There are two different types of Corgis – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These magnificent animals make loyal and affectionate pets. They also have a rich, impressive history.
Here’s some information on the Pembroke and Cardigan breeds, as well as some fun facts you might not have previously known.
Different Types Of Corgis: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi And Cardigan Welsh Corgi
All dogs are great, of course, whether you have a Corgi mix or any other type of breed. But there’s something special about the Corgi. With a loving personality and beautiful looks, this breed is fantastic.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke will typically stand about a foot tall and weigh about 30 pounds. This is a very hearty breed, with strong legs that feature muscular thighs. Pembroke Corgis might be short, but they are powerful animals who are built for hard work. You’d think a dog built like this would be slow and plodding, but the mighty Pembroke is anything but.
Pembroke Corgis have awesome personalities. If you’re thinking of bringing home a Pembroke puppy, you can rest assured they’ll be extremely bright and love to play. The breed is also very smart and easy to train. The Pembroke is incredibly loving, but also fearless, with an independent streak. Dogs of this breed might be bold, but they’re also kind.
Like all breeds, Pembroke Corgis need a good diet and exercise plan. They need high-quality food that is appropriate for their age. Corgis can get overweight pretty easily, so keep an eye on how many calories your pup takes in. Be careful with the treats.
Grooming will also be important. Pembroke Corgis have a very thick coat that sheds quite a bit – especially when the weather turns warm. You can reduce shedding by combing and brushing every day. Also, check the Corgi’s ears to make sure they stay clean.1
Pembroke Fun Facts
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis have a very proud – and very interesting – history.
Queen Elizabeth II has loved Corgis since she was a girl – when her father (King George VI) brought one home in the early 1930s.2
The history of the Pembroke corgis actually goes all the way back to the 10th century. There are some who believe the Vikings first brought them to England. According to legend, Pembroke Corgis are enchanted. Welsh fairies and elves used Pembroke Corgis to pull their coaches. Most dogs of this breed have markings on their shoulders that look somewhat like a saddle – known as a “fairy saddle.”3
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi might be bred for herding, but it is also a phenomenal family member. Cardigans weigh about as much as Pembroke Corgis – anywhere from 25 to 34 pounds. Their coats come in a variety of colors. Some are red, while others have a bluish tint. The biggest difference between these breeds of Corgis is that the Cardigan has a tail. Pembroke Corgis are born without a tail.
As long as the Cardigan is socialized properly, it will get along great with any other pets who may be in your home. Cardigans are also great with kids. You’ll need to keep them stimulated, however. They love to get out and run. They also love to be challenged mentally.
Cardigans, like Pembroke Corgis, can get chubby very quickly. If you give a Cardigan two smaller meals a day, rather than one big meal,
it may help them with digestion.
Brushing once a week will keep a Cardigan’s coat from shedding too much. Keep the nails trimmed and also trim the hair on the bottom of a Cardigan’s claws. This will help keep your pet from bringing dirt and mud into your home.4
Cardigan Fun Facts
The Cardigan Corgi also has a proud history. The breed arrived in England from Central Europe around the year 1200 B.C. It’s one of the oldest breeds known in Britain.
Also, while most herding dogs are bred to herd cattle, the Cardigan Corgi is a working dog bred for the exact opposite purpose. Welsh farmers actually used them to drive cattle off of their land. The reason was that they were only allowed to have a few acres of grassland. Their cattle, however, were allowed to graze on un-owned, or “common” pastureland.
As you might expect, there was a lot of competition among farmers for this grazing land. That’s why a lot of them trained their Cardigans to shoo cattle away so their own cows could eat.5
What Are Some Health Concerns That Affect Corgis?
Unfortunately, both breeds of Corgis are prone to certain health problems. Here are some of the more common issues.
- Degenerative myelopathy – One of the worst health concerns affecting Corgis is degenerative myelopathy.6 Degenerative myelopathy affects the spine, and is, unfortunately, typically fatal. It will usually appear when a Corgi is eight years or older. There is a test that can let you know if a Corgi has a gene that increases the risk of this problem.7
- Von Willebrand’s Disease – This is a blood-clotting disease that is hereditary. If a dog with this problem suffers a cut, it could lead to excessive bleeding. There are many types of signs associated with this condition. These include blood in the feces, nose or gum bleeding, and others. The good news is that most dogs with von Willebrand’s disease make a full recovery.8
- Hip dysplasia – Hip dysplasia affects many different breeds. It occurs due to a hip joint that hasn’t developed properly, or an injury that leads to cartilage damage.9 Elbow dysplasia is basically the same thing. It just affects a different part of the body.10
Take Care Of Your Corgi
Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are great, but, like all dogs, they have to be taken care of properly. Watch your dog’s diet closely and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Also, spay or neuter your pet to help keep the animal population under control.
The Corgi might have a big bark, but this breed is sweet and playful. Corgis are great companions that offer years of loyalty and love.
Learn More:
Sources
1. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi/
2. http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/8-corgi/
3. http://pwcca.org/about-pembrokes/
4. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cardigan-welsh-corgi/
5. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/things-you-didnt-know-about-the-cardigan-welsh-corgi/
6. https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/corgi-degenerative-myelopathy
7. http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/dm/basicdm.htm
8. https://www.rover.com/blog/4-common-corgi-health-problems-and-how-to-help/
9. https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia
10. https://www.ofa.org/diseases/elbow-dysplasia
