Different Breeds of Corgis

Only two different breeds of corgis exist, namely "Pembroke" and "Cardigan". Both breeds are more widely referred to as Welsh Corgis, as this is the country of origin of the popular dogs, made famous by the British royal family, who favor them as pets. The two breeds were officially recognized as different in 1934 by the British Kennel Club. Originally used as herding dogs, corgis are now coveted as affable pets.

  1. History

    • The two modern corgi breeds as we known them originated in Wales. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are named for the Cardiganshire region, while the Pembroke corgis are named from their province of origin, Pembrokshire. However, their origins can be traced much further back. The Cardigan breed is believed to have first been brought to Wales by the Celts in about 1200 B.C., while the Pembroke is the younger of the two breeds, having arrived across the Channel in 1107, brought to Wales by Flemish weavers. The two breeds developed independently from one another, but as transportation methods improved in the 20th century, the dogs were increasingly crossbred.

    Tails

    • Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh corgis are very similar in appearance and temperament. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the tail. A Cardigan Welsh corgi has a long tail, while the Pembroke Welsh corgi has no tail at all. Golden Gate Corgi offers a great way to remember the difference. Think of the long sleeves of a cardigan sweater for the Cardigan breed, and think of the Pembroke as having "broke" off its tail.

    Other characteristics

    • The Cardigan Welsh corgi is the slightly larger of the two breeds. According to the British Kennel Club's breed standards, an ideal, purebred Cardigan should stand 12 inches tall at the shoulder, while a Pembroke should measure 10 to12 inches. Both breeds make good pets, as they are generally friendly and obedient. According to The Kennel Club, a good Cardigan specimen will be "alert, intelligent and steady" in temperament, while the Pembroke is "outgoing and friendly, never nervous or aggressive".

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    Royal Link

    • The Pembroke breed, which often has a distinctive red coat, has a enjoyed the higher profile of the two breeds. This is due to its popularity with the British royal family. A Pembroke was first adopted as the family pet of King George VI. The dogs have been a part of the royal family every since. Current monarch Queen Elizabeth II was given a Pembroke bitch called Susan on her 18th birthday, and has always had at least five ever since. In 2009, UK newspaper The Daily Mail reported the monarch had decided to stop breeding the animals. She also owns several "dorgis," which are corgi-dachshund crosses.