Corgi Tales

Animal Planet's Dogs 101: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Animal Planet is doing a series on Dogs called Dogs 101.   I was looking forward to their segment on the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.    

A little bit of history before I continue with this post.   I love dogs.   I don't think there can be a bad dog, but there can be bad owners.   My first childhood introduction to my own dog was a beautiful Norweign Elkhound (aka Taffy), some mixed breeds (Kimo, Tasha, Puma, Nike) and a Pomeranian (Muneco).     I loved them all, hence my love for dogs.

While for the most part it was a decent segment, they seemed to focus on dancing Corgis.   I'm not opposed to dogs that dance, but the way they portrayed this breed with nothing short (no pun intended) of making them look like toy dogs or the kind of dog you might see in a circus act, like a stereotypical poodle or a purse-riding chihuahua.     I just don't think they did the Corgi-kind justice for anyone that isn't familiar about the breed or planning to adopt a canine for their home.

The online segment is not the full show that you catch when they air it.  There are some beautiful and smart Corgi that dance and I'm sure the owner is amazing with them and should be nothing less than proud of them and herself.   However, there is much more to this breed to demonstrate and show than just these talents.   

Check it out for yourself with this link: Animal Planet's Dogs 101: Pembroke Welsh Corgi you be the judge.   Maybe I'm just ultra-sensitive about the Pembroke's representation.   Maybe :) 

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Why A Corgi?

There are so many things to love about a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.  I wouldn't even try to list it all.  But having adopted three of my own, I feel I can offer some of these personal insights:

• Corgis have short legs, but they are full-sized dogs with a big dog attitude.  There is nothing wimpy about this breed.   They are not toy or lap dogs (although they may not mind sitting or lying in your lap).

• Corgis have a good "big dog" bark, which is important if your corgi is your home's watch dog.

• Corgis display a kind of "wise-beyond-their-years" aura as they reach maturity.  They learn very quickly and their temperments display a sense of always wanting to please you.

• Corgis love people.  They are very social and nothing makes their ears press down against their heads and their imaginary tails wag faster than meeting new people and children.

• Adult Corgis grow to be a good size that I can still manage.   I can still pick them up, transport them easily in a car and are the perfect size for smaller living quarters like apartments or condos.    The adults are heavy enough not to have to worry about large predatory birds whisking them away (as predatory birds can easily do with smaller breeds or puppies!).

• Corgis have at least two main shedding seasons a year, but they seemingly shed ALL year!   Regular grooming sessions help keep the accumulation of a lot of excess shedding hair down, but they have a healthy body of fur.  

• Corgis love to sleep on their backs.  It's absolutely adorable and comical.

• Corgis will delight you with a type of yodel noise they make when they stretch.

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Please note:  I am by no means inferring that I am Pembroke Welsh Corgi expert.  These are my opinions and insights on this breed I have come to love so well because of my own.

What does "Corgi" mean?

The word Corgi is a rather interesting accumulation of alphabets. Does it have an origin or meaning?

"Cor" in Welsh means "to watch over or to gather"

"gi" comes from a Welsh word for dog.

And as we know, Corgis are of the herding group breeds (not the toy class!).   They are full-sized dogs with short legs.  They are herders and may instinctually nip at your ankles.   They are small cattle herders and will try to herd not only livestock, but other dogs and children too!