The Welsh Corgi is a small type of herding dog that
originated in Wales. Two distinct breeds are recognized:
the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi,
with the Pembroke being the more common. Corgis are
healthy dogs, living into their early or middle teens;
however, both do suffer from a few hereditary diseases.
Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by
nipping at the heels; the dog's low stature allows
it to avoid being kicked in the process. As herding
dogs, Corgis work livestock differently than other
breeds. Instead of gathering the cattle the way a
Collie would, by running around the livestock, Corgis
drive the herd forward by nipping at their heels and
working them from behind in semicircles.
There are two breeds of Welsh Corgis, the Cardigan
and the Pembroke, each named for the counties in Wales
where they originated. The only difference to those
unfamiliar with the breed often appears to be that
the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail, while the Pembroke
does not. However, closer examination of the two breeds
reveals differences in bone structure, body length,
and overall size that indicate separate origins.
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