The Welsh Corgi, also known simply as Corgi, is a delightful small herding dog that originated in Wales. The name “corgi” is derived from the Welsh words “cor” (meaning “dwarf”) and “ci” (which mutates to “gi”, meaning “dog”). There are two distinct breeds of Welsh Corgis:
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi: These charming dogs are known for their short legs, medium-length coats, and straight, dense undercoats. They come in colors like red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings on their legs, brisket, and neck. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been popularized by none other than Queen Elizabeth II, who owned more than 30 Pembrokes and Corgi-Dachshund crosses (known as dorgis).
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Cardigans are slightly larger than Pembrokes in both weight and height. They have short or medium-length coats that are weatherproof with a good undercoat. Cardigans can come in any color, with or without white markings.
Historically, Welsh Corgis were cattle herding dogs, adept at nipping at the heels of larger animals to keep them moving. Their agility and low height allowed them to avoid cattle hooves. The term “Corgi” was not meant as an insult to their size but rather as a descriptive term. Some tales suggest shared ancestry between the two modern breeds, while others attribute the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s import to Flemish weavers around the 10th century, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi to dogs brought by Norse settlers.
So, whether you’re enchanted by the Pembroke or the Cardigan, these loyal and intelligent dwarf dogs continue to capture hearts worldwide! 🐾🏴
