Ancient Celtic landscape with Corgi silhouettes
Ancient Chronicles

The Saga of the Welsh Corgi

A tale spanning three millennia, from Celtic tribes to Viking shores, written in the green hills of Wales and the hearts of warriors.

ᚠᚢᚦᚨᚱᚲᚷᚹᚺᚾᛁᛃᛇᛈᛉᛊᛏᛒᛖᛗᛚᛜᛞᛟ
The Ancient Scrolls

Chronicles of the Corgi Clans

From the mists of time comes a tale as old as the Celtic stones themselves. The Welsh Corgi's saga spans three thousand years, weaving through the histories of ancient tribes, Viking raids, and royal courts. Here lies the true chronicle of these noble hounds.

1000 BCE

The Celtic Migration

The First Journey

It is said that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi arrived in the green hills of Wales over 3,000 years ago, brought by Celtic tribes migrating from Central Europe. Its lineage traces back to the Teckel family—shared with the Dachshund—and in its earliest form, this dog stood between the Teckel and Spitz types.

Celtic tribes with early Corgi ancestors
500-1500 CE

The Guardian's Duty

Protectors of the Herds

In those ancient days, the Cardigan played an essential role: walking ahead of cattle herds, clearing the way of threats and leading them to safe pastures. Over time, its work evolved. It began herding from behind and became a skilled drover, guiding livestock from Welsh farms to English markets. During this period, it's believed the breed was crossed with local herding dogs to enhance its versatility.

Thus, the Cardigan became a truly all-purpose companion: herder, guardian, vermin hunter, and loyal friend.

Corgi herding cattle in Welsh countryside
1000 CE

The Viking Influence

Birth of the Pembroke

A thousand years ago, Viking invaders and Flemish weavers brought Spitz-type dogs to certain regions of Wales. These were crossed with the native Corgi, giving rise to what we know now as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. In the more isolated regions untouched by these influences, the original bloodlines remained intact—these dogs are the direct ancestors of today's Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Viking ships arriving in Wales with Spitz dogs
1920s

The Age of Recognition

From Working Dog to Show Ring

In the late 19th century, as dog shows began to take shape and machines replaced traditional working dogs, many breeds found new life in the world of conformation. The Corgi was slow to capture the public's eye, and it wasn't until the 1920s that the name "Corgi" came into regular use and its history began to be properly recorded.

Early dog show with Corgis
1925-1934

The Great Separation

Two Breeds Emerge

In 1925, the Corgi was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. For a time, both the Pembroke and the Cardigan were registered as a single breed, which allowed for interbreeding. This caused conflict among enthusiasts, as judges often favored one type over the other. Finally, in 1934, the Kennel Club corrected the mistake and recognized them as separate breeds.

Official breed recognition ceremony
The Warrior's Form

Breed Characteristics

"Sturdy, tough, mobile, capable of endurance. Long in proportion to height, terminating in a fox-like brush, set in line with the body. Alert, active, and intelligent. Steady, not shy nor aggressive."

Physical Standards

Ideal Height:30 cm at withers
Weight:Proportional to size
Build:Long in proportion to height

Head &
Expression

Head:Foxy in shape and appearance
Skull:Wide and flat between the ears
Eyes:Medium-sized, clear, kind, alert, yet watchful

Body
Structure

Body:Fairly long and strong with level topline
Chest:Moderately broad
Tail:Fox-like brush, set in line with body

The Warrior's Cloak

Coat Characteristics

Texture

Short to medium, hard-textured, weatherproof, with a good undercoat. Built to withstand the harsh Nordic elements and protect the warrior within.

Colors of the Clan

Blue Merle
Brindle
Red
Sable
Tricolor with Brindle
Tricolor with Red

Any of the above may appear with or without typical white markings on the head, neck, chest, underparts, legs, feet, and tail tip.

The Spirit of the Norse

The true measure of a Corgi warrior lies not in size, but in spirit. Alert and active, intelligent and steady, these noble hounds possess the courage of berserkers in the body of a companion. Neither shy nor aggressive, they embody the balanced nature of the ancient Norse—ready for adventure, yet gentle with their clan.

Alert & Intelligent
Steady & Balanced
Active & Enduring
Corgi displaying noble temperament
Hall of Heroes

Legendary Warriors of Old

Bob Llwyd - Foundation Sire

Bob Llwyd

The Foundation Sire
Born 1917

One of the most influential early Cardigans was Bob Llwyd, a red and white dog born in 1917 from unregistered parents. Though never formally registered himself, he became a foundational sire for the breed, his bloodline flowing through generations of champions.

Ch. Golden Arrow - First Champion

Ch. Golden Arrow

The First Champion
Born 1928

His son, Ch. Golden Arrow, born in 1928, became the breed's first official champion. This golden warrior set the standard for all who would follow, proving that the ancient bloodlines could shine in the modern world.

The Eternal Legacy

The Steadfast Path

While the Pembroke rose to fame through its royal connections, the Cardigan quietly continued along its path—steadfast and unchanged—among the hills and valleys where it was born. Today, its calm dignity, steady heart, and ancient heritage continue to win hearts around the world.

At Skogland, we honor this ancient lineage. Our Corgis carry within them the spirit of those first Celtic companions, the courage of Viking warriors, and the nobility of champions. Each puppy born in our halls is a living link to this magnificent heritage.

Modern Corgi in Welsh landscape