| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
Born to be a shepherd dog, the cheerful and affectionate Welsh Corgi is today one of the most appreciated companion dogs. It is the beloved canine breed of Queen Elizabeth.
Among the medium-sized dog breeds, the Welsh Corgi is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after in the world. It became famous for being Queen Elizabeth’s favorite dog.
Although it is not known exactly where this breed was born, it is certain that it comes from Wales. Some breed experts believe it may have been originally introduced by the Vikings, while others maintain that it is a native Welsh dog.
In the past, this dog breed was used as a Shepherd dog. This is why it was included in the FCI group 1 “Shepherd and Cattle Dogs”, together with other breeds such as the Komondor, the Border Collie, the Bobtail, the Maremma Shepherd, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd or the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. The Welsh Corgi was a real herding dog: It was responsible for herding cows.
In those times, its physical appearance was different, but its temperament remained practically the same, achieving fame thanks to its entry into the English royal household. In 1933, King George VI bought a Welsh Corgi puppy for his daughter Elizabeth (who would later become Queen).
She was completely in love with her dog. After all, how is it possible not to love such a cute little dog? Thanks to this unintentional marketing, the Welsh Corgi has for decades become the most beloved apartment dog of all time.
There are two distinct breeds of corgis:
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- The Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Let’s see what are the characteristics of these two officially recognized breeds that are included in the group of “Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs.”
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi: The Oldest Dog Breed
Its coat color is usually red, but it can also be sand, black, tricolor or fawn. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the oldest variety. It is a small sized dog. It weighs on average around 26 and 31 lb (12-14 kg) and it is up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall.
Both male and female specimens are characterized by a fox-like head, short legs and a tail that must not be cut off, as it is forbidden. Its coat does not require special grooming as it is short and its undercoat is dense to insulate it from humidity. This does not mean that it does not lose hair. In fact, it does, but in very little quantity.
Although it loves playing with its owner, it is a dog that does not know how to measure its energy level and could become unnecessarily tired. Besides, you have to remember that it is a dog that was used to work tirelessly.
Not only is it a really nice dog, but it is also sweet, curious, and very obedient. If well trained, it can participate in dog agility, a sport where you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit. And as if all this were not enough, this breed is an excellent watchdog.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi: It Is The Corgi Version In Miniature
The Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a much newer and smaller breed than the Pembroke Welsh corgis. They were selected as companion dogs. In 1934, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. This is one of the oldest, largest and most reputable dog registries in existence. Another widely recognized kennel club is the American Kennel Club. They differ in the breeds they recognize and the dog sports they oversee.
The physical appearance of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is very similar to the variety we have previously analyzed: It resembles a small fox. The standard allows all coat colors except white.
In terms of temperament, both varieties are similar. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is also cheerful, sociable and suitable for children. Now we will analyze in detail the character of the Welsh Corgi in general.
Welsh Corgi: Temperament
We are in front of a really charming dog. It is impossible to find a fault: The Welsh Corgi is a cheerful, pleasant, sociable, attentive, and tireless breed! It is also extremely smart. It is very friendly with humans, a characteristic that makes it an ideal breed to play with children.
When puppy, it is really adorable. As an adult, it knows how to be very sweet. The Welsh Corgi loves socializing with other animals. Despite its nature as a working dog, you should pay attention to its tendency to obesity.
Although the Welsh Corgi loves long walks, the sofa is an attractive magnet for it! And if you try to get it off the couch, you won’t be able to resist its conquering gaze. But for it to be a healthy dog, it is important that you train and exercise it daily.
Of course, this breed also has its “flaws”. What do we mean by this? Well, it is a little stubborn. It is difficult to change its mind if it gets an idea in its head. For this reason, they must be trained properly. Other cautionary notes: The Welsh Corgi loves digging holes in the garden and, above all, it tends to bark excessively if not well trained.
However, its sweetness and friendly nature places these negative aspects in the background.
Welsh Corgi: Health
As mentioned in previous paragraphs, if the diet of the Welsh Corgi is not well-balanced, it tends to become overweight. It is vitally important that you supervise its diet from the first months of life.
When it is a puppy, it needs three daily food rations. When it is an adult, it will only need two. It should always eat at the same time and have fresh water to drink. It is essential that you listen to the advice of a reliable veterinarian, who will know what is the best diet for your Welsh Corgi.
Do not give chocolate to your dog. This can cause it serious health problems. What is the life expectancy of this breed? The Welsh Corgi can live 12 to 14 years if it lives a healthy and fit life.
Welsh Corgi: Price, and Puppies For Sale
You can find specialized and registered breeders in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and the United States. But you may also find a Welsh Corgi puppy in India, Canada, South Africa and Australia.
The Welsh Corgi is not a very common breed; therefore, its price varies according to the breeder where it is purchased. The price of a Welsh Corgi puppy ranges between 1000 and 1100 dollars, about 900-1000 English pounds. In some countries, only a few puppies are born each year, so all those who wish to acquire a specimen of this breed, should reserve it in advance.
It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
In addition, if you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate which states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
Welsh Corgi: Video
And now… enjoy one of the funniest videos found in the wonderful world of the Internet: Ladies and gentlemen, a Welsh Corgi diving into the sea! It is pure love.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Keeshond
- Cocker Spaniel
- Berger Picard
- Colombian Fino Hound
- Skye Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Barbet
- English Springer Spaniel
- Welsh Corgi
