The Smallest Herding Dog, The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
You would probably never expect that a small dog would make an excellent herder if it stands low on the ground and with a fragile-looking body. However, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can dismiss these thoughts and prove, by using its mere strength and unusual height, that a small dog can be amongst the best herder of dog breeds. Those who own and have encountered the Corgi can testify to this amazing fact.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized as the smallest dog within the herding group yet it is the 11th smartest dog in the world. Because of its intelligence and natural abilities, not only does it excel in herding but in other competitive areas as well such as conformation, obedience and agility competitions. It was reported that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II adored this breed so much that she took in five of them.
What make this breed unique are its short pairs of legs and longer, close-to-the-ground body. However, these exact features allowed it to evade the dangerous kicks and bumps of the raging bulls and horses it is herding. Using sheer talent and intellect this breed was able to herd and steer animals that are way too large for itself.
As a general definition, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis are lively, sturdy and intelligent type of breed that trains quickly and works better than any other large breeds. Inside the family, it is loyal, protective and loving. It also makes an excellent watchdog as it is always on alert and barks without any hesitations at any stranger it deems threat to its household’s safety.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi should never be mistaken as one breed, however, for they are officially different since the last 70 years. In height, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands 10 to 12 inches and is 12 to 15 inches in body length. There are long-coated Pembroke Welsh Corgis and there are short-coated ones too.
The coat is weather-resistant and consists of a fine and soft undercoat and a course topcoat. The coat colors are often seen in red, sable, fawn and a combination of black and tan. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an excessive shedder but it can be decreased by means of proper meals and regular coat brushing.
There are many theories that surround the origin of this breed but none are proven to be the exact one. One theory suggests that the Corgi type developed from the Swedish Vallhunds that arrived in Wales through the Vikings in 800 BC. Another theory states that it was the Celtics who brought the breed to Wales in around 1200 BC and proof to this is the name Corgi which is the Celtic word for dog.
One theory states that it was the Flemish weavers who introduced the breed to Wales during the 1100s. These theories give great possibilities but there are none that comes close to approval of the experts. However, whether we know the origin of this breed or not, the fact still remains that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one fantastic little dog that can compete and win against larger breeds.
