TL;DR / Quick Insights:
- Corgis come in two types: Pembroke Welsh Corgis (the royal favorite) and Cardigan Welsh Corgis (the older cousin).
- Queen Elizabeth II made Corgis iconic by owning over 30 during her reign.
- Welsh legends say fairies used Corgis as battle steeds, which explains their magical charm.
- Modern Corgis blend history and humor, making them perfect companions.
Let’s talk about Corgis. You’ve probably noticed they walk like they’re on a mission to rule the world—and honestly, they kind of are. These little dogs with big attitudes have been around for centuries, and their story is just as unique as they are. From ancient farms in Wales to royal palaces, Corgis have made a name for themselves. Let’s dive into their history and see what makes them so special.
Two Types, Same Charm
Did you know there are two different kinds of Corgis? Yep, there’s the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (the one you’ve seen in Buckingham Palace photos) and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (a less famous but equally amazing cousin). While they look similar, they’re actually pretty different when it comes to their history and features.
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Cardigan Welsh Corgis: They’re the OG Corgis, with a lineage that goes back over 1,000 years. Brought to Wales by Celtic tribes, Cardigans were herding champs, keeping livestock in check. They’re slightly bigger than Pembrokes, have rounded ears, and come with a long tail.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis: These guys became the stars of the show when Queen Elizabeth II decided they were her favorite breed. Pembrokes have pointy ears, docked tails, and a bit more of that royal flair.
Fun fact: Until the 1930s, people thought these two breeds were the same! It wasn’t until they were judged separately at dog shows that their unique traits were fully recognized.
Why Are Corgis Royalty’s Favorite?
Let’s be honest—Corgis already act like they own the place, so it makes sense that they found their way into royal palaces. It all started in the 1930s when a young Princess Elizabeth (yep, future Queen Elizabeth II) got her first Corgi, Dookie. That one dog kicked off a lifelong love affair with the breed.
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Royal Companions: Queen Elizabeth owned over 30 Corgis during her lifetime. They were more than pets—they were family. The Queen even reportedly fed them gourmet meals and let them have their own rooms in Buckingham Palace.
- Pop Culture Icons: Thanks to the Queen, Corgis became a global sensation. They’ve appeared in everything from official portraits to animated films, and they’re often seen as a symbol of British charm.
Honestly, it’s hard not to feel fancy when you’re hanging out with a Corgi. Maybe that’s part of their appeal—they make you feel like royalty, too.
Fairy Tales and Magic
Corgis aren’t just adorable—they’re also a little magical. According to Welsh folklore, Corgis were the steeds of fairies. Yes, fairies!
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Fairy Saddles: The unique markings on their backs are said to be where the fairies placed their saddles.
- Guardians of Good Luck: In Celtic mythology, Corgis were seen as protectors of their families and bringers of good fortune.
Whether or not you believe in fairy tales, there’s something undeniably enchanting about these little dogs. Maybe it’s their expressive faces, or maybe it’s just that they seem to bring a little extra magic to every moment.
Corgis in the Modern World
So, what are Corgis like today? In a word: adaptable. Whether they’re herding sheep in the countryside or lounging in a city apartment, Corgis are pros at making themselves at home.
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City or Country: Corgis are happy anywhere, as long as they’re with their people. They’re small enough for apartment living but energetic enough to thrive in wide-open spaces.
- Social Media Stars: Let’s face it—Corgis were basically made for Instagram. Their cute butts, big smiles, and hilarious antics have made them some of the most photogenic dogs out there.
My Corgi, Max, has his own Instagram account, and (of course) he’s more popular than I am. People just love watching his goofy moments, whether he’s zooming around the park or trying to fit a too-big stick through a doorway.
Why Corgis Are the Best
Corgis are more than just cute—they’re little pieces of living history. They’ve gone from herding sheep in Wales to being the favorite pets of royalty, and they’ve kept their playful, loyal nature through it all.
- Perfect Size, Big Personality: They’re small enough to carry if needed but big enough in spirit to fill a room.
- A Dog with a Legacy: Owning a Corgi means becoming part of a tradition that’s both ancient and timeless.
- Endless Entertainment: From their goofy grins to their herding instincts, Corgis know how to keep life interesting.
Show Your Corgi Pride
Already a Corgi parent or just a big fan? Celebrate your love for these incredible dogs with something from our Official Corgi Fan Club Collection©. Whether it’s a cute Corgi hoodie or a stylish bandana for your dog, there’s no better way to show off your appreciation for royalty’s favorite companion.
And next time you see a Corgi strutting down the street, remember—you’re not just looking at a dog. You’re looking at a legend.
