The Pembroke Welsh Corgi – origins of the breed’s name.

The name of the breed is as difficult to nail down as is its origin. The simplest explanation consists in the combination of the Welsh word "ñîr"which means - "to watch over" or "to gather" and the word "ci", i.e. "a dog", which reflects the essence of the work of these little shepherds.

According to another version, the word "corgi" originates from words "cor" (a dwarf) and, again, "ci" (a dog). At that the word can be understood both as " dwarf dog ", and " dog of the dwarfs".

Another school ascribes the word “corgi” to the Anglo-Norman word "cur dog», or a mongrel. This interpretation can be dated back to one of the earliest dictionaries, to Wyllam Salesbury's "A Dictionary in Englyshe and Weslhe" London, 1574, where there is a reference to the "Korgi ne gostoc", that is, Corgi or curre dogge. It must be understood that the term Cur was not used in a derogatory sense when applied to dogs, as we do today. It did mean a dog of low breeding, as distinct from the "superior kinds" of dogs owned by the nobility. Cur generally indicated a working type of dog as opposed to the sporting and luxury or ladies' lap dog.

Moreover, in Welsh the word "cur" means "ordinary, ugly, bad, wicked". Thus, following conquerors of the British Isles, the Normans, who might call any local dog a "wicked dog", Wales inhabitants could reconsider the name of their working dogs.

Subsequently, such a name as “heeler” became wide-spread. This word means "follower, one who heels; snapping at heels", but its figurative meaning is "sneak ", that makes us to think again about a "wicked dog".

Gradually the forms of ownership in Wales were changing, and dogs’ life was changing as well. During one period around the 10th century peasants were only allowed to keep small dogs for the destruction of vermin. Hired keepers, shepherds and herdsmen were also allowed to keep their dogs, but all dogs were required to be mutilated in some way to prevent poaching of the royal game. Some of these mutilations were quite severe (usually to the feet), but the herdsman's dog was required only to have his tail docked, or cur-tailed, so as not to interfere with his working ability. The people tried to evade this law, but penalties were severe and the monies from these fines were a welcome source of revenue to the crown. When these laws became unworkable, the crown then levied a tax on dogs. The shepherd or herdsman's dog was still exempt from this tax if his tail was docked.

The fences, which at the end of Middle Ages served as boundaries between private estates, made Corgis became useless on plains. Only Welsh mountaineers kept a small quantity of these dogs. In the past selection of dogs was tough, their working qualities were most important. After lands fencing, Corgis could mate with other breeds. The very first Corgis from Bronant was almost lost, and some ancient lines were preserved by the efforts of the present-day selection breeders only.

In XIX century, after the “dog tax” was revoked, the popularity of Welsh herding dogs increased. Many "Welsh wicked dogs" appeared at markets and fairs of livestock, especially in Pembrokeshire. At the end of the century one or two Corgis could be seen at each farm. But regardless Corgis’ popularity at their homeland they were almost unknown to the outside world. With the appearing of show classes for heelers, for the Corgis the new era has begun.

The breed was first officially exhibited as the Welsh Corgi in England in 1925, and was eligible to compete for challenge certificates in 1927. In spite of this progress, there still was a mess in the breed definition. Both Pembrokes and Cardigans were shown in the same classes as one breed and judged according to the same standard. At first dog shows participated together solid and light-boned, stocky and high, long and compact dogs, with and without tail, and even those looking rather like mongers.

The situation was aggravated by the fact that relationships of Pembrokes’ and Cardigans’ fanciers turned into open hostility. The Cardigans’ owners were indignant at the permission to participation of the Pembrokes in heelers’ competitions. However, this hostility turned to good, because thus the interbreeding was avoided.

In 1934 the Kennel Club recognized both varieties as separate breeds, and owners were given the choice as to which breed they wished to have their dogs entered as - Cardigan or Pembroke. The same year the resolution on the Pembrokes’ tails docking was adopted, which provided for the uniformity of the appearance among dogs of this breed.

Added:  Monday, January 22, 2007
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