First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has exploded in popularity to become one of the world’s favorite herding breeds. Fully grown, an adult Corgi will measure 10-12 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 25-30 pounds, but if you’ve ever known a Corgi, you know they imagine themselves to be much more imposing!
These small but mighty dogs were initially bred to herd cattle, which takes speed, agility, and courage, and Corgis have all three of these traits in spades. Bright, fearless, and independent, Corgis pack a lot of punch into a charming, compact package. Though very skilled at herding when given the job, Corgis also make great family pets. They enjoy spending time with their humans, are very trainable, and their vigilance and big, bold bark make them excellent watchdogs.
Almost all admirers of the Corgi breed know that the Queen of England is the Corgi’s biggest fan. Fond of Corgis since she was a child, Queen Elizabeth has owned more than thirty Corgis since she ascended the throne in 1952. Sadly, her last royally bred Corgi, Willow, had to be euthanized in 2018 due to cancer, but the Queen still has three Corgi/Daschund mixes (“dorgis”): an adult female named Candy, and two puppies gifted to her after the death of her husband, Philip.
Are you considering welcoming a Corgi into your family home? If so, you should be prepared to brush them or get them groomed frequently, as they are double-coated and prone to shedding. And don’t let this smart, active pup get bored, or you will pay for it in the form of excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, or other destructive behavior. Corgis are strong and athletic, with a medium to high energy level, and will need lots of exercise like walking, running, fetching, and other play to keep them happy and fit. Many Corgis enjoy and excel at agility, herding, obedience, and other canine sport and activities. Give your Corgi daily physical engagement and mental stimulation and you’ll have a happy, well-adjusted furry family member for life.
