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                             Pembroke Welsh Corgis
                                       
Editor

   Perrine Crampton, pcrampton@worldnet.att.net.
   See also the credits at the end of this document.
   (c) Copyright Perrine Crampton 1997
   
   Revision History:
     * Updated:     August 1, 1997
          + National and Regional Breed Clubs listing to include the
            newsletter and Corresponding Secretary for each of the
            Regional Clubs. ; (Club members and rescue contacts, please
            email corrections to pcrampton@worldnet.att.net)
     * First (more or less) release: August 3, 1995
       
Table of Contents

     * History
     * Characteristics and Temperament
          + Pet and Companion
          + Obedience Trials, Tracking and Agility
          + Herding
          + Conformation
          + Other Abilities
     * Description
     * Grooming
     * General Health
     * Inherited Medical Problems
          + Eyes
          + Skin and Skeletal System
          + Other Conditions
     * Where To Get A Pembroke Welsh Corgi
     * Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
     * Resources
          + Books
          + Brochures
          + Email List
          + National and Regional Breed Clubs
          + Breed Rescue Organizations
     * Credits
       
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
History

   Unlike some dog breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not have a
   traceable breed history. Its origins are obscured by tales and
   folklore and even contain ties to the wee folk of the British Isles.
   According to legend, two children tending their family's cattle on
   royal lands found a pair of puppies, which they thought were foxes.
   When they brought the puppies home, they were told the dogs were a
   gift from the fairies. Welsh legends tell us that the fairies would
   use the little dogs to pull their carriages or as mounts for them to
   ride into battle. If you look, you can still see the marks of the
   fairy saddle on their shoulders (especially pronounced in the sable
   color). As the little puppies that the children brought home grew,
   they learned to help their humans watch over their cattle, a task to
   become a responsibility for their descendants for the centuries to
   follow.
   
   That's the legend. The more commonly accepted theory traces back to
   Scandinavian raiders bringing their dogs with them to the British
   Isles, possibly as far back as the 9th or 10th century. The Swedish
   Vallhund is seen to bear many similarities to today's Pembroke Welsh
   Corgi and is presumed to have been bred with native Welsh dogs. Any of
   the offspring that expressed cattle herding/driving traits were no
   doubt selectively bred to enhance that skill. It is also thought that
   the dogs brought over with Flemish weavers, who settled in
   Pembrokeshire, South Wales in the 12th century, were bred with the
   local cattle dogs adding the Spitz characteristics that the Pembroke
   Welsh Corgi expresses today.
   
   The name of the breed is as difficult to nail down as is its origin.
   One school combines the Welsh word "cor" which means "to watch over or
   gather" with "gi", a form of the Welsh word for dog. This was
   certainly a responsibility of these small cattle herders and homestead
   guardians. Another ascribes the word corgi as the Celtic word for dog
   and that the Norman invaders thereafter referred to any local dog as a
   "cur" or mongrel. Finally, legend pops up again with the
   interpretation that the word "cor" means "dwarf". Combine that with
   the Welsh form for dog "gi" and you have "dog of the dwarfs or "dwarf
   dog". For many years Corgis (both breeds) were referred to as either
   'Ci-llathed' meaning "yard long dog" (we're talking a Welsh yard here)
   or as 'Ci Sawdlo' due to its nature of nipping at cattle's heels.
   
   The breed was first officially exhibited as the Welsh Corgi in England
   in 1925 and was eligible to compete for challenge certificates in
   1927. Both Pembrokes and Cardigans were shown in the same classes as
   one breed until 1934, when the Kennel Club (British) separated the two
   breeds. The first Pembrokes registered with the AKC appeared in 1934.
   Pembrokes were first exhibited in the U.S. in 1936.
   
   Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, is a longtime Pembroke
   fancier. In 1933 her father, then the Duke of York (later King George
   VI), purchased a Pembroke puppy (Rozavel Golden Eagle)as a playmate
   for his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. Queen Elizabeth's interest
   in the breed has continued throughout her life, and several lovely
   Pembrokes still grace Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty's interest in the
   breed, coupled with the appearance of a Pembroke family on the cover
   of Farm Journal and the Disney film "Little Dog Lost", helped fuel
   America's love affair with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
   
   The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized by the American Kennel (AKC),
   United Kennel Club (UKC), the Kennel Club (Great Britain, KC), the
   FCI, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and many other kennel clubs
   throughout the world.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Characteristics and Temperament

  Pet and Companion
  
   The breed standard general description of the Pembroke is: "Outlook
   bold, but kindly. Expression intelligent and interested. Never shy or
   vicious." If there was ever a summary description of the breed, this
   would be it.
   
   The Pembroke is "a big dog in a small dog's suit."
   
   The Pembroke's personality is playful and fun-loving, but also can be
   protective and tenacious. Pembrokes love attention and can be real
   clowns.
   
   The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very intelligent and versatile companion
   animal. The most suitable home for a Pembroke is with an owner who is
   looking more for a companion than just a decoration, someone who is
   looking for a dog who is as happy going for walks around the
   neighborhood as for romps in the woods.
   
   Though the Pembroke is an energetic breed and eager for new sights and
   smells, Pems are just as content to keep their owners company at home.
   With a modicum of exercise they are just as suited to city life as to
   life in the country. Pembrokes are very people oriented and should not
   be left in the backyard only to be occasionally petted. They are at
   their best when incorporated into full family life.
   
  Obedience Trials, Tracking and Agility
  
   The Pembroke has a pleasant temperament. His intelligence and
   eagerness to please makes for a personable dog who is interested in
   learning, but sometimes not interested in repetitive training. The
   independence of his working dog lineage coupled with his innate
   intelligence means that he can get bored with an invariant training
   routine and therefore needs a variety of exercises to keep his
   interest in a task. Newer techniques using positive motivational
   methods and food training are ideal for the average Pembroke and have
   produced some very good obedience dogs. Their eagerness to please
   their owners, coupled with a tendency to be little "hams" in public,
   is an underlying reason why they do so well in obedience.
   
   Many of these obedience-titled dogs have also acquired tracking
   titles. Tracking is a sport where the dog must pick up and follow one
   person's scent to the end of the trail and locate an article (a
   glove). Advanced tracking complicates the situation by having
   different people lay cross trails; the dog must stay on the original
   one to the end. Most Pems take very readily to tracking, some
   obtaining their first tracking title within months of beginning
   training. Being low to the ground does help the nose work. The newest
   phase of tracking competition will begin in fall of 1995 with the
   Variable Surface Tracking program from the AKC. These tests are
   designed to mimic tracking in an urban environment, over asphalt,
   concrete, grass, etc. Many dogs that assist in search and rescue will
   be the first titled dogs in this event.
   
   Many Corgis (both Pembrokes and Cardigans) have also done well in
   Agility. Agility is one of the newest performance events, requiring
   the dog to run an obstacle course accompanied by its handler, all the
   while competing against the clock. The obstacle course is a
   scaled-down version of the course police or military dogs train on.
   Pembroke Welsh Corgis, along with Cardigan Welsh Corgis, dominate
   agility in their size class, and are as enthusiastic and competitive
   as Border Collies. Pems frequently love agility much more than
   obedience and can be found enthusiastically roaring through an agility
   course barking happily the whole way, or "yelling" at their owners to
   hurry up! USDAA, NADAC, NCDA and now the AKC provide agility
   competition and titles for corgis to compete in.
   
  Herding
  
   The Pembroke is the smallest of the Herding group of dogs. As with
   many other members of this group, the working instinct has not been
   taken advantage of for quite some time, especially in the United
   States. However, it is still in evidence in several lines today, and
   Pembrokes have competed and earned top honors (High in Trial) in
   competition at AKC herding trials, competing with other herding
   breeds. Pembrokes have been primarily associated with cattle and were
   used for that livestock originally but they can showcase their talents
   with sheep, ducks or geese.
   
