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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
"Corgi" is from [[Welsh language|Welsh]] ''cor gi'' ({{IPA-cy|kɔrɡi}}) – ''cor'', "dwarf" and ''ci'' ({{IPA-cy|kiː|}}), "dog". The usual plural in English is ''corgis'', but the [[Oxford English Dictionary|OED]] also gives ''corgwn'' as an alternative, which is the Welsh plural, pronounced {{IPA-cy|kɔrɡun|}}.
The derivation of "Corgi" is not exactly known, though there are two popular theories about the word's origin. The primary theory is that "Corgi" is from [[Welsh language|Welsh]] ''cor gi'' ({{IPA-cy|kɔrɡi}}) &ndash; ''cor'', "dwarf" and ''ci'' ({{IPA-cy|kiː|}}), "dog". Other sources, however, attribute the origin of "Corgi" to a variation of watch dog (cur, "to watch over" and gi, "dog"). <ref name="canismajor">{{cite web |url=http://www.canismajor.com/dog/corgi.html |title=Welsh Corgis: Small Dogs With Big Dog Hearts |accessdate=2009}}</ref>

The usual plural in English is ''corgis''. However, the [[Oxford English Dictionary|OED]] also gives ''corgwn'' as an alternative, which is the Welsh plural (pronounced {{IPA-cy|kɔrɡun|}}).


==Description==
==Description==
Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by nipping at the heels of the animals being herded; the dog's low stature allows him to avoid being kicked in the process. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were interbred until 1934 when the [[American Kennel Club]] then recognized them as two distinct and separate breeds.<ref name="Cunliffe">{{cite book |last=Cunliffe |first=Juliette |title=The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds |publisher=Parragon Publishing |date=2004 |page=237}}</ref> Welsh folklore says the Corgi is the preferred mount of fairy warriors.<ref name="Hausman" />
Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by nipping at the heels of the animals being herded; the dog's low stature allows it to avoid being kicked in the process.<ref name="Cunliffe">{{cite book |last=Cunliffe |first=Juliette |title=The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds |publisher=Parragon Publishing |date=2004 |page=237}}</ref> The first recorded date for Corgis appearing in the show ring in ''[[Wales]]'' is 1925. For years the two breeds, the ''[[Cardigan Welsh Corgi]]'' and the ''[[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]'', were shown as two varieties of a single breed. Since the two Corgi breeds developed in the Welsh hill country, in areas only a few miles apart, there is evidence of crossbreeding between the two that accounts for the similarities. <ref name="canismajor" /> The Cardigan and the Pembroke were interbred until 1934 when the [[American Kennel Club]] then recognized them as two distinct and separate breeds.<ref name="Cunliffe" />

Welsh folklore says the Corgi is the preferred mount of fairy warriors.<ref name="Hausman" /> There's also a folk legend that says Corgis were a gift from the woodland fairies, and that the breed's markings are were left on its coat by fairy harnesses.<ref name="canismajor" />

⚫
The '''Cardigan''' is one of the oldest breeds of dog in Britain and has been employed for centuries by Welsh farmers to herd cattle<ref name="Cunliffe" />, herding the owner's cattle to grazing areas and driving the neighbor's cattle out of gardens and open pastures by nipping at their heels<ref name="canismajor" />. In early settlements, though, these dogs were prized family members, helping hunt game and guarding children<ref name="canismajor" />. Cardigans are the larger of the two breeds, with large rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail of moderate length set in line with the body. Though it is allowed more colors than the Pembroke, white should not predominate the [[coat (dog)|coat]]. <ref name="Cunliffe" /> The Cardigan is a double-coated dog. The outer coat is dense, slightly harsh in texture, and of medium length. The dog's undercoat is short, soft, and thick. <ref name="canismajor" /> The breed stands about 12" at the shoulder and weighs in at approximately 30 lbs. The Cardigan is sturdy, tough, mobile, alert, active, intelligent, steady, and neither shy nor aggressive. They are snappy and prone to nip heels and not recommended as a pet for young children.<ref name="Cunliffe" />

[[Image:Pembroke Welsh Corgi frontal.jpg|thumb|left|Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]
[[Image:Pembroke Welsh Corgi frontal.jpg|thumb|left|Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]
⚫
The '''Cardigan''' is one of the oldest breeds of dog in Britain and has been employed for centuries by Welsh farmers to herd cattle. He is the larger of the two breeds with large rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail of moderate length set in line with the body. The Cardigan is allowed more colors than the Pembroke, though white should not predominate. His [[coat (dog)|coat]] is short or medium in length, hard textured, and weatherproof with a good undercoat. He stands about 12" at the shoulder and weighs in at approximately 30 lbs. The Cardigan is sturdy, tough, mobile, alert, active, intelligent, steady, and neither shy nor aggressive. He is snappy and prone to nip heels and not recommended as a pet for children.<ref name="Cunliffe" />


