Pembroke Welsh Corgi Checks? The 13 New Answer

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular herding breed[1] and is quite well known. This breed is famous for being owned by royalty, and it’s easy to see why they’ve surged in popularity – Pembroke Welsh Corgis have many desirable traits that make them not only excellent herders but also loving family pets . Not to be confused with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, they share some similar traits but they have a few key identifying features to tell them apart. This wikiHow will help you to know if a dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or not.

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What makes the Corgi so endearing to thousands of dog lovers worldwide? Could it be her loving, playful nature? Or maybe because they are so smart and alert?

Maybe it’s that big dog/small dog look as they have the head and body of a much larger dog but with very short legs giving them a slightly odd look that is heart warming.

It’s probably all of these reasons and more! But whatever it is, the Corgi has truly captured our hearts as its popularity only grows with each passing year.

It must be said that Queen Elizabeth II played a part in increasing their popularity as corgis have been a royal favorite since 1933 when King George VI brought one home. Then, in 1944, Princess Elizabeth received a Corgi named Susan as a present from her father for her 18th birthday. Since then she has owned around 30, all descended from Susan. Most are purebred Corgis, but some are crossed with the Dachshund to create Dorgis!

We often refer to these noble dogs as Corgis, but some people don’t realize that there are two distinct Corgi breeds; the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Queen has always preferred the former of these two, possibly resulting in them ranking higher on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are 13th out of two hundred, while Cardigans are 68th.

In this article we will focus on the different coat colors of these two breeds. As we delve into the world of dog colors and genetics, we’ll come across some terms that you may not be familiar with, so we’ll do our best to keep it simple and explain things as we go along.

How many colors do corgis come in?

Well, that seems like a simple question, but we have to point out that there are standard colors and non-standard Corgi colors.

Why is this? Well, it all comes down to conformation.

All purebred dogs are regulated by kennel clubs, or societies formed specifically to oversee a particular breed. These groups publish a set of breed standards that set rules for how the dog should look. This includes coat color, eye color, average weight and height, and so on.

The problem is that different groups often set different breed standards, so it depends on who you go to for information.

The good news is, if you don’t enter your dog in shows, it really doesn’t matter! Your dog can be any color you want. The important thing is that it is healthy.

You may be wondering why they restrict certain colors? Most of the time it’s about keeping the traditional form… to keep the breed from dying out. However, certain colors are discouraged because the genes that create them are believed to cause adverse health effects. We’ll get into that in more detail later, but first we’ll try to answer the question.

AKC Corgi colors

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are nine official “standard” colors and six other “non-standard” colors. The latter are tolerated but would likely be grounds for disqualification in the show ring. These standards are supported and enforced by groups such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Oddly enough, all of the non-standard colors are found in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi while none are listed in the Pembroke.

When it comes to markings (spots, spots, or spots of color on the dog’s coat that differ from the base color), the AKC allows the Pembroke to have only white and nothing else. However, the Cardigan Corgi is allowed to have seven. No permits are allowed outside of these markings for either breed.

The AKC and other organizations not only regulate colors, but also determine the extent and location of each color or mark. For example, if a dog has too much white or ticks and spots in the “wrong place” they will be denied a loop at the show!

So how many Corgi colors are there? It’s fifteen, according to the AKC.

We’ll explore these in more detail, answering some of your questions along the way.

So what are these “official” Corgi colors? We’ve broken them down by race to make it clearer…

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Colors

standard colors

• fawn

• Sable

• Black and tanned

• Red

markings

• White marks

Although the above colors are given as one word, suggesting that the dog’s coat is solid color, there is no such thing as a solid color Corgi! At least none that are recorded. These were once fairly common in the past, but have been phased out over many generations through selective breeding.

The colors listed above all have white markings.

Sweater Welsh Corgi Colours

standard colors

• Red and white

• Brindle and white

• Black and white

• Sable and white

• Blue Merle and White

Non-standard colors

• White Merle

• Gray and White

• Sable Merle and White

• Red Merle and White

• liver and white

• Brindle Merle and White

markings

• Checked

• Brindle points

• Brindle dots and ticked

• Black mask

• Tanning points

• Light brown dots and ticked

• Black mask and ticked

Under these different colors, you might see some unfamiliar words, so let’s take a moment to explain them.

A Sable Corgi has hair that is lighter at the base and darker at the top. Think of the German Shepherd’s coat and you’ll have an idea of ​​what it looks like. Sable is more of a pattern than an actual color.

Brindle is another pattern, sometimes called tiger stripes because of the tight bands of darker and lighter colors in the fur. It’s more subtle than tiger stripes as the colors are blended. It is often found as darker banding over a red coat, although the shades vary widely.

Merle Corgis can be blue, red, or chocolate in color. Again, this is more of a pattern than true color, resulting in a mottled effect on the fur. The gene that creates this pattern is also responsible for skin and eye pigmentation, so merle dogs can have differently colored skin and blue eyes, or even one blue and one brown eye!

The merle gene has been linked to certain health conditions, such as deafness and eye problems, which is why some breeders and breed associations are warning against buying it.

A ticked coat has small spot patterns on a white background. This usually denotes the color they would have been if white had not been present.

When it comes to color, the spots are simply parts of the dog’s body, such as hips, muzzle, withers, shoulder, etc. We need to be careful here because skin spots are different relative to the foot pads, eyelids, lips, and nose.

Finally, the mask is exactly what you might think: it’s the coloring around the dog’s eyes and muzzle that makes him look like he’s wearing a mask, or sometimes a raccoon!

Before we venture further into Corgi colors, let’s pause to examine the two breeds so we can get to know them better.

Pembroke vs Cardigan

It’s a good idea to start with a quick comparison between the two breeds just to give us a clear picture of the differences and similarities.

We’ll start with her name, Corgi, which is said to come from the Celtic meaning of dwarf dog. The other names, Pembroke and Cardigan, refer to the regions of Wales where the breeds originated. Both are hardy breeds that were developed as herding dogs in the rugged Welsh hills. They were purposely bred to be low to the ground with the ability to scurry between livestock and hot on the heels of anyone who lags behind or strays off the path.

Despite the similarities and closeness of the regions, they are not thought to be related, although humans are known to have interbred at different times. Because of this, the two were considered a single breed until 1934.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two, having existed for at least a thousand years, but their ancestors may have been found as early as 1200 BC. Brought to Britain.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was probably brought to England by Flemish weavers in the early 12th century.

But what is the difference between them?

Let’s take a look!

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Weight Height at withers Life Expectancy Male 30-38 pounds 10.5-12.5 inches 12-15 years Female 25-34 pounds 10.5-12.5 inches 12-15 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight Height at withers Life Expectancy Male 22-32 pounds 10-12 inches 12-13 years Female 22-29 pounds 10-12 inches 12-13 years

In truth, there isn’t much difference in their size, although cardigans are usually slightly larger. This is because they have a thicker, denser bone structure with an exaggerated curvature of the front legs. They also have rounded ears, while the Pembroke has pointed ears.

Both breeds are very affectionate and love to cuddle – even if every dog ​​is different! The Pembroke is more likely to dive straight into a situation as they are more outgoing. The cardigan is more relaxed and will evaluate things before moving on.

Cardigans aren’t as energetic as the Pembroke either, but they won’t turn down a long walk if the opportunity arises.

Both are happy dogs with a good sense of humor and sometimes mischief. Overall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is more adaptable and independent, while the Pembroke enjoys every second they spend with you – they just want to be by your side the whole time!

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk more about Corgi colors.

Corgi color genetics

Don’t worry – we won’t get too technical!

As with any other breed of dog, Corgi colors are created by two pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The first, eumelanin, is responsible for any black in the coat and color in the eyes and nose.

Phaeomelanin creates red tones, but only in the fur.

So how do we get such a variety of colors? It’s all down to the genes each puppy inherits from their parents. Some genes are dominant while others are recessive, meaning certain genes override others.

There are only eight genes that affect coat color, and they tell cells to produce eumelanin, phaeomelanin, or no pigment at all (which is why dogs have white coats or blue eyes!). These genes also affect the amount of pigment produced, making the shade either darker or lighter.

Of course, the topic of genetics is much more complex, but we don’t need to get bogged down in it! What we’ve learned here is more than enough to help us understand the subject for now.

What is the most common Corgi color?

The red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi is by far the most common, possibly due to Queen Elizabeth’s influence as these are her favourites.

However, the reds can vary widely, with some darker and some much lighter…so bright it’s called a fawn.

Is there a black and white corgi?

Yes! However, only in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, since the black and white color is not visible in the Pembroke. Look closely, however, and you’ll see tiny markings of other colors – it’s almost impossible to find an all black and white Corgi.

Many people think that these dogs look like a short-legged Border Collie!

Tricolor Corgi

Photo by: @theo__the__corgi

People often ask if the tri-colored Corgi is rare, and while it’s true that you don’t see as many as the red and white version, there are still plenty of them out there. Just go to a corgi show and you’ll see them lined up proudly waiting for their bows!

As you guessed, tricolor means tricolor and refers to the black and white coat with the addition of tan around the mask, legs, and ears. It’s a gorgeous look, and you can get black-headed tri-colored or red-headed tri-colored corgis.

These are identified by the color of the fur on their ears rather than the color of their head. A redhead tri might have mostly black fur on their head!

Corgi gradient

As with many other dog breeds, a Welsh Corgi puppy will change color as it matures. This is called a gradient, and it can be quite a dramatic change.

Corgi puppies typically have darker coats that lighten as they develop and the colors begin to blend. Sable puppies often fade to red and white, and the markings can change significantly.

Corgi colors can be difficult to predict by looking at the puppy, but experienced breeders can usually give an idea of ​​what they might look like when fully grown.

Rare corgi colors

Photo by: @pchelkacorgi

Sable is the rarest of all Corgi colors and can be difficult to identify at times – many Sable Corgis are misidentified as Red Corgis. As we have already explained, sable is more of a pattern than a color. This can give the dog a black sheen on the back and head, sometimes forming what is known as a widow’s peak, a V-shaped line on the top of the head that slopes down slightly between the eyes.

All Merle Corgis are fairly rare, especially Red Merles. Because of the fascinating way genes affect a dog’s coat color, a Red Merle Corgi is actually a liver colored dog with the merle gene. Liver is a diluted form of black.

White Merle Corgis are stunning, with a white base coat, gray marbled pattern, black markings, and mesmerizing blue eyes.

Blue Merle Corgis are rare and beautiful. They can have a gray mottled or piebald pattern with darker spots. Blue Merle Corgis often have blue eyes or even just one blue eye and one brown eye. They also sometimes have pink patches on their noses known as butterfly patterns.

Note that the merle gene is never found in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. A breeder who sells Merle Pems has definitely produced a mixed breed, likely through the use of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These will not be purebred Pembrokes and it would be best to avoid any breeder who does not openly address this fact.

