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Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 27

country of origin
Romania
default number
350
height at the withers
Dogs: 65-73 cm, bitches: 59-67 cm
use
Shepherd dog used for centuries by the Romanian shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains to defend their flocks and at the same time is an excellent watchdog.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Description: Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin (Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog)

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin is a relatively large dog, agile, not heavy, with a powerful appearance. The body is rectangular, the croup is wide and slightly sloping, the chest is spacious and deep, the shoulder is long and slightly sloping. The sex differences are clearly pronounced, the males should be larger and stronger than the females.

BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:

Alert and courageous by nature, the Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin is characterized by its innate unconditional devotion to the herd and its master. A dignified, calm and even-tempered dog.

History: Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin (Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog)

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin was bred from a breed that only exists in the Danube region of the Carpathians. For centuries, the most important breeding criterion was fitness for use; the character traits of this dog have remained unchanged to this day.
The first standard was established in 1934 by the National Institute of Zootechnics and updated in 1982, 1999 and 2001 by the Romanian Canine Association, whose Technical Commission updated the standard on 03/30/2002 to that of the F.C.I. adjusted the default scheme.

Coat: Ciobanesc Romanesc Carpatin (Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog)

HAIR:

The hair is harsh, dense and straight. The undercoat is dense and soft. With the exception of the head and fronts of the legs where the hair is short and lying flat, the whole body is profusely covered with moderately long hair. The hair is longer on the neck, backs of the legs and tail; on these parts of the body, excessive hair is typical.

COLOR:

Pale fawn with black overlay (wolf grey) of various tones, often lighter on the sides and darker on the upper part of the body. Pale dun with black overlay (wolf grey) with white markings, preferably not predominant.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 28

country of origin
Romania
default number
349
height at the withers
Dogs: 70-75 cm, bitches: 65-70 cm
use
Excellent herding dog, incorruptible guard and excellent companion dog.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Description: Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic (Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog)

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic is a large, but by no means heavy, powerful and powerful dog. Long, rich hair on head, body and limbs.

The males are larger and stronger than the females.

BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic is a calm, even-tempered dog. Good livestock guardian, very courageous and efficient at repelling predators that may be out for prey (bears, wolves, lynx). Distrustful of strangers. He likes children.

History: Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic (Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog)

The Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic was bred from a natural breed of dog from the Carpathians, with the focus being on fitness for use. The breed has many supporters in Romania because of its vigorous appearance.

The standard was established in 1981 by the Romanian Cynological Association, whose Technical Commission approved it on 03/29/2002 and conforms to the standard scheme of the F.C.I. adapted from Jerusalem.

Coat: Ciobanesc Romanesc Mioritic (Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog)

HAIR:

Hair abounding on the head and body, harsh in texture, straight and at least 10 cm long. The undercoat is even denser, soft and lighter colored. The hair is shorter on the limbs. Tail richly hairy.

COLOR:

a) Pied: The ground color must be white with clearly defined black or gray spots.
b) Monochrome: Monochrome white or grey.

Saarlooswolfdog

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 29

country of origin
Netherlands
default number
311
height at the withers
Dogs: 65-75 cm, bitches: 60-70 cm
use
The Saarloos Wolfdog was not bred for any particular service; he possesses qualities that enable him to be a loyal and reliable companion and house dog.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Description: Saarloos Wolfhound

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

The Saarlooswolfhond is a powerfully built dog whose external appearance (physique, gait and hair) is reminiscent of a wolf.
He is harmoniously built and has fairly long limbs without giving the impression of being long-legged. The different secondary sexual characteristics in males and females are pronounced.

