Celebrating The Welsh Corgi

March 1st National Welsh Corgi Day! Loveable, fun, and affectionate, the Welsh Corgi is an amazing pet, and definitely one worth celebrating. A vet talks about these lovable, fluffy pups in this article.

Basics

The Corgi is a small dog with a lot of heart. As the name suggests, Fido is originally from Wales. His name is derived from the words Cor, which means dwarf, and Ci, which means dog. Like many other herding dogs, these little pooches are smart as a whip. They’re also playful, loyal, and lovable, and have a real way of melting the hearts of pretty much anybody they meet.

Double Vision

There are two types of Welsh Corgis: Pembroke and Cardigan. Both were named for the Welsh counties where their lines originated. They are very similar in appearance and personality, though the Cardigan has a slightly longer body, and a bigger head. However, some key differences exist between them. For instance, eye problems are much more prevalent in the Pembroke pups. And of the two, the Pembroke is the more popular, in good part because of the status and visibility they achieved as beloved pets of England’s Queen Elizabeth II.

Royal Dogs

As mentioned above, Corgis were Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II favorite dogs. This love story started back in the 30’s, when Prince Albert purchased a pooch named Rozavel Golden Eagle, or Dookie for short. The pup immediately charmed the socks off the royal family in true Corgi fashion. Princess Elizabeth soon got Susan, her own Pembroke Corgi. (Fun fact: Susan was in the royal carriage with the Queen at her marriage to Prince Phillip, hidden under some rugs.) The Queen always had at least one Corgi between 1933 and 2018. However, in 2015, she stopped breeding them, so as not to leave any bereaved pups behind when she passed.

Celebrepups

The Corgi’s most widely-known fan may well be the Queen, but she isn’t the only one. Other celebrities that have chosen these sweet, charming pooches include Keifer Sutherland, Steven King, and the recently-deceased and much beloved Betty White.

Corgis Onscreen

Corgis have been featured in several books, movies, and plays. Fido had a starring role in The Queen’s Corgi. He’s also appeared in Little Dog Lost and, more recently, Cowboy Bebop and Infinity Train, the animated series.

Do you have more questions about Corgi care? Contact us, your animal clinic, anytime!