About the Breed
As introduced by the American Kennel Club (AKC), "The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is thought to be an 'enchanted' breed for many reasons. This happy herder with the elfish smile captures the hearts of fanciers and pet owners worldwide." These wonderful Corgis are known for their friendly personality and being game for any activity.
From Cattle Herder to Family Pet
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed, possibly dating back to the 10th century, that could be found on almost every farm in Wales during the 1850s. It's believed that the Pembroke is a member of the spitz family — a Nordic group of dogs noted for their sharp-pointed muzzles, fox-like faces, upright and pointed ears, and a high set tail. Their main task was to watch over cattle which were much smaller than what we see today. Having small herding dogs for smaller cattle was a much safer option, at the time.​​​​​​​
While it was originally kept as an all-purpose barnyard dog, the Pembroke was often used to escort cows to their grazing land where it would watch over them, and make sure they were back home in time for milking. Other tasks the Pembroke happily performed included rodent control, guarding other livestock, and protecting the human family. They could basically perform any task that didn't require long legs to do it.
The first Welsh Corgis were brought to the United States by an American breeder named Mrs. Lewis Roesler in 1933 for her Merriedip Kennels in Massachusetts. Since then, they have become a very popular breed in the United States, making it one of the top three countries worldwide where Corgis are found.​​​​
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If you would like to learn more about the history of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, you can find more detailed explanations here:
"Pembroke Welsh Corgi History: From Centuries-Old Cattle Herder to Family Pet"
Into the Show World
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was designated as a unique breed by the AKC in 1934. By then, the Corgis known from the old farms were much different looking than the household pet variety; they were taller, leggy, and not very uniform in appearance. With almost a century of show breeding behind them, the dogs are now more consistent with shorter legs, longer bodies, and proportionate heads. They are known for their fox-like features and dwarfish statures.
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By all accounts, they are prettier dogs today than they were as farmhands, and they also have a much milder temperament. These changes in temperament led to their popularity as household pets, especially for families with children.​
The main four characteristics that are considered when judging a Pembroke are: outline, size, type, and gait. The outline should have a level topline and no tail. They should weigh about 27 pounds for a dog and 25 pounds for a bitch. There are other requisites such as short hocks, an attractive head with dark eyes, and big ears. The dogs gait should be free and smooth, in long strides, giving the impression of moving without tiring. ​
Today, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi enjoys significant popularity in the show world. Donna Newton, president of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA), breeder, and specialty sweepstakes judge, shared her vision for the breed: “The club continues to strive toward the betterment of the breed, in part through educational programs and seminars made available to Corgi breeders and enthusiasts at our national specialty each year." She explained the PWCCA’s continuing support of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, encouraging all breeders to test hips and eyes prior to every breeding — a requirement outlined in the club’s code of ethics. “One thing we breeders hear quite often is that the Pembroke just fits everything we’re looking for,” she says. “They have a wonderful sense of humor and are often referred to as ‘clowns’ of the dog world.” They have a genuine fondness for humans, and it is believed that there’s likely no other breed that responds to its people with more love and respect than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.