BEHAVIOR/TEMPERAMENT :

Lively, energetic dog displaying a proud and independent character. He is obedient only of his own free will; he is not subservient. He is devoted to his master and extremely reliable. He is reserved and somewhat suspicious of strangers. Its reserve and its wolf-like flight instinct in unfamiliar situations are typical of the Saarlooswolfhond and should be preserved as characteristics typical of the breed. When strangers approach a Saarlooswolfhound they should have some understanding of this dog’s demeanor, reserve and flight instinct, traits he carries inherited. A forced, unwanted approach by a stranger can lead to the drive to flee predominating. Impeding this drive, e.g. by the dog’s lack of freedom of movement when on a leash, can cause his behavior to appear fearful.

History: Saarloos Wolfhound

Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) loved nature and also loved dogs. However, he felt that the dogs were too humanized and, as a lover of the German Shepherd Dog, intended to breed the natural characteristics back into this breed so that a better working dog would emerge. For this purpose he crossed the German Shepherd male Gerard van der Fransenum, a dog of the classic Prussian type, with Fleuri, a she-wolf who came from the Siberian branch of the European type (1932). The backcrosses to the father gave him a base population of animals with one quarter wolf blood. In the course of the following experimental phase, a new breed, the “European wolfhound”, emerged under strict selection. Since selected animals of this new breed served well as guide dogs for the blind, they were initially thought to be suitable for this work. However, as a result of an increased supply of wolf blood, the utility heritage of the progenitor Gerard was lost over time, and it became apparent that this breed was not very suitable as a working dog at all, including as a guide dog for the blind. The legacy of Leendert Saarloos, not a working dog, but a dog with natural characteristics, was recognized as a breed in 1975. At that time the breed was given the name “Saarlooswolfhond” in honor of its founder, credit where credit is due. Since then, the “Nederlandse Vereniging van Saarlooswolfhonden” has represented the interests of the breed, including through the following new standard.

Coat: Saarloos Wolfhound

HAIR:

Summer hair is very different from winter hair. In winter, the undercoat usually predominates, which, together with the stock-haired top coat, forms a plentiful coat of fur over the entire body and forms a clear collar around the neck. In the summer coat, the stock-haired top coat dominates over the entire body. Temperature differences in autumn and winter can have a major impact on the undercoat; however, this should always be available as part of the system. It is necessary that the abdomen, inner thighs and also the scrotum be covered with hair.

COLOR:

The hair colors are:
a) Black and wild colors shaded from light to dark, the so-called wolf grey.
b) Brown-wild colored shaded from light to dark, the so-called «bos»-brown, («bos»=forest).
c) From light creamy white to white.
The pigmentation of the nose, eye rims, lips and toe claws should be black in the wolf-grey and white Saarloos Wolfhound, liver-colored in the “forest brown” and cream-white. The hair on the entire underside of the body, on the inside of the extremities and on the back of the “trousers” is light in colour. Both the wolf-grey and the “forest-brown” Saarlooswolfhound show dark color on the outside of the extremities. You should also have an expressive mask.

Schapendoes

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 30

country of origin
Netherlands
default number
313
height at the withers
Dogs: 43-50 cm, bitches: 40-47 cm
use
The Dutch Schapendoes is a herding dog that was used and is still used today to herd flocks of sheep. Since the pastures for sheep are mainly in the quiet, lonely areas of the country, it is necessary for the Schapendoes to have great stamina, agility and speed. Great jumping ability is necessary as well as intelligence to be able to act independently. He must be a herd dog in character, body and soul.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Description: Schapendoes

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

The Dutch Schapendoes is a slightly built, long-haired dog with a height of between 40 and 50 cm at the withers. His movements are springy and light on his feet, he is a remarkable jumper.

BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:

The Schapendoes is a normal and harmoniously built shepherd dog with an alert and courageous character. He is intelligent, alert, cheerful, lively, friendly and spirited. He develops great affection and loyalty towards familiar people.

Story: Schapendoes

At the end of last century and beginning of this century, the Dutch Schapendoes was found in the Netherlands wherever there were moors and flocks of sheep. The shepherds valued him for his tireless enthusiasm for work and his intelligence. He belongs to the diverse group of long-haired shepherd dogs with a densely hairy head. It is related to the Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Owczarek Nizinny, the Bobtail, the Briard, the Bergamasque and the German Schafspudel in the variety found in Hesse, the Odenwald and the Lower Rhine. All of these similar dogs are downsized mutations of mountain dogs. The cynologist P.M.C.Toepoel is the founder of this breed. During World War II he knew how to arouse interest in this breed. Between 1940 and 1945 specimens of the nearly disappeared Schapendoes were bred from where they were still found. In 1945 the breed began in earnest. The Dutch Schapendoes breed club was founded in 1947 and in 1952 the breed was provisionally recognized by the Raad van Beheer. In 1954 the standard was set and a stud book was started. The definitive recognition took place in 1971. Since then, only registered dogs have been bred from.

Coat: Schapendoes

HAIR:

The Schapendoes has a dense coat with enough undercoat. The hair is long, a good 7 cm or more on the hindquarters. They are not smooth but slightly wavy. Pronounced frizzy hair is not permitted. The hair grows close together, it is thin and dry, but above all not silky. The coat of hair tends to stand up in tufts where it is long, giving the schapendoes a large girth, especially at the back. The Schapendoes has a mighty mop of hair, a mustache and a beard.

COLOR:

All colors are allowed. However, preference is given to a blue-grey to black.

Schipperke

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 31

country of origin
Belgium
default number
83
weight
3 to 9 kg; Ideal weight: 4 to 7 kg
use
Small guard dog, and companion dog.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Shetland Sheepdog

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 32

country of origin
Great Britain (UK)
default number
88
height at the withers
Dogs: 37 cm Bitches: 36 cm.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)

Description: Shetland Sheepdog

He’s a clown who exudes happiness all day long. Games and fun are always welcome. In addition, there is an enchanting charm that makes the Shetland Sheepdog almost irresistible for many. Shelties long for the admiration of their people and for this they can be easily trained in many areas. At first they are reserved towards strangers.

The personality of the Shetland Sheepdog

They are the crowd favorite at the agility tournament and elicit exclamations of delight from dogless passers-by. Shetland Sheepdogs, referred to simply as Shelties by most, are taking the hearts of those around them by storm. The vivacious four-legged friends are not only extremely pretty, their cheerful, life-affirming and extremely friendly nature also deserves a lot of praise.

Preferences, training and care of the Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties are ideal dogs for active people. Its handy body size allows you to take the lovable four-legged friend with the magnificent coat with you almost anywhere, and when it comes to living space, the little herding dog is content with a manageable kingdom. Always assuming he gets enough exercise and variety every day. Shetland Sheepdogs are enterprising, smart and extremely active. The owner of the small, four-legged whirlwind must take these innate predispositions into account. Otherwise, the energetic fur ball sooner or later develops into an unbalanced fellow who is bad-tempered and underutilized. An under-challenged Sheltie is unbearable, so before getting a dog of this breed, you should think carefully about whether there will be enough time for active leisure time fun with the dog in the next few years. The upbringing should be lovingly consistent. Shelties are sensitive and learn very quickly.

This is what the Shetland Sheepdog looks like

Beauty distinguishes the small, long-haired working dog. His gait is supple and graceful. The physique is well proportioned and harmonious. The lush mane and the ruff are typical of the breed. The head has a lovely expression. With a shoulder height of around 37 centimeters and a weight of nine kilograms, Sheltie males are still manageable. Bitches grow up to 35.5 centimeters tall and weigh around 6.5 kilograms. The double coat consists of a long, hard top coat and a soft, short, thick undercoat. Approved colors are sable, tricolor, blue merle and black and white with tan. White markings are permitted on the blaze, collar, chest, ruff, legs and tip of the tail.

