Corgis are such popular breeds of dogs there are two "unofficial" holidays in their names. If you know someone with a Corgi, you may know they celebrated National Welsh Corgi Day on March 1. Then later this summer, the two main Corgi breeds, Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, celebrate the shared holiday on International Corgi Day June 4 during the traditional Queen's Jubilee holiday. Why so much love for the Corgis? It's easy to see how they've taken our hearts with their short legs, big ears, and adorable smiles, Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. But what makes these furry little pups so beloved? Let's take a closer look at some facts and figures about Corgis to find out.
First, Corgis are incredibly cute. There's no denying it – with their round, fluffy bodies and expressive faces, Corgis are simply irresistible. But their looks aren't the only thing that's won them fans; they're also known for their friendly, affectionate personalities. Corgis are very loyal and enjoy spending time with their humans, whether that means snuggling on the couch or going for a walk.
Another reason for their popularity is their history. Welsh Corgis have been around for centuries, and they were originally bred as herding dogs. They're still great at this job today, but they've also become popular as pets thanks to their winning personalities and cute looks.
History of the Breed
The Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed of herding dog that originated in Wales. The breed is believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers in the 12th century. For centuries, Corgis were used to herd cattle, sheep, and other livestock. The Corgi gets its name from its Welsh roots. "Corgi" is actually a Welsh word that means "dwarf dog," and the breed has been around in Wales for centuries. There are two types of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The breed was popularized by Queen Elizabeth II. Today, Corgis are beloved family pets and are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their adorable appearance, which includes their short legs and long bodies.
Here are some interesting statistics about Corgis:
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two types of Welsh Corgis, with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi being slightly less common.
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is currently the 11th most popular breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
- Queen Elizabeth II is a well-known fan of Welsh Corgis; she owned over 30 of them during her reign!
- Welsh Corgis are also popular on social media, with popular Corgi Instagram accounts amassing hundreds of thousands of followers.
If you're thinking about adding a Welsh Corgi to your family, there are a few things to keep in mind. These dogs can be prone to weight gain, so it's important to keep them on a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercises. They can also be stubborn and may require some patience when it comes to training. However, with their cute looks and friendly personalities, it's easy to see why so many people are willing to put in the effort to make Corgi a part of their family.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis
While both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are Welsh herding dogs and share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two breeds:
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Appearance: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a shorter, more fox-like appearance, with straighter and shorter legs, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a more traditional dog-like appearance, with longer legs and a more prominent chest.
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Ears: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have pointed, erect ears, while Cardigan Welsh Corgis have more rounded, slightly curved ears.
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Tail: Pembroke Welsh Corgis have naturally bobbed tails, while Cardigan Welsh Corgis have long, fox-like tails. Corgi lovers love their dog's bottoms and there are trending Corgi butts that have a following on social media.
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Coat: While both breeds have double coats, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat is typically shorter and smoother than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat.
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Popularity: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more popular than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, both in the United States and around the world.
In terms of temperament, both breeds are known for being friendly, intelligent, and loyal. However, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi may be slightly more reserved and independent than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Additionally, both breeds may have some herding instincts that can lead to nipping and chasing behaviors if not trained properly.
Colors of Corgis
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can come in a variety of colors. Depending on the resource, there are 4 - 12 different color patterns of this breed. The most common colors include:
- Sable: This color is a combination of black-tipped hairs and another color, such as red, fawn, or cream.
- Tri-Color: This color combination is usually three combined colors red, fawn and black.
- Blue merle: This is a mottled or marbled blue and gray color.
- Black: This is a solid black color, although some dogs may have a small amount of white on their chest or feet.
- Red: This includes shades ranging from a light, golden red to a deeper, darker red.
- Fawn: This is a light tan or beige color. This is the most common color associated with Corgis.
- Brindle: This is a pattern of black stripes on a lighter background color, such as fawn or red.
Other color combinations can include white, sable white, tan merle, red brindle and dilutes of tricolor and sable. It's important to note that not all breeders consider all of these colors to be desirable or show-quality. Additionally, some colors may be more difficult to find than others. When choosing a Corgi, it's important to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs over color or appearance.
Queen's Dog of Choice
Queen Elizabeth II was a longtime fan of Welsh Corgis and owned over 30 of them during her reign. This excerpt from ABC Evening News above is a great overview of the Queen's love for the breed and how she cared for them. It also includes a famous introduction with Daniel Craig playing James Bond escorting the Queen and her Corgis to the Olympics, which were hosted in London in 2012.
The Queen's love for Corgis started in 1933 when she was given a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Dookie as a gift. Since then, the Queen has always had at least one Corgi by her side.
