InPreservatIonWetrust• DanSayers continued
became standardized in appearance with a “foxy” head shape that partly distinguishes the Pembroke from its Cardigan cousin. For the Pembroke to remain a Pembroke, its head type must be preserved. Equally important is the breed’s posterior.
standards for Preservation “Preservation” is one of four distinct approaches developed by the NPS for the treatment of historic properties. In the built environment, preservation focuses on the maintenance and
A legacy of its hardscrabble life moving 1,000 pound cattle from meadow to mar- ket in the days when a tail could cost a dog its life, the removal of a pup’s stern is a matter of tradition. Under the guide- lines established by the NPS, a docked tail would be considered an alteration of historic significance and worth preserv- ing. Historic preservation requires that dis- tinctive features, as well as noteworthy contruction and craftsmanship, be pre- served. In dogs, characteristics such as
repair of existing construction and the retention of a property’s form as it has evolved over time. A comparable example in the dog world might be a Herding breed that remains capable of performing its intended function owing to its recogniz- able make and shape. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can still work as a drover today much as it did in the 10th century. The breed’s substance, agility and ener- getic self-confidence suit it perfectly for any task that requires an active and intel- ligent canine. Whenever a breed’s con-
Breeders of Pembroke Welsh Corgis have preserved the breed’s working ability as well as its charming appearance.
struction and character remain intact — with all of its hall- marks in place and no serious faults to fix — its preservation could be considered a matter of historic significance. Like the great castles of Wales, the Pembroke is a living record of a particular time and place. Its characteristic build, low-set yet sturdy, remains as strong today as does Pembroke Castle that sits atop a rocky promontory by Milford Haven. And like the castle with which it shares a name, the Pembroke holds an historic significance in its own right. The breed’s association with Vikings is specific to the west of Wales and is culturally unique. Similarly, its moderately long and low silhouette, with short legs and an egg-shaped rib cage, have served it well as a cattle droving dog for ten centuries. In that time, the breed
coat texture, color and markings would be high on the list for conservation. The Pembroke sports a weather resistant jacket with a short, thick undercoat and an outer coat that is longer in length and more coarse. Though the body coat should lie flat, the ruff around the neck, chest and shoulders and the hair on the back of the forelegs, rear of the hindquarters and on the underline are fuller and longer. This is the type of coat described by the breed standard that has long served the breed well in its homeland. It deserves to be preserved. Likewise, preservation of breed-specific colors and markings will ensure that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi remains wholly unique and separate from the colorful Cardigan with it more continental pedigree.
92 • S how S ight M agazine , J uly 2017
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