Corgis are a fun, intelligent dog breed. They have quickly become favorites not just in the US, but all over the world.
They make great family pets because of their loyalty. Let’s talk about what National Welsh Corgi Day is, how you can celebrate it, and some fun gifts you can get for this special holiday.
When is National Welsh Corgi Day?
Every March 1st of each year we celebrate National Welsh Corgi Day. This holiday started in 2019 and was established by Connie Maue.
It’s one of two days each year dedicated to Corgis; the other being the International Corgi Day on June 4.
Corgis deserve all the love and recognition; this breed may be small, but they have big personalities. No matter where Corgis go, they attract attention.
The History and Origins of the Welsh Corgi Dog Breed
Welsh Corgis were bred to be an all-around barnyard dog. They helped around farms, helping farmers herd their animals, control rodent infestation, guarding the livestock, and protecting their family.
According to AKC, both the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi have been around for centuries. They may even be from the 10th century.
In 1934, the first Pembroke Welsh Corgi traveled to America with Mrs. Lewis Roesler, an established breeder of Old English Sheepdogs. She had two adorable English Corgis named Little Madam and Captain William Lewis.
Both these Corgis were the first and second Corgis to be registered with the AKC. Nowadays, Corgis are mainly household pets and show dogs, some even become famous influencers in social media.
Characteristics of a Welsh Corgi
There are two different types of Welsh Corgis – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
It can be so easy to confuse one breed to another, so let’s talk about their different characteristics.
Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are short in stature. They have large heads, long bodies and short legs. Both breeds also have upright ears.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- They have long, fox-like tails.
- Slightly heavier and larger; they can weigh up to 38 pounds.
- They also have curvier bodies compared to Pembrokes.
- The coat colors of Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more varied; brindle, black, white with tan points, red and sable with white markings and blue merle.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pembrokes have shorter tails that are docked closer to their bodies.
- They can only weigh up to 30 pounds.
- Most Pembrokes have oval bones and a squared-off rear end. They look more rectangular compared to Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
- Their coats only come in red, sable and tri color with white markings.
The Welsh Corgi as a Family Pet
Welsh Corgis are excellent family pets – remember, they were once bred to be farm dogs, so they know how to work. They are diligent, and they are friendly.
Corgis are the happiest when they are around people, especially their family. They also love to be around children, and are very much happy to participate in whatever it is you’re doing.
When it comes to training, they are a smart breed that learns quickly and they prefer mental stimulation to keep them busy.
Pembrokes are more active compared to Cardigans. They have higher energy levels and are more outgoing.
On the other hand, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more laid back. They are more content with assessing the situation first before they decide if they want to participate.
Both breeds, however, are adventurous and are always open to new experiences.
Training a Corgi
Because they were bred to be working dogs, training a Corgi can be easy. You can train them as early as eight weeks old.
The first thing you can train them on is socializing. Corgis are social creatures, and they love being around humans.
Training them to be around family and strangers at an early age helps them become more social.
When training a Corgi, as it is with any other breed, positive reinforcement is always a must. They respond better with praises and treats instead of punishment.
Check out this free dog training guide to learn more about puppy training.
How to Celebrate National Welsh Corgi Day
There are a lot of ways you can celebrate National Welsh Corgi Day. Here are a few suggestions based on their personalities.
Go on a Hike
Corgis love the outdoors. They will appreciate a new adventure.
There are plenty of places you can go to if you want to hike with your dog. The most important thing is to make sure your hike goes safely and smoothly.
Corgis, if they’re fit and in perfect health, can hike anywhere between six to eight miles at a moderate pace. Here are some tips when hiking with your Corgi:
- Do not go to places where your Corgi might need to climb, this can be challenging for them.
- Bring lots of water. Corgis are prone to overheating, so make sure to give them water often.
- Stop often. Corgis may be energetic, but they also require regular rest breaks when hiking, so be sure to take a break every now and then.
Go for a Drive
As mentioned, Corgis are always looking for new adventures and mental stimulation. A road trip is something they will enjoy.
Roll the windows down, and let your Corgi enjoy the wind while you travel, but make sure you keep them restrained.
It’s safer if your Corgi is restrained so you won’t get distracted by them moving around the car while you drive. It also keeps them from jumping out the window.
The safest way to travel with your fur baby is to have them in a carrier strapped in the back seat.
Learn how to travel safely with your dogs.
Go to the Park
The dog park is also one of the best places you can take your Corgi to. It can be a fun way for them to interact with other dogs.
To change things up, you can have a picnic at the park with your Corgi. Bring special treats, lots of toys, and maybe play a game of fetch with a treat launcher.
Spend the whole afternoon just hanging out with your fur baby, helping them make new friends, and have fun.
Host a Party
A Corgi party is always a good idea. You can invite all of your fur babies’ friends and have a fun time at home.
You can bake homemade dog-friendly cakes, serve special treats, and host fun games for your fur baby and the special guests.
Here are some games you can try:
- Scooby Says – this is a dog-friendly version of ‘Simon Says.’ Have all the dogs gather together, and say a few commands. Whenever a dog doesn’t follow commands, they’re out of the game. The most obedient pup wins!
- Paw Painting – give fur parents a pad and some dog-friendly paint, and let them create paintings of their fur babies’ paws.
- Treat Hunt – hide treats and toys around the house, or in your backyard, and let your fur babies find them. The fur baby with the most treats at the end of the game wins.
Other fun ways to celebrate also include:
- Watch a movie with your pup.
- Give your fur baby a new toy.
- Hang out at home with your Corgi.
Unique Gifts for Welsh Corgi Dog Lovers
Fun Corgi Socks