The reason why Welsh Corgis are the Queen's dog of choice is unclear, but it's believed that their small size and friendly personalities make them great companions. Additionally, the breed's association with Wales and the Queen's love for the country may also play a role.
When the Queen's last Corgi, Willow, died in 2018, it marked the end of an era. The Queen decided to stop breeding Corgis because she didn't want to leave any behind when she passed away. However, the Queen still has two dorgis (a crossbreed between a Corgi and a dachshund) named Candy and Vulcan.
As for what happened to the Queen's Corgis when she died, it's unclear. However, it's likely that they would have been taken care of by the Queen's staff and given to new homes if necessary. The Queen has always been a responsible pet owner and has made sure that her beloved dogs were well-cared for throughout their lives.
This excerpt below from ABC News shows how important the Queen's Corgis were, as they bid farewell at her funeral last year.
Corgi's Popularity in Hollywood
There has been a resurgence in the popularity of Corgi dogs due to their appearances in popular shows on Netflix like The Crown and Bridgerton. The charming and adorable nature of the breed, along with their association with the British Royal family, has caught the attention of many viewers, leading to an increased interest in owning a Corgi. Corgi dogs are a very popular breed, consistently ranking in the top 20 most popular breeds in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. The highest rank Corgis have achieved in popularity is 13th, which they reached in both 2017 and 2018. In 2020, Corgis were ranked as the 17th most popular breed in the United States.
Based on popularity, here are 4 of our favorite Hollywood Corgis.
- Meet Lily and Prince, stars of The Crown, during the second season of the series on Netflix.
2. Bridgerton's Corgi, Newton, made his debut in the second season.
3. Animated Corgis from "The Queen's Corgi" circa 2019.
4. Corgi falling in love: Tino from "A Dog's Purpose" circa 2017.
Top Corgi Health Issues
While Welsh Corgis are generally healthy dogs, there are a few health issues that are more common in the breed. Here are the top three health issues to be aware of:-
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a spinal cord disease that can affect Welsh Corgis, particularly those with long backs like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Symptoms include back pain, weakness in the hind legs, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.
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Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hips and can cause pain, limping, and arthritis. It's more common in larger breeds but can also occur in Welsh Corgis. Responsible breeders should test their dogs for hip dysplasia before breeding.
- Osteoarthritis is a common condition in Corgis, mostly because of the issue with the way their bodies are built with shorter, squatty legs and long bodies. Arthritis in dogs comes from the breakdown of joint cartilage and inflammation. It can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Early prevention with a joint supplement can help manage symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life. Additionally, proper weight management and exercise can help prevent or delay the onset of the condition.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is an inherited eye disease that causes degeneration of the retina and can lead to blindness. It can occur in both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Responsible breeders should test their dogs for PRA before breeding.
GLYDE MOBILITY CHEWS
The best arthritis prevention and treatment is adding a quality joint supplement, such as Glyde Mobility Chews to your dog's diet. The unique formula of Glyde Mobility Chews for dogs includes key anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat the signs of aging. Glyde uses natural, gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints to keep your dog active and mobile. Glyde is the only supplement that contains proven levels of three key components that work to relieve the painful signs of arthritis.
The proven levels of these key ingredients are what makes the formula unique:- New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM): A powerful anti-inflammatory
- Glucosamine: Reduces cartilage degradation
- Chondroitin Sulfate: Helps rebuild cartilage
Protecting a dog’s ability to run and play is key to preserving its quality of life. That’s why early recognition and treatment of osteoarthritis (or arthritis in dogs) is so important. 20% of dogs over the age of 1, and 80% of dogs over the age of 8 will show signs of arthritis in dogs. Glyde can help protect your dog from signs of aging through arthritis.
Corgi Loves Glyde
Ms. Taylor, a long-time customer of Glyde, sent us a cute quote about her Corgi and Glyde Mobility Chews:
"RONNEE is my name. I am a wonderful, loved, eleven-year-old Corgi. Thanks to my mom, I have been munching on Glyde for over six years. I love the yummy taste. Plus, it helps me move around and enjoy my playtime with my stuffed ducks (I've got a collection!) and my canine friends. If you are offered a morsel of Glyde, take it! Try it, you'll like it!!! WOOF!!!!!"
Remember to protect your Corgi at any time in their life, but especially as they age. It's important to prioritize their health and well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups are all crucial for keeping your Corgi happy and healthy. Additionally, adding a joint supplement like Glyde Mobility Chews for dogs will help your Corgi stay active. Be sure to also provide mental stimulation and socialization opportunities can help prevent boredom and loneliness, which can contribute to health problems. By taking the time to care for your Corgi, you can help ensure they enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life with you.
