Corgi History and Breed Standards

ROSE'S WELSH CORGIS

Corgi History and Breed Standards

History

The origin of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi begins in Pembrokeshire in Southern Wales. Pembrokeshire was an agricutural area. A small dog who was short and quick enough to nip at the cattle's hooves to move the cattle without being hurt proved to be a tremendous asset. A weather protective coat was also a must. Some believe the Corgi was the only type of herding dog established in Wales until the 1800's.

It is generally accepted that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stemmed from the native Spitz breed in Sweden. Cardigans according to this theory are members of the Tekel group. The Basset Hound and the Dachshund are also apart of this group.

Some believe the name Corgi derived from the word cur. This means 'to watch over' in Welsh. Others credit the Celts from whom corgi was their word for dog. At the time of the Norman conquest this was corrupted to 'curgi' or 'cur' meaning any small mongrel.

Recommended Readings:

'The Pembroke Welsh Corgi' by Howell Book House

'Welsh Corgis: Pembroke and Cardigan' by Richard G. Beauchamp

Breed Standards Overview

General Appearance:

"Low set, strong, sturdily built and active... expression intelligent and interested... movement is especially important, particularly when viewed from the side."

Size, Proportion, Substance:

Height should be 10 to 12 inches. Weight is in proportion to size not exceeding 30 pounds for dogs and 28 pounds for bitches. Proportions are moderately long and low. The distance from the withers to the base of the tail should be approximately 40% greater than the distance from the withers to the ground.

Head:

"The head should be foxy in shape and appearance."

Neck, Topline and Body:

The neck should be fairly long, the topline is firm and level, and "the ribcage should be well sprung, body slightly egg-shaped and moderately long."




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