Do corgis have blue eyes?

Photo by: @georgie_the_blue_eyed_corgi

Both Corgi breeds can have blue eyes and all puppies are born with them. However, these usually darken to a brown color as the dog ages. Most will attain their true, permanent eye color by the time they are twelve weeks old.

Sometimes a rare genetic mutation causes puppies to retain blue eye color, and in most cases this does not affect their health or physical appearance. The only problem you will have is if you plan on raising your Corgi as a show dog. AKC breed standards state that Pembroke Corgis should have dark eyes that match their coat. Black eyes will be considered a “fatal fault” leading to immediate disqualification.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis can only have blue eyes (or one blue and one brown eye) if they have the merle gene.

If you don’t plan on showing your dog, no problem!

The only reason to be concerned is if a breeder is mating two Merle dogs as this can result in serious health issues including deafness and eye problems. If your pup carries the merle gene, you need to be careful about choosing a mate if you plan on breeding them.

Caring for your Corgi’s coat

Both breeds have a double coat with a thick, furry undercoat beneath the topcoat’s weatherproof topcoats. It’s this dense undercoat that will cover your entire home in spring and fall when molting season arrives, and they’ll “puff up their fur”! And they sure lose a lot of it.

This is triggered by changes in the amount of daylight rather than air temperature, so your dog may shed at different times depending on their location. In general, your dog will start shedding his thick winter coat as the days get longer. Dogs that spend more time indoors shed fairly evenly throughout the year.

You can keep all that loose fur under control by brushing your dog regularly and using the right tools.

Brush them about 3 times a week, preferably with a slicker brush. You’ll likely need to increase this to every day during molting season, which lasts anywhere from two to four weeks in spring and fall. Regular brushing also distributes natural oils throughout the dog’s coat, reducing the likelihood of tangles. Tangled fur can be painful and also increases the risk of skin infections.

Bathing your pup about every six to 10 weeks will also help reduce loose hair, and it has the added benefit of keeping your dog smelling nice! If possible, use a special depilatory shampoo as this will help brush out the dead hair.

As long as your dog is still damp (not soaking wet! Wipe him off a bit beforehand), you can gently brush out loose fur. Alternatively, use a high-powered hair dryer (if your dog is okay with it!) to brush the loose hairs out of the dog’s coat, being careful not to touch his skin or let the dryer get too hot.

Hair loss is a natural process, but always be on the lookout for sudden or excessive hair loss as it could be a sign that something is wrong.

One of the best ways to keep your furry friend’s coat healthy is through a balanced diet. Good dog food doesn’t have to be expensive, and some dog lovers make their own at home.

As long as it’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and a mix of vegetables, grains, meats, and fruits, you should be fine.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids strengthen hair follicles and keep skin elastic, keeping skin and coat healthy and reducing hair loss.

Your dog’s coat is an excellent indicator of its overall health. If it’s dull, with scaly skin or thin patches of hair, then the dog could be malnourished or maybe have an allergy.

If you notice your dog’s coat is lackluster or shedding more hair than usual, take him to the vet for a check-up. With a few dietary adjustments or some medication, your pooch will soon have a healthy, shiny coat again.

Stress is another cause of hair loss in dogs and this is often due to boredom. Many people don’t realize how energetic the Corgi dog is. They need at least an hour of exercise every day to use up that energy and stimulate their mind. This combination of physical activity and mental stimulation is essential to their health.

That being said, you should take your dog to the vet regularly to make sure everything is okay. Use your grooming sessions to check for lumps, infection, or signs of flea or tick bites.

Does fur color matter?

If you plan to bring your dog into the show ring, then it doesn’t matter! As we’ve learned, the rules and breed standards are strict, and your dog has a fair chance of being disqualified if it’s the wrong color.

Also, your dog may not make it if their coat is too long. Serious! Some Corgis have a gene that causes their hair to be extra long and these are known as Fluffies. This will be considered a “fatal fault” and your dog will be removed from the show ring.

Still, that doesn’t seem to have put people off. Being rare and being cute and fluffy, its popularity is increasing and people are actively searching for it.

Some breeders are happy to sell them as pets, after all, that’s the point.

This point brings us back to the question of whether or not color is important when choosing your dog. If you want your new Corgi pup to be a spoiled family pet, color doesn’t matter.

You might have a preference after seeing photos of the stunning White Merles or Red Sables, and that’s entirely up to you. You need not fear reprisals from the AKC or the PWCCA as their restrictions, disqualifications and fatal errors are irrelevant to you!

Your biggest concern is the breeder you choose. Avoid anyone promoting rare Corgi colors. They use it as a marketing ploy to increase the price. Find a reputable breeder by reading reviews and testimonials from happy Corgi owners. Contact the breeder and see what puppies they have or what litters are coming in the future. They will have a good idea of ​​what the puppies will be like as they are experts in the field.

However, don’t get too fixated on the color. Unless you’re willing to wait a year or two for the right dog, try to be flexible.

When you see your chosen pup, remember that his color will change! It may be registered as one color, but those shades and markings will change drastically over the next few months.

If you do happen to get a Merle Corgi, your choice of breeder is even more important. And if you are planning on breeding your dog when he is older then it is important that you seek professional advice on the matter and avoid breeding him to another Merle dog.

Who knew Corgi colors could be so complicated?

In the end, the most important thing is that your dog is as happy and healthy as possible, regardless of their color and coat length. And that responsibility is yours. It’s your job to give them the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation. It’s up to you to give them a healthy, balanced diet and you need to make sure they are groomed regularly to keep their coat in excellent condition.

In addition, you need to check their ears and eyes and brush their teeth. Many dog ​​owners are unaware that dental problems can cause serious health problems for dogs!

Owning a dog is a privilege and must be taken seriously.

It’s good to get a dog in a color you love, but each and every one of them deserves the chance to thrive in a happy, loving home.

Research in the field of degenerative myelopathy with a special focus on corgis

By Bobbie Mayer PhD, USA

There is so much confusion about what is known about Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and what is known is changing rapidly, that I wanted to write this article to summarize the current (2014) research on this disease specifically in Corgis.

background

DM has been known as a disease for over fifty years and was first officially characterized in German Shepherds, leading many to believe it to be a German Shepherd disease. In fact, however, it is more common in other breeds, including corgis. It can be most common in Pembroke Welsh Corgis, although some vets aren’t even aware it’s a possible diagnosis. It is also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy or CDRM.

In the 90s, Dr. Joan Coates of the University of Missouri, along with numerous colleagues, started a project to study DM in corgis and boxers. The research was sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America. Corgi and Boxer owners were asked to send in blood samples from dogs with DM and dogs without DM, and eventually also to donate tissue samples, including spinal cords, from deceased dogs.

Breakthrough – the gene has been found

In 2008, researchers made a breakthrough – they found a gene associated with DM! Because DM is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) that affects humans, they had looked for a gene in the same region where a gene that causes ALS was found.

They found that both Boxers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis with DM had two copies (AA) of a mutated gene for SOD1, the superoxide dismutase enzyme responsible for destroying free radicals. Normal dogs (no DM) had either two unmutated copies (GG) or one each (AG), but could also have two copies (AA) and no DM. (Note: OFA labels the genes with NN instead of GG and AN instead of AG.)

Although many dogs that tested for AA did not have DM, as the dogs got older, the likelihood that an AA dog would have DM increased.

Researchers developed a DNA test, originally only available from OFA, to test for the mutated genes. The test, now available from other unlicensed labs, is a simple cheek swab, although a blood test can also be done.

What do the genetic test results mean?

When you send in a sample to be tested, you will receive one of three possible results.

Klar-GG

Carrier AG

Endangered or Affected – AA

Clear means that this corgi does not carry the gene for DM and can be bred to any other dog and the offspring cannot get DM.

Carrier means that the Corgi can father offspring with DM if mated to another carrier or an At Risk Corgi, but will not get a DM itself. (Although very small numbers of carriers with DM have been found in other breeds, none have been found in corgis, so the chances that a carrier could get DM are very, very small, if not zero.) There was some speculation at first whether a carrier who lived long enough could get DM, but no carrier corgis with DM have been identified at this time.

Endangered (affected) means the Corgi has the potential to develop DM. We will later discuss how many At Risk Corgis are likely to develop DM.

Further research

The first research publication left many questions unanswered. What Percentage of At Risk Corgis Get DM?

What triggers the onset of DM?

How can we breed to reduce DM without unduly narrowing the gene pool?

How can we prevent DM?

How can we treat DM? Some of these questions are about to be answered.

Characterization of the disease process

In 2010, the group of Dr. Coates published a paper that further characterized the disease. They found that the mean age of onset in Pems is 10.9 years and they reported that the mean time onset (onset to euthanasia) in smaller dogs such as corgis, which could be more easily cared for after they can no longer walk, was 19 years was months. However, this does not mean that the corgi died of DM at 19 months, it does mean that this was the average age at which, for whatever reason, euthanasia was chosen. (A later report from Japan, where DM corgis are still maintained by the disease, included corgis surviving up to 48 months with DM.)

As Corgi owners who have had dogs with DM already know, once the hind legs were affected by DM, the trunk and front legs would eventually become involved as well, eventually leading to quadriplegia and respiratory failure. Some of the Japanese corgis cared for late into the illness suffered from shortness of breath.

In this paper, written for veterinarians, they also noted that other possible diseases that can mimic DM include cauda equine (lumbosacral disease), intervertebral disc disease (Type II, non-acute), spinal cord cancer, and degenerative joint disease. A diagnosis of DM cannot be confirmed without ruling out these other possible causes (ideally by MRI rather than just X-rays). This is an important point because if someone thinks their Corgi has DM, or even has a vet diagnosis, but the dog is under eight years old or has Clear or Carrier status, the dog most likely has one of these other diseases, from most of which are treatable.

Several other published works describe the disease process at the cellular level and are beyond the scope of this discussion.

What percentage do you get DM?

This question remains unanswered, but some information is available.

Some At Risk Corgis have reached advanced years (14 and older) and their spinal cords have been donated for research and no signs of DM have been found. For example, a Corgi breeder had At Risk littermates, one of whom developed DM at age 13, the other who was euthanized at 14 years with no evidence of DM. Other breeders have found the same thing, that is, being related and willing to take risks is not an indicator of developing DM or not.

However, in 2014, the researchers published a paper reporting the results of an owner survey. They had sent questionnaires to owners whose corgis were DNA tested before the age of 8 but whose corgis were now over 10 years old. This gave us the first rough measure of what percentage of at-risk pems would develop DM.

Survey results were obtained from 17 Welsh Pembroke Corgi owners. One GG (Clear) had no clinical signs of DM, as expected. Six AG (Carrier) also had no clinical signs of DM. Out of ten AA (At Risk) Pems, 7 had no clinical signs of DM and 3 had clinical signs of DM.

