Welsh_corgi

The Welsh Corgi (IPA: /ˈkɔrgiː/) is a small breed of dog that originated in Wales. Cor gi means "dwarf dog" in Welsh (and the OED gives corgwn as an alternative to corgis, from the Welsh plural cor gŵn (IPA: /ˈkɔrguːn/).

Contents 1 Description 1.1 Appearance 2 Health 3 Corgi breeds 4 References

Description

Appearance

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Cardigan\'s ears (left) are somewhat larger than the Pembroke\'s (right).

The Pembroke Corgi has a small tail that is normally docked at birth as short as possible without making an indentation, and its ears are smaller.

Corgi puppy. Note the puppy\'s ears are not erect in the first few months after birth.

Despite their small size, Corgis are active and playful dogs, similar to other herding breeds.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a short tail. Morton, pictured at 3 months.

Welsh Corgi appearance
Build:	Long and low (Two types: Pembroke and Cardigan; the Cardigan is somewhat heavier)
Weight:	25-30 pounds (11-14kg)
Height:	10-12 inches (25-30cm)
Coat:	Soft, water-resistant
Color:	Black & tan, black & brindle, sable, and red, often with white markings; Cardigan has also brindle, blue merle, black, black & brindle.
Head:	A broad flat skull and a fox-like head
Teeth:	Scissors bite
Eyes:	Dark, with black rims
Ears:	Large erect ears; Cardigan’s are larger
Tail:	Cardigan has long, low-set tail; Pembroke has none
Limbs:	Short, heavily boned; Pembroke has straighter legs
Feet:	Pembroke’s are more round
Life span:	Median 12-15 years

Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Beginning in 1934, the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds. The Cardigan is the larger of the two, with larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. The Pembroke features rounded, pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature. Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails. The coats of both breeds come in a variety of colors, although there are some differences between the breeds.

The Pembroke remains the more common variety. Outside Wales, the breed has been made popular by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who keeps at least four at all times.

Health

Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. The Cardigan tends to be a little hardier and has fewer documented hereditary health issues; among them are canine hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy.Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care - Breeder Retriever, URL dated January 22, 2007 Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy.Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care - Breeder Retriever, URL dated January 22, 2007 Welsh Corgi owners should have their dogs\' eyes and hips tested by a veterinarian before breeding. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.Coile, Caroline, Ph. D., Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, Barron\'s Educational Series, 2005. Page 328-31.

Corgi breeds

• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi

References

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia