitive and intelligent dogs. They are easily trained as long as training is done with gentle handling and without severe physical correction. They are healthy and long-lived dogs and are excellent companions for either rural or urban families