Judging Tails In Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Kennel Club amendment of tail standard for Pembroke Corgis.September 2019.
Tail: Previously customarily docked short.
Undocked: set in line with the topline.
Natural carriage which may be above or below topline when moving or alert.
Natural bobtails may occur, when the tail can be of any length, carried above or below topline when moving or alert.
Judges seem to look for a tail carried like that of a cardigan, but this is not consistent with the breed's spitz background. Although a completely short and flat croup is not ideal, you also do not look for one as long and sloping as in a Cardigan Welsh corgi. This means the tail WILL come up and to some degree over the back when the dog is moving or alert.
One of the most attractive traits of the Pembroke Welsh corgi is its happy, extrovert temperament. We do not want this lost in the ring because exhibitors train their dogs to keep their tail down at all times. They should never be penalized for having a "gay tail". It is simply a fault like all others and to be taken into consideration as such and the degree it influences the overall balance of the dog. However, when it comes to placing, between two dogs of otherwise equal quality, the tail should also be considered. On the other hand, as breeders we must eventually try to breed out the tails that are curled over the back or carried down on one thigh.
Sandler's Photo |
Courtesy of Koveshnikova/Quinio |
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Sandler's Photo |
Photo: A. Rosenfelder |
Pembroke Welsh Corgis with natural bobtail
Another point to consider is the length of the bobtail. In countries where docking is not permitted, we cannot take into consideration when grading and placing a dog the actual length of the bobtail. You might personally find a long bobtail disturbing, but just as personal preferences should not play a part when it comes to colours, the same goes for length of bobtail.
A tail curled like this over the back is NOT acceptable.
In addition to giving a spitz impression, it is often accompanied by a short croup
I hurry to add that none of these dogs have been bred or owned by me, nor have I bred or owned any of their parents.
Anne Indergaard, FCI-judge, Norway
Annwn Welsh Corgis
Reproduced with kind permission
18.10.2019