The origin of the Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties come from the Shetland Islands off Scotland, where other small four-legged friends – such as Shetland ponies and dwarf sheep – live. Traditionally, local farmers bred small herding dogs to guard their small sheep, which eventually became the Shetland Sheepdog. The harsh weather and barren landscape of the Shetland Islands shaped the frugal, hardy Sheltie who loves outdoor activities.

Slovensky Cuvac

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 33

country of origin
Slovakia
default number
142
height at the withers
Males: 62 – 70 cm; Bitches: 59 – 65 cm
weight
Males: 36 – 44 kg; Bitches: 31 – 37 kg
use
Its usage classification results from its traditional use as a shepherd and mountain dog in the bare high mountains and as a guard dog for farmsteads and on the border.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

South Russian Ovtcharka

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 34

country of origin
Russia
default number
326
height at the withers
Dogs: over 65 cm. Bitches: over 62 cm. There is no maximum here!
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Group 1 herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs). Section 1 German Shepherds Without a working test.

Description: South Russian ovtcharka

The South Russian Ovcharka is one of three Ovcharka species from Russia. The South Russian Ovcharka originally comes from the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. He is a big dog, lively, fast and muscular. The height at the withers should not be less than 62 cm for bitches and at least 65 cm for males. There is no maximum for either of them

Its appearance alone – the hair distinguishes it from other Ovcharka species. It is very long (10-30 cm), covering the whole body, with plenty of undercoat. His hair feels like goatskin and is mostly white, but there are also gray and beige “South Russians”, as well as white with gray plates. The South Russian Ovcharka is a two-faced dog. He divides the world into two pieces: “my world” and “not my world.”

He is an independent, intelligent, stubborn, dominant and loyal dog. He can be very kind and affectionate, but only in his time. He rarely has the desire to do anyone a favor. He wants to keep his master company, but doesn’t do everything he’s told.

Never forget that this breed was bred for independence and protection. At that time, southern Russians had to keep order without human help, e.g. when the sheep drank water. The dogs made sure that the sheep only drank water in small groups, otherwise the whole spring would have been destroyed. Therefore, the “South Russian” combines the qualities of distrust of strangers with great sensitivity and a clear talent for mastering the situation.

This trait gives him psychological superiority. A “South Russian” accepts it when a dominant dog or human is in control. But if he notices insecurity, then he wants to dominate. Although the “South Russian” is a dog with a strong will of its own, it is quite possible to train it. You can direct, reduce or increase your protective instinct. It is absolutely necessary for a puppy to belong to the family and to grow up in the family circle.

Coat: South Russian Ovtcharka

10-15cm. long, coarse, dense, slightly wavy, the same length on the head as on the body, legs and tail, with a good undercoat.

Colour:

white-grey and beige, as well as white with gray plates.

Belgian Tervuren

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 35

country of origin
Belgium
default number
15
height at the withers
Males: 62 cm, females: 58 cm (average measurement; tolerance -2/+4 cm)
weight
Males: 25 – 30 kg, females: 20 – 25 kg
use
Originally a shepherd dog, today a working dog (guard dog, protection dog, tracking dog, etc.) and a multi-purpose service dog as well as a family dog.
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. With work test.

Description: Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)

There are four attractive varieties in the Belgian Shepherd Dog breed: Malinois, Groenendael, Tervueren and Laekenois. Although colors and coats vary, they all share the skills of herding dogs and guard dogs. The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a highly active, productive and willing dog.

The Personality of the Belgian Shepherd Dog

A lively and lively temperament characterizes the personality of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. His posture is proud, his expression always attentive. Fear or aggressiveness are not part of the desired profile of the spirited dog.

Preferences, training and care of the Belgian Shepherd Dog

He is alert and extremely active. The Belgian Shepherd Dog’s innate vivacity predestines it for a highly active life. Of course, the Belgian Shepherd has all the qualities of a herding dog, but it also proves to be a reliable guard dog. He excels as a protection and service dog. The breed seems to be constantly on the move and downright tireless. Circular movements are often observed and an expression of the exuberant temperament. Agility suits the Belgian shepherd just as much as tournament dog sport, eventing, rescue and tracking work and much more. The breed is extremely docile and easy to train. The maintenance effort is kept within limits for all varieties. Occasional brushing is enough.

