This right royal favourite has had a versatile history and is perfectly suited to being both a working dog and family pet…

With royal mania still in the air following a certain internationally famous, special wedding, we thought it was only appropriate to profile the most regal of pooches for our latest Breed of the Month segment. That’s right, we’re talking about the Welsh Corgi, official pooch of the Queen herself, and we can definitely see why they’re such a favourite…

History
With a royal lineage dating back to the King Hywel Dda, King of Wales (and what a fantastically Welsh name that is!), in the early 12th century, these prestige pooches were always destined for palace life. A member of the Spitz family, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, used to guard family farmyards, as well as for herding fowl.

As time went on, the Corgi also proved its versatility and was used as both a gun dog and ratter, tying itself inextricably to the pursuits of the well-to-do in the British Isles. In more modern times, it was recognised as a breed in the early 1930s – and became one of the best-known breeds in the world after a certain princess (now Queen Elizabeth II) developed a fondness for them.

Appearance
Fox-like and low to the ground with an elongated body and short legs, the Corgi paints an endearing if slightly awkward picture. A small dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs in at around 12kg for an adult male and 11kg for an adult female. In terms of colour, it is available in red, fawn, black and tan or sable, with or without white markings on the legs and body.

Temperament
Despite its royal lineage, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is hardly reserved, and can be quite boisterous, though very trainable. Always aiming to please (and if the Queen was your owner, wouldn’t you?) the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is suited to herding, agility work and as a family companion.

Having found itself in the national spotlight for so many years due to Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong love, one can only guess which breed will soon shoot to fame when the new Princess Kate sets up house!

[IMAGE SOURCE www.dogbreedsinfo.org; www.dogspedia.net]