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SunJun 4

International Corgi Day – June 4, 2023

We celebrate International Corgi Day on June 4 every year. The corgi is a dog breed with short legs, a long body, and a huge heart. These dogs’ roots can be traced to Wales where they were bred to herd larger animals. The combination of their short height and agility made them the top contenders for herding animals. Corgis are also known as the ‘dwarf’ dog. The main aim of International Corgi Day is to bring love and attention to this lovable dog breed. A focus is also put on rescuing and rehoming corgis that have been abandoned by their owners.

History of International Corgi Day

The first International Corgi Day was celebrated by the Omaha Corgi Crew. The soon-to-be nonprofit organization was established in December 2011. It started out as the passion project of a group of four friends who wanted to bring more attention to corgis. Today, the organization advocates for the rescue and adoption of corgis. Since it believes that all ‘doggos’ are great companions, the Omaha Corgi Crew also takes part in fundraising drives, not just for corgis, but other dogs too.

The history of corgis can be traced back to around the 12th century when Flemish weavers traveled to Wales to reside there. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is most associated with the weavers because it is due to them that there was an increase in the population of this particular corgi breed. The Cardigan Welsh corgi is another common corgi breed, but it is heavier and bigger than the Pembroke breed. The Cardigan breed is also associated more with Norse settlers. Either way, both breeds of the Welsh corgis were used as herding dogs. They were known as ‘heelers’ because of their short stature and quick agility that allowed them to easily maneuver between large groups of bigger animals. Corgis would nip at the heels of their herding animals to make them move faster. The dogs are also known as the ‘dwarf’ dog or the ‘cur’ dog, with the latter name coming from the Nordic word ‘kurra’ meaning ‘to growl.’ There’s also some interesting lore based on corgis. One such ancient story suggests that corgis came to humans when two human children stumbled upon a fairy funeral in the woods. The mourning fairies gave two corgi puppies to the children. The line of rougher fur at the base of the corgi’s haunches are the saddle lines from when the fairies used them as war horses.

International Corgi Day timeline

1107
Corgis’ Arrival in Wales

Flemish weavers arrive in Wales to reside there and they bring corgis with them as herding dogs.

1927
First Appearance of a Corgi at Crufts

Crufts, a famous U.K. international dog show, records the first appearance of a Welsh corgi at the show.

2006
Corgis on the Vulnerable Native Breeds

The Cardigan Welsh corgis appear on the Kennel Club’s list of Vulnerable Native Breeds, which lists dog breeds with less than 300 registrations.

2016
Pembroke Removed from the Vulnerable Native Breeds

The Pembroke Welsh corgi was added to the Vulnerable Native Breeds in 2013, but after an increase in its popularity and registrations due to Instagram, the Pembroke breed is removed from the list.

International Corgi Day FAQs

What day is International Corgi Day?

The International Corgi Day takes place on June 4. 

How much does a corgi cost?

A corgi can cost you anywhere between $600 to $1,000 depending on the breed’s quality and the breeder’s location. Generally, Cardigan Welsh corgis cost more than Pembroke corgis because of the former’s rarity. 

Can corgis be left alone all day?

Absolutely not. Corgis cannot be left alone by themselves because they are a herding breed. They are used to having people and other animals around them. 

How To Celebrate International Corgi Day

  1. Show some love to corgis

    Shower the corgis around you with love and attention. Take part in fundraising drives for them. Omaha Corgi Crew’s focus remains on the lesser-known rescue efforts of smaller organizations, so lend a helping hand by spreading awareness.

  2. Hold a corgi event

    Put your event planning skills to use and hold a corgi event. Gather your family and friends together to celebrate the tiny creatures.

  3. Look up cute corgi content

    Take this day as an excuse to look up endearing pictures and videos of corgis. But, we warn you, your heart will melt with love and admiration for these doggos.

5 Facts About Dogs That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Dogs’ great sense of smell

    Dogs can be trained to detect medical problems in people through smell, going as far as checking their blood sugar levels.

  2. Greyhounds can outrun cheetahs

    The greyhound dog breed can reach and maintain a speed of 45 mph, whereas a cheetah can reach a speed of 70 mph, but only maintain it for 30 seconds.

  3. Curling up to protect their organs

    Many dogs curl up when they sleep to protect their organs — a residual instinct from their ancestors living in the wild.

  4. Dogs are good for blood pressure

    If you want to bring your blood pressure down, pet a dog and give it some love.

  5. Unique dog noses

    No two dogs have the same noseprints, as these are unique to each of them, just like fingerprints.

Why We Love International Corgi Day

  1. It’s a celebration of corgis

    Corgis are an amazing dog breed. They may be vertically challenged, but that does not stop them from being the center of attention wherever they go. Most corgis have an extremely friendly nature and will befriend you immediately.

  2. It’s a celebration of dogs

    International Corgi Day celebrates other dogs, too. Undying loyalty and unconditional love have become synonymous with dogs and quite rightfully so. One of the main goals of this day is to help dogs of all kinds to find a loving home and family, and the Omaha Corgi Crew ensures just that.

  3. It’s a celebration of the human-animal bond

    The unique bond that humans share with animals is unparalleled. Apart from being great life companions, animals, more often than not, show us what it means to love unconditionally. This special bond forms a familial relationship that stays for decades to come.

International Corgi Day dates

YearDateDay
2023June 4Sunday
2024June 4Tuesday
2025June 4Wednesday
2026June 4Thursday
2027June 4Friday

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