Today, we are going to talk about the corgi. And more specifically about the two different breeds of corgi: the Welsh Corgi Cardigan and the Welsh Corgi Pembroke, these 2 breeds often confused that deserve to be differentiated.
I myself own a Welsh Corgi Cardigan named Pepper.
Nowadays, we see more and more of them and it is a fashionable breed!
So we are going to tell you more about these two wonderful breeds.
BREED PROFILE : THE WELSH CORGI PEMBROKE AND CARDIGAN
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THESE TWO BREEDS OF DOGS ?
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is the best known today, but it is also important to talk about the Welsh Corgi Cardigan, despite their physical difference.
The Welsh Corgi originates from Wales (the name Cur ci or Cor ci would mean “little working dog” or “dwarf dog” in old Welsh).
They were also called “Heelers” because of the way they worked and moved the cattle: by pinching the hocks.
Some individuals have still retained this genetic trait and I can testify to that!
This appellation goes to the Pembroke, as well as to the Cardigan. Their origin is more or less similar.
What is the difference then?
The Pembroke was used to transport cattle to fairs and markets, their smallness is justified to avoid the kicking of cows. They are therefore a working breed despite their small and cute face.
Queen Elizabeth II made this breed known because she had many of them in her life and they were her great loves. Indeed, the Queen would have raised 14 generations of corgis during her life! So we can talk about a real passion!
The Pembroke would thus come from a crossing between spitz and Swedish vallhund but that is only a hypothesis.
The Cardigan was more considered as a sheepdog and was used for sorting cattle but also for hunting vermin.
Its origins would come from crosses between the Dachshund, Nordic dogs and British shepherds.
Until recently, the Pembroke and the Cardigan were one and the same breed until 1934 when the Kennel Club decided to distinguish the two breeds.
BREED PROFILE : THE WELSH CORGI PEMBROKE AND CARDIGAN
THE PHYSICAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO SIMILAR BREEDS OF DOGS
Despite the fact that they are both tiny-legged sausage dogs, there are physical differences between the two to distinguish them.
The Pembroke has more hair and is the internet favorite.
And yes, with his round head and his bun-shaped hindquarters, he has become a star today.
Beware of being overweight because it is totally harmful even if it is “cute” in pictures.
This breed is prone to this problem and it can quickly become dangerous in view of their small legs that must support all the weight.
The coat colors of this breed are more limited than its cousin the Cardigan: fawn and tricolor only.
The Cardigan has a more athletic and sporty physique. The ears of the Cardigan are generally more developed than those of the Pembroke (even if they are already big).
The coat of the Cardigan is also shorter and with less undercoat than its cousin.
To finish on the colors, we have more varieties: fawn, tricolor, black / white, merle or brindle.
Small prevention on the Corgis fluffy :
We are seeing more and more long-haired Corgis that we call “fluffy”.
In spite of their very cute appearance, it is a genetic anomaly.
Indeed, it is a gene that should normally be tested as a good breeder, because it is about dogs that will be out of standard and therefore, not confirmable. This can be transmitted genetically. It has no impact on the health of the dog.
Unfortunately, these cute dogs are fashionable (just like white and deaf dogs) and breeders do not hesitate to produce parents with this gene in order to sell their offspring at the same price as a LOF dog.
BREED PROFILE : THE WELSH CORGI PEMBROKE AND CARDIGAN
DISEASES OF THE CORGI
The Pembroke welsh corgi as well as the Cardigan remain fairly robust breeds of dog even if it is necessary however to pay attention to certain points when one decides to buy a puppy.
-Hip dysplasia
-Ocular defects
-Degenerative myelopathy (neurological problem leading to paralysis of the dog’s hind legs)
-The fluffy and short tail gene
-Von Willbrand disease (blood clotting disorder)
THE CHARACTER OF THE CORGI
As an educator and a professional in canine behavior, I will not use the eternal phrase that we see everywhere: HE IS TETU.
No, no and no !
There is no such thing as a stubborn dog. It is a label.
The corgi is a shepherd dog, it was made to work and drive flocks. They are therefore lively dogs, and they react and learn quickly. They are also very versatile, intelligent and naturally close to their owners.
Being former herders, they may have a predatory tendency that should be worked on with a dog trainer to avoid ending up with a little sausage on legs that runs after anything that moves.
BREED PROFILE : THE WELSH CORGI PEMBROKE AND CARDIGAN
They are not sofa dogs, contrary to what one could believe by their “childish” physique.
A good physical and mental effort, coupled with the learning of calm will be necessary.
Now you know that there are 2 breeds of Corgi, you will have the respect of their owner if you know how to recognize them in the street.
I hope this breed sheet has helped you to see more clearly and that you have enjoyed it!
What other breed would you like to see on the next breed sheet?
