By Kathleen Knowles
Introduction: The ninth in the Dogs as Pets series.
Choosing a dog to become a family member is a big decision. You must determine whether you want a mix-breed dog or a pedigreed one. Amix-breed dog is exactly what it implies, more than one breed of dog mixed together. A pedigreed dog is one breed only, with nothing but that breed in the pedigree going back for generations. What size is right for you? Should you buy a long-haired dog or a short-coated one? Abigdogor a small dog? In this series, we will examine purebred breeds only. So far, we have looked at several breeds. In this article, we will examine the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
History
The Pembroke Welch Corgi originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Bredtoherd sheep and cattle by nipping at their heels, they can be traced back as far as 1107 AD. Corgis were brought to the United Kingdomin1920.
They were recognized by England’s Kennel Club in 1934 as two separate breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They were recognized in the United States the same year by the American Kennel Club.
About the Corgi
Standing 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder, weighing 27-30 pounds, don’t let their short stature fool you. Long and low to the ground, they stand on four very powerful legs. They are deep-chested with a fairly fox head that is wide and flat between the ears on a short neck. The Corgisearsstand erect and are of medium size. They have a medium-length thick coat that comes in red, sable, fawn, and black, and tan. The tail of the Pembroke is docked very short.
Corgis are intelligent, lively, very alert, and bold. They are neither shy nor vicious. They make an excellent family pet. This little dog loves being with his human family. Corgis are very loving and loyal to the people they love.
Due to the double coat, the breed sheds quite a bit and should be brushed on a daily basis, or
you will find their hair around the house and on your clothes! Keep in mind, that they shed heavier in the late spring to early summer. Like all breeds, ears should be checked to be sure they are clean, and nails should be trimmed on a regular basis. Teeth should be brushed regularly as well. An occasional bath is a must.
Despite his size, the Corgi is a high-energy dog. Remember, they were bred to herd cattle and livestock. They require moderate exercise. Due to their intelligence, they respond well to training. They also do well in obedience, agility, and herding trials.
Feed your Corgi high-quality dog food, but be mindful of calories, as they will have a tendency to become overweight if not monitored. Normally a healthy breed, whose life span is from12 to 13 years, there are some conditions you should be aware of: Hip Dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (a progressive spinal cord disease), and progressive retinal atrophy. The National Breed Club recommends a hip evaluation and ophthalmologist evaluation. Although these conditions are possible, the Corgi is generally a very healthy dog. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are recommended to keep your dog healthy and happy.
If the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is for you, don’t go to backyard breeders for a puppy. To insure you adopt a healthy puppy, contact the PembrokeWelsh Corgi Club of America. They can put you in touch with a reputable breeder in your area. They will stick with you and answer any questions you may have about your new puppy.
If you decide to adopt a Corgi, you will have made an excellent choice. Be prepared to enjoy many years of loving and loyal companionship.
