Corgis have always been a popular breed for many people to raise and adopt. Many are attracted to the adorable short legs and the playful rear of Corgis, especially the way they walk. Watching a Corgi waddle towards you with its short legs and wiggly butt is simply heartwarming. They are a well-known dog breed globally, but did you know that although they are all referred to as Corgis, there are actually different breeds? The following article will introduce the different types of Corgis, so let's get to know this cute and charming dog!
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: A Comprehensive Overview
In 1934, the American Kennel Club officially recognized two distinct breeds of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands as the elder of these two breeds and has historically contributed to the development of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It traces its origins back to dogs brought over by Norse settlers, sharing a common heritage with the Swedish Vallhund.
Historical Role as Working Dogs
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a rich history as a working dog, primarily assisting humans in herding livestock. Their unique build, characterized by a short stature and agile movements, allowed them to effectively control cattle and sheep. By nipping at the animals' heels and skillfully avoiding kicks, they could manage the direction of the herd. This made them exceptionally well-suited for herding tasks on farms and in the fields.
Modern Needs and Exercise
Today, as cherished pets, Cardigan Welsh Corgis retain much of their working energy. Consequently, they demand a higher level of exercise and mental stimulation compared to other breeds of similar size. To ensure their well-being, it's essential to provide them with ample opportunities to release their excess energy through activities like walks, play sessions, and engaging training exercises.
Distinguishing Features
While Cardigan Welsh Corgis share a resemblance with Pembroke Welsh Corgis, keen observers can spot several key differences. Cardigans boast larger ears, a longer body, and a distinctive bushy, fox-like tail. Overall, their body size tends to be slightly larger than that of their Pembroke counterparts.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi remains a beloved breed, celebrated for its rich history, unique physical characteristics, and enduring loyalty as both a working dog and a cherished family companion.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular and widely recognized Corgi breed, often seen in public. Originating from Pembrokeshire in Wales, it is believed that Flemish weavers introduced the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to Wales around the 10th century.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis embody the image most people have of Corgis: a small body with the spirit of a large dog. They are known for their energetic and lively personalities. Like the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, they are all-around farm dogs with considerable stamina.
When not sufficiently exercised or when feeling neglected, Pembroke Welsh Corgis may become destructive or start nipping at people's heels. However, with adequate exercise, they make excellent pets, known for getting along well with other animals and children.
A significant factor in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's global popularity is Queen Elizabeth II. The British Royal Family is known for their love of dogs, and Queen Elizabeth II began raising Pembroke Welsh Corgis from the age of 18. Her fondness for the breed greatly increased its popularity, leading many to adore and keep these delightful dogs as pets.
The most significant physical difference between the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, aside from the tail, is the coat on their shoulders. The thickness and direction of hair growth on the shoulders are noticeably different from the rest of the body, creating a natural saddle-like appearance. This feature has earned the Pembroke Welsh Corgi the nickname "Fairy Saddle". A natural white collar is considered the fairy's saddle, a seat for fairies.
Swedish Vallhund: A Relative of the Corgi
The two Corgi breeds most often compared are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. However, there is another breed, the Swedish Vallhund, that shares similarities with the Corgi.
One theory suggests that the Swedish Vallhund is the ancestor of various Corgi breeds in Europe, although this view is debated and unconfirmed. Originating in Sweden, the Swedish Vallhund nearly became extinct in 1942. Thanks to dedicated restoration efforts, it is now widely distributed around the world, though still uncommon in Taiwan.
The most significant difference between the Swedish Vallhund and other Corgi breeds lies in its coat color, which resembles that of a Husky. Unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's short tail and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's fox-like, fluffy tail, the Swedish Vallhund has an upward-curving tail. This feature alone makes it easy to distinguish the breed.
Swedish Vallhunds are Spitz-type dogs with short legs and sturdy bodies. They are longer than they are tall and have a short, thick coat that comes in gray-yellow, steel gray, gray-brown, red-yellow or red-brown. These dogs are clever, alert, and lively, making them excellent watchdogs.
Conclusion
Although the three types of Corgis introduced in the article belong to different breeds, their care is actually quite similar. This is because they are all energetic and particularly love to eat! Therefore, special attention should be paid to the dogs' weight during their care. Due to genetic factors, they are prone to issues with knee and hip joints, which are important considerations for owners who are raising or adopting Corgis. However, it is precisely these characteristics that make Corgis so endearing. After reading the article, you must have a deeper understanding of Corgis. If conditions allow, hurry and adopt a lovely Corgi!