This information suggests that approximately 30% receive DM, but this number should be used with caution for several reasons. It could be higher since more of the 7 now without DM could develop it with age, or it could be lower if owners with DM in their lineage had tested or responded to the survey sooner. Since the survey size is quite small, there is a lot of room for error. However, it IS clear that it is not a small percentage, but it is not 100% either.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis were also included in the survey but only 1 Clear and 4 Carriers were included in the response, all of which were without signs of DM (as expected).

Thanks to owners who continue to donate corgi blood and tissue samples, researchers may be able to find a difference that predicts whether or not an at-risk corgi may or may not develop DM.

breed

How to breed away from DM remains a controversial topic. Statistics published by the OFA state that 52% of Pembroke Welsh Corgis tested are At Risk (AA), 37% are Carrier (AG) and 11% are Clear (GG). These statistics have not improved significantly since the test first became available almost five years ago and now represent the results of over 2000 Pems (mostly in the United States). The extremely high frequency of the gene mutation means that it is nowhere near as easy as eliminating all dogs with the mutation from a breeding program. Even in the US that would destroy the breed and probably create other problems.

If all European test results were released we would have a better idea of ​​the magnitude of the DM problem here in the US.

Ideally, all At Risk and Carrier Pems should be bred to Clear Pems. But even that causes problems with only 11% clear. A breeder with an At Risk or Carrier bitch can have a very difficult time finding a suitable Clear dog and vice versa.

Here are the possible breeds and their statistical results:

From risk to risk, all puppies are at risk

Vulnerable for Carrier – 50% Vulnerable, 50% Carrier

At Risk to Clear – all puppies will be carriers

Carrier to carrier – 25% risk, 50% carrier, 25% free

Carrier to Clear – 50% carrier, 50% clear

Clear to Clear – 100% clear

Clear Pup – cannot develop or pass on DM. Clear Pup – cannot develop or pass on DM

Currently, any breed producing less than 50% At Risk is probably acceptable, including carrier to carrier. Carrier to Carrier can produce At Risk, but only at 25% overall, and can produce Clear at a higher percentage (25%) than they are currently in population.

For a breeder who is trying to improve the breed but is willing to take a risk, Carrier to Carrier is an acceptable breed. However, unless one parent is Clear, a breed can produce At Risk puppies.

What would help with this problem is for all breeders to test their breeding stock and make all clear males publicly known and available for breeding with acceptable quality carriers and endangered females. Finding these clear males to sire litters is critical to breeding away from DM.

If owners of Clear bitches were to breed them to the best At-Risk males, it would be a way to get great lines without producing At-Risk puppies.

It is also very important to make puppy buyers aware that a carrier puppy is a good pet and will not get a DM and to reserve any breed quality clears as breeding pigs. If you, as a breeder, don’t choose to breed a specific Clear that is otherwise perfectly decent, make them available to someone who needs them.

Another Clear Puppy Another Clear Puppy

What triggers the occurrence of DM and how can we prevent it?

Nobody knows – not yet. It can be genetic, and a test can be developed for the factor that makes the difference. It can be environmental or it can be a combination of reasons. At the moment we don’t know how to prevent it or predict which vulnerable dogs will get it.

A few things have been suggested as triggering signs of DM. One is anesthesia, the other is castration. However, it is extremely unlikely that these have anything to do with DM beyond coincidence.

Like all organisms, humans are genetically programmed to look for cause and effect in things. Our survival depends on it. Saber-toothed tiger bites someone, he dies. We conclude that we should avoid saber-toothed tigers. The woolly mammoth is trampling on someone, and we decided to stay away from trampled mammoths.

But while we’re programmed to believe that if A precedes B, A caused B, that’s not always—or even usually—true. There are many reasons why it can’t be true. For example, A and B can be caused by the same thing, or it can just be coincidence. In the case of anesthesia and DM, I think coincidence explains the cases where anesthesia seemed to hasten DM.

In fact, DM starts before you see any visible signs of a problem. A breeder who still shows and walks a Corgi in competition may notice a subtle change in gait. An owner who runs a Corgi in agility may notice slower times or ticking jumps. These signs can appear up to a year before the classic foot dragging that usually signals the onset of DM. Only when enough nerve cells are affected do the obvious signs of DM appear. So, a castration or teeth cleaning performed a few weeks prior to witnessing foot pulling is actually taking place long after DM has actually begun its disease process.

Some people have speculated that it is an environmental factor that “turns on” DM. Nobody knows. (Although a small percentage of ALS is known to run in families, 90% occur with no known genetic predisposition, so are likely to be environmental.)

I know of at least one case where littermates, both at risk, raised and living together for life, had mixed outcomes (one developed DM and one did not). In another case, the littermate who stayed with the breeder and was well fed and maintained at a healthy weight by good veterinary care got DM, the overweight and less well cared for sibling did not.

prevent DM

At this point, the only known way to prevent DM is to not produce at-risk puppies.

treat DM

There are only two proposed treatments for DM that have been published.

The one from Dr. Clemmon’s proposed diet and supplementation was widely publicized. Unfortunately, he never released any data showing it worked or had any effect on DM. He has made the claim several times, but has not backed it up scientifically. A group of researchers tried to find out if it worked and found no effect, but the study had flaws. Few dogs were studied and the only criterion was “time to euthanasia”, which is a decision of the owner and not objective. Some individuals claim that the diet works, others have seen no effect, and likely this is based on individual differences in the speed at which dogs with DM progress and not the diet itself.

The other suggested treatment is canine rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy or physiotherapy). Published work showed that the time to euthanasia was longer in dogs undergoing controlled therapy. Again, however, the study is flawed because time to euthanasia is not a useful measure. However, many owners have reported that exercise and therapy for their dogs has helped them stay mobile (in or out of a cart) longer. It is almost certain that the dog will remain healthier as the disease progresses.

Tests on potential pharmaceutical treatments for DM could begin in the relatively near future. While this is promising, it should be noted that no particularly useful drugs have been found for ALS.

More information and useful links:

Corgis on Wheels Book:

http://www.corgiaid.org/cart/corgisonwheels

Information about DM and the DNA test:

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/mainDM.htm

OFA link to purchase the DNA test:

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

For DNA tests in Europe: http://laboklin.de/

July 2014

www.welshcorgi-news.ch 11.01.2021

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Corgis What is Degenerative Myelopathy?

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The breeds most commonly affected include German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Irish Setters and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. The disease typically begins insidiously between the ages of 8 and 14 years. It starts with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind legs. The affected dog wobbles when walking, falls over, or drags its feet. This can occur first on one hind limb and then affect the other. As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the dog begins to buckle and have difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog can no longer walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. If symptoms progress over a period of time, there may be a loss of urinary and fecal continence and eventually weakness in the forelimbs will develop. Another key feature of DM is that it is not a painful disease.

Degenerative myelopathy is a devastating and heartbreaking disease that causes progressive paralysis in a large number of dog breeds. New research has identified a gene linked to a significant increase in disease risk.

Pembroke Corgis are generally between 8 and 14 years old when the disease begins, but it can progress quickly – leaving your Corgi unable to walk by 6 to 12 months. The only plus of this condition is that the nerves that control pain disappear along with the nerves that control movement, so your corgi won’t experience any physical pain from it.

For cardigans, the onset of DM seems to be a little later, typically around 12 to around 15 years of age.

However, most corgis are young by the time they are 10, 11 and 12 so it is very distressing to be diagnosed with DM and many corgis seem very upset that they are no longer able to move around very well.

Subscribing to the Wheelcorgi list will give you an idea of ​​what people are going through. That DM is indeed a devastating disease is also borne out by the fact that there is an annual Rad Corgi calendar sold in aid of CorgiAid.

What is the cause of degenerative myelopathy?

The exact cause of DM is unknown. Genetics likely play an important role in the disease as it is only common in certain dog breeds and follows a stereotypical pattern with age of onset and clinical symptoms.

We know that the disease begins with the spinal cord in the chest area. If we look under the microscope at this area of ​​the spinal cord of a dog who has died of DM, we see degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. The white matter contains the fibers that carry movement commands from the brain to the limbs and sensory information from the limbs to the brain. This degeneration consists of both demyelination (sloughing off of the insulation from these fibers) and axon loss (loss of the fibers themselves).

How is DM diagnosed?

Degenerative myelopathy is an elimination diagnosis. With diagnostic tests such as myelography and MRI, we look for other causes of weakness. Once we’ve ruled them out, we end up with a presumptive diagnosis of DM. However, the only way to confirm this suspicion is to examine the spinal cord under a microscope during an autopsy (autopsy). There are characteristic degenerative changes in the spinal cord that tell us it is DM and not some other spinal cord disease.

What can cause similar symptoms?

Any disease affecting the dog’s spinal cord can cause similar signs of loss of coordination and weakness. Since many of these diseases can be treated effectively, it is important to do the necessary testing to ensure that the dog does not have any of these diseases. The most common cause of hind leg weakness is slipped discs (herniated discs). The intervertebral discs are shock absorbers between the back bones. If they rupture, they can cause pressure on the spinal cord and weakness or paralysis. All short-legged dogs (Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, Basset Hound, etc.) are prone to herniated discs. A herniated disc can usually be detected with special X-rays of the spine (myelogram), but more advanced tests, such as a CT or MRI scan, are sometimes needed. Even dogs with severe herniated discs can often be helped with an operation if diagnosed early.

Spinal cord infections can also cause weakness or paralysis. A spinal tap, usually done at the time of myelography, can help detect inflammation of the spinal cord. Other diseases we consider are tumors, cysts, injuries and strokes. The combination of myelogram, spinal tap and possibly CT or MRI allows us to diagnose most of these diseases.

How do we treat degenerative myelopathy?

There are no treatments that have been conclusively shown to stop or slow the progression of DM. Although there are a number of approaches that have been tried or recommended around the internet, there is no scientific evidence that they work. The prospects for a dog with DM are still serious. Things that can improve the dog’s quality of life include good grooming, physical therapy, pressure ulcer prevention, monitoring for UTIs, and ways to increase mobility through the use of harnesses and carts.

Caution: Never hold or attempt to hold up a DM dog by its tail!!! This can do a lot of harm to a DM dog!! Holding up, supporting, or lifting a DM dog by the tail can break the tail. Please do not do this to your DM dog. By doing this you are putting your dog in great danger and danger. DM is a terribly destructive disease without complicating it with ignorant and thoughtless actions.

DNA test for DM

dr Gary Johnson of the Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory and Dr. Joan Coates of the University of Missouri’s Comparative Neurology Program and Dr. Claire Wade and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh of the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard and their colleagues have identified a DNA mutation that is a major risk factor for developing degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

A DNA test for DM is now available for Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, as well as some other breeds. This test is available through the OFA (Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals). The test clearly identifies dogs that are clear, those that are carriers, and those that are at much higher risk of developing DM. Obviously other factors are involved as well, as not all dogs with 2 mutated copies of the gene will develop DM (or perhaps die of something else before developing DM).

