PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI Breed Standards
There are legends that say fairies used Corgis as steeds to help pull their carriages and that fairy warriors would ride on the backs of these dogs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be traced back to 1107. Who brought the ancestors of this breed to Wales is still debated, but it is known that the Corgi was developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where it got its name. Some may find it surprising that despite its diminutive stature, the Corgi has more often been used to herd cattle than sheep; the Corgi’s small size helped it duck kicks from flying hooves and weave in and out of a cow’s legs. For hundreds of years, they could also be seen serving as watchdog in the average Welsh farmer’s home.
In 1934 the Pembroke Welsh Corgi appeared in America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club that same year. Soon after, the dog’s popularity exploded in Britain and beyond when it became the favorite pet of both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and that popularity has held on to the present. Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is still occasionally used for herding though its primary position is that of a cherished and valuable pet.
SKILLS: Low-set, strong, sturdily built and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space. Should not be so low and heavy-boned as to appear coarse or overdone, nor so light-boned as to appear racy. Outlook bold, but kindly. Expression intelligent and interested. Never shy nor vicious. Correct type, including general balance and outline, attractiveness of headpiece, intelligent outlook and correct temperament is of primary importance. Movement is especially important, particularly as viewed from the side. A dog with smooth and free gait has to be reasonably sound and must be highly regarded. A minor fault must never take precedence over the above desired qualities.
SIZE: Height (from ground to highest point on withers) should be 10 to 12 inches. Weight is in proportion to size, not exceeding 30 pounds for dogs and 28 pounds for bitches. In show condition, the preferred medium-sized dog of correct bone and substance will weigh approximately 27 pounds, with bitches approximately 25 pounds. Obvious oversized specimens and diminutive toylike individuals must be very severely penalized. Proportions-Moderately long and low. The distance from the withers to the base of the tail should be approximately 40 percent greater than the distance from the withers to the ground. Substance-Should not be so low and heavy-boned as to appear coarse or overdone, nor so lightboned as to appear racy.
COAT: Medium length; short, thick, weather-resistant undercoat with a coarser, longer outer coat. Over-all length varies, with slightly thicker and longer ruff around the neck, chest and on the shoulders. The body coat lies flat. Hair is slightly longer on back of forelegs and underparts and somewhat fuller and longer on rear of hindquarters. The coat is preferably straight, but some waviness is permitted. This breed has a shedding coat, and seasonal lack of undercoat should not be too severely penalized, providing the hair is glossy, healthy and well groomed. A wiry, tightly marcelled coat is very faulty, as is an overly short, smooth and thin coat. Very Serious Fault-Fluffies-a coat of extreme length with exaggerated feathering on ears, chest, legs and feet, underparts and hindquarters. Trimming such a coat does not make it any more acceptable. The Corgi should be shown in its natural condition, with no trimming permitted except to tidy the feet, and, if desired, remove the whiskers.
Color-The outer coat is to be of self colors in red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings. White is acceptable on legs, chest, neck (either in part or as a collar). muzzle, underparts and as a narrow blaze on head. Very Serious Faults: Whitelies-Body color white, with red or dark markings. Bluies-Colored portions of the coat have a distinct bluish or smoky cast. This coloring is associated with extremely light or blue eyes, liver or gray eye rims, nose and lip pigment. Mismarks - Self colors with any area of white on the back between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters, or on ears. Black with white markings and no tan present.
CARE REQUIRED: The soft, medium-length water-resistant coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat is shed twice a year.
CHARACTER: Outlook bold, but kindly. Never shy or vicious. The judge shall dismiss from the ring any Pembroke Welsh Corgi that is excessively shy.
EXERCISE: Naturally active little dogs, they should always be encouraged to remain so.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Pembroke, or Welsh Corgi, Corgi will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They will do okay in most climates.
TRAINING: They make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Wary of strangers, it should be properly socialized and trained when it is still young - to avoid over-protective behavior as an adult. Some Pembrokes are more outgoing, restless and excitable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Several of these brave dogs have lost their lives defending their homes, as they were too small for the situation. They sometimes try to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can be trained not to do this. The Pembroke tends to bark a lot and makes a good alarm dog. Males can be aggressive with other males, particularly if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity.