  Conformation
  
   The Pembroke is a recognized breed throughout the world (after all, at
   one point in time the sun never set on the British Empire) and
   competes in conformation shows on most, if not all, continents. A
   crowd-pleasing favorite due to its showmanship, the Pembroke has been
   a serious group and Best in Show contender for many years.
   Conformation judges compare dogs against a written breed standard and
   evaluate their type and soundness. Many dogs which complete their
   conformation championships also compete in obedience, tracking and
   herding and when not at a show are usually pampered pets.
   
  Other Abilities
  
   The Pembroke, due to his intelligence and eagerness to please, is a
   standout in many other areas of canine work. Pems are often used as
   Hearing Ear dogs, assisting owners afflicted with hearing impairments.
   They alert their owners to important sounds, similar to the way Seeing
   Eye dogs help their owners. Other Pembrokes have become Therapy Dogs,
   friends for older adults in nursing homes or hospitalized patients.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Description

   The Pembroke has a foxy, intelligent face with bright, merry eyes and
   a frequently smiling muzzle. The ears are erect, with their points
   forming an equilateral triangle with the nose.
   
   The body is relatively long (40% longer than its height at the
   shoulders), with short legs and little or no tail. Colors are red,
   sable, fawn or tri-color (red-headed or black-headed). White collars
   are acceptable, as are white feet and legs, chest, underparts and
   limited white on the head. The coat is of medium length and of a
   double nature, with a thick undercoat covered by a topcoat. Also seen
   (but considered incorrect by Pembroke breeders) are coats which are
   too long (fluffies), wiry and kinky or overly short (also known as a
   flat coat).
   
   The Pembroke's weight should be in proportion to its height. Height
   from ground to the highest point of the shoulders should be 10 to 12
   inches. Weight should be 27-30 pounds for a male and 25-28 pounds for
   a female. A correct Pembroke should not be so large-boned as to appear
   coarse nor to have not enough bone and appear racy.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Grooming

   Coat: The grooming needs of the breed are minimal, however major
   seasonal shedding may be a drawback for people lacking the time to
   deal with it and should be a consideration when looking at the breed.
   Regular brushing of the coat minimizes loose hairs and Corgi dust
   bunnies around the house. The Pembroke blows coat (looses his/her
   undercoat and sometimes top coat) twice a year, in the spring and
   again in the fall. The easiest way to deal with the shedding Pem is to
   give him a warm bath and comb out the dead hair while the dog is wet
   and lathered. This should be followed by daily brushing for up to 2
   weeks. The exception to the above is the fluffy (excessive ly
   long-coated) Pembroke. Fluffies need extra brushing on a regular basis
   (or periodic clip downs) in order to keep their coat in shape. Since
   their hair is longer it will appear that they shed more. They also
   need to have the hair on their buttocks trimmed to keep the area
   clean.
   
   Nails and feet: Of course, like any other breed, regular nail trimming
   is important to stop the feet from splaying. Hair around the pads is
   trimmed to help keep mud and snow from being tracked into the house.
   The best practice is to trim the nails at least once a week. This will
   maintain the short length and remind your (often times strong willed)
   Pem that trimming its nails is nothing to panic about.
   
   The best tools to use are guillotine-style nail clippers and a
   grinder. Since it is very easy to cut the nail too short (cutting into
   the quick and causing the nail to bleed), many people prefer the
   grinder. The grinder comes in two varieties - with or without a cord.
   This is the same type of grinder that crafts people use for delicate
   sanding jobs and can be found in most any hardware or discount
   department store. The two brands used by most breeders/serious
   exhibitors are Oster (found in most pet supply catalogs) and Dremel
   (found in hardware stores).
   
   Feet: Especially for showing, the hair on a Pembroke's paws will need
   to be trimmed. The best way to do this is with the beard-trimming
   attachment on an electric razor. If you have to do it with scissors,
   remember that the Pem's toes are webbed, and be careful to only cut
   the hair!
   
   Ears: Ears should be kept free of any wax build up. A cotton ball with
   a little mineral oil or Listerine is very effective.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
General Health

   Pembrokes are a fairly healthy breed, but as with all dogs (purebred
   as well as mixed), do have some inherited problems. In a perfect
   world, the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents of a litter
   should be evaluated for possible genetic disease. General information
   on Pembrokes follows as well as a list of possible genetically
   transmitted diseases. For further information you should contact your
   veterinarian and your breeder.
   
   Lifespan: 11-13 years. Some Pembrokes have been known to live to 18-20
   years old.
   
   Males: Average onset age of puberty (6-8 months old).
   
   Females: Tend to have normal length estrus (heat) cycle and gestation
   (pregnancy). Average one heat every 6 months. Tend to be slightly
   older when come into heat for the first time (9-11 months vs. 6 months
   for small breeds). Most are free whelpers (require no help at
   delivery) but increasing numbers of reports indicate more tendency
   toward dystocia (difficult birth). If dystocia occurs, a caesarian
   section is often required to save the life of the dam and the puppies.
   For this reason, breeding Pembrokes should be left to those with the
   experience to recognize warning signs of a difficult birth. No one
   wants to lose a loved pet and, if not recognized early enough, a
   dystocia can result in the death of the dam and puppies. Some dams may
   be slow to remove placental sac or to tend to pups.
   
   Litter size: Average 6-7 (range 1-12)
   
   Birth weight: Average 10 oz (range 6-18 oz)
   
   Dewclaws: Remove all.
   
   Tails: If not born with a natural bob or tail-less, dock as close as
   possible, but not so close as to leave an indentation. Tail should not
   protrude beyond the anus (tail length must not exceed two inches).
   
   Ears: Usually become erect between 4-16 weeks. If not up by 12 weeks
   they should be taped.
   
   Serious faults: Whitlies (excessive white body color with red or dark
   markings); mismarks, (white on back between shoulder blades and tail,
   on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters or on ears, black
   with white markings and no tan); bluies (gray or smokey-red,
   associated with light or blue eyes and light pigment of eye rims, nose
   and lips); fluffies (excessive ly long coat); improper bites
   (overshot, undershot, wry bite); ears not erect.&nbs p;
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Inherited Medical Problems

   (References: "Successful Dog Breeding", Walkowicz and Wilcox, 1994;
   "Inherited Eye Diseases in Purebred Dogs", Rubin, 1989 "Ocular
   Disorders Proven or Suspected to be Hereditary in Dogs", ACVO, 1992;
   "Medical & Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs", Clark and Stainer,
   1983.)
   
  Eyes
  
   Cataracts
          One or both lens become cloudy, may involve only part of or the
          entire lens; may progress to total blindness over time: (1)
          Congenital cataracts, present at birth, may be inherited.
          (2)Triangular subcapsular cataracts, generally occurs after 2
          years old, believed to be inherited as an autosomal dominant
          trait with incomplete penetrance. (3) Posterior cortical
          cataracts, generally present by 1 year old, slowly progressive.
          Inheritance pattern not yet proven. Cataracts may be present as
          early as 8 weeks of age.
          
   Persistent Pupillary Membrane
          Pieces of a developmental membrane remain, vary from small
          spots to large connecting strands, therefore influence on
          vision varies with degree of involvement. May disappear with
          age. Is familial, inherited as an autosomal recessive.
          
   Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
          Primary Retinal Degeneration Type I. Death or destruction of
          the cells in the retina (light absorbing layer of the eye)
          which allow vision. Not associated with pain, but will
          eventually progress to total blindness. Generally first noticed
          as night blindness. No cure is known. Believed to be inherited
          as an autosomal recessive but has not yet been proven in this
          breed.
          
   Retinal Dysplasia
          Abnormal development of the retina, may present as folds or
          larger abnormalitie s. The fold version usually is not
          progressive. Larger abnormalities may cause vision problems.
          Sometimes the retina may detach. Detachment will cause
          blindness. Inheritance pattern unknown but believed may be
          inherited as an autosomal recessive.
          
   Rare eye conditions
          Corneal Dystrophy Inducing Vascularization (pigment and blood
          vessels invade the cornea - the clear covering of the eyeball),
          not much is known. Lens luxation: reported in British
          literature but nothing known about problem in US literature.
          Dermoid: also known as a corneal dermoid cyst. A skinlike cyst
          on the surface of the eye, affects one or both eyes, may
          contain skin, glands and hair. The inheritance pattern is
          unclear.
          
