History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America wants to help you in your search for the perfect companion by giving you some basic background information about Pembroke Welsh Corgis.

ORIGINS

Legend has it that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an "enchanted" dog, and certainly this must be true! 'Tis said he was used by the fairies and elves of Wales to pull fairy coaches, work fairy cattle, and serve as a steed for the fairy warriors. Even today those people with keen eyes and understanding hearts may see the marks of the "fairy saddle" in the coat over the shoulders.

Pembrokes have been used by the Welsh as herding dogs, family companions, and guardians of the farm. They continue today to be workers and companions for their owners. It is believed that their ancestry dates back to at least the tenth century. It is unknown whether they are descended from the Vallhunds (Swedish cattle dogs possibly brought to Pembrokeshire by the Vikings) or from the ancestors of the present-day Schipperkes and Pomeranians that were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers.

In the 1920's Corgis were recognized as purebred dogs in the United Kingdom. In 1934 the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis were recognized by the English Kennel Club as separate breeds. American Kennel Club recognition of the two distinct breeds also occurred in that same year.

Pembrokes are sensitive and intelligent dogs. They are easily trained as long as training is done with gentle handling and without severe physical correction. They are healthy and long-lived dogs and are excellent companions for either rural or urban families.

Many thanks to The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America for this history of the breed.