CORGI....... Welsh Pembroke

[IMAGE] Barwyn Gawain

Introducing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
Legend has it that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is enchanted.

As in all legend, the tales differ. Since they come down by word of mouth, they have varied a bit with each succeeding generation and may even vary from locality to locality. Some of the old men in the mountains vaguely refer to the Corgis that were "left by the fairies" far back in the mists of time. These, however, are only the blue merle (a type of coloring) of the Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and no others. Though the Cardigans are kissing cousins of the Pembrokes, they are a distinct breed.

The most prevalent story concerning Pembroke Welsh Corgis highlights their use as steeds by the fairies. If you don't believe it, just look at the harness marks on any Corgi’s shoulders! Especially noticeable in the red Pembrokes, these shadings are caused by lighter hair, forming an outline of a harness.

Enchanted? Perhaps not-but surely the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a bit fey. What other dog can fold his front paws underneath his chest as completely as any cat? What other dog can flop over onto his back at the drop of a whim, paws waving ridiculously aloft, then right himself with a lightning twist that would do credit to a circus acrobat? And, finally, what other dog can manage to look while hopping up and down on his short hind legs in a rage at a cat or similar irritant-so very much like Rumpelstiltskin when the queen told him she knew his name?

THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR ALL
This delightful little dog is a joy to own. A perfect all-around dog, he's a friend to the farmer and the business executive, the young and the old, the active and the sedentary. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a conveniently sized, working-herding dog. He's a real man's dog, though equally at home with any member of the family. Weighing roughly from 18 to 28 pounds, he's a handy size for almost any situation: small enough to be easily cared for in a city apartment, yet substantial and hardy enough for country life. Though he's small enough to be picked up, he has the sturdy solid feel of a larger breed, not the frail delicate feel of most small or toy breeds. In the vernacular of the day: the Corgi is a real dog's dog! (From Pembroke Welsh Corgis by Ria Niccoli, T.F.H. Publications N.J., ISBN 0-86622-513-7) ==============================================

A Pembroke Corgi (Welsh for Dwarf Dog) has a bright intelligence. He or she will look you straight in the eye and “talk” away until YOU understand what HE is saying. Our B.G. will tell you when the old cat is out of water, or when you should go to bed. He will mumble at the toy box until you come give him a toy. It still is a sight to see him sleeping flat on his back, powerful little legs in the air. B.G. scolds you when you return from the market and didn’t buy him a treat.

If you have children, the Corgi is a natural herder. He will put the kids in a corner and sit watching them.

We also have an Endlebutcher (Small Swiss Mountain Dog). “Channel” has long legs and can run like the wind. His breed was the travel dog of the Roman Legions. He always takes ‘point’ on our walks, whereas the Corgi always stays by the “herd”. B.G. is the oldest so he tells Channel what to do all the time. They love to swim in Puget Sound. At a low tide Channel will find 8 inch Dungeness crab in the shallow grass and wack them on the head. Just as the crab pops up, claws at the ready, B.G. charges and knocks the crab on his back. Both dogs know to stay away from the claws. Their record for one day? Eight BIG crab (worth about $15 a crab). Channel will also stop on the beach and start digging. Soon, a bunch of butter clams.... all the while, B.G. sits down and keeps up a steady stream of “talking” (not barking) to tell Channel what to do....... hours of entertainment with a Welsh Corgi.........

Dale Horn

HORNCYMRU@aol.com