   A term you should become familiar with is CERF (Canine Eye Registry
   Foundation) . Owners whose dogs which have been examined by a
   board-certified ophthalmologist may choose to have the results sent to
   CERF and receive a certificate of registration. Please be aware that
   the certificate is only good for one year. Dogs used for breeding
   should be examined within the past year. Many breeders do not send the
   reports in to CERF but should be able to provide you with a copy of
   the original report.
   
  Skin and Skeletal System
  
   Cutaneous Asthenia
          Also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, dermatosparaxis, dominant
          collagen dysplasia. Defective connective tissue which supports
          and makes up the skin produces skin which is very fragile,
          loose and stretchy, easily damaged. Also affects the blood
          vessels in the skin and may cause bruising and large blood
          blisters. Is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
          
   Hip Dysplasia
          Abnormality of the hip joint, may affect one or both sides.
          Clinically may range from changes visible only on x-rays to
          crippling arthritis. From 1974 to 1991 over 1500 Pembrokes were
          evaluated by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a registry
          for skeletal disease). Of these, 20.1% were considered to be
          dysplastic based upon their x-rays. The inheritance is complex,
          believed to involve several genes and likely environmental
          influences (diet, rapid growth).
          
          Hip dysplasia (HD) can vary in its effect on individual dogs.
          Some dogs may fail OFA evaluation and never be lame or in pain
          a day in their lives. Other dogs may have disease so severe
          that the hip joint falls apart and live in chronic pain if
          surgery is not performed. Controversy exists when relying on
          OFA assessment of Pembrokes for HD as many dogs with excellent
          movement (even some at 10 years of age or older) cannot pass
          OFA. Young dogs may have preliminary xrays done before 2 years
          old but cannot receive a permanent evaluation number before the
          age of 2. Dogs may not pass OFA evaluation at 2 years of age
          but receive numbers when they are 4-5 years old since if there
          is no progression of disease on the x-ray (only in the case of
          borderline or mild cases).
          
          The Pembroke is a dwarf breed, which may explain the difference
          from larger breeds. Some inherent joint laxity may be necessary
          for proper rear extension during gaiting which is not
          recognized as "normal" by OFA. A newer evaluation system
          (PennHip) has been established. This system measures joint
          laxity and when enough specimens of one breed have been
          evaluated, compares dogs only to others of the same breed, not
          to one standard as OFA does. For dogs suffering from clinical
          degenerative arthritis caused by hip dysplasia, there are
          several options available (both medical and surgical). Although
          it is recommended that dogs not rated by OFA should not be used
          for breeding, Pembrokes (along with the other dwarf breeds)are
          unique and must be considered on an individual case basis by
          knowledgeable breeders. Dogs with a familial history of
          clinical hip dysplasia (arthritis in the hip joint which
          affects the animal's health) should not be used for breeding.
          
   Swimmer Puppy
          Newborns whose ribcage is flattened (back to belly), often
          associated with excessive joint laxity in the limbs. May or may
          not progress. Usually by providing good footing and sometimes
          physical therapy puppies return to normal structure.
          Inheritance pattern is unknown. Most affected puppies are
          usually very large, well-fed, and have trouble getting up on
          their legs and prefer to crawl (hence the term swimmer).
          
  Other Conditions
  
   Cystinuria
          High levels of cystine (a protein) is excreted in the urine,
          predisposes to stone formation. Usually only a problem in
          males. May be inherited as either an autosomal recessive or
          sex-linked (pattern not yet proven).
          
   Intervertebral Disk Disease
          Compression of the spinal cord generally due to rupture of a
          weak section in the disk. Signs include unsteady gait, problems
          with getting up or down stairs and furniture, knuckling over of
          limbs, weakness and paralysis. More commonly seen in breeds
          such as Dachshunds but may be seen in Pembrokes. Treatment
          varies with how severely affected the dog is; from restricted
          exercise to back surgery.
          
   Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
          A progressive degeneration of the nervous and supportive tissue
          of the spinal cord in the lower back region which causes rear
          leg lameness, weakness and eventual paralysis. Often
          misdiagnosed as disk disease, probably because disk disease is
          more commonly seen. DM is usually late age in onset (9 years
          and older). Similar disease occurs more frequently in German
          Shepherds.
          
   The inheritance pattern is unclear, but a familial trend has been
   noticed. No cure is presently available; treatment is usually with
   steroids which may improve the dog's condition temporarily. The actual
   disease is not painful but leg injuries may occur due to inability to
   walk properly.
   
   One early sign of this disease (and disk disease) is an inability of
   the dog to right its paw when knuckled over. The disease is
   progressive, taking (generally) 6 months or longer to result in rear
   limb paralysis with loss of bladder and bowel control. If the
   degeneration spreads upward along the spinal cord, difficulty in
   breathing and even death from respiratory arrest may occur.
   
   Owners can help affected dogs by carrying them up and down steps or
   building ramps, providing traction (rugs) on slick floors, and perhaps
   use of a K9 Kart. Exercise may be of help in delaying progression of
   the disease. It has been recommended that stricken dogs be placed on
   an increasing, alternate-day exercise program which includes walking
   and swimming.
   
   Epilepsy
   Recurrent seizures, onset from 18 months old on. Seizure types vary.
   Inheritanc e pattern uncertain but may be simple recessive.
   
   Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) with Pulmonary Hypertension
   PDA is a congenital defect of the vascular system which allows a
   percentage of unoxygenated blood to bypass the lungs. It is usually
   detected in puppies during veterinary examination by hearing a
   continuous machinery-type murmur. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood
   pressure within the lungs and is a rare component of the PDA disease.
   PDA can be surgically corrected; if left uncorrected the dog will
   usually die of heart disease later in life. Inheritance pattern not
   yet determined, but is familial in Pembrokes, humans and cattle.
   
   Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
   Also referred to as pseudohemophilia. Due to defects in the blood
   clotting system (Factor VIII). Has a range of presenting symptoms
   depending on the amount of normal factor present, whether other
   clotting problems are present; varies from no problem to severe
   hemorrhage. Is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant
   factor; questions abound whether low thyroid levels complicate the
   situation.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
Where To Get A Pembroke Welsh Corgi

   We recommend that you do not buy a puppy from a pet store or an
   irresponsible backyard breeder. Dogs in pet stores frequently come
   from puppy mills, are not properly socialized and often their
   pedigrees are incorrectly documente d (An AKC registration blue slip
   is not a guarantee of that puppy's pedigree. Such paperwork relies on
   the honesty and integrity of the breeder. AKC registration also should
   not be misunderstood to imply that the dog is guaranteed to be free
   from genetic defects or illness.) Puppy mill dogs also are more likely
   to develop congenital illnesses than are those who were responsibly
   bred. This is because the parents are not checked for the presence of
   genetic disease before breeding. Puppies from irresponsible backyard
   breeders are likely not as well vaccinated or dewormed, nor do they
   come with health guarantees unlike puppies purchased from responsible
   breeders. A responsible breeder is someone who allows their dogs to
   grow to maturity before breeding them, had them checked for inherited
   diseases before breeding, worried over mom and puppies (and
   prospective owners), dewormed and vaccinated on time with quality
   products, does not let the puppy leave the litter until at least 8
   weeks of age, does not breed their bitch on every heat cycle and
   stands behind their dogs until they die.
   
   If you've already bought a Pembroke from a pet store, and its health
   seems fine, there's probably no need to worry unduly. None of this is
   to say that your dog is any less worthy of your love than one who came
   from a responsible breeder! But, as a rule, pet shops are among the
   worst places to get puppies. Just be glad you've given your little
   love a good home.
   
   Please note that "rescuing" a Pembroke (or any purebred puppy) from a
   pet shop will only perpetuate the problem. By purchasing the dog, you
   are helping to create a demand for the Pembroke in the eyes of the pet
   shop owner, inevitably causing him/her to order two more from the
   puppy mill for the next delivery! Dogs condemned to existence (it
   really cannot qualify as life) in a puppy mill are the true victims of

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