Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

General Information - Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

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History

Precisely when the Welsh adopted the Pembroke is obscure. Indigenous to South West Wales, it is believed that the forefathers of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were introduced by Flemish Weavers, brought to Britain in the 1100s by Henry I. Now accepted as being of Spitz origin (as opposed to the original Cardigan variety, which is alleged to be of Dachshund descent) it has been suggested that its origins are a combination of the progenitors of the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Schipperke and Swedish Vallhund. However, there is no ambiguity that the Pembroke was a highly valued associate of the Welsh drover in years gone by and indeed, is still worked today as a sheep and cattle dog in many countries.

The Pembroke as a pure breed has now evolved to a very high level of quality worldwide. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame, has been its popularity with the British Royal Family. In 1933 the then Duke of York obtained for his daughters a Pembroke puppy, Rozavel Golden Eagle, who won a special place in the heart of Princess Elizabeth (later HM Queen Elizabeth II). To this day the breed remains the royal favourite.

Temperament

Known for its bark, which is worse than its bite, the Pembroke is a small dog that thinks big. The Pembroke should be outgoing to the point of being pushy, but not precocious and never, ever, shy or aggressive. It is intelligent enough to allow you to think that you are the boss, then there are times when you will realise that it has outsmarted you. This intelligence, combined with a wicked sense of humour, frequently makes Pembroke owners wonder whether their dog is laughing with or at them!

Upkeep

Like many humans, the Pembroke requires life membership to a slimming club! It is more than happy if it can finish its own mean and then help you out with yours! It's tendency toward obesity can lead to spinal problems so food intake must be rigidly controlled. In all other respects the Pembroke is remarkably healthy. Most of the year, grooming requirements are minimal however a much higher level of brushing or coming is required during seasonal coat shedding.

The Pembroke will train you with ease to its way of thinking and doing things. Although a house pet without peer, as an urban dweller the Pembroke requires companionship and regular exercise. Without this it may devise undesirable methods of seeking attention. Two Pembrokes in a household are often better than one. Few of its peers equal its flexibility both in the send of what it was bred to do and the role it can play as a member of the family.

Welsh Corgi (pembroke)

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

General Appearance: Low set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space, outlook bold, expression intelligent and workmanlike. The movement should be free and active, elbows fitting closely to the sides, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs should move well forward, without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hind legs.

Head and Skull: Head to be foxy in shape and appearance, with alert and intelligent expression, skull to be fairly wide and flat between the ears; moderate amount of stop. Length of foreface to be in proportion to the skull as 3:5. Muzzle slightly tapering. Nose black.

Eyes: Well set, round, medium size, hazel in colour and blending with colour of coat.

Ears: Pricked, medium sized, slightly pointed. A line drawn from the tip of the nose through the eye should, if extended, pass through or close to, the tip of the ear.

Mouth: Teeth level, or with the inner side of the upper front teeth resting closely on the front of the under ones.

Neck: Fairly long.

Forequarters: Legs short and as straight as possible. Ample bone carried right down to the feet. Elbows should fit closely to the sides, neither loose nor tied.

Body: Of medium length, with well sprung ribs. Not short coupled or terrier like. Level top line. Chest broad and deep, well let down between the forelegs.

Hindquarters: Strong and flexible, slightly tapering. Legs short. Ample bone carried right down to the feet. Hocks straight when viewed from behind.

Feet: Oval, the two centre toes slightly in advance of the two outer ones, pads strong and well arched. Nails short.

Tail: Traditionally has a short tail, may be docked.

Coat: Of medium length and dense; not wiry.

Colour: Self colours in Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, or with White markings on legs, chest and neck. Some white on head and foreface is permissible.
Height from 25.4 to 30.3 cm (10 to 12 in) at shoulder.

• White on the body giving a piebald or skewbald effect, or hound like markings.
• Long fluffy coat, accompanied with feathering on ears and feet.
• Overshot or undershot mouth.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
19 Dec 2013

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.