Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well known as the favorite breed and pet of Queen Elizabeth II. Because of royal favor, and perhaps because of a slightly gentler personality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become very popular, while the Cardigan is not as widespread.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active dog that is willing and able to carry out his owner's commands in the pasture, the obedience ring, or the family home. The typical Pembroke is happy, obedient, friendly, confident and great fun to live with. The Pembroke is never shy or vicious.
Some differences between the Pembroke and the Cardigan are: the Pembroke usually has straighter legs as it is not quite as long-bodied as the Cardigan; the Pembroke's head is generally more wedge-shaped than the Cardigan; and the ears are smaller and closer together than the Cardigan’s. Also the Pembroke tends to be lighter than the Cardigan.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be an extremely active and devoted little dog, and they are usually good with children that are good with them. They are known to adapt their playing to fit the habits of a child, senior citizen, and/or the handicapped.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a wiry, medium-length water-resistant coat that is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat is shed two times per year, so if you have an aversion to hair you may want to consider another breed.
The typical Pembroke Welsh Corgi will grow to approximately 25-30 pounds. They can live comfortably in an apartment, but require regular exercise. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They are capable of adapting to any temperature, from extremely cold to very hot. They are good with other non-canine animals, and with other Corgis, but can be combative with other dogs.
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is primarily a companion dog. But they used to be an excellent cattle driver, vermin hunter and farm guard. The Corgi drove cattle by barking and nipping at the cattle's heals. His low stature helped him role out of the way when kicked by cattle, a habit still maintained when chasing other corgis. They sometimes like to “herd” people by nipping at their heels. Obedience training can correct this habit.
The Pembroke and Cardigan varieties were freely interbred until the 1930's, after which time breeders tried to accentuate their differences.
Permalink: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Posted by Michael Worth at 04:09 PM on May 27, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
