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Welsh Dog Breeds

Welsh Corgi, generic name for two breeds of working dogs bred for centuries in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi. The Pembroke dates from the early 12th century, the Cardigan from even earlier; the latter belongs to the same family as the dachshund. These small dogs (corgi is Welsh for "dwarf dog") were used to flush out game, drive cattle, and guard households. For such duties their speed, agility, and hardiness are admirably suited. The Cardigan Welsh corgi is well muscled and boned, with a long body set low on short, strong legs; the usual height is about 30 cm (12 in) and the length from nose to tip of tail varies from 91 to 112 cm (36 to 44 in). The medium-length coat is dense and harsh, affording protection from weather. Colours may be red, sable, brindle, or black, and generally there are white markings. The tail resembles a fox's brush; the face, too, is fox-like. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is related to such breeds as the Schipperke and Keeshond. In earlier times Pembrokes and Cardigans were markedly different. With crossbreeding (a practice now discouraged) they grew more similar, although the modern Pembroke still differs from the Cardigan in several respects. The Pembroke is shorter and stockier, its legs straighter; it stands 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 14 kg (30 lb). The ears are pointed, in contrast to the Cardigan's more rounded ears. The tail is usually docked. In temperament, the Pembroke is a more excitable dog, but both are affectionate, intelligent, alert pets.

Welsh Springer Spaniel, breed of spaniel known in Wales and the west of England for several centuries, and universally popular today because of its endurance and ability to stand extremes of heat and cold. It weighs about 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 lb) and is smaller than the English springer spaniel, which it otherwise resembles in a number of ways. It is larger than the cocker spaniel, and because of its longer legs it can cover ground more quickly than the cocker. The Welsh springer spaniel has a skull that is of moderate length and slightly domed; small ears that taper towards the tip; medium-sized hazel or dark eyes; long, muscular shoulders and neck; and a strong, compact, muscular body. It has a silky coat, red and white in colour, which is straight or flat and thick. The animal is most useful as a gun dog, is a good water dog, and makes an excellent watchdog and pet.

Welsh Terrier, breed of terrier that supposedly originated in Wales approximately two centuries ago but was not recognized as a separate breed until 1884; until that time the dog was known either by its present name or as the Old English terrier. In some countries, the dog is used for hunting otters, foxes, and badgers, and it makes an excellent watchdog or pet. The Welsh terrier has a flat skull; a powerful jaw; V-shaped ears; small, dark hazel eyes; a moderately long and thick neck; and straight, muscular legs. It has a wiry, hard, abundant coat, which is black and tan in colour; it is 38 cm (15 in) tall at the shoulder and weighs about 9 kg (20 lb).