You would probably never expect that a small dog would make an excellent herder if it stands low on the ground and with a fragile-looking body. However, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can dismiss these thoughts and prove, by using its mere strength and unusual height, that a small dog can be amongst the best herder of dog breeds. Those who own and have encountered the Corgi can testify to this amazing fact.

Tagged as the smallest dog of the herding dogs group, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a well-recognized herder and is the 11th smartest dog in the world at that. Using its unusual physique and high intelligence, it does superbly not only in the herding field but in various dog sports as well such as agility, conformation and obedience competitions. As further proof to this dog’s favorable self, the late Queen Elizabeth II is said to have adopted 5 of this breed.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a shorter- than- usual pair of legs and a longer, lower to the ground kind of body. This shortness is never to be mocked however, because this uniqueness allowed it to duck out the frenetic kicks of the cows and horses. Using its smarts, this breed managed to guide and lock- in those animals more than 5 times larger its size.

Generally, the Corgi is an energetic and athletic type of dog that works harder and learns quicker than most breeds. Towards the family that owns it, it is loyal, protective and loving. It is also a superb watchdog as it is alert and is keen on barking at any suspicious activities and it is neither too timid nor too sociable towards unfamiliar faces.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi should never be mistaken as one breed, however, for they are officially different since the last 70 years. In height, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands 10 to 12 inches and is 12 to 15 inches in body length. There are long-coated Pembroke Welsh Corgis and there are short-coated ones too.

It has a double coat that is water-resistant and that the inner coat is fine and smooth while the outer coat is rough and short. The breed commonly comes in colors of red, sable, fawn and a combination of black and tan. This breed is unfortunately an excessive shedder and sheds all year round; however, this can be decreased by giving the dog proper foods and regular coat brushing.

The history of this breed is undistinguished till now but there are theories that surround the nature of its origin. Some believe that the Corgi varieties have developed from the Swedish Vallhunds, brought over to Wales by Vikings in 800th century. It could also be that the Celtics brought the type to Wales in 1200 BC and further proof to this is the word Corgi which means dog in Celtic language.

Additional theory suggests that it was the Flemish weavers who brought the breed in 1100′s from across the channel. These theories are not fully proven as each has evidence to back them up. What’s clear, however, is that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales and that it has been a favorable breed in the grazing field and within the royal halls for centuries.