It's no surprise that Corgis are incredibly cute, smart, and have become quite popular through internet videos and 'memes'. However, there is much more to these lovable canines that you may not have heard of yet.
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
3. But the Pembroke welsh corgi also has a long history
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.