International Corgi Day

 

We celebrate International Corgi Day on June 4 every year. The corgi is a dog breed with short legs, a long body, and a huge heart. These dogs’ roots can be traced to Wales where they were bred to herd larger animals. The combination of their short height and agility made them the top contenders for herding animals. Corgis are also known as the ‘dwarf’ dog. The main aim of International Corgi Day is to bring love and attention to this lovable dog breed. A focus is also put on rescuing and rehoming corgis that have been abandoned by their owners.

A Little History Behind the Two Types of Corgi Breeds

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi, descendent of Nordic spitz breeds, is a native of far-southern Wales (Pembrokeshire) along the Bristol Channel. Cattle farmers needed a swift herder low to the ground to avoid hoof kicks but also hardy enough to keep up with the larger animals.

Pembroke family history is a bit muddled regarding a 1,000 year old Viking connection with this breed. Some canine historians believe the Swedish vallhund —which is often mistaken for a different type of corgi and strongly resembles one—was the favored Viking dog first, and so the two breeds are second cousins.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

It's easy to think southwestern cattle and sheep farmers along St. George's Channel in Cardiganshire, Wales simply took a trip farther south, spotted Pembroke corgis and said, "Hey, I like the look of those little dogs! Let's put a few in the wagon!" However, Cardigan Welsh corgis are actually much older than Pembrokes.

These pups descend from German teckel lineage approximately 3,000 years old. A Cardigan corgi's second cousin is a fellow German dog, the Dachshund —and the two combined make a dorgi, which some people might think of as a type of corgi, since it's a mixed breed.

'Cardis' joined Celtic migrations from Europe to Wales around 1200 BC. This heritage provides Cardigan Welsh corgis with great endurance as a herd 'drover', hoof-avoiding agility, and vermin control, plus the ability to keep watchful eyes on their people and animals.

Corgis: Why Are They Famous?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, the preferred dog of the late Queen Elizabeth II, are a well-loved and popular breed. Their royal association certainly hasn’t hurt the public’s devotion to them. Over the course of Queen Elizabeth’s long reign, she owned dozens of Corgis and Corgi mixes. Her royal pooches have appeared on TV, in movies, and on royal memorabilia. Queen Elizabeth’s mother kept Corgis, and Queen Elizabeth’s first Corgi (Susan) was given to her in 1944. Susan even accompanied the Queen on her honeymoon.