Explanation of DNA test results

Regular (N/N)

This dog is homozygous N/N, with two normal copies of the gene. This dog can only pass the normal gene to its offspring and will not develop DM.

Forwarder (A/N)

This dog is heterozygous A/N, with one mutated copy of the gene and one normal copy of the gene, and is classified as a carrier. This dog does not develop DM but can pass either the normal gene or the mutated gene to its offspring.

Endangered (A/A)

This dog is homozygous A/A with two mutated copies of the gene and is at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy (DM). Research has shown that all dogs in the research study with confirmed DM had A/A DNA test results, however not all dogs tested as A/A showed clinical signs of DM. DM is typically a late onset disease, and dogs that test as A/A and are clinically normal may still show signs of the disease as they age. Some dogs that test A/A do not show clinical signs of DM until age 15. Research is ongoing to estimate what percentage of dogs that test A/A will develop DM within their lifetime. At this point, the mutation can only be interpreted to mean that it will develop DM over the course of the animal’s life. In dogs showing clinical signs consistent with a diagnosis of DM, affected (A/A) test results can be used as an additional tool to support the diagnosis of DM. Dogs that test At-Risk (A/A) can only pass the mutated gene to their offspring.

This late onset is why dogs that have two genes for DM are described as “at risk” rather than “affected,” as many dogs that test at “at risk” may die of another problem before they are old enough to develop symptoms of DM.

It is important to note that there are a large number of dogs that have been tested as genetically affected but are reported as clinically normal by their owners. It may be that many of these dogs develop clinical symptoms as they age, or that the mutation never manifests itself in these dogs.

The DNA marker for DM in dogs is the same genetic marker that is known to cause ALS (Lous Gerrig disease) in some people.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi At Risk 53.7% Carrier 33.8% Clear 12.6% Total Tested 4119 Cardigan Welsh Corgi At Risk 17.1% Carrier 34.8% Clear 48% Total Tested 735 OFA results from 1974-2019

How to order the DNA test

Tests are ordered online through the secure area of ​​the OFA website. Payment is accepted online by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA manages the entire order processing. Upon receipt of an order, OFA will ship the test kit, which includes an FTA card for DNA sample collection and sample collection instructions. FTA card technology allows owners to safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive and no vet appointment is required.

The samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab. The results will be forwarded to OFA and OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner. The fee for each test is $65 and includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.

In Europe, DM tests can be performed by Laboklin

“Corgis on Wheels”, written by Bobbie Mayer, is a complete guide to understanding and caring for the unique needs of Corgis with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) or Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). The book is available at www.corgiaid.org/cart/corgisonwheels for $25.00 plus shipping

Current research (2014) in DM

www.welshcorgi-news.ch 22.05.2020

dog breed

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Common Nicknames Corgi, Welsh Corgi, Pembroke Origin Wales Traits Height Males 25-30cm Females 25-30cm Weight Males 11-14kg Females 11-13kg (24-28lb) Coat Medium length thick weatherproof double coat colour Fawn, Black & Tan, Black & White, Red, Sable Lifespan 12 – 15 years Kennel Club Standards The Kennel Club Standard FCI Standard Dog (Domestic Dog

Tricolor Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy (6 weeks old)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Welsh for “dwarf dog”[a]) is a cattle herding breed that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales.[1] It is one of two breeds known as the Welsh Corgi. Pembroke Welsh Corgis descend from the Spitz dog family. The other is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, descended from the Teckel dog family that also gave rise to the dachshund.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are famous as the breed of choice of Queen Elizabeth II, who owned more than 30 Royal Corgis during her reign.[2] Although these dogs have been favored by British royalty for more than seventy years, they have recently declined in popularity and demand from the British public.[3] However, they remain very popular in the United States. Cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco host annual “Corgi Gatherings” where hundreds of dogs and their owners gather to spend the day.[4]

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was ranked number 11 in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs, stating that the breed is considered an excellent working dog. Pembroke Welsh Corgis were ranked the 11th most popular dog breed in 2020 according to the American Kennel Club.[5]

Description[edit]

appearance [edit]

Tricolor Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has erect ears that are in proportion to the equilateral triangle of the head. The breed standard states that the ears should be firm, medium-sized, and tapered slightly to a rounded tip. The head should be “fox-like” in shape and appearance. Pembroke Welsh Corgis differ from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in that they are shorter, have smaller ears and have a slightly straighter leg. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has slightly lighter markings on each side of the withers caused by changes in the thickness, length and direction of hair growth.[7]

As a double-coated dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds heavily year-round, with spikes in spring and fall. With regular brushing, their coat is relatively easy to care for and naturally water and stain resistant (with the exception of “Fluffies”). It is also known that intact females shed during heat.[8]

Breeding errors are present and should not be deliberately bred; such as corgis with a very long and thinner coat resulting from a recessive gene[9] and red coats with a blue tinge that are a diluted color.

While some outlying Welsh Pembroke Corgis are born naturally short-tailed, most have their tails often between 2 and 5 days old due to historical traditions or to conform to the breed standard. [10] Artificial docking was not required for the dog to fulfill its duty as a herding dog in the UK, as many claim (as Cardigan Welsh Corgis were also herding dogs but were never docked), but because a non-herding dog was considered a Luxury according to the tax law and subject to a tax. To demonstrate that their dogs were herding dogs, owners had to ensure the dogs had docked tails. The Kennel Club,[11] the United Kennel Club,[12] and the FCI allow intact tails in conformation shows. The AKC standard states that tails should not be docked longer than 5 cm. Docking is illegal in many countries, including the UK.[13]

temper [edit]

Welsh Corgi puppy standing on hind legs and sticking tongue out

Pembroke Welsh Corgis love being part of the family and tend to follow their owners wherever they go. They have a great desire to please their owners, which drives them to learn and train. The dogs can also be difficult to train due to their professional background, stubbornness and intelligence – they were ranked the eleventh most intelligent dog in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs. In addition to herding, they also act as watchdogs due to their alertness and tendency to bark, which can be made worse if not given adequate stimulation. Most Pembrokes seek the attention of everyone they meet and behave well around children and other pets. It’s important to socialize this breed with other animals, adults and children, when they are very young to avoid antisocial behavior or aggression later in life. Due to their herding and – for some – prey instincts, they love to hunt anything that moves, so it’s best to keep them in fenced-off areas. The herding instinct will also result in some younger Pembrokes nibbling on their owners’ ankles as they were bred to do this with cattle.[14]

health [edit]

Pembrokes have an average life expectancy of 12-15 years.[15][16] Pembroke Welsh Corgis are achondroplastic, meaning they are a “true dwarf” breed. Therefore, their stature and physique can lead to certain non-inherited health conditions, but genetic issues should also be considered. Pembrokes can commonly suffer from monorchidism, von Willebrand disease, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and inherited eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy. Genetic testing is available for Pembroke Welsh Corgis to avoid these problems and improve the genetic health pool.[17] Pembrokes are also prone to obesity as they have robust appetites characteristic of herd group breeds.[18]

history [edit]

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi lineage has been traced back to 1107 AD.[1][19] It is said that Flemish weavers brought the dogs with them when they traveled to live in Wales. Some popular stories give corgis a creation myth associated with fairies. One story has it that two children were running through a forest and came upon a fairy’s burial. The grieving fairies gave the two children two little Corgi puppies and the children took them home, which brought popularity to the breed. Stories also say that corgis played the role of war horses for fairies before becoming herding dogs for humans. At the base of Corgis’ hips is a line of slightly rougher fur called the fairy saddle. This may be more of a modern myth fueled by Corgi breeders of the 1940s than Welsh lore.[20]

Pembrokes and Cardigans first appeared together in 1925 when they were shown under Kennel Club rules in Great Britain.[21] The Corgi Club was formed in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire in December 1925.[21] It is reported that the local members favored the Pembroke breed, so a club for cardigan enthusiasts was formed about a year later.[21] Both groups have worked hard to ensure that the breed’s appearance and type are standardized through careful selective breeding.[21] Pembrokes and Cardigans were officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1928 and were initially categorized together under the single heading Welsh Corgis before the two breeds were recognized as separate and distinct in 1934.[21]

Corgi at 4 months of age when they start to get their signature fawn color. The ears look too big compared to her head.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are gaining popularity in the United States, ranking 20th (24th) in American Kennel Club registrations as of 2015 (2012) [22]. However, Corgis are now listed as a ‘Vulnerable’ breed in the UK; The decline is thought to be due to a 2007 ban on tail docking (the practice of cutting off the animal’s tail) in the UK, as well as a lack of breeders in the UK. In 2009, the Corgi was added to the Kennel Club’s “At Watch” list of British breeds when annual registrations were between 300 and 450.[24] In 2014, the breed was placed on the club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list when registrations fell below 300.[24] In 2018, the breed was removed from the “At Risk” list in December 2017 with 456 registered puppies.[24] The Kennel Club has credited the renewed interest in the breed to the popular Netflix television series The Crown[24] and others.[25] The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has also appeared on American television Brooklyn Nine-Nine as the lap dog of Captain Raymond Holt and Kevin M. Cozner and has proven to be fiercely loyal. Ein, a corgi with human intelligence, is one of the 5 main characters in the TV show Cowboy Bebop.

Activities [edit]

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can compete in agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instinct and trainability can be measured in non-competitive herding tests.[26] Corgis can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h when healthy and fit, despite their dwarfism which gives the illusion of small slow legs. This is because corgis tend to use more upper body strength to run than most dogs, giving them enhanced skills in activities like agility, herding, and racing.

Royal Corgis[edit]

The Queen’s passion for the breed began at a young age when her father, King George VI, brought home her first royal corgi, later named the Dookie.[27] The Queen stopped breeding Corgis around 2012, only to leave none behind after her death; her last corgi, Willow, died in April 2018.[28] She received two new corgi puppies from her family in 2021.[29][30]

On April 3, 2019, the film The Queen’s Corgi was released.[31]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

The Corgi is a popular small dog breed with a long, stout body accompanied by short legs and large pointed ears. This is a cattle herding dog breed that originated in Wales. There are two main breeds for this dog, the Pembroke Welsh and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These two breeds are descended from the Leng of the Northern Spitz dogs. This is an active and intelligent dog breed that is both endearing and eager to please.

This article explains the most common visual and temperamental traits that distinguish a male Corgi from a female to ensure you can make an informed decision about the gender that is right for you.

visual differences

At a glance

Average Male Corgi Height (Adult): 10-12 inches

10-12 inches Average Weight (Adult): 27-30 pounds Average Female Corgi Height (Adult): 10-12 inches

10-12 inches Average Weight (Adult): 25-28 pounds

corgi 101

The Corgi is an affectionate and social dog breed that is easy to train. They are available in a variety of markings and colors. The Corgi is a family-oriented dog breed that gets along well with children and other pets. They are quick learners and despite having short legs, the Corgi adapts well to canine sports such as agility, herding, obedience and rallying. Corgis enjoy being outdoors and have plenty of energy to play and explore their surroundings.

