Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Welsh Corgi is an ancient herding breed originating from Wales, where these small yet resilient dogs were used for driving cattle, guarding farmyards, and accompanying farmers. It is believed that Corgis appeared on the British Isles over a thousand years ago, brought by settlers and craftsmen who traveled with their working dogs. Over time, they became indispensable helpers: their low stature allowed them to move confidently around large livestock while avoiding kicks. In the 19th–20th centuries the breed gained broad recognition, and in the 1930s it was officially divided into two varieties—Pembroke and Cardigan. Today, Corgis are known worldwide as active, intelligent, and devoted companions.
General Appearance
The Welsh Corgi is a low-set, sturdy herding dog with an elongated body, strong bone, and well-developed musculature. The outline is slightly elongated but harmonious, and the movement is free, confident, and energetic. The head is proportionate to the body, with an expressive muzzle and a lively, intelligent expression. Erect ears give the breed its characteristic attentive look. The topline is level and strong, the chest deep, and the limbs short yet powerful and steady. The coat is double, dense, and weather-resistant. Overall, the Corgi combines compactness, stamina, agility, and a friendly disposition, reflecting its working origins and versatility.
Important Proportions
The Welsh Corgi has a moderately elongated format: body length from shoulder joint to ischial tuberosity is notably greater than height at the withers, while preserving overall balance and strength. Chest depth is approximately half the dog’s height, providing lung capacity and endurance. The head is proportionate to the body, with balanced skull-to-muzzle ratio. The neck is long enough for free movement and correct head carriage. Limbs are short but strong and straight, with pronounced bone—a key breed characteristic. Proportions must emphasize compactness, strength, and agility.
Behavior and Temperament
The Welsh Corgi is lively, friendly, and well-balanced, while retaining its natural herding instincts and high working ability. Attentive and intelligent, it learns quickly, adapts easily to various environments, and readily interacts with people. Strongly attached to its family, good with children, active and curious, the Corgi remains alert and capable of functioning as a small watchdog, showing caution toward strangers without undue aggression. Its temperament combines sociability, energy, playfulness, and mental stability, making it a reliable and positive companion.
Head
The head of the Welsh Corgi is proportionate to the body, fox-like in outline—slightly elongated, with smooth contours and expressive features. The skull is moderately broad and slightly rounded between the ears without coarseness. The stop is moderate and harmonious. The muzzle tapers gradually toward the nose, but is not pointed; the nasal bridge is straight. Lips are tight and dry. Jaws are strong, with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. The overall expression is intelligent, lively, and friendly, reflecting the breed’s active temperament.
Facial Region
The facial region is harmonious, clean, and expressive, reflecting the breed’s working background. The muzzle is of medium length, strong, well-filled under the eyes, and tapers gradually toward the nose while maintaining proper width. The nose bridge is straight, the nose always black with well-opened nostrils. Lips are thin, tight, and without looseness. Jaws are strong with a correct scissor bite. The chin is moderately defined but not heavy. Cheeks are smooth and unobtrusive. The facial expression is friendly, attentive, and vivid.
Eyes
The eyes are oval, medium-sized, and moderately wide-set, giving an open, friendly, and alert expression. Color is predominantly dark brown, harmonizing with coat color; excessively light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are tight and well pigmented, with dark rims. The gaze is lively and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s balanced character and natural watchfulness. The eye placement should emphasize the fox-like head, maintaining a soft and clear expression. Eyes must not be bulging, round, or narrow, as these undermine breed type.
Ears
The ears are erect, medium-sized, triangular with slightly rounded tips, complementing the fox-like head. They are set high and moderately wide apart, giving the correct breed expression and enhancing the lively outline. The cartilage is firm, and the ears stand steady both in rest and movement. When alert, the ears tilt slightly forward, enhancing attentiveness. The inner line of the ear should naturally align toward the nose tip, forming a clean silhouette. Oversized, soft, low-set, or outward-facing ears are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, muscular, and gently arched, providing correct balance and a natural, confident head carriage. It must be long enough to allow free, extended movement without appearing heavy or short. The transition to the withers is smooth, emphasizing the harmonious outline. Skin fits tightly without folds or dewlap. Well-developed neck musculature supports stability in movement and contributes to the breed’s confident appearance. The neck must not be overly massive or excessively thin.
Body
The body is elongated, strong, and harmoniously balanced, reflecting the breed’s herding purpose. The topline is level and firm, blending smoothly into a short, well-developed loin. The chest is deep and oval, reaching the elbows, with moderately sprung and long ribs for volume and stamina. The croup is slightly sloping and muscular, providing stability and free movement of the hind limbs. The underline is moderately tucked up, giving a dry yet substantial silhouette. The body must appear strong but not heavy, combining durability, functionality, and agility.
Tail
The tail is set in continuation of the topline, carried naturally and harmoniously, enhancing body balance. At rest it hangs down; in motion it may rise slightly but must not curl tightly over the back. The tail is of natural length, straight, well covered with coat, without kinks or excessive plume. The base is strong but not coarse. Tail movement reflects the dog’s emotions while maintaining control and not disrupting the silhouette. Tails that are too high, too short, kinked, or incorrectly shaped are undesirable.
Forequarters
The forequarters are short, strong, and straight, with substantial bone—a defining breed feature. Shoulders are long, well laid back, and close-fitting. The upper arm is of equal length, forming the correct angle for free and confident movement. Elbows point straight back, neither turned in nor out. Forearms are strong and straight. Pasterns are short, firm, and stable, with a slight acceptable slope. Feet are oval, tight, well-arched, with strong pads. The forequarters must provide stability, strength, and proper reach.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are well developed, powerful, and muscular, providing strong drive and stability. Thighs are broad and strong with defined but dry musculature. Stifles are well angled, without straightness or excessive bend. Lower thighs are strong and parallel when viewed from behind. Hocks are low, firm, and correctly aligned. Metatarsi are short and vertical. Feet are compact and well-knit. Hindquarters must work powerfully and in coordination with the forequarters, ensuring balanced, straight movement.
Gait / Movement
Movement is free, confident, energetic, with a steady rhythm and good coordination. Fore and hind limbs move straight without crossing or rolling. The forequarters provide a firm, adequate reach, while the hindquarters deliver a powerful, springy push, resulting in steady, balanced motion. The back stays firm even at higher speeds. The gait must exhibit functionality, endurance, and working ability. Short steps, weak drive, tilting of the croup, or unsynchronized movement are unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is double, dense, and weather-resistant. The outer coat is medium-length, straight, and slightly harsh, lying close to the body. The undercoat is soft, thick, and abundant, providing insulation and supporting the silhouette. The coat must not be curly, overly long, or silky. Slight feathering on neck, chest, and hindquarters is acceptable but must remain neat and natural. Coat colors must be clean and well defined. The coat emphasizes the breed’s functionality and ability to work in varied climates.
Permissible Colors
Permissible colors include clean and rich tones typical for the breed. Pembrokes commonly appear in red-and-white, sable, tricolor, and fawn shades; Cardigans may also include brindle, blue merle, and black-and-white. Colors must be even, with clear and tidy markings. White markings are acceptable on the chest, muzzle, neck, belly, feet, and tail tip, but must not dominate. Non-standard colors—including all white, liver, blue without merle, or washed-out pigmentation—are unacceptable.
Size
The Welsh Corgi is compact and sturdy, combining an elongated format with strength and stability. Height at the withers for Pembrokes is typically 25–30 cm, and 30–33 cm for Cardigans. Weight averages 10–14 kg for Pembrokes and 12–17 kg for Cardigans. The dog must maintain strong bone and well-developed musculature without heaviness or looseness. Excessively light, long-legged, or overly heavy dogs are deviations from breed type.
Faults
Faults include any deviations that compromise harmony, functionality, or the characteristic Corgi appearance: light or protruding eyes, poor pigmentation, oversized or low-set ears, shallow chest, weak topline, crooked limbs, insufficient bone, poor movement, soft or curly coat, unclear colors, or weak markings. Behavioral faults such as shyness, excessive excitability, or aggression are undesirable.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations that break breed type or functionality: extreme aggression or fearfulness; lack of nose pigmentation, pink or brown nose; overshot or undershot bite; multiple missing teeth; congenital cranial or jaw deformities; heterochromia or blue eyes in non-merle colors; non-standard coat colors including all white, liver, or blue without merle; structural defects affecting movement. Such dogs must be excluded from breeding.
Important Notes
Judging must consider overall impression: a harmonious, strong, functional herding dog capable of active work. Minor deviations may be tolerated if they do not affect health or performance. Special attention is given to body proportions, limb stability, coat quality, and movement. Temperament must be confident, friendly, and balanced. Females may be slightly lighter than males. All scars or medical traces must be documented. Evaluation must follow the classic breed type.
Conclusion
The Welsh Corgi is a versatile, resilient, and intelligent herding breed combining a compact outline, strong build, and lively temperament. Its appearance, movement, and character must reflect working origins, confidence, and harmony. Clear proportions, stable limbs, proper coat quality, and a distinct breed expression make the Corgi recognizable and highly functional. Evaluation must account for overall balance and adherence to historical purpose. The Corgi preserves the natural energy, intelligence, and devotion that have earned the breed global admiration and popularity.
