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.
Read more:
9. Pick your breed
It wasn't until 1934 that the Kennel Club announced the two varieties of Welsh Corgi would be recognised as separate breeds - with 59 Cardigans and 240 Pembrokes recorded in the pedigree books. It was left to the dogs' owners to decide which breed their animal was. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. A mysterious heritage
There are a variety of theories as to how the Corgi first arrived in Wales. Some believe that the two breeds have a common ancestor in the Swedish Vallhund, then started to differ due to selective breeding. Others think they have separate heritages - with the Pembroke breed imported by Flemish weavers in the 10th century, while Cardigans were brought over by Nordic settlers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images