Corgis are a low-maintenance dog breed that can easily thrive in apartments and houses with smaller yards. They have a medium-length double coat that needs brushing and other grooming once a week. Along with a healthy, balanced diet, the Corgi can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The Cardigan Corgi is a powerful and hard worker with more speed and grace than the Welsh Corgi. Welsh Corgis are the smaller of the two breeds, but both reach the same average height.

This is a dwarf dog breed, meaning they have heavy, long bodies supported by seemingly short legs. The ears are erect and the eyes are bright with fascination.

Male Corgi Overview

personality character

Male Corgis are active and social, and have a lot of energy stored in their small bodies. The male Corgi is known to bark more profusely than females, even at the silliest of things. They have a protective attitude towards their families and show exceptional loyalty. Their admirable personality is commonly described as bold and eager, and male Corgis seem to love going for walks or hiking with their owners.

education

The male Corgi is just as easy to train as the females. They appear to have a higher exercise tolerance and can easily adapt to an energetic lifestyle. Male Corgis are taller and leaner than females, making them faster, more agile and more energy efficient compared to female Corgis.

They can be trained for many different tasks and tricks. Corgis are exceptionally receptive to following and obeying commands. You can teach your Corgi to sit and fetch, but he can also learn more advanced forms of training like obedience.

health care

Male corgis have a greater chance of becoming obese as they age or eat too many carbohydrates. Corgis should be fed a high protein diet to meet their high energy needs. They should also contain adequate amino acids and other minerals to maintain good coat health and general physical mobility.

This dog breed is prone to developing disc disease and hip dysplasia (CHD). Both of these health issues require veterinary care to keep your Corgi free from pain and discomfort as the condition progresses.

The male Corgi usually has a longer coat than the female, so his grooming routine should be extra thorough, including brushing, trimming, nail trimming, and washing at a veterinarian or groomer.

breed

The male Corgi will generally seek a willing female to breed with. The best age to breed a male Corgi is when he is fully grown at 2 years old.

However, breeding your Corgis is not recommended and adoption is a much better option. Male Corgis rarely get health problems from breeding, unlike the females who are most at risk during this time.

advantages

Disadvantages

Female Corgi Outline

personality character

Female Corgis are considered to be calmer and more affectionate than males. The female Corgi is usually independent but enjoys spending time snuggling and sleeping on her owner’s lap. They have a more maternal instinct, which makes female corgis better with children or young puppies. The female corgi typically barks less than the male corgi, but they are just as eager to please and protect their family.

education

Female Corgis generally enjoy resting more often than males, but they can become energetic during play or practice time. Female Corgis can be taught the same types of tricks as males; However, compliance may be slower. The female Corgi can be taught to sit, stay, follow, and even be taught to walk calmly alongside her owner.

Female Corgis are also considered nannies due to their protective and loyal nature to children. They can be easily taught how to interact and behave around children in this way, but it is not a substitute for teaching your children how to behave around a dog.

health care

Breast and ovarian cancer is quite common in non-neutered female Corgis. Therefore, being spayed at the right age is essential to their health. Not only does this prevent pregnancy, it also lowers the risk of hormonal cancers.

The female corgi has similar dietary needs to the male corgi, however, as they are less likely to suffer from obesity, their diet can easily be altered to suit their energy levels. Female Corgis should have their coat brushed and trimmed when it becomes obtrusive and tangled, and washing along with nail trimming is essential.

breed

Breeding your female Corgi is not recommended. This increases the risk of birth complications and mating between a healthy female and male Corgi is better left to the experts. It is not uncommon for a female Corgi to die or be injured during the birth process, especially if veterinary intervention is not provided. This also puts the puppies at risk as the average breeder does not have the financial resources to have each parent genetically tested beforehand.

advantages

Disadvantages

Which gender suits you?

If you prefer a more paternal Corgi that is better with children and puppies, has less strict dietary requirements, and is smaller, then the female Corgi is likely a good option for you.

The male Corgi is better suited to an owner who doesn’t mind the high energy levels and excessive barking found in males. You may also prefer the loyalty and protective instincts that the male Corgi has to offer, or maybe you want a Corgi that is easy to train and can keep up with you on a walk.

Overall, choosing the right gender comes down to personal preference. While certain physical and temperamental traits can be distinguished between the two sexes, that doesn’t mean every Corgi will be like that. Especially since other factors will determine your Corgi’s final temperament.

Selected image source: (male) Amanda Herrera, Pixabay; (Female) ElfinFox, Pixabay

Queen Elizabeth II’s love of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has made the breed a household name. But Pembrokes aren’t the only Corgi native to Wales. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is another hardy little herding breed from the same country. Although there are some obvious differences between these two affectionate and intelligent members of the herding group, the two breeds are often confused.

Cardigan vs. Pembroke: Easily confused

Many Cardigan owners have had to explain that their Corgi isn’t a Pembroke cross, it’s a breed all its own. Vivian Moran, a member of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America’s Judge’s Education Committee and a 30-year-old Cardigan breeder, says, “People see a little dog with a long body and they say ‘Corgi?'” Because the people with the tail of the Queen are better acquainted -free pembrokes, the cardigan’s long tail throws them off. “We have to work hard to explain that there are two corgis and what the differences are.”

Anne Bowes, a breeder/owner/dealer of Pembroke Welsh Corgis for 50 years and a judge for Pembrokes, Cardigans, Shelties, Pugs and Junior Showmanship, says people often confuse the two breeds. “They hear the word ‘Corgi’ and think both breeds are the same. Nothing is further from the truth.”

Cardigan vs. Pembroke: An Interesting Legacy

The Cardigan and the Pembroke both worked with farmers to put cattle out to pasture and guard the barnyard, but they have no common ancestor and hail from different parts of Wales. Anne explains: “Cardigans were found in the rugged, rocky terrain of Cardiganshire in South West Wales. Pembrokes have been found in the flatter, simpler terrain of Pembrokeshire in South Wales.”

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The two breeds also have wildly different origins, with the Cardigan, one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, predating it by over two thousand years. “Their ancestors were brought to Wales by the Celtic tribes of central Europe,” says Vivian. They descended from the German Teckel line (which also gave us the dachshund) and arrived around 1200 BC. to Wales.

As for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Vivian explains: “Pembrokes came to Wales with the Vikings and are descended from the Nordic Spitz breeds.” The relatively younger breed’s appearance can be traced back to 1000 AD. Except for a brief period in the 1930s, the two Corgis were never crossed. In 2006, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the names of the two breeds as Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, rather than Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) and Welsh Corgi (Pembroke).

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Cardigan vs. Pembroke: Physical Qualities

Physically, the Cardigan and Pembroke are both miniature breeds, with large heads and heavy, long bodies on short, thick legs. Both have erect ears, although Cardigans are larger and more rounded, and their double-coated coat requires little grooming aside from regular bathing and brushing.

However, if you take a closer look, the differences are numerous. Aside from the tail — Cardigans have a long, fox-like tail, while Pembrokes have their tails snug against the body — Cardigans are slightly larger and have heavier bones. Male Cardigans weigh up to 38 pounds, while Pembrokes only weigh up to 30 pounds. The basic structure of the two breeds is also different. Pembrokes have an oval bone and squared back end, giving them a more linear and square feel. On the other hand, cardigans feel more curvaceous due to round bones and a sloping back.

The acceptable coat colors are more diverse for the cardigan. They come in brindle, black and white with brindle or tan points, red and sable with white markings, and blue merle. The only coat colors for the Pembroke are red, sable, and tricolor with white markings. Cardigans are also less restricted in their white markings than the Pembroke.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed Standard Illustration

Welsh Corgi Pembroke Breed Standard Illustration

Cardigan vs Pembroke: Personality

Both the Cardigan and Pembroke share a love of their humans and are happiest when they get to spend time with you. They make adorable companions, enjoy spending time with children, and love to be a part of everything their humans are up to. With both the pembroke and cardigan being so chic, training is essential. But they learn quickly and thrive when they have a daily job to do.

Both of these breeds were developed to pinch and bark at cattle to get them moving, and small humans sometimes exhibit this behavior as well. Plus, those big ears make them excellent watchdogs, barking at unexpected noises.

When it comes to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Anne says, “They are very energetic, friendly (even exuberant), affectionate, happy and sometimes funny.” She believes they are the more outgoing of the two breeds. Cardigans tend to be reserved in new situations, but they “warm up quickly,” she says.

Vivian agrees that cardigans tend to be more relaxed and a little quieter. “A Cardigan generally evaluates a situation before deciding to participate. A Pembroke always seems up for a party.” Cardigans are also less energetic and while not making for a long hike, will be content with a brief romp in the yard.

According to Anne, “Pembrokes are the ‘CAN’ dogs – they want to do whatever their owners want – and they CAN do it.” They are wonderful to live with and content to be with theirs twenty-four hours a day to be owners. “Walking a Pembroke is like walking a friend — they stay right with you,” she says.

Vivian believes that the defining feature of the cardigan is its adaptability. She describes them as a mixture of serious and funny, adventurous and sedentary, and loving and independent. “If you want a dog that you can do anything with, then a cardigan is for you. They love to travel and have new experiences. But they are also couch potatoes – they lie next to you on the sofa or under your desk chair while you work.”

Hopefully the next time you see a Corgi you can tell if you’re looking at a Pembroke or a Cardigan. These adorable breeds have a lot in common, but also many differences. And if you ever forget, just look at the cock.

10 reasons why you shouldn’t get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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This year, the AKC reported that Pembroke Welsh Corgis rose to be the 10th most popular dog breed in the United States.

This sudden surge in popularity is largely attributed to her growing fame on social media and television, and some even speculate that Queen Elizabeth played a part in this “corgi movement” as well.

While many PWC fans have been excited by this news, others fear what the future holds as the breed’s popularity continues to rise.

The unfortunate reality is that PWCs are not the right companion dog for most families.

It’s suspected that many of these newly acquired corgis will end up en masse in shelters across the country, far larger than local rescue workers can handle.

To make matters worse, we are also seeing a huge increase in backyard bred corgis as irresponsible dog owners seek to capitalize on this “corgi frenzy”.

Because these breeders do not perform genetic testing and health clearances, we suspect the breed’s overall health will deteriorate significantly as common, preventable genetic disorders – like DM – are passed on to the next generation of Corgis.

The internet portrays corgis as easy-going, personality-filled couch potatoes, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a highly motivated herding breed that requires hours of mental and physical stimulation and a structured, experienced and confident owner.

As responsible Corgi owners and passionate advocates for the breed, it is our duty to break these stereotypes and educate future Corgi owners about the breed: their strengths, their weaknesses and prepare them for what is to come.

