Welsh Corgis have become a popular and beloved breed of dog, known for their distinctive appearance and affectionate nature. Originating in Wales, they were traditionally used as herding dogs, known for their ability to drive cattle and sheep.
Written By: The Dog Journal
Their unique build, with short legs and long bodies, allows them to move nimbly and quickly, making them well-suited for herding work.
In addition to their working history, Welsh Corgis have also become popular pets, cherished for their playful personalities and loyal nature. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick double coat, which sheds frequently. Exercise is also important for Welsh Corgis, as they have a tendency to gain weight and can develop health issues if they do not receive enough activity.
While Welsh Corgis are primarily kept as pets and companions, they also have a history of performing well in the show ring. Their unique appearance and charming personalities make them a favorite among dog show enthusiasts.
The Welsh Corgi breed originated in Wales around the 10th century. They were primarily used as herding dogs, with the most common breed being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed later by breeding Cardigans with local Spitz-type dogs. The Cardigan and Pembroke were once thought to be the same breed, but were later recognized as separate breeds in the 1930s.
Corgis were originally used to herd cattle, sheep, and other farm animals. Their short stature allowed them to nip at the heels of larger animals without being kicked. The breed also has a strong work ethic and an independent nature, which made them ideal for working on farms.
Welsh Corgis were brought to the United States by a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Roesler. In the early 1930s, the Roeslers imported several Cardigan Welsh Corgis from the United Kingdom. These imports marked the beginning of the breed’s presence in the United States. The Roeslers were instrumental in establishing and promoting the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed in America. They formed the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America in 1935 and worked tirelessly to promote the breed’s unique qualities and attributes. Their efforts were crucial in gaining recognition for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi as a distinct breed separate from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Over the years, Welsh Corgis, both Pembroke and Cardigan, gained popularity in the United States as both working dogs and beloved family pets. Today, the breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and continues to be cherished by dog enthusiasts across the country. Although they are no longer primarily used for herding, Welsh Corgis have many talents. They excel at obedience training and agility, and can also be trained for search and rescue work. Corgis also make great therapy dogs and are often used in hospitals and nursing homes to bring joy to patients. Additionally, the breed has become increasingly popular as a family pet due to their friendly and loving nature.
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for Welsh Corgis due to their double coat. Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding. A brush with medium to long bristles can help remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming. During shedding seasons, which typically occur twice a year, more frequent brushing may be required to manage the increased amount of loose hair. Welsh Corgis have a double coat, which means they shed quite a bit. Regular brushing can help to remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming. In addition to brushing, some Corgis may benefit from occasional nail trimming and hair trimming around their feet. Keeping their nails at an appropriate length is important for their comfort and overall foot health. Trimming the hair between their paw pads can help prevent matting and maintain good hygiene.
Welsh Corgis may have been originally bred for herding, but their adaptability and moderate size make them well-suited for various living environments, including urban or suburban areas. While they can adjust to apartment living, it’s important to note that they still require daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Corgis are known for their energy and enthusiasm, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and behavior issues. Daily exercise is crucial to prevent these problems and to keep them happy and content. A brisk walk, jog, or play session in a secure area is beneficial to burn off their energy and stimulate their minds.
In addition to regular walks, Corgis thrive when provided with additional outlets for their energy and intelligence. They are known to enjoy activities such as agility training, where they can showcase their natural athleticism and problem-solving skills. Agility courses, with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, provide mental and physical stimulation for Corgis.
Obedience training is also highly recommended for Welsh Corgis. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners. Engaging their minds through training exercises not only helps to establish good manners and obedience but also strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog.
Welsh Corgis have become increasingly popular in the show ring. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism, and are often praised for their ability to excel in various categories of dog shows. At dog shows, Welsh Corgis are judged on their appearance, movement, and temperament. There are two types of Welsh Corgis that are recognized in dog shows: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a smaller and more popular breed of Welsh Corgi. They have a shorter coat than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, and black and tan. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their bright personalities and high energy levels, making them great candidates for agility and obedience training.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a larger and less common breed of Welsh Corgi. They have a longer coat than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and are usually seen in shades of red, brindle, and blue merle. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their loyal and affectionate nature, and are often trained as therapy dogs.
The British royal family is perhaps the most well-known group of Welsh Corgi owners in the world. Queen Elizabeth II has owned over 30 Welsh Corgis during her reign, with the first one being a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Susan. Susan was given to the Queen on her 18th birthday, and since then, Welsh Corgis have become a staple of the royal family’s image.
The Queen has been seen in many photographs with her Corgis, and they have become almost as iconic as her signature style and regalia. The Queen’s love for Welsh Corgis is so well known that she even incorporated a Corgi into her opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics. The Corgi, named Monty, appeared alongside the Queen and James Bond in a short film that aired during the ceremony.
While the Queen’s Corgis have been a beloved part of her life and image, the breed has been in decline in recent years. In 2018, it was reported that the Queen had stopped breeding Corgis due to concerns about the dogs being left behind if she were to pass away. Another famous Corgi was Rufus, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi who belonged to former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and his family.
Rufus was born in 1998 and became a beloved member of the Clinton family, often accompanying them on walks around the White House and even attending official events with the President. Rufus was known for his playful and affectionate personality, and was especially fond of playing fetch. He even had his own White House staff member who was responsible for taking care of him and arranging playtime.
Rufus became so beloved that he was even featured in a children’s book written by President Welsh Corgi Statue of the Queen Mother and corgis outside St James’s Palace and Clarence House on The Mall, London. Clinton and illustrated by his daughter, Chelsea Clinton. The book, titled “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets,” included letters from children around the country addressing both Socks, the Clinton’s cat, and Rufus. After leaving the White House in 2001, the Clinton family continued to cherish Rufus as a member of their family. He was often seen accompanying them on walks around their neighborhood in Chappaqua, New York, and was even the subject of a children’s book written by Chelsea Clinton titled “Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe.” Rufus passed away in 2006 at the age of eight, but his memory lives on as a beloved member of the Clinton family and a cherished part of White House history.
In January of 2024 AKC released an email welcoming these smart, sturdy, compact dogs as an officially recognized AKC breed, the 201st, actually. According to the AKC, this breed has been around for quite some time in London and abroad, and in 2003, the breed was placed on the Endangered Breeds list of The Kennel Club, U.K, due to the small number of dogs composing the gene pool and the risk of several inherited diseases.
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Some of the benefits of permanent structures are more stability, as well as the fact that the building can be repurposed at any point, if a breeder decides to move or leave the industry. The thing is, almost all of the features and options that are available in permanent structures are now also available in portable buildings, so that’s nice.