This is what the Belgian Shepherd Dog looks like

The length of the hair, the direction of growth and texture of the coat and the coloring are criteria that lead to the distinction of the four varieties of this breed: Groenendael, Tervueren, Malinois and Laekenois. At pedigree dog shows, these four varieties are judged separately. The maximum height at the withers is 62 centimetres.
All of them require thick, close-lying hair with good texture. Together with the undercoat, it envelops the body like a protective coat. Long-haired variants, the Groenendael and the Tervueren, show short hair on the head, on the outside of the ears and on the lower part of the limbs. Otherwise the hair is long and straight, abundant around the neck and on the front chest. At the back of the thighs it forms trousers. The tail is well covered with hair forming a flag.

Distinct masks are typical of Tervueren and Malinois. Hair ends dyed black create a black cloud. The fawn-black-clouded Malinois is short-haired. The fawn Laekenois is rough-haired. The Groenendael is solid black. The Tervueren is preferably fawn-black-overcast or grey-black-overcast with a black mask.

The Belgian Shepherd’s gait is lively and free. His favorite gaits are walk and trot. The canter is also of very high quality.

The origin of the Belgian Shepherd Dog

The origin of the breed can be dated to between 1891 and 1897. At that time the “Belgian Shepherd Dog Club” was founded and Professor A. Reul, lecturer at the Veterinary School in Cureghem, arranged a meeting to which 117 Belgian Shepherd Dogs were brought. This offered the opportunity to take stock and select the best representatives of the breed. This is considered the beginning of purposeful breeding of this breed. In 1892 there was the first standard that only described one breed – with three different coat varieties. In 1901 the first Belgian shepherd dogs were entered in the stud book of the Société Royale St. Hubert (L.O.S.H.). Around 1910, the type and personality of the Belgian shepherd appeared to be quite stable. However, the discussions about permissible varieties and colors should keep breed lovers busy for a long time to come. In terms of usability, however, there was always agreement.

Czechoslovakian Wolfhound

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 36

country of origin
Czech Republic
default number
332
height at the withers
Dogs: at least 65 cm, bitches: at least 60 cm
weight
Dogs: at least 26 kg, bitches: at least 20 kg
use
working dog
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. With work test.

Description: Czechoslovakian wolfhound

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Solid constitution type, over medium sized, in a rectangular frame. Is similar to the wolf in physique, movement, hair, hair color and mask.

BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:

Spirited, very active, persistent, docile, quick to react, fearless and courageous. suspicious. He is extremely loyal to his master. Resistant to weather influences. Versatile.

History: Czechoslovak Wolfhound

In 1955 a biological experiment was carried out in what was then CSSR, namely the crossing of the German shepherd dog with a Carpathian wolf. The experiments showed that the offspring can be raised from the mating dog x she-wolf as well as from the mating wolf x bitch. The vast majority of the crossing products had the genetic prerequisites for further breeding. In 1965, after the end of the experiments, the project for the breeding of a new breed was developed, which should combine the useful characteristics of the wolf with the favorable characteristics of the dog. In 1982 the Czechoslovak Wolfhound was recognized as a national breed by the Committee of Breeders’ Associations of the then CSSR.

Coat: Czechoslovak Wolfhound

HAIR:

Straight, close fitting. The winter and summer hair is very different. In winter, the thick undercoat predominates, which together with the top coat forms a dense covering of hair all over the body. It is necessary that the hair covers the abdomen, the inner thighs, the scrotum, the inner part of the auricle and the interdigital surface. Well haired neck.

COLOR:

Yellow-grey to silver-grey with the characteristic light mask. Light hair also on the lower part of the neck and on the front of the chest. A dark gray coloration with a light mask is permissible.

