The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Welsh Corgi – they are one of the UK’s most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Welsh Corgi.
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5. Two breeds
There are two distinct breeds of Welsh Corgi recognised by the Kennel Club - the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They look very similar but the are Cardigan is larger, both in weight and in height, and the dogs have different shapes of tail. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. (Nearly) Best in Show
No Welsh Corgi has ever been awarded Best in Show in the history of Crufts. One came close though - in 1955 the reserve Best in Show was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi called Kaytop Maracas Mint. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. At risk
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was listed in the Kennel Club's first list of Vulnerable Native Breeds - breeds with less than 300 registrations in a year - in 2006, with the Pembroke added in 2013. The Pembroke's popularity has improved since, but the Cardigan remains on the list, with 132 registrations in 2020. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. In the club
Corgis first appeared at a dog show in Wales in 1925, when Captain J. P. Howell called together a meeting of breeders of both the Pembroke and the Cardigan varieties (at that point they were considered to be the same breed). They then formed the Welsh Corgi Club, with a membership of 59 members. Photo: Canva/Getty Images