Tricolor Herders at Play!
These are my girls, the youngest of my fur babies.
Morwen is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She was born with her little nubby tail and the only dog I’ve ever purchased from a breeder. I’ve always wanted a corgi and she was a gift from my husband for our 10th wedding anniversary. She’s a feisty 2 year old and tips the scales at 17 lbs. she was the smallest of a litter of 12. She’s well socialized and has lovely manners… in public. At home she’s queen bee. She loves going on long runs.
She’s named after my favorite literary witch from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede. It’s a middle grade fantasy series and one I love to revisit from time to time.
Lussa is a Scotch Collie (to the best of our knowledge) and is a bit of a rescue. She came to us in a round about way. From what I know, she was purchased from a breeder, and shortly put up for sale on Facebook by her first family. They stated that she was a terrible dog and horrible with children. My guess is they had zero experience with herding breeds and didn’t put in the research. I’m also guessing the kids were small probably shouldn’t be left alone with a dog… never mind a teething pupping that likes to chase things.
My sister in law has a couple scotch collies from a breeder… she also works for the local animal shelter. Her breeder had seen Lussa on Facebook and it pulled her heart strings, but she wasn’t in a position to add another dog to her household so she called my SIL and asked if she knew anyone she trusted to take the dog in… so my sister in law decided to foster her along side her own two collies and a Leonberger, not to mention everything else they had on her farm.
Lussa was all of 6 months old at that point and terrified of the world. She started settling in but they have a tiny house and simply didn’t have enough space and time for 4 large dogs.
Now, we’d been thinking about adding a second corgi puppy to our home, but instead decided to take in 7 month old Lussa on a trial basis. She never went back. She’s been there ours for a year now. Not only is she wonderful with my kids, she’s simply the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. She’s still afraid of the world, but we’re slowly working on it, getting her socialized one day at a time.
Lussa’s name is elvish (from Tolkien) for whisper because she was so quiet at first. Now she sings the song of her people whenever she deems necessary but still doesn’t hit the shrill wavelength of a corgi bark.
If you’re going to get a dog. Do your research. Know how high energy your chosen breed is. How intelligent. Find a dog that matches your life style instead of a dog you like the idea of. Collies and corgis are both beautiful. They also both shed A LOT and require a ton of exercise and mental stimulation. Neither of mine are snugglers, but they’re always good for a laugh and to go on an adventure. Well, Morwen is. Lussa would like it not to be too loud or to involve car rides.
Bringing a dog into your home is a delightful experience, but it requires thoughtful consideration. Corgis and collies are both intelligent, high-energy breeds that need plenty of stimulation and exercise. Understanding their needs is crucial for creating a happy environment. Morwen, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, brings a playful spirit while Lussa, a Scotch Collie, showcases resilience in overcoming her fears. It’s essential to match the dog's energy levels with your lifestyle; otherwise, challenges may arise. Moreover, research into the breeds, proper training, and socialization can prevent behavior issues down the line. For example, herding breeds may require more structured environments due to their instincts and energy. As seen with Morwen and Lussa, fostering an understanding of your dog's unique nature can lead to fulfilling companionship and proper care. Whether it's embarking on outdoor adventures or finding ways to integrate them into family life, Corgis and Collies can be rewarding additions to our homes. They offer not only affection but also endless amusement as they adapