Animals & Nature

Welsh corgi

dog
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Welsh corgi, either of two breeds of working dogs developed to handle cattle. They are similar in appearance but are of different origins. Their resemblance results from crosses between the two breeds.

The Cardigan Welsh corgi (see photograph), named for Cardiganshire, can be traced back to dogs brought to Wales by the Celts about 1200 bc. The original type was known as the Bronant and was related to the progenitors of the dachshund. The Pembroke Welsh corgi (see photograph), of Pembrokeshire, is descended from dogs brought to Wales by Flemish weavers about ad 1100. The ancestors of the Pembroke belonged to the group that produced the Keeshond, Pomeranian, and Samoyed. The corgi gained exposure from its association with the royal family of Britain; Queen Elizabeth II has had corgis since her childhood.

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Both Welsh corgis are small, short-legged dogs with foxlike heads and erect ears. The Cardigan has a long tail and ears that are rounded at the tips, while the Pembroke has a short tail and pointed ears. Both are hardy, able farm dogs and good guards and companions. They stand about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30.5 cm) and weigh 25 to 38 pounds (11 to 17 kg). The Cardigan has a short to medium-long coat of reddish brown, brindle, black with tan or white, or blue-gray with black mottling. The Pembroke has a more finely textured coat of reddish or grayish brown or of black-and-tan. Both breeds may have white markings.

See the table of selected breeds of herding dogs for further information.

Selected breeds of herding dogs
name origin height in inches* dogs (bitches) weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) characteristics comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
Australian Cattle Dog Australia 18–20 (17–19) 35–45 (same) sturdy, compact body; moderately short, weather-resistant coat bred from several breeds, including dingoes and Dalmatians
Australian Shepherd U.S. 20–23 (18–21) 35–70 (same) medium-sized; lithe and agile; moderate-length coat; bobbed tail descended from shepherd dogs of Basque region (Spain/France)
Bearded Collie Scotland 21–22 (20–21) 40–60 (same) medium-sized; muscular body; shaggy, harsh outercoat dates to the 1500s
Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) Belgium 24–26 (22–24) 50–60 (same) well-muscled, square body; erect ears; black coat used during World War I as message carriers and ambulance dogs; three other varieties
Border Collie England 19–22 (18–21) 31–50 (same) medium-sized; muscular, athletic build; numerous colours with various combinations of patterns and markings world's outstanding sheep herder; possesses hypnotic stare used to direct herds
Bouvier des Flandres Belgium/France 23.5–27.5 (23.5–26.5) 88 (same) rugged, compact body; rough coat; blocky head with mustache and beard natural guard dog, often used in military settings
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Wales 10–12 (same) 25–38 (25–34) long, low body and tail; deep chest; large, prominent ears not as prevalent as its Pembroke counterpart
Collie (rough) Scotland 24–26 (22–24) 60–75 (50–65) lithe body; deep, wide chest; abundant coat, especially on mane and frill also smooth variety with short coat
German Shepherd Germany 24–26 (22–24) 75–95 (same) well-muscled, long body; erect ears; long muzzle one of the most-recognized dog breeds
Old English Sheepdog England minimum 22 (minimum 21) 55+ (same) compact, square body; profuse, shaggy coat loud, distinctive bark
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Wales 10–12 (same) 25–38 (same) low-set body, not as long as Cardigan; docked tail popular with British royalty; smallest herding dog
Puli Hungary 17 (16) 30 (same) medium-sized; long, coarse coat that forms cords named for Puli Hou (“Destroyer Huns”)
Shetland Sheepdog Scotland 13–16 (same) small-sized; long, rough coat, especially abundant on mane and frill traces to the Border Collie; excels in obedience competitions