10 Fascinating Facts About Corgis: More Than Just Cute Internet Stars

10 Fascinating Facts About Corgis

1. There are two different types of Corgis

There are two types of Welsh corgi: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They are considered to be two completely different dog breeds because they come from different ancestors. So why do they look so similar? This is the result of many crossbreeds between the two breeds in the 19th century.
The Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have notable dissimilarities, the most distinct being the ears and tail. The ears of the Pembroke are pointed and stand erect, whereas the Cardigan's ears are rounded. Moreover, the tail of the Cardigan is much longer than that of the Pembroke, with the Pembroke sometimes lacking a tail altogether.

 

2. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the oldest of the corgi breeds

It is assumed that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, one of two corgi varieties, is one of the oldest breeds in the world, having been around for approximately 3,000 years in Wales. However, its exact origins are unknown. It is possible that the breed is descended from the same spitz-type dogs used by the Vikings; the Västgötaspets, a Scandinavian breed, is a close likeness to the Welsh corgi and may have been taken by the Vikings to Wales.

3. But the Pembroke welsh corgi also has a long history

Though the exact origins of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi remain uncertain, many canine specialists concur that the breed has been present in Wales since 1107. It is thought that Flemish weavers migrating to Wales brought with them a type of dog, which was crossed with the existing Cardigan corgi to create the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

4. Corgis were employed as shepherds

As early as the 10th century, the Welsh employed corgis as shepherds due to their small size and short legs. As there were no fences around the meadows at that time, the corgis would nip at the ankles of the cattle to keep them together and separate them from other herds. The corgis' short legs enabled them to remain close to the ground, thus making them an elusive target for the cattle's retaliatory kicks.

5. The corgi as a domestic dog

Corgis have become largely domesticated today, making them a perfect fit for households. As with any breed, proper socialization is a must for a healthy pup, but luckily, these dogs are highly loyal, smart, and full of energy. To keep them content, they must have their intelligence and physical abilities pushed to the limits, otherwise they may become destructive due to boredom. Additionally, they tend to be very vocal dogs, which can make them seem like they are talking in popular films.

6. The corgi is smart

In 1994, Professor Stanley Coren wrote a book examining the intelligence of various dog breeds, and the Corgi was ranked 11th. But what does "smart" mean when it comes to dogs? For humans, it's easy to recognize intelligence when a pup learns a command quickly or demonstrates real intelligence. Although the Corgi didn't make the top 10, Coren's book states that a Corgi can learn a new command in five to fifteen rehearsals, which is quite impressive all the same.

7. According to a legend in Wales, fairies ride on corgis

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Legend has it that the corgi is an "enchanted dog" that is adored by fairies. At night, these mystical beings used the corgis to transport them in carriages and to fight in battles as if they were horses. The markings on the coat of a corgi are supposedly the outlines of a saddle and harness, which adds to the myth of their magical powers.

8. The Crown of England has a fondness for Corgis.

Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis. Her last two corgis, Whisper and Willow, recently passed away, but she still has two dorgis - a mix of corgi and dachshund - named Candy and Vulcan.

9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi means dwarf dog in Welsh

According to the English dictionary, the word "cor" means "dwarf," and the word "gi" means "dog" or, literally, "a dwarf dog."

10. Corgis can work

Corgis have become a huge hit on the internet, especially their videos on YouTube that garner a lot of attention. This is mainly due to their adorable heads, but also their soft, large and movable buttocks. Not only are they cute to watch, but they can also be trained to do a variety of tasks!