Welcome to Corgi Information and Training. Here you will find all kinds of free information about your Welsh Corgi.

The powerful pup in a petite package!

So, you either have a fun little bundle or are considering purchasing one. However you got here, you’ve found the right place. This site is sure to provide you with all the free Corgi information you should need.

Fun Facts

Historically the Corgi originated in Wales. The Welsh farmers bred the Corgi to withstand the harsh terrain and climate of their region. They needed a small sturdy dog with a flat skull to be able to dodge flying hooves and herd the stout black cattle that were also bred for the inhospitable environment. The composition of the Corgi coat was equally as important as their stature. It needed to be short, dense and weather-resistant to withstand the wet and muddy conditions there were ever present.

The Welsh named their special breed the Corgi. The name is believed to originate from the Welsh cor meaning “dwarf” and a gi a derivative of ci meaning “dog”. It was around the 1800s that the Corgi was first displayed at Welsh agricultural shows under the classification of Cwn Sodli, Curs or Heelers.

Royal Roots

Another interesting piece of Corgi information is that 1933 was a big year for the Corgi. They became an established part of the royal family when King George the VI first brought Dookie, the Welsh Corgi, into his family. His daughter Queen Elizabeth II has carried on the tradition. She received her first Corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday gift and has kept and bred Corgis ever since. 1933 was the same year that the first Corgi, Little Madam, made her way to the United States. In 1934, Little Madam, became the first Corgi to be registered with the AKC when the breed was given official recognition. Her mate, Captain William Lewis, who was also purchased in England by Mrs. Lewis Roesler was the second Corgi registered with the AKC. This was when the Corgi was categorized as one breed.

A Distinction to be Made

Originally the Corgi was classified as one breed; however, the farmers of Cardiganshire and Pembrokshire went down their own path to designing their own perfect herding dog. Today these two Corgi breeds are known as the Pembroke and Cardigan. It is believed by some that these two dogs do not even share the same ancestry. Others believe that the Cardigan came about due to crosses of their native Welsh heelers with the Pembroke. Regardless of their origins, at first glance you can tell the distinct differences between the two. But to an aficionado the differences are a plenty.

Cardigan or Pembroke – If we start at the rear the most obvious difference is the tail or absence of one. The Cardigan has a bushy, fox-like tail while the Pembroke has none. If a Pembroke is born with a tail it is docked. Their coats are basically the same; however, their colorings are different. The Cardigan standard allows for a wider range of colors such as red, sable, blue merle and brindle whereas the Pembroke’s colors are red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings.

The Cardigan has a longer body and bigger bones than the Pembroke. The Cardigan also has bowed legs where the Pembroke’s are primarily straight. The Cardigan’s ears are disproportionate to its body, they are quite large for its small frame. The ears of a Pembroke are more pointed and of medium size. The temperament of the two is quite similar also. However it seems that the Pembroke is a bit bolder than its cousin, the Cardigan.

Pembroke or Cardigan, Cardigan or Pembroke? A little tip I heard my vet tell her students once: The Pem”broke” tail “broke” off. No matter which one you have (or want) I hope you enjoyed the Corgi information shared here.