White Swiss Shepherd Dog

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 37

country of origin
Switzerland
default number
347
height at the withers
Dogs: 60-66 cm, bitches: 55-61 cm
weight
Males: 30-40 kg, females: 25-35 kg
use
family and companion dog
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1. Shepherd Dogs. Without work test.

Description: White Swiss Shepherd

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Strong, well-muscled, medium-sized, prick-eared, stock-haired or long-haired white shepherd dog of elongated format, medium-heavy bone structure and elegant, harmonious body outline.

BEHAVIOR/TEMPERAMENT:

Lively and balanced temperament, eager to move, alert with good leadership. Of predominantly friendly, but unobtrusive willingness to contact. High social skills and commitment. Never fearful or unduly aggressive. A happy and docile working and sporting dog with potential for versatile training. High social skills and adaptability allow for excellent integration into the social environment.

History: White Swiss Shepherd

In America and Canada, white shepherds were gradually able to develop into a separate breed. The first animals were imported into Switzerland in the early 1970s. The American male “Lobo”, born on March 5th, 1966, can be considered as the ancestor of the breed in Switzerland. From connections with this male dog, registered in Switzerland, as well as other imported dogs from the USA and Canada, the White Shepherd Dogs were gradually spread all over Europe, where they live in large numbers today, having been bred purely for generations. Therefore, since June 1991, these dogs have been listed in Switzerland as a new breed in the appendix of the Swiss Dog Stud Book (SHSB).

Coat: White Swiss Shepherd

Hair:

Medium-length, dense, close-lying stick hair or long stick hair; abundant undercoat covered by strong, straight awns; Muzzle, face, ears and front of legs have shorter hairs; slightly longer at the nape and back of the legs. Slightly wavy, hard hair permitted.

COLOR:

White

Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 38

country of origin
Great Britain (UK)
default number
38
height at the withers
30 cm (ideal size)
use
German Shepherd & Companion Dog
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)

Description: Welsh Corgi cardigan

General Appearance:

stable, robust, agile, capable of endurance. Long in relation to the height. Tail foxtail-like, set in line with the body.

Characteristics(nature):

Alert, active and intelligent, balanced, neither shy nor aggressive.

History: Welsh Corgi Cardigan

Already in Celtic times he is said to have lived and worked in the mountains of Wales as a cattle dog. He hails from the western county of Cardiganshire, from which he takes his name. In the 10th century it is said to have been mentioned in the Laws of the famous Duke Howell the Good. Its value was equal to that of a bull. Anyone who stole or killed it was severely punished. For centuries to come, the Corgi was the irreplaceable herding and cattle dog of Welsh farmers. He guarded the cattle in the lonely, remote mountains and prevented them from entering foreign territory by means of shackles (heelen). Above all, however, he drove cattle and ponies to the cattle markets, which were often far away, even as far as London. After all, he was an invaluable guardian of house and yard, to whom young cattle and one’s own children were entrusted. It was even used to hunt small game and birds.

This versatile little dog was once bred solely for character and not for beauty or purity of breed. Courage, intelligence, dexterity and vigilance were important. To do this, the Corgi had to be robust, healthy and frugal. It was not until the end of the last century that Corgis (at that time still called Cur = small working dog) were presented at the so-called agricultural shows.

Up until the second half of the 1920s, Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis were often interbred. In 1925 both species were registered together as Corgis in the Kennel Club. In 1926 the English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association was formed, but it wasn’t until 1934 that the Kennel Club recognized the two species as distinct breeds. From its inception to the present day, the Cardigan Corgi has lagged behind the Pembroke Corgi in popularity. This was not least due to the fact that the English royal family already committed itself to the Pembroke Corgi in 1936. Still, the Cardigan Corgi has always had a small, but enthusiastic, fan base and dedicated breeders. It has remained so in Great Britain to this day.

