JUDGING THE PEMBROKE WELSH By Cynthia Savioli
T he Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a large dog in a small package. Th ey are bold and powerful yet a kind and loyal companion. Th e standard for the Pem- broke Welsh Corgi states that they should be low-set, strong and sturdily build, giv- ing the impression of substance and stam- ina in a small space. Th ey should have a bold outlook, pricked ears and good tem- perament. Th e Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for having a foxy appearance to the head. Th ey have an intelligent and inter- ested expression. Th is is an outline breed with a level topline approximately 40% longer than tall. Corgis should have a fair- ly long neck that fl ows into well laid back shoulder. Gait should be free and smooth. A dog with smooth and free sidegait that is reasonably sound must be highly regarded. General Impression Because this is an outline breed, it is important to stand at least 15 feet away from the breed to view the pro fi le. Th is should be done on the ground as a group as well as on the table during individual examination. It is the only time you will get to view the breed at eye level. Th e cor- rect pro fi le is 40% longer than tall when measured from the withers to the ground and from the withers to the base of the tail (Figure A). Correct height is 10 to 12 inches. Weight is proportion to size put should not exceed 30 pounds for dogs and 28 pounds for bitches. Head When viewing the head from the front, you should be able to see an equilateral tri- angle (Figure B). Drawing a line from the nose through the eye to the tip of the ear and then from ear tip to ear tip, you fi nd the fi nd the triangle and correct propor- tions. Th e skull should be fairly wide and fl at between the ears. Th e head plans are parallel (Figure C). Th e head proportions are fi ve parts the skull and three parts for the foreface (Figure D). Th e eye opening is oval in shape and eye color is in har- mony with the coat color. Because they
are a herding dog, the eye is set somewhat obliquely to give them good peripheral vision to see the stock from many direc- tions. Ears are fi rm and erect, medium in size and tapering to a slightly rounded point. Eye pigment in harmony with the coat color but preferably black. Th e nose and lip pigment should be black. While examining the head on the table, check for a scissors bite (level is acceptable). Do not check for dentition especially in the side and back teeth. You should then exam the proportions and planes of the head and move on to the reminder of the examination. Expression should be viewed on the ground where the Corgi is most comfortable. Neck and Body Th e Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a fairly long neck which is of su ffi cient length to provide over-all balance of the dog. Th e neck fl ows into well laid back shoulders and a level topline. Th e upper arms should be nearly equal in length to the shoulder blade. Th e Corgi has a deep chest that is well let down between the forelegs. Th e chest is oval in shape. Th e forelegs are short, forearms turned slightly inward, with the distance between wrists less than between the shoulder joints so that the front does not appear absolutely straight (Figure E). When examining the chest, it is important to place your hand between the legs and feel this shape. It should feel like the keel of a boat sitting in your hand. Th e Pembroke has oval shaped bone which is carried all the way down to the oval foot. Th e rib cage is well sprung and moderately long with a short loin. Th e hindquarters should match the forequar- ters in angles. Th e hocks are short and per- pendicular to the ground. When viewed from behind, they are parallel to each oth- er. Th e tail is docked as short as possible but may be up to 2" in length. Coat and Colors Th e coat is medium in length, short, thick and weather-resistant. Th e coat varies in length with slightly longer ru ff around the neck, chest and on the shoulders. Th ere may be a slight depression behind shoulders due
Fig. A: Correct Profile.
Fig. B: Correct head proportions showing equilateral triangle.
Figs. C & D
Fig. E
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