“A Mans Best Friend”
May 31 2009
When you think of herding, you think of enormous cows or horses and a vicious herding dog that chase them towards the fences. What would you think, however, if you learn of a breed that’s tiny and long and is just plain physically inaccurate to herd and steer these larger breeds? Amazing is probably one of the adjectives for it and thats exactly how many define the small dog herder, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized as the smallest dog within the herding group yet it is the 11th smartest dog in the world. Because of its intelligence and natural abilities, not only does it excel in herding but in other competitive areas as well such as conformation, obedience and agility competitions. It was reported that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II adored this breed so much that she took in five of them.
This dog possesses shorter legs, and low to the ground and longer body. In herding cows, horses and other enormous flocks, its unique physical features allows it to miss the staggering kicks and bumps of the larger animals. Through its high level of intelligence, it was able to outsmart and lock in the raging herd of bulls and stallions.
As a general definition, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis are lively, sturdy and intelligent type of breed that trains quickly and works better than any other large breeds. Inside the family, it is loyal, protective and loving. It also makes an excellent watchdog as it is always on alert and barks without any hesitations at any stranger it deems threat to its household’s safety.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi should never be mistaken for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, another breed of the type, as they have been officially separated as a breed for the last 70 years. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 10 to 12 inches in height and is 12 to 15 inches in length. The coat varies with each dog as there are utterly short-coated ones and long-coated ones.
This dog has a water-resistant double coat wherein the undercoat is fine and soft while the overcoat is short and coarse. Colors of this breed range from red, sable, fawn to a combination of black and tan. The dog is also an excessive shedder and in fact it sheds all year round, however, breeders suggest that intake of proper foods and regular hair brushing will significantly decrease the shedding.
The origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is unsettled as there are many theories that surround it. Some suggests that the Corgi type descended from the Vallhunds, a Swedish breed brought to Wales by the Vikings during 800s. Another theory suggests that the Celtics brought the breed to Wales during 1200 BC and to back this theory up, the word Corgi is the Celtic word for dog.
According to some, it was the Flemish weavers who introduced the breed to Wales in 1100s. These are the theories that surround the mystery of origin of this magnificent breed and none are proven to be true, however, what’s clear is the fact that this breed was developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales. But, wherever the Pembroke Welsh Corgi may have come from, the only thing that matters is the fact that we have a tiny herder dog to be enjoyed today.
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