Here’s why you shouldn’t get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

10 reasons why you shouldn’t get a corgi

1. Corgis are prone to health problems

Corgis are not known for being a “healthy breed.” From spinal issues to skin allergies, Corgis are prone to a variety of health issues.

Although most of their common health issues are manageable and not life-threatening, they can be difficult for some Corgi owners to manage if they are not well off financially.

Just to give you an example, hip dysplasia is a very common condition that many corgis develop.

In severe cases of hip dysplasia, total hip reconstructions can cost some Corgi owners as much as $10,000. This is one of the many reasons I recommend Corgi owners invest in some type of pet health insurance as soon as possible.

2. They are vocal and bark

These aren’t the best apartment dogs for many reasons, but one reason in particular is their “eardrum piercing” bark.

Corgis are known for being very communicative, so they’ll bark at just about anything.

If you live next door to noise-sensitive neighbors and have a “talkative” corgi, it can certainly cause trouble if you’re not careful.

Corgis are genetically herding dogs, and barking is an important part of animal surveillance and movement.

Although barking is a trainable behavior, even training has its limitations.

When it comes to Corgis, you will never be able to outperform genetics.

Owning a Corgi therefore means owning a dog that barks (a lot).

3. They are not couch potatoes

The internet does a good job of portraying these dogs as lazy couch potatoes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Back to genetics, corgis were bred to work in the fields and herd livestock all day.

As such, they have relatively high energy levels and some can be (almost) impossible to tire.

A dog with pent-up energy tends to develop destructive tendencies, barking and outright disobedience.

This is why it is so important to control your dog’s energy levels.

A tired corgi is a good corgi.

Because Corgis require plenty of dedicated mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis, it is important that their owners understand this and be able to meet their daily demands.

Corgis enjoy hiking, long walks, and playing fetch, and they thrive in sporting events such as coursing, herding, and agility.

The specific daily requirement varies from corgi to corgi.

Some are more energetic than others, but they all need their fair share of daily exercise.

On average they require at least 1 hour per day.

4. Corgis are incredibly smart

Most corgis learn new behaviors easily, which means it won’t be difficult to teach them to sit, stay and come when called.

Unfortunately, they also learn bad habits just as quickly.

For example, they quickly learn to walk on a leash, but they will also learn that if they are off the leash, they cannot be caught and will dart the other way to avoid being caught.

Corgis are very independent dogs and they think for themselves. Just because they understand what you want from them doesn’t mean they will obey and do it.

Because of this, they require consistent training and strict discipline from an experienced owner.

In general, they don’t make good dogs for first-time owners.

5. You will nip and herd

In case you missed my previous mentions of genetics, these dogs were bred for cattle breeding.

The act of “herding” includes barking, chasing, and nibbling.

Corgis’ gnawing tendencies make them less suitable companion dogs for young children, especially toddlers.

They will “chastise” small children and nibble on their ankles.

This behavior is difficult to avoid, but it may be possible to suppress this instinct with the right obedience training and socialization.

Keep in mind that it’s almost impossible to completely surpass this instinct.

6. You lose… a lot

Words cannot describe the amount of hair that sheds from these dogs.

Unlike some dog breeds, Corgis shed year-round.

Their hair loss tends to increase during seasonal changes, but they have a significant amount of hair throughout the year.

Their double coat is handy for protecting their skin and helping them regulate their body temperature, but it’s constantly adjusting its thickness to adapt to their environment.

This poses a major problem for people who wear uniforms to work and for people suffering from dog allergies.

They are anything but hypoallergenic.

I would not recommend Corgis for people unprepared for the constant vacuuming, lint rolling and brushing that is required to maintain a clean home.

7. They require a strict diet

On occasion, corgis will literally eat themselves to death. Therefore, they should never be free-fed. They are very prone to obesity.

Controlling your Corgi’s weight is extremely important due to their genetic predisposition to back problems.

Overweight Corgis are significantly more likely to suffer from the chronic back, joint and hip problems that are already prevalent in the breed.

Their food intake should always be kept under a close eye to avoid injury.

8. They are expensive

Purebred corgis are expensive.

Corgi prices typically range from $400 to $4,000 depending on the quality of the dog.

Due to increasing demand, breeders are charging more and more for their dogs.

If you look closely you might be able to find a corgi at a bargain price, but that can be dangerous.

As I said earlier, Corgis are prone to several genetic issues, some of which are life altering.

Reputable breeders test their dogs for these genetic dispositions to ensure their puppies don’t develop these problems.

These tests are costly and add to the overall cost of the dog.

If these tests aren’t done, things like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat.

If $4,000 is too expensive for a Corgi, save yourself the heartache and hardship and wait until you can afford a properly bred, health-checked dog.

9. They don’t make good dogs for two-story houses

Their short legs and vulnerable back present some unique challenges for two story homes.

It might be tempting to toss a ball up or down a flight of stairs to help your Corgi move, but it could actually do more harm than good.

Even jumping off low furniture like a couch or bed can result in your Corgi being seriously injured.

Even the fittest and healthiest corgis are prone to joint problems, and living in a house with stairs only makes those chances worse.

No matter how hard you try, you will find your Corgi running up and down your stairs and jumping on and off furniture, inevitably resulting in some sort of hip, back or joint injury.

10. Corgis are bossy

Honestly, bossy is an understatement.

Corgis are stubborn and smart.

They are incessant pushers working to get exactly what they want.

That means they’ll stare at you endlessly as you eat, and even kick your legs or bark to get something to eat.

When they want your attention, they will scramble onto your lap and roll over, demanding that you pet them or give them the attention they desire.

If given the opportunity, they will use their cuteness to their advantage and take advantage of you.

Generally they will let you know if you do something they don’t like or have something they want.

Final Thoughts

The internet has gone absolutely crazy about corgis, but they haven’t been accurately portrayed.

What looks like a cozy couch potato is actually an energetic herding machine with one hell of a attitude.

Along with their underlying health issues, corgis are also extreme shedders that catch most first-time corgi owners off guard.

If you’re seriously considering buying a Corgi, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

These are expensive dogs that can have expensive problems if not properly fed, exercised, exercised, and health tested.

Their bossy attitude and herding tendencies can devastate a household.

These are not family dogs or suitable for a first-time dog owner.

Before you commit to owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi for 10-15+ years, do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into.

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Unless you are an established boss in your home, your corgi could be aggressive with its food. An aggressive, bossy corgi is likely to growl when you approach its bowl – and the growl could precede a bite. You can’t have that. Apply a philosophy that everything is yours, including his food, and you choose to give it to him when you’re ready. A good way to get the message home is to make your corgi sit and look at you while you hold his food bowl. He has to stay seated and maintain eye contact with you for as long as you want, whether that’s 20 seconds, a minute, or whatever you want. Then put the food down. You should be able to put your hand in the feeding dish without it growing. The food is yours, not his.

There are a number of different Corgi breeds including the American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi. If you haven’t heard of either of these two Corgi variants, now is the time to learn all about them both. What do these two dogs have in common and what might make them different in terms of appearance and behavior?

In this article we will compare and contrast the American Corgi to the Cowboy Corgi so you can really understand these two crossbreeds. We will discuss their lineage and behavioral differences, as well as their own distinct lifespans and appearances. Let’s get started and talk about these two Corgi mixes now!

Comparison of American Corgi and Cowboy Corgi

The American Corgi is a cross between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a cross between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog. A-Z-Animals.com 2,855 people failed this quiz. Do you think you can? Take our brand new A-Z Animals Dogs Quiz

American Corgi Cowboy Corgi size 10-12 inches tall; 20-30 pounds 13-20 inches tall; 25-40 lbs Appearance Comes in a unique merle coat and has a smaller body shape. Usually has no tail but may remain intact; typically has blue eyes. Body shape of a Corgi with the face and markings of an Australian Cattle Dog. A unique mix of both dogs together that never has a tail. Ancestry. Non-pedigree cross between Cardigans, Welsh Corgis and Pembrokes. Non-pedigree cross between Pembroke, Welsh Corgi and Australian Cattle Dogs Problems and Behavioral Problems Alert, extremely active and often on the heels or herds of small children. Very loyal and exceptionally intelligent, considering its crossbreed lifespan of 10-12 years to 12-14 years

Key Differences Between American Corgi and Cowboy Corgi

While it will depend on each Cowboy Corgi’s individual genes, they are typically larger than American Corgis. Liudmila Bohush/Shutterstock.com

There are some key differences between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi. First off, the American Corgi is a crossbreed between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a cross between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog. This means that the Cowboy Corgi will grow slightly larger than the American Corgi on average, along with some other differences that we will now discuss.

American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi: Height

Mixing a notoriously short-legged dog with an athletic and capable dog breed like the Australian Cattle Dog can produce mixed results. However, the Cowboy Corgi grows larger in both height and weight than the American Corgi overall. While it will depend on each Cowboy Corgi’s individual genes, they are typically larger than American Corgis.

For example, American Corgis reach 10 to 12 inches in size, while Cowboy Corgis reach 13 to 20 inches. There are also some weight differences between these two breeds. The Cowboy Corgi averages between 25 and 40 pounds, while the American Corgi averages 20 to 30 pounds.

American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi: Appearance

The American Corgi has a merle coat, while the Cowboy Corgi has a unique spotted coat that resembles the Australian Cattle Dog’s coat. Kalinina Maria/Shutterstock.com

Both the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi are prized for their unique coat and physical appearance. The American Corgi has a merle coat, while the Cowboy Corgi has a unique spotted coat that resembles the Australian Cattle Dog’s coat. Additionally, the American Corgi may or may not have a tail, while the Cowboy Corgi never has a tail.

Otherwise, these two dogs can look very similar in appearance. Both are uniquely spotted and mottled, with a thick coat and short legs, and erect and triangular ears. However, the Cowboy Corgi often has slightly longer legs compared to the American Corgi’s stubby legs.

American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi: Lineage and Breeding

Overall, the Cowboy Corgi has fewer health issues compared to the American Corgi, given all the risks involved in breeding Merle Coat Dogs. Best Dog Photo/Shutterstock.com

The main difference between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi has everything to do with their lineage and breeding. Both dog breeds are very modern and are referred to by many people as designer dogs. This is because they are intentionally crossed with other dog breeds to achieve specific goals.

For example, the American Corgi is a cross between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a cross between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog. Overall, the Cowboy Corgi has fewer health issues compared to the American Corgi, given all the risks involved in breeding Merle Coat Dogs.

American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi: Behavior

There are some differences in the American Corgi’s behavior versus the Cowboy Corgi’s behavior. Both dogs are nice when it comes to families and children, although the Cowboy Corgi is more likely to herd small children compared to the fun-loving American Corgi. Additionally, the Cowboy Corgi is valued for its extreme loyalty and intelligence, while the American Corgi is much more relaxed and less alert overall.

