Breed Profile: Welsh Corgi

by Lauren R. Tharp

As the old Welsh term “cor gi” roughly translates to “dwarf dog,” is it any wonder that this lovely herding breed is known primarily for its squat stature?  Popularized in modern times by Queen Elizabeth II and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934, the Corgi has been making itself memorable over the years in books, movies, and even anime.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Both male and female Corgis measure around 10-12 inches at the shoulder, and weigh 20-30 pounds.  This breed is “medium” in size.  They’re low to the ground, but long of body.

Coat & Color:  This breed sports a double coat: They have a medium-length, coarse, water-resistant overcoat with a shorter, plusher, undercoat.  Welsh Corgis come in all colors, but the most common are tan, black, red, sable, or fawn—with or without white markings.  And they have naturally short tails!

Other:  While, as a whole, this breed is known simply as “Welsh Corgis,” there are actually two distinct breeds in the group: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.  Both breeds originate from Wales and have only slight differences in coat texture and colors.  As you may have guessed, the differences are so minimal that (for other than show dog breeders) they’ve been lumped together into the same group.  However, this remains a fun fact to pull out at parties!

Life Expectancy:  12-15 years.

Temperament
A member of the Herding Group, the Welsh Corgi has been known to herd cattle, sheep, ponies, geese, and sometimes their owners!  This breed is bold, confident, and loyal to the end.  As the 11^th most intelligent purebred dog breed in existence, Corgis are quick to learn and highly obedient.

Wags

• Suitable for first-time owners.

• Great with children.

• Responds well to obedience training.

Challenges

• They bark.  A lot.

• While great with humans, they can sometimes be aggressive with other animals if not properly socialized with them early on.  Some male Corgis will remain aggressive toward other males even after socialization.

• They require a fair amount of exercise. You may find them nipping at your heels with a “go go go” attitude if not sufficiently worn out throughout the day.

Does the Welsh Corgi sound like your ideal mate? Contact the Corgi Rescue of Eastern New York to find an adoptable Corgi in our area.