The Cardigan Corgi remained unknown on the Continent for a long time. First, the Netherlands imported some English dogs in the early 1950’s. The first litter was registered in 1955. In the 1960’s the Dutch Cardigan Corgi breed became the leading breed on the continent. In 1971 the Danes started breeding Cardigan Corgis. The basis of their breeding were Dutch dogs. Our breed has also been strongly influenced by Dutch dogs from the beginning to the present day. Compared to the other British herding dog breeds, the Cardigan Corgi is not very common. Despite its many good qualities and its handy size, it still has a comparatively small number of followers. This is perhaps due to the fact that he doesn’t conform to the famous “little boy scheme” and doesn’t belong to the popular “cuddly dogs”.

Coat: Welsh Corgi Cardigan

HAIR :

Short or medium length, hard texture, weatherproof with good undercoat. Preferably smooth.

COLOR :

Any colour, with or without white markings. However, white should not prevail.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Which Dogs Belong To The Herding Group Of Dogs? (Part 6) 39

country of origin
Great Britain (UK)
default number
39
height at the withers
approx. 25.4 to 30.5 cm
weight
Males: 10 to 12 kg, females: 10 to 11 kg
FCI Group 1
Herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs)
Section 1 German Shepherds. Without work test.

Description: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Low, strong, robust, alert and lively, in a small format it gives the impression of substance and tenacity.

CHARACTERISTICS: Bold and skilful.

ESSENCE:

Superior and friendly, neither nervous nor aggressive.
The smart, intelligent and friendly dogs have made a circle of friends as lovable and humorous family dogs. As former working dogs, Corgis want to be taken seriously, want a job to do, and need consistent training. Otherwise they will know how to lead their “herd”! They should by no means be underestimated as “lap and sofa dogs”, because despite their short legs, Corgis can keep up with (almost) all activities.

History: Welsh Corgi Pembroke

The home of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke is the Celtic country of Wales and there the county of Pembroke, as the name suggests. There is also the Welsh Corgi Cardigan, but we won’t talk about it here. As with many breeds, one can only speculate about the early beginnings of the Pembrokes. The Pembroke’s resemblance to the Västgötaspets (Swedish Vallhund) and the Lundehund, which came to the British Isles with the Vikings, is striking.

In the 10th century Welsh legislation threatened a heavy penalty for stealing or killing a “curre” or “cur”-dog. Corgi means “little (low) dog” in Welsh.

For centuries, Corgis were irreplaceable farm dogs. From time immemorial, the Pembrokes were only used for large livestock: they brought cattle and ponies to the extensive, unfenced pastures and back again and, if necessary, drove them over the mountains to the cattle markets all the way to England. They also kept rodents and robbers short on the farm, reported visitors and also played with the children.

As a herding dog, the Corgi had to be small and agile in order to quickly pinch a cow’s heel and dive nimbly under the step. In the 1950s, this peculiarity earned them the reputation of “hacking machines”. Today, however, there is nothing more to be noticed, at most a gentle nudge with the snout in the calf. However, the Corgis from this time have retained their alertness, their ability to react at lightning speed, their self-confidence, and their fearlessness, but also their robust health and weather resistance. The hunting instinct is not very pronounced.

Since 1925 the Pembroke and Cardigan have been recognized together as the “Welsh Corgi” by the Kennel Club, and after much bickering between camps they were finally officially recognized as separate breeds in 1934. With the beginning of the show career and parallel to the restructuring of agriculture from beef cattle to sheep farming and the fence of the pastures, the Corgis practically disappeared completely from the farms, but since 1933 a few Pembrokes have always been “at the court” of the English Queen Elizabeth company.

Coat: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

HAIR:

Medium length, straight with a dense undercoat, never soft, wavy or wiry.

COLOR:

Solid red, sable, fawn, black with tan, with or without white on legs, sternum and neck. Some white on the head and muzzle is acceptable.

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