American Corgi vs. Cowboy Corgi: Lifespan

The American Corgi lives an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Cowboy Corgi lives an average of 12 to 14 years. NARIT OLANPRUEK/Shutterstock.com

A final difference between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi is their comparable lifespans. The Cowboy Corgi lives longer overall than the American Corgi due to its Australian Cattle Dog genes. The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely healthy dog ​​breed, while the American Corgi can have more health issues overall due to their crossbreeding and merle coat gene risks.

For example, the American Corgi lives an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Cowboy Corgi lives an average of 12 to 14 years. However, it all depends on the individual dog and whether or not you bought them from a reputable and healthy breeder. No matter what, these dogs are extremely active and affectionate, although their designer origins may not be ideal.

fact checked

It’s no surprise that the Corgi remains one of the most popular dogs in the world.

These little canines have big personalities, charming looks, are loyal to their owners but come in a small package.

Standing no more than 13 inches tall, they were used as herding dogs before being converted into pets.

There are two different types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Both can make great pets, but the Pembroke variety remains the more common of the two Corgi breeds.

Popularized by Queen Elizabeth II, they are the 18th most popular dog breed in the world.

Where do Welsh Pembroke Corgis come from?

Pembroke Welsh Corgi can trace their history back to Flanders (northern Belgium).

Henry I of England invited Flemish weavers to move to Wales in 1107. These workers brought their small dogs with them.

They are thought to be the ancestors of what we know today as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Described as “hardy” dogs, the founders of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed were used to herding cattle and sheep.

However, the early days of the breed remain a mystery, as other accounts suggest that the Vikings brought these dogs to Britain from Sweden.

In modern society, they are associated with Queen Elizabeth II. The British monarch bred these dogs for much of her reign.

Her Highness is said to have owned over 30 of these dogs before her last Pembroke Welsh Corgi, named Willow, passed away in 2018.

According to the American Kennel Club, they are the 18th most popular dog in the United States.

The Story of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Not to be confused with the Pembroke, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is distinct in appearance.

These little dogs herded animals in Britain over 1,000 years ago, having arrived in Wales with settlers from central Europe.

Their name is believed to derive from the ancient Celtic word for dog, kergie.

They served a dual purpose for the Celts, herding cattle during the day and guarding the sheep at night.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi was recognized as a separate breed by the AKC in 1931, with no prior distinction between Cardigan and Pembroke Corgi.

Breeders worked hard to repopulate the breed in the 1940s due to concerns about its longevity during the war.

They are not as popular as their Pembroke relatives, who are rated 69 out of 193 on the AKC’s most popular breeds in the US.

The difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi?

Before we look at Corgi colors, let’s better understand the difference between the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

One notable difference is that Pembroke Welsh Corgi don’t have tails – they are either born without them or docked at a very young age.

Farmers are believed to have docked the Pembroke’s tail to avoid possible injury when herding cattle or sheep.

The AKC breed standard states that their tails should be no longer than two inches.

Alternatively, Cardigan Welsh Corgi have long, bushy tails that are often likened to a fox’s tail.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi have erect, pointed ears that give them an alert appearance, while Cardigan Welsh Corgi have rounded ears.

The latter tend to be slightly heavier and larger than Pembrokes.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Colors

Pembroke Welsh Corgi can come in a variety of colors, per AKC breed standard guidelines.

Any variation of red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white marking is acceptable to meet the Pembroke’s breed standard.

The red and white Pembroke is the most common variety, although the red color can vary in intensity from dog to dog.

While they may have some black markings as puppies, the red may come to the fore as the black diminishes as the pup matures.

Sable Corgi tend to have black markings on the tip of their tail, their back, their neck and even a bit above their head and towards their eyes. The red is more maroon in appearance.

Sometimes compared to a raccoon, the black-headed tri-colored Pembroke Welsh Corgi is distinguished by the black coloring on its face, head, and ears. The face, abdomen and legs turn brown.

The red-headed tricolor doesn’t look all that different from the Sable Pembroke. They have a red head, face, and ears with faint black splatters on their backs and necks.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi colors

Cardigans have far more variety in terms of coat color than their Pembroke cousins.

The AKC outlines that “all shades of red, sable and brindle”.

Black is also acceptable with or without tan and brindle points and blue merle with or without tan and brindle points is within breed guidelines.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi typically have white patches on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, underside, tip of the tail, and blaze on the head.

However, the white on their head should not be the main color and should never surround the eyes.

Blue merles can have blue eyes, or one eye blue and the other brown. They can also have a butterfly coloring on their nose as opposed to the normal black nose.

Corgi mix breeds

Should you come across a Corgi that is different in color from the Cardigan and Pembroke breed standards above, it has most likely been crossed with another breed.

In the last decade there has been an increase in designer or hybrid dogs which has resulted in the Corgi being bred to other types of dogs.

Some popular hybrids include West Highland Corgi (Corgi and West Highland Terrier), Corpin (Corgi and Miniature Pinscher), Corgipoo (Corgi and Poodle), Cairn Corgi (Corgi and Cairn Terrier), and Corillon (Corgi and Papillon).

While you may encounter some dogs that appear like a Corgi, they are not considered as such by the AKC unless they meet the breed standard.

Is there anything else to consider?

It is important to note that while Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi are acceptable, Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi are not.

Finally

When considering a corgi as a pet, you need to decide whether you want a Cardigan or a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The main difference between Cardigan and Pembroke is that the latter has either a short tail or a docked tail.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are typically red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings.

Alternatively, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is usually found in several variations of red, sable, and brindle.

Blue Merle is a popular variety for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi – but the color is not accepted at Pembrokes.

Make the science work for you

The AKC offers a comprehensive range of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC Registry: voluntary DNA profiling; the requirement of commonly used sires; the requirement for fresh extended/frozen semen; the Multiple Litter Registration Policy; the requirement for the import of breeding animals; and the Kennel Inspections/Compliance Audit Program. The AKC has built the world’s largest database of canine DNA profiles for parentage verification and genetic identity. If DNA testing reveals an unknown parentage, the status of the registry will be downgraded to conditional until a three-generation pedigree is established. AKC DNA testing does not determine dog breed or whether a dog is purebred.

The science behind DNA profiles

AKC DNA profiles are created using the same technology used by law enforcement agencies around the world. How does this work? Both humans and dogs have two copies of each gene (shown as letters). Offspring receive one copy of each gene from each parent in a random process.

This technology does not use actual genes, but other DNA sequences that are also inherited in one copy from each parent. For this reason, your dog’s AKC DNA profile does not provide information about the dog’s conformation or the presence/absence of genetic diseases. Additionally, AKC DNA profiles cannot determine a dog’s breed or whether a dog is purebred.

Voluntary DNA profiles

This voluntary program is the result of significant input from the imagination. The DNA Profile program is for owners and breeders who choose to add value to their breeding programs by eliminating concerns or questions about identification and parentage.

A dog owner can contact AKC for a DNA test kit, which includes a swab that the owner uses to collect loose cells from the inside of the dog’s cheek. An AKC DNA profile is issued for each dog examined, which includes the dog’s registration information, genotype, and a unique DNA profile number. This DNA profile number will appear on registration certificates and pedigrees issued later.

DNA requirements

AKC DNA profiling is required for: commonly used breeding stock (dogs with the greatest impact on the AKC stud book); imported breeding animals; dogs whose semen is collected for fresh extension or frozen use; and for the males, mother and puppies for multiple litter registration. If DNA testing reveals an unknown parentage, the status of the registry will be downgraded to conditional until a three-generation pedigree is established. All DNA testing to meet AKC registration requirements must be performed through AKC’s DNA program.

Kennel Inspections/Compliance Audit Program

AKC officials take DNA samples at randomly selected kennels to verify litter identification and lineage. AKC litter registration and privileges will be revoked if the litters’ parentage is found to be incorrect. Dogs removed as part of the compliance audit program are not considered AKC DNA profiled and no DNA profiles will be issued.

The AKC DNA Database and Lineage Verification

The comparison of the DNA profiles of the dam, sire and young animal(s) determines with more than 99% certainty whether the young animals come from the tested dam and sire family. The AKC DNA Database examines the ancestry of all registered AKC DNA profiled dogs and litters whelped on or after January 1, 2000. If problems are discovered, the DNA staff will work with the breeders to determine the correct parentage, at the breeder’s expense.

AKC parentage assessment service

For a fee, an AKC DNA analyst will provide a litter’s parentage assessment in the form of an easy-to-read written report.

Lineage assessment can be used to ensure accuracy when off-site breeding has been performed, in cases of artificial insemination, or to add an extra level of confidence to your pedigrees.

Common Corgi Health Complications

If you are bringing a corgi into your home, you should be aware of the two types of corgis currently recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the oldest breed and is a herding dog. This breed has existed for over a thousand years and has worked alongside humans during that time.

A separate breed called the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is likely descended from herding dogs and can be distinguished from the Cardigan by ears, tail and general size. The smaller of the two is the Pembroke, which has pointed rather than round ears. This breed is also the shorter of the two, while the cardigan is taller and has a longer, more fox-like tail. Although these Corgi breeds differ, they share common Corgi health complications that every Corgi owner should be aware of to better understand these dogs.

Common Corgi Health and Mobility Issues

Hip Dysplasia in Corgis

One of the most common problems in Corgis is hip dysplasia. This condition impairs the development of the hip joint and can lead to loss of joint function. Hip dysplasia in corgis usually takes a while to develop and show symptoms. The telltale signs of hip dysplasia include reduced range of motion, trouble standing and jumping, obvious pain or stiffness, and a change in the way the dog walks. Swaying is also an indication that hip dysplasia is present.

Depending on the severity of this condition, there are treatment options that your vet can advise you about, such as: B. anti-inflammatory drugs for more comfort, physical therapy, surgeries and aids. Walkin’ Pets offers a variety of slings, harnesses, and pet wheelchairs for sale to relieve hip dysplasia discomfort and maintain mobility with permanent changes affecting corgis. A wheelchair can allow the dog to use the strength in its front legs without putting pressure on the affected hindquarters.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease that affects the photoreceptors in a dog’s eyes. Although PRA occurs in many different breeds, the rcd3 type is a specific form of PRA that affects the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Over time, her eyesight deteriorates, eventually leading to blindness. While PRA isn’t painful, it could certainly contribute to a reduced quality of life for a dog. Warning signs can include: nervousness about being in the dark, bumping into things when lighting is dim, unusually wide eyes, or a very reflective appearance of the eyes when light shines on them.

Fortunately, cases of PRA in corgis are declining. Through responsible breeding practices, monitoring of genetic carriers, and testing, prospective Corgi owners may not need to worry about PRA.

Corgi IVDD

Because of a Corgi’s build and long back, they are prone to spinal and back problems. Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD is a common spinal condition affecting the Corgi breed. according to dr Michelle Burch, DVM, IVDD in corgis may be more common than you might think: “Approximately 15% of corgis will develop disc disease at some point in their lives.”

