Corgi, the shepherd dog loved by Queen Elizabeth
Historical references date the first appearance of the Corgi to 1107 AD: most likely it was very different from the current dog, but it is said of a short-legged dog used to guide livestock in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
It is not possible to establish exactly whether it is a native breed, or whether it came to England with the advent of the Vikings. However, starting from 1934 the distinction between Corgi Cardigan and Corgi Pembroke was established as two different dog breeds. The Welsh Corgi Pembroke has a slightly shorter body than the Cardigan and straighter legs.
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke certainly owes its popularity to King George VI, who gave a copy to his daughter Elizabeth, who later became Queen of England. It was she who created the royal family kennel, distinguished by the Windsor affix.
