EDUCATION
WHAT SHOULD A CORGI LOOK AND ACT LIKE?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis (PWC) are a herding breed. We are breeding AKC registered Corgis. We aim to get as close to the AKC standard as possible.
A standard is a "level of quality or attainment". Thus we are striving to achieve the best quality PWC we can. This is a lifetime pursuit as one can always improve.
-Physically: Corgis should be "low-set, strong, sturdily built and active, giving an impression of substance and stamina in a small space."
-Temperament: Corgis should be an outgoing friendly dog. "Outlook bold, but kindly. Never shy or vicious."
- Structure: Corgis structure and movement is essential to their overall health and longevity. It also allows them to work cattle long days. For a full description please click the link below which will take you to full AKC Pembroke Corgi breed description.
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PembrokeWelshCorgi.pdf
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BREED TO STANDARD?
A standard is a "level of quality or attainment".
+We study the AKC breed standard frequently.
+We hold all our dogs accountable to that standard.
+No dog is perfect but we are aiming to create puppies that meet the standard as closely as possible.
+The breed standard describes what makes a corgi a corgi. Mismarks (off color), blue eyes and fluffies do happen. They are a by product of some genetic traits. But we are not aiming to preserve those traits. Thus we do not intentionally breed for those things. We intentionally breed to make corgis that look, and act like corgis
+When we choose to breed a litter we select a dog with traits we love. We then pair that dog with the intention of creating puppies that will correct a flaw and carry on the good traits of that dog to the next generation. This is not an exact science. But good record keeping and knowing dogs family lines help this became more predictable.
+I feel dog breeding is part art, science and so much a passion pursuit.
WHY DO YOU SHOW?
Showing in confirmation is a measuring stick. Dogs in the ring are judged on how closely they meet the breed standard. Then ordered according to who meets it the closest. By showing I can get an outside opinion on my dogs.
I also have many other breeders I get to talk with and learn from.
+++In this showing is accountability for how well Im representing the corgi breed.
WHAT HEALTH TESTS DO YOU USE?
We test for common genetic issues such as but not limited to; DM, EIC and VWD1. We also use OFA hips and eye certifications. The aim in testing is to breed to improve future generations.
+ We do not feel any test is the be all end all reason for breeding or not breeding a dog. Remember we are aiming for long term health for the next generation.This means we may breed a dog with less superior testing to a dog with better testing results. This will help the next generation have better opportunity for optimum health and longevity but also not loose the qualities we love in a parent.