There are two types of IVDD your Corgi can experience. Type I IVDD causes herniated discs that can leave a Corgi suddenly paralyzed for hours or days. Usually affects younger, active dogs. It’s not uncommon for IVDD to leave a Corgi permanently paralyzed. The second IVDD variation is Type II. Type II IVDD is age-related disc degeneration that affects the mobility of older Corgis. Symptoms of Type II IVDD can appear gradually, with the Corgi showing little sign of pain.

dr Burch says, “Corgis paralyzed by IVDD have an 80 to 90 percent chance of being able to walk if they are in deep pain at the time of surgery. Patients with no evidence of deep pain within 48 hours of injury have a 50 percent chance of walking again. With no evidence of deep pain for more than 48 hours post-injury, dogs have a 5% chance of being able to walk again.”

Surgery and crate rest can be key to IVDD recovery, however many Corgis with IVDD will require the assistance of a Corgi wheelchair or Corgi back brace for the rest of their lives.

Degenerative myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy is a serious nerve and spine disease that is common in Corgis. It affects the central nervous system, spine, and brainstem, causing problems such as posture problems or muscle atrophy. A Corgi with degenerative myelopathy may experience partial or total paralysis of the limbs or a decrease in muscle mass. There is no treatment to reverse DM, but the condition can be managed with medication and the use of a pet wheelchair. Using a Corgi wheelchair will promote mobility and slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy in your Corgi.

Unfortunately, when it comes to common health complications in corgis, the things that make them cute – like their build and leg height – also seem to be things that cause them pain. By staying alert and looking for warning signs, you can help your Corgi right away should these problems arise. The better Corgi health issues are managed, the better your Corgi’s quality of life.

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What are corgis?

Corgis have become increasingly popular with pet owners in recent years due to their celebrity status online. They are short with a long body and muscular thighs – similar to a dachshund. They also have a thick double coat.

This combination of traits makes the Corgi look comically adorable and downright lovable in the eyes of many potential pet owners. They come in a variety of colors including fawn, sable, black and tan, and red. They typically stand 10 to 12 inches tall, weigh between 25 and 40 pounds, and live around 12 to 15 years.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally bred for herding, hence its unique stature. They were first bred in the Pembrokeshire region of Wales. Corgis are one of the smallest herding dog breeds in the world, making the breed’s origins as unique as their looks.

The temperament of corgis

An exceptionally affectionate dog breed, Corgis fit in well with all types of families, making them an ideal pet for most households. One of their most popular personality traits is that they make great watchdogs. While not particularly impressive, they bark loudly and aren’t afraid to use it!

However, corgis are rarely, if ever, aggressive. Extremely intelligent thanks to their shepherd roots, they love to “work” with a family – if you do household chores, they will happily follow you.

Corgis love attention and are uncomfortable with being left alone for long periods of time. A normal day at work is unlikely to worry your Corgi, but leaving him alone for days at a time can cause him undue stress.

Grooming routines for corgis

Corgis have a double coat, which means they shed a lot of hair throughout the year. They have two shedding seasons – spring and fall – when they shed even more. While grooming won’t completely prevent loose hair from spreading throughout the home, it will help.

A typical grooming routine for a Corgi should include daily light brushing. This will prevent your dog from getting too hot and covering you completely in hair every time you pet him. During their heavier moulting season, bathing is a more effective way to manage their grooming needs.

Corgi Energy Levels

Originally herding dogs, Corgis are designed to run and play in large, open spaces all day long. Because corgis make better indoor pets than outdoor pets, they don’t have the same type of space to play when kept in most people’s homes.

This means your pet corgi is likely to be wild and energetic at all times. Your Corgi will need regular, daily exercise to stay happy and emotionally healthy. Otherwise, they might start engaging in destructive behaviors to compensate.

Because of their high energy and intelligence, they make great dogs for herding and agility classes. However, keep in mind that their short legs mean they won’t be able to keep up with you on a long run or bike ride.

trainability

Corgis are an extremely trainable breed thanks to their high intelligence, love of attention, and eagerness to please. However, they can be quite bossy and independent despite their small size, so make sure you are firm and patient with them at all times.

As with any dog, early leash training is a must. They also need to be socialized early on to avoid problems with interacting with other animals and people. Once you get those out of the way, you can move on to general obedience training.

Additional types of training that can be helpful for Corgi owners include teaching them to stop barking on command and to let go of things when they bite them. You can teach them to stop biting by playing tug of war with them and teaching them when to let go of what they are playing with.

Where to Adopt a Corgi Puppy

Because corgis are such popular pets, they’re relatively easy and affordable to adopt. Adopting a Corgi means you don’t have to worry about some of the negative behaviors they exhibited as puppies (like potty training and biting), which can make integrating a new dog into your home a lot less stressful.

Many potential pet owners considering adoption tend to be concerned about adopting a dog with behavioral issues from a traumatic past. However, the truth is that the majority of dogs in adoption centers are released simply because the owner has changed their mind about wanting a dog.

However, the downside to getting a Corgi from an adoption center is that it may not be the exact color, gender, or age of Corgi you’re looking for. Still, adopting a Corgi before looking for a breeder is always a good first step in your journey as a Corgi owner!

Find a breeder

Once you’ve decided that buying a Corgi from a dog breeder is the way to go, just make sure you’re buying your Corgi from a responsible breeder. It is not uncommon for people to pose as legitimate dog breeders when they are in fact puppy mills or scammers.

The best way to avoid these types of Corgi sellers is to research the breeder you are buying from ahead of time to ensure you are buying from a legitimate source. Corgi prices typically range from $600 to $1200.

Things to Know Before Buying a Corgi

Before you buy a new dog it is important to be as aware of the negative aspects of ownership as you are the positive aspects because once you own the dog you will have to live with the good and the bad. Here are some of the less than pleasant aspects of the corgi posture.

THEY BARK. A LOT OF.

All dogs bark to some degree, but few dogs bark as much as corgis. Corgis are known to make great watchdogs – and they do – but the downside to this is that they tend to be noisy as much as possible.

And a corgi’s barking isn’t limited to things that actually pose a potential threat, like strangers at the door or other animals in the yard. You’ve been known to bark at anything that comes along the street, any changes in your neighborhood, and so on. They were bred to bark and will find anything that gives them an excuse to do so.

To see if you’re prepared, try spending time with a friend’s dog who barks frequently to see if you can handle it. If you live in an apartment building, you may need to train your corgi to stop barking on command. That doesn’t mean they stop barking, just that you can stop them once they start.

THEY ARE NOT LAPDOGS

Because of their small size, many owners adopt Corgis believing they will make great lap dogs. Although they are the perfect size for this, most corgis don’t like being held for long periods of time. This stems from their herding heritage, where they are constantly on the spot, completing chores and keeping watch.

When your Corgi is on your lap, arms, or bed, he can’t effectively monitor the house and patrol the perimeter, so to speak. So while you’re lucky enough to find a Corgi that doesn’t mind the extra attention, most will find it getting in the way of carrying out their duties.

YOU ARE SMART

Like all herding dogs, Corgis are a very intelligent breed. While this can be exciting and engaging for owners who have never lived with an intelligent dog before, it can also bring new challenges that most pet owners don’t typically experience.

Most people hear the words “smart dog” and think of all the things they can teach their dog. While these types of dogs are highly trainable, they are also capable of self-learning and teaching themselves—even things you wouldn’t want them to learn.

A simple example of this is when they run away, they find out that you can’t catch them. Once they realize this, they will just run away from you if they don’t want to get caught.

You can be bossy

Another Corgi personality trait that the average dog owner has probably never experienced before is their dominance. Corgis tend to have a clear idea of ​​what they want and if they know you can get them what they want they will benefit.

Corgis show bossy behaviors by demanding attention by nudging you, demanding treats by barking, pulling or pushing you, and so on. While some owners find this behavior endearing, others will likely find that it wears off after a while.

Corgis also have bossy habits that are more controlling than others. This includes standing still during walks if you stray from a direction they want to go, barking quickly until you give in to what they want, and moving things around the house to get their message across.

YOU MOVE

After barking, this is probably the most troubling aspect of owning a Corgi. They have a double coat, which means they shed like crazy. They technically only have two shedding seasons, spring and fall, although they shed more than most breeds at any given time.

When your corgi is going through a molting season, you’ll find balls of fur all over the house, under furniture, and on your clothes. They will likely notice loose fur that has not yet been shed and attempt to pull it out, only to find that it is connected to a seemingly endless stream of undercoat.

The only benefit of a Corgi’s shedding is that if you live in a warmer environment, his second fall hair loss probably won’t be as bad as it was in the spring. The reason for this is that they naturally shed most of their undercoat before summer to cope with the warm climate.

THEY ARE BEST WALKING IN COOL WEATHER

And that brings us to the next point, which is that corgis thrive best in cooler weather. They are originally from fairly cool, temperate climates and will always be happiest in similar environments.

Now, that doesn’t mean people in warmer environments can’t be Corgi owners, just that you need to be aware of the fact that they can’t be out in the heat for too long. During summer and spring, you cannot take your Corgi for too long a walk without risking him overheating.

If you live in a warm environment, make sure you keep your corgi indoors in a cool place when it’s hot outside.

THEY ARE INDOOR DOGS

While some dog breeds are perfectly content to spend most of their lives in the backyard, Corgis are not that type of dog. The first reason goes back to the point above, which is that corgis don’t thrive well in warm weather. The invention of air conditioning is just as beneficial for corgis as it is for us.

The second reason is that corgis are extremely social animals. Any Corgi owner will tell you that a Corgi requires attention almost constantly. They love to be petted, play with you, follow you and share a space with you.

Corgis don’t tend to develop separation anxiety when leaving the house for work or errands, but living apart from you in the backyard can take its toll on your Corgi. If your family tends to spend most of their time in separate rooms, a Corgi may not be the ideal dog for you.

PUPPIES WILL PINCH THEIR OWNERS

It’s not uncommon for dogs to playfully bite and bite their owners when they’re fighting, and more often than not it’s no big deal. Corgis exhibit this type of behavior more often than most dogs due to their herding background; They were bred to track other animals.

An adult corgi will still nibble on their owners, but they’re usually smart enough to know how hard it is to pinch them without hurting you, so most owners will likely get used to it and become comfortable with it.

However, when they are puppies they don’t have the same inhibition which means they tend to bite hard and hurt you. Most adults should be able to tolerate this, but if you have young children and want kid-friendly dog ​​breeds in your home, you might want to wait a little longer before buying a Corgi puppy.

Conclusion

Corgis’ popularity is definitely deserved! They are an extremely intelligent, affectionate, and family-friendly pet. Just make sure you’re prepared for the responsibilities of owning a new pet and do some research on the breeder or facility you’re buying your Corgi from.

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