The '''Pembroke''' is believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers about 1100 while 920 is also a suggested date. The breed features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature than the Cardigan. She is considered a practical little dog, low-set, strong and sturdy with sufficient stamina to work a day on the farm, but friendly and out-going as well. Her head is fox-like and the tail short. The Pembroke is less apt to nip at human heels but is not recommended for young children.<ref name="Cunliffe" /> Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail), and today, if the Pembroke has a tail at all, it is usually curly. Due to the advent of [[docking (dog)|tail docking in dogs]], the bob tail was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries now ban docking, breeders are again attempting to select dogs with the genes for natural bob tails. Pembrokes stand 10 to 12 inches and weigh approximately 30 lbs.<ref name="Hausman">{{cite book |last=Hausman |first=Gerald |title=The Mythology of Dogs |publisher=Macmillan |date=1998 |pages=275&ndash;277}}</ref>
The '''Pembroke''' is believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers about 1100, though 920 is also a suggested date<ref name="Cunliffe" />. Another possibility for this Corgi's origin is breeding between Cardigans and the Swedish Vallhund, a ''[[spitz]]''-type dog closely resembling the Pembroke and brought to Wales by ''[[Norse]]'' invaders<ref name="canismajor" />. The breed features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature than the Cardigan. Considered a practical little dog, they are low-set, strong and sturdy with sufficient stamina to work a day on the farm, but friendly and out-going as well. The dog's head is fox-like and the tail short, which can be accomplished through breeding or docking. The Pembroke is less apt to nip at human heels but is not recommended for young children.<ref name="Cunliffe" /> Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail), and today, if the Pembroke has a tail at all, it is usually curly. Due to the advent of [[docking (dog)|tail docking in dogs]], the bob tail was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries now ban docking, breeders are again attempting to select dogs with the genes for natural bob tails. Pembrokes stand 10 to 12 inches and weigh approximately 30 lbs.<ref name="Hausman">{{cite book |last=Hausman |first=Gerald |title=The Mythology of Dogs |publisher=Macmillan |date=1998 |pages=275&ndash;277}}</ref>


==Health==
==Health==
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==Cultural impact==
==Cultural impact==
[[File:CorgiRunning.jpg|thumb|[[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]]]
[[File:CorgiRunning.jpg|thumb|[[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]]]
Outside Wales, Corgis have been made popular by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who keeps at least four in her retinue at all times. Her first Corgi was called Susan. She currently keeps five Corgis and four [[Dorgi]]s (Corgi/[[Dachshund]] cross). Some portraits of Queen Elizabeth include a Corgi.<ref name="Hausman" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1964.asp |title=British Monarchy: Pets and Animals |accessdate=2008}}</ref>
Outside Wales, Corgis have been made popular by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who keeps at least four in her retinue at all times. Her first Corgi was called Susan. She currently keeps five Corgis and four [[Dorgi]]s (Corgi/[[Dachshund]] cross). Some portraits of Queen Elizabeth II include a Corgi.<ref name="Hausman" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1964.asp |title=British Monarchy: Pets and Animals |accessdate=2008}}</ref>

⚫
Corgis as characters were incorporated into the storybook fantasies Corgiville Fair, The Great Corgiville Kidnapping, and Corgiville Christmas of American author and illustrator [[Tasha Tudor]]. In 1961, the [[Walt Disney Productions|Walt Disney]] film, Little Dog Lost, brought the Pembroke Corgi widespread publicity. On the Anime [[Cowboy Bebop]], the main characters have a super-intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi, [[List_of_Cowboy_Bebop_characters#Ein|Ein]], on their ship.


The ''[[Top Shelf]]'' graphic novel ''[[Korgi]]'' plays on the folklore tradition of the corgi as a faerie draft animal. It features the "Mollies" (''[[fairy]]''-like beings) who live in close relationship with the land and their Korgi friends, who are based on and resemble the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=9358 |title=Man's Best Friend: Slade talks Korgi |accessdate=2009}}</ref>
⚫
Corgis as characters were incorporated into the storybook fantasies ''[[Corgiville Fair]]'', ''[[The Great Corgiville Kidnapping]]'', and ''[[Corgiville Christmas]]'' of American author and illustrator [[Tasha Tudor]]. In 1961, the [[Walt Disney Productions|Walt Disney]] film, ''[[Little Dog Lost]]'' brought the Pembroke Corgi widespread publicity. On the Anime [[Cowboy Bebop]], the main characters have a super-intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi, [[List_of_Cowboy_Bebop_characters#Ein|Ein]], on their ship.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 21:03, 18 August 2009

Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
OriginWales.
Cardigan: Believed to have its origins in Roman Britain
Pembroke: Believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers in the Middle Ages
Traits
Height Males 10-12.5" (25.5-30.5 cm)
Females 10-12.5" (25.5-30.5 cm)
Weight Males 27 lbs
Females 25 lbs
Coat Cardigan: Short or medium length, hard textured, weatherproof with a good undercoat
Pembroke: Medium length with a straight dense undercoat
Color Cardigan: Any color, with or without white markings
Pembroke: Red, sable, fawn, or black and tan with or without white markings on the legs, brisket, and neck
Life span Cardigan: 12-14 years
Pembroke: 11-13 years
Dog (domestic dog)

The Welsh Corgi (Template:Pron-en) is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. Two distinct breeds are recognized: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, with the Pembroke being the more common. Corgis are healthy dogs, living into their early or middle teens; however, both do suffer from a few hereditary diseases. The most famous Welsh Corgis are perhaps those of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who keeps at least four Corgis.

Etymology

The derivation of "Corgi" is not exactly known, though there are two popular theories about the word's origin. The primary theory is that "Corgi" is from Welsh cor gi (Welsh pronunciation: [kɔrɡi]) – cor, "dwarf" and ci ([kiː]), "dog". Other sources, however, attribute the origin of "Corgi" to a variation of watch dog (cur, "to watch over" and gi, "dog"). [1]

The usual plural in English is corgis. However, the OED also gives corgwn as an alternative, which is the Welsh plural (pronounced [kɔrɡun]).

Description

Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by nipping at the heels of the animals being herded; the dog's low stature allows it to avoid being kicked in the process.[2] The first recorded date for Corgis appearing in the show ring in Wales is 1925. For years the two breeds, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, were shown as two varieties of a single breed. Since the two Corgi breeds developed in the Welsh hill country, in areas only a few miles apart, there is evidence of crossbreeding between the two that accounts for the similarities. [1] The Cardigan and the Pembroke were interbred until 1934 when the American Kennel Club then recognized them as two distinct and separate breeds.[2]

Welsh folklore says the Corgi is the preferred mount of fairy warriors.[3] There's also a folk legend that says Corgis were a gift from the woodland fairies, and that the breed's markings are were left on its coat by fairy harnesses.[1]

The Cardigan is one of the oldest breeds of dog in Britain and has been employed for centuries by Welsh farmers to herd cattle[2], herding the owner's cattle to grazing areas and driving the neighbor's cattle out of gardens and open pastures by nipping at their heels[1]. In early settlements, though, these dogs were prized family members, helping hunt game and guarding children[1]. Cardigans are the larger of the two breeds, with large rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail of moderate length set in line with the body. Though it is allowed more colors than the Pembroke, white should not predominate the coat. [2] The Cardigan is a double-coated dog. The outer coat is dense, slightly harsh in texture, and of medium length. The dog's undercoat is short, soft, and thick. [1] The breed stands about 12" at the shoulder and weighs in at approximately 30 lbs. The Cardigan is sturdy, tough, mobile, alert, active, intelligent, steady, and neither shy nor aggressive. They are snappy and prone to nip heels and not recommended as a pet for young children.[2]

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke is believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers about 1100, though 920 is also a suggested date[2]. Another possibility for this Corgi's origin is breeding between Cardigans and the Swedish Vallhund, a spitz-type dog closely resembling the Pembroke and brought to Wales by Norse invaders[1]. The breed features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature than the Cardigan. Considered a practical little dog, they are low-set, strong and sturdy with sufficient stamina to work a day on the farm, but friendly and out-going as well. The dog's head is fox-like and the tail short, which can be accomplished through breeding or docking. The Pembroke is less apt to nip at human heels but is not recommended for young children.[2] Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail), and today, if the Pembroke has a tail at all, it is usually curly. Due to the advent of tail docking in dogs, the bob tail was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries now ban docking, breeders are again attempting to select dogs with the genes for natural bob tails. Pembrokes stand 10 to 12 inches and weigh approximately 30 lbs.[3]

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.[4]

Cultural impact

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Outside Wales, Corgis have been made popular by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who keeps at least four in her retinue at all times. Her first Corgi was called Susan. She currently keeps five Corgis and four Dorgis (Corgi/Dachshund cross). Some portraits of Queen Elizabeth II include a Corgi.[3][5]

Corgis as characters were incorporated into the storybook fantasies Corgiville Fair, The Great Corgiville Kidnapping, and Corgiville Christmas of American author and illustrator Tasha Tudor. In 1961, the Walt Disney film, Little Dog Lost, brought the Pembroke Corgi widespread publicity. On the Anime Cowboy Bebop, the main characters have a super-intelligent Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Ein, on their ship.

The Top Shelf graphic novel Korgi plays on the folklore tradition of the corgi as a faerie draft animal. It features the "Mollies" (fairy-like beings) who live in close relationship with the land and their Korgi friends, who are based on and resemble the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. [6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Welsh Corgis: Small Dogs With Big Dog Hearts". Retrieved 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Parragon Publishing. p. 237.
  3. ^ a b c Hausman, Gerald (1998). The Mythology of Dogs. Macmillan. pp. 275–277.
  4. ^ Coile, Caroline (2005). Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. pp. 328–31. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |publisger= ignored (help)
  5. ^ "British Monarchy: Pets and Animals". Retrieved 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ "Man's Best Friend: Slade talks Korgi". Retrieved 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Welsh_Corgi&oldid=308757515"