Winter 2011/2012
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The Noble Society of Celts, is an hereditary society of persons with Celtic roots and interests, who are of noble title and gentle birth, and who have come together in a search for, and celebration of, things Celtic. Winter 2011-2012 Edition Part Two THE WELSH CORGI The Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog from Wales. There are two distinct breeds recognized: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (The Spitz type) and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (The Teckle type), with the Pembroke being the more well known. Both breeds make ideal pets and companions. The most famous Welsh Corgis are probably those of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who keeps at least four Corgis. The history of the Corgi, like that of most dog breeds, is difficult to trace and authenticate. While there is mention in an 11th century manuscript of a Welsh cattle dog, there is no evidence about whether this is the Corgi or an ancestor. Corgis are herding dogs and perform their duties by nipping at the heels; the dog’s low stature allows it to avoid being kicked in the process. As herding dogs, Corgis work livestock differently than other breeds. Instead of gathering the cattle the way a Collie would, by running around the livestock, Corgis drive the herd forward by nipping at their heels and working them from behind in semicircles. If an animal should turn and charge, the Corgi seldom gives ground, and will bite charging animal’s nose, causing it to turn and rejoin the herd. Although they specialized in herding cattle, Corgis were also used to herd sheep and Welsh ponies. Welsh folklore says the Corgi is the preferred mount of fairy warriors. There is also a folk legend that says Corgis were a gift from the woodland fairies, and that the breed’s markings were left on its coat by fairy harnesses and saddles. THE PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI originated from the small, hardy, natural bob-tailed cattle dogs of the Pembrokeshire area in Wales. Their heritage endows them with all those valuable instincts of a working dog, a friend and helper of man possessing an independent spirit that originally enabled them to control the Welsh cattle without undue direction from their masters. The Pembroke Corgi is believed to have been introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers about the year 1100 AD, though 920 AD is also a suggested date. Another possibility for this Corgi’s origin is breeding between Cardigan Corgis and the Swedish Vallhund, a spitz-type dog closely resembling the Pembroke and brought to Wales by Viking invaders. Chosen as a pet by the British Royal Family in 1935, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is now one of the best known breeds – particularly in British Commonwealth countries – being highly successful in both show and obedience rings world-wide, and extremely popular as a family pet. The breed features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature than the Cardigan Corgi. Considered a practical little dog, they are low-set, strong and sturdy with sufficient stamina to work a day on the farm, but they are friendly and out-going as well. The dog’s head is fox-like and the tail short, which can be accomplished through breeding or docking. Historically, the Pembroke Corgi was a breed with a natural bob-tail (a very short tail), and today, if the Pembroke Corgi has a tail at all, it is usually curly. Due to the advent of tail-docking in dogs, the bob-tail was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries now ban docking, breeders are again attempting to select dogs with the genes for natural bob-tails. An ideal height of 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) and weight of 22 to 26 lbs (10 to 12 kg) makes them small enough to fit comfortably in the family car and live happily in the suburban back yard. His beautiful short coat requires only a quick brush to keep clean and shiny plus an occasional comb to keep the undercoat and skin in good condition. The Pembroke comes in a wide range of colours including the eye catching tri- colour, a combination of black with tan and white markings. Traditional coat colours vary through all shades of red, fawn, sable and black with tan, usually have smart white markings on feet, legs, chest and foreface. The first recorded date for Corgis appearing in the show-ring in Wales is 1925. The first show Corgis were straight off the farm and gained only moderate attention. Subsequent breeding efforts to improve upon the dog’s natural good looks were rewarded with increased popularity. For years the two breeds, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, were shown as two varieties of a single breed. Since the two Corgi breeds developed in the Welsh hill country, in areas only a few miles apart, there is evidence of crossbreeding between the two that accounts for the similarities. The Pembroke is certainly a robust dog, his ample get-up-and-go will make him ready for any type of work or play; by nature cheerful and affectionate his natural intelligence makes him alert, and inquisitive, he thrives on attention, yet is content to take his well earned rest at his masters feet. The CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI is one of the oldest breeds of dog in Britain and is generally acknowledged as being the original Corgi or small ‘dwarf ’ dog of Wales. Since very ancient times they were used by Welsh farmers to herd cattle; herding the owner’s livestock to grazing areas and driving the neighbour’s cattle out of gardens and open pastures ... and, in early settlements, these dogs were prized family members, helping to hunt game and guard children, as well as being general purpose farm dogs, friends and companions in the lonely Crofters huts of the remote Welsh hillside country of Cardiganshire. No official pedigree records exist of the original Cardigan Corgis and it was not until about 1930 that separate show registers for both Cardigan and Pembroke types were recognised by the English Kennel Club. Despite some interbreeding with their Pembroke cousins at the time, the Cardigan Corgi with their ancient lineage have dominantly retained their individual characteristics, particularly their steady sensible temperament and tractable nature, signified always by an expressive waving tail. The Cardigan Corgi today, although never experiencing the impetus of Royal patronage, continues to maintain its popularity, particularly as an obedience dog and family pet. Cardigan Corgis are the larger of the two breeds, standing about 12 inches (30 cm) high at the shoulder with head foxy in shape and appearance, they have pricked ears that are characteristically larger and more rounded than those of their Pembroke cousins. The Cardigan Corgi is a double-coated dog. The outer coat is dense, slightly harsh in texture, and of medium length. The dog’s undercoat is short, soft, and thick. They come in an even more extensive variety of colours than the Pembroke. Though it is allowed more colours than the Pembroke, white should not predominate the coat. Their short to medium length coat can vary through all shades of red (from light tan to mahogany and sable), tri-colour with either brindle or tan points, plus in addition the exclusive Cardigan colours of brindle and blue merle. Usually a heavier dog than the Pembroke Corgi, they are slightly longer in back with a tail that stretches out behind like a fox’s brush, of moderate length set in line with the body. With front feet that turn slightly outwards for balance, Cardigan Corgis are very agile and extremely strong for their size. The Cardigan Corgi is sturdy, tough, mobile, alert, active, intelligent, steady, and neither shy nor aggressive. They have exceptionally sensitive hearing and make excellent watchdogs. Very adaptable, Cardigans are equally at home on a large property or in a smaller suburban backyard. Both the Pembroke and the Cardigan Corgis are a long-lived breed (14 to 17 years is quite common). THE MOST ANCIENT AND MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE THISTLE By Roger Carlton Sherman and Douglas Files The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is a Scottish chivalric order symbolized by their national flower. It is the Scottish analogue to England’s Most Noble Order of the Garter, and a way to honor national figures. Insignia of a Knight of the Order of the Thistle History of the Order of the Thistle The exact beginnings of the original Order of the Thistle are unknown today. What is known is that throughout history sovereigns – like all bosses – found it useful to grant honors for loyal service or gallantry in battle. This was particularly necessary after dynastic changes. Gifts of land and money gradually gave way to peerages and knighthoods. Kings also gave silver or gold chains to be worn around the neck as a sign of distinction and a badge of loyalty. Kearsley’s Peerage (1802) states that the Order of the Thistle was “instituted in 787, restored in 1540, revived in 1687 and re-established in 1703”. The official website of the British monarchy notes that legend dates the founding of the Thistle to King Achaius’ 809 alliance with Charlemagne. Other experts claim Robert the Bruce founded the Order at the Battle of Bannockburn. One source recalls that James III (1488-1513) adopted the thistle as the royal plant badge. Yet others say the order was established by King James V around 1540 when King Henry VIII awarded him the Garter.