Pembroke Welsh Corgi - description of the breed and character of the dog

Welsh Corgi fell in love with many for its cheerful disposition, love of life and loyalty to the owner. In addition, many are attracted by the unusual appearance of the breed, short paws give it extra mercy. But few people know that dogs are by nature considered the most real sheep dogs. Historical note states that four-legged buddies have so long roots that it is difficult to restore the true chronology of the events of the origin of the breed. But we will try to understand everything, and also give the main characteristics of the Welsh Corgi.

Historical summary

The presented breed belongs to the family of shepherd dogs, has long been used by dogs as herdsmen shepherds. Some experts associate the appearance of the breed with Wales, ostensibly the welsh corgi first appeared there in the 10th century.

A large role was played by the compact size of the pet, the ability to dodge from the hooves of cattle. The Welsh Corgi completely coped with their task, they herded small horses, sheep, and cattle of all kinds. The corgi intellect can work wonders; they skillfully drove the animals and did not allow them to run away.

To date, the true origin of the breed has not been identified. But there is one theory (unofficial), which states that the name of the breed translates as "watch dog" or "dwarf dog."

Breed fanned by myths and legends. One of them is that the dogs were given to elves and fairies from Albion, they used animals for riding. Allegedly, in confirmation of the legend, many say that for this reason the dogs have bright traces on the face and back, similar to the team.

However, if you look at the emergence of representatives of the breed from the real side, here everything is somewhat different. Corgi-like animals were found in manuscripts and on the walls of British Celts (Britons). These events are dated 1500 BC.

If we digress from such versatile arguments and get closer to 1925, we can say that in these times the pets were already spread quite well. They came to the exhibition in Wales, where they received their long-awaited registration as an independent breed. However, the corgi overshadowed the larger individuals of other breeds, leaving the four-legged friends without mass recognition.

But experts did not cease to improve the "working" dogs (as they were called at the exhibition). Welsh Corgi as a breed was divided into 2 classifications - cardigan and pembroke. This happened with the filing of American breed lovers in 1934. Corgi made an even greater sensation when Queen Elizabeth II sheltered several pets. The ruler is still an ardent fan of the breed.

Classification and appearance of the welsh corgi

Representatives of this breed belong to the shepherd dogs. They have an elongated body, short but strong enough paws. But such a physique does not prevent corgi from being active and playful at all. Since today the entire breed is divided into several classifications, in fairness it is necessary to consider each of them.

Pembroke is more compact than a cardigan, the first representatives have a growth of 25-30 cm. With a weight of 10-13 kg., In the second - the growth is within 30 cm., Weight - 14-16 kg. There are other differences between subclasses, let's talk about them in more detail.

1. Pembroke. Positive and hyperactive dogs that make a person smile on their face. Apathy, lethargy - all this is not about Pembroke. The dog is famous for its sharp muzzle and a certain amount of smile due to the black rim on the lips. Ears are rounded, which makes representatives of the breed look like foxes. Brown eyes, with a slight sheen, do not leave anyone indifferent. Pembrokes are much more elegant than cardigans. Growth less paws, respectively, shorter. Representatives of the breed can stop the tail, but most often they do not resort to such a procedure.This is not to say that pembrokes are gentle. They are stately, energetic, very hardy. The dog is famous for its acumen and never lost in difficult situations.
2. Cardigan. The main difference between the representatives of the subclass is considered to be a wide chest, a larger size, large ears, a long tail and a straight strong back. Paws are not as short as those of pembrokes. According to the standard specifications, many coat colors are allowed, but the defect will be considered too much white. Wool bilayer with undercoat, dense, as soft as that of pembrokes. Cardigans are calm, not so energetic, aristocratic.

Common breed standards

1. Head. In form, it resembles the head of a fox, oblong, pointed in the muzzle area. If you look at the corgi, you should not see a wild, unbridled animal. All features are smooth, harmonious, not too prominent. The skull hardly stands out, it is wide and to some extent flat. If you look at the corgi from the front, the nose with the tips of the ears should form a regular triangle.The forehead passes into the bridge of the nose without jerking, the cheeks do not stand out.
2. Teeth. Strong, medium size. Bite right in the form of scissors. Neither the front nor the back jaw moves forward.
   Eyes. Are located close to each other, have an average size, do not protrude. They have an oval shape with slightly angled downward inner corners. Dense eyelids, which should have black or so pigmentation. The color of the eyes is brown, but it all depends on the type of wool.
3. Nose. If you look at the dog from above, your nose will seem rectangular. Looking straight, you will see a square spout. Oval nostrils slightly elongated, medium in size.
4. Ears. It all depends on the classification that we considered above. But the shape is the same - triangular with smoothly rounded tips. The ears are mobile, the dog listens, they stick out forward.
5. Housing Due to the short-haired dogs look squat, the body elongated only emphasizes this fact. In the tall grass is difficult to disassemble, is corgi or lies. The oval ribcage is slightly lowered but does not protrude forward. The back is wide and strong, when viewed from above slightly tapers to the tail.If the breast is excessively large, it is considered a vice. The back is even, there may be a depression in the region of the neck transition into a pronounced and peeked withers.
6. Tail. Cardigans have a long, pembrokes can be docked or short due to the activity of breeders. In 1934, a standard was adopted that says that cupping is necessary. But, naturally, many disagree with this and leave the tail in its natural form. The long, beautiful and even tail does not lift too much up, it is curved saber-like, but not curled.
7. Limbs. Thick, but short, as everyone already understood. In the dog, the elbows of the front paws are slightly pulled back. If you look at the dog from the front, you will notice that the paws are pressed to each other. This is required in order to make the dog easier to move, distributing the load. The hind legs are smooth and muscular, are in a natural form and setting.
8. Color Allocate a lot of coat colors. But the most common is red with white stripes or spots. Also allowed tricolor wool, consisting of black, red, white. Less common representatives of the breed black color, dogs can be beige (deer). There is also a blue merle, tiger color with black specks on gray wool.According to the standard features, it is permissible to have a white cervical collar, as well as any white spots in the abdomen, neck and head.

Character

1. Representatives of the breed have amazing qualities that are rarely found in other dogs. It is worth noting that the corgi are distinguished by intelligence. You could even say that the pet has a great sense of humor. Presented dogs are very responsive. Not every pet boasts such a description.
2. Corgi differ in a mobile way of life and sympathize with everyone around. In dogs, a balanced mental state is observed. This indicator is typical for almost all pedigree individuals. Therefore, the Corgi gets on well with small children and other animals.
3. Often, the owners of a beautiful breed give birth to several such individuals at once. Historically, the corgi are loyal to each other. Breed differs unshakable devotion to the owner. Also, the pet will show warm feelings to all family members.
4. It is worth noting a small nuance, while playing with the child, the pet can control the movement of the baby, the dog will bite his legs.If you do not want the child to be afraid of this, the animal is better to start a little later when the baby is older.
5. Breed possesses quite correct behavior. If the owner is not in the mood for games, the pet will not impose itself and simply lie down next to you. But if you call your pet in a joyful voice, you cannot get away from the tenderness of the animal. Looking at such a dog, you simply can not help but smile.
6. Corgi are considered excellent companions. If you are going somewhere, you can be sure that the pet will accompany you everywhere, and will not be afraid of strangers and the new environment. Do not forget that the breed belongs to the shepherd, so the pet needs to take long walks and active games.
7. Do not think that the pet will feel uncomfortable at home. The dog will not constantly interfere under his feet, and demand increased attention to him. The animal will not sleep on the master's furniture, the pet would rather prefer to stretch out somewhere in a cool, quiet place.
8. Do not think that if the animal is small, it will not have protective instincts, on the contrary, the corgi will bark loudly at strangers and desperately protect family members, not being afraid of the size of the attacker.The breed has a quick wit and sharp mind. The dog understands its advantages in a small size.
9. Therefore, it is not surprising that the cunning corgi will try to manipulate you to their advantage. To prevent this from happening, it is important to deal with the pet in a timely manner. Also, the dog should be taught to different teams. The advantage of the breed is that they are not dirty and absolutely not vindictive.
10. If you lead such a dog, you will not have problems with training and socialization. However, it should be noted that the pet has high intelligence and therefore it will not mindlessly execute commands. Corgi are different from other breeds calm nature and prudence.

Feeding and care

1. Pets do not need special care. Wool enough to comb 2 times a week. For convenience, use a special brush. During the period of molting, it is better to comb through the day. Thus, the wool in the house will be less and molt will be faster.
2. Once a week it is recommended to clean the ears with a cotton pad, and you should also expose your teeth to brushing. Eyes should be flushed as necessary.Often, to bathe the animal is also not recommended. It is enough to carry out the procedure 3 times a year or as needed.
3. On a mandatory basis, bathe the animal with a special high-quality shampoo. Consider, due to the activity of the breed, the pet must be given the opportunity to throw out all the accumulated energy. Corgi can even be maintained on the street, only with this there should be a free aviary and a warm house.
4. The dog also gets along very well in the apartment, but one cannot do without long active walks. The pet is very inquisitive and will always be happy to explore new places. So try to regularly change the route of the walk. Consider, because of the characteristics of the dog’s body, it is important not to gain weight.
5. If you ignore such recommendations, the animal may begin to develop problems with the spine. The animal will always be in an apathetic state. In addition, it is not recommended to subject the pet to frequent jumps. Such exercises can harm the limbs and vertebrae.
6. It is mandatory to approach the preparation of the diet for the animal with full responsibility.Consider the activity of the dog, size and age. Corgi love to eat, so do not succumb to their charms and often pamper them with various delicacies. Therefore, warn all family members.

Health

1. Corgi live for up to 15 years and are particularly reluctant to various diseases. However, it is worth noting that some individuals are predisposed to pathologies. Sometimes animals suffer from vision problems. The breed may develop glaucoma, cataracts, dislocation of the lens, a corneal ulcer.
2. In rare cases, corgi has degenerative myelopathy. This disease is a lesion of the spinal cord. As the pet grows older, the vertebrae begin to shift and press against the spinal canal. Because of this pathology, the animal is unable to control the muscles in the hind limbs.
3. Corgi are also susceptible to eczema. The disease is damage to the skin with a difficult healing wound. To deal with the disease is quite difficult and long. To prevent this, regularly comb your pet and be careful with the procedure of bathing.
4. Unfortunately, the presented breed is also subject to epilepsy. A disorder of the nervous system is often inherited or acquired due to other injuries in life. The disease manifests itself in the form of recurrent seizures and seizures. When treating a veterinarian, the disease can be muffled, it will not be completely cured.

Corgi are pretty funny and cute dogs. Breed differs by acumen and sharp mind. If you deal with a puppy from early childhood, problems with education will not arise in the future. Learn all the subtleties of breeding and care about the diet. Do not forget about the timely care.

Video: Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed