The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, short legged herding dog that originated in Wales.  Intelligent, naturally curious and fun-loving, Corgis are excellent family companions.  However, they are a double-coated breed that sheds, so they need regular brushing.

Coat colors in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi include red and white and tri-color.  Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is similar in appearance to the Pembroke, the breeds have different origins. The Cardigan is a bigger dog that comes in more varied colors and carries a fox-like tail.

WHAT IS A RESCUE CORGI?

Quite simply, a rescue Corgi is a dog in need of a new home.  It can be a dog rescued from a shelter, puppy mill or irresponsible owner or one put up for adoption by an owner no longer able to keep it.

Most rescue dogs are purebreds over two years old, but the rescue program has placed Corgis ranging from 12 week old puppies to 12 year old "seniors".

WHY DO DOGS NEED TO BE RESCUED?

Placement into the rescue program does not mean that a Corgi is a "bad" dog with behavioral problems.  Rather, it is a victim of circumstances beyond its control. While some are saved from abusive situations, most need to be placed in new homes because of changing family situations such as:

An elderly owner who is no longer able to provide adequate care

A household member who develops an allergy

The corgi was impulsively purchased before the owners considered the effort that responsible puppy ownership requires

A new baby leaves little time for caring for a dog

For most owners, the decision to give up a Corgi is difficult and emotional.  Placement in a rescue program means a dog will get a second chance in a loving home with a responsible owner.

HOW ARE DOGS RESCUED?

Most regional Pembroke Welsh Corgi Clubs have a rescue committee.  Owners wishing to surrender a Corgi are referred to these committees by members of all-breed kennel clubs, veterinarians, humane societies and word of mouth.  There are also a large number of independent volunteers who provide rescue services for Corgis.

Prior to adoption, rescue Corgis are placed in volunteer foster homes where their medical condition is updated and their personality and behavior evaluated.

WHAT DOES THE RESCUE PROCESS INVOLVE?

Once in foster care, Corgis are neutered/spayed and all appropriate shots administered.  Individual medical problems are addressed as necessary.

In addition, the dog's manners and temperament as a house pet are evaluated.  This enables the rescue group to place the dog in an appropriate environment and ensures that the adoption process goes smoothly.

Rescue committee members make recommendations on the type of adoptive home needed (e.g. children/no children, multi- or single-pet atmosphere) and identify minor personality quirks.

ADVANTAGES OF A RESCUE DOG

Besides the obvious advantage of giving a Corgi a second chance at life, adopting a rescue Corgi is an excellent way to acquire a dog that is housebroken, medically sound, neutered, leash trained, and with a known temperament.  In addition, rescue dogs are usually through the destructive puppy phase of development.

AKC REGISTRATION

The AKC does not provide registration service for dogs turned over to a rescue organization or shelter.  However, they will issue an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege) number to a purebred rescue dog.  Rescue Corgis cannot be shown in conformation but can compete in AKC sanctioned performance vents such as herding, obedience and agility.

HOW DO I GET A RESCUE DOG?

Those interested in adopting a rescue Corgi should contact a regional breed club representative or independent group (see Helpful Links).  There are also links to those who do Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rescue as well as Melange de Corgi (corgi mixes).

After completing an ownership application, potential owners are screened by rescue committee members.  An adoption fee is usually required.

The length of the adoption process depends upon the availability of dogs awaiting placement and can vary greatly geographically.  As a result, the wait for a rescue Corgi can take days - or months.  Be patient. The wait can be well worth it!

(The corgi pictured at the top of this page is "Ben".  Ben has a number of obedience and agility titles as well as a herding title.  He is known as Benjamin HT, CDX, MX, MXJ, VC)

All text and images on this website are copyrighted, 2006.