The Corgi - A Shooting Dog
James, as Sinbad of Wey, T.D.ex., U.D., C.D.ex., is not unknown in the
Corgi World. As his official qualifications suggest he is perhaps the
exception rather than the rule. There is however another side to his
life wherein he has excelled as greatly, but which is more or less
unknown to Corgi lovers.
Anyone who has handled a Corgi exhibiting even some of its working
qualities knows the little dog has a great brain and adaptability. The
reader will perhaps not be surprised to know therefore that James is a
quite outstanding gun dog.
Looking back it is difficult to know how it all started, as the
intention was never present when he was being given his earlier
obedience training. It was probably due to the bond that was then being
formed between us, and my own love of shooting. It seemed natural that,
he should accompany me when I went out with the gun.
The climax came when, two seasons ago, I took a gun in a new shoot.
Knowing the conservatism of sportsmen I thought it better that the
members of the syndicate should know me first before finding out my
idiosyncrasy in choice of gun dog. This accomplished the day came when
I dared the ostracism of my new found friends. I shall never forget the
reactions of some when James stepped from the car, nor, in particular,
the look of disgust upon the head keeper's face. It was obvious that
all suddenly realised I was not the sportsman they had thought. I said
nothing and we set off for the day's 'walking up'.
Kenneth Butler with James
I will not recount the happenings in detail though they are still fresh
in my mind. I will only be fair to my friends and the head keeper by
saying that, within the hour, none had lost the opportunity of
exclaiming surprise and praise at the dog's ability.
I could never enjoy a day's shooting now without him, for his keenness
is greater even than my own. The greatest pleasure, however, has been
derived from his absolute steadiness under all conditions.
Although so small a dog his limitations in the field are certainly no
greater than a spaniel's. With a very soft mouth he comfortably
retrieves a pheasant or a rabbit and will carry a hare, though rarely
called upon to do so. He loves a runner or a retrieve from water, and
hunts steadily and sensibly. Nothing shooting has to offer seems
capable of tiring him; though the way he fills the best armchair
afterwards suggests complete satisfaction!
James alias Sinbad of Wey (Ch. Rozavel Scarlet
Emperior - Jill of Pem)
born 12.05.1946, retrieving a pheasant
James is not like many good retrievers, who are merely content to do
as they are bid. He misses nothing, not even in flight, and if a bird
is out of shot his expression suggests as much annoyance as I feel. I
would not remark upon this keenness of eye but for the fact that it has
evoked so much comment in the field. With it all he remains rock steady
so that any sportsman reader will appreciate the sheer joy of this dog,
It is interesting to enquire into the reasons for this corgi's
keenness and ability in the field. There is no known hereditary
influence and my experience has been that most corgis are rabbit
chasers at the best. I believe the explanation is to be found in his
sound obedience training, and its methodical application to field work.
It more than suggests that the basic obedience training of the average
gun dog is neglected.
I have written this article in the hope that others will be tempted to
repeat my experiment. To them will be given a reward out of all
proportion to the work entailed, and success makes yet more friends of
this wonderful breed.
Kenneth Butler
From The Welsh Corgi League's Handbook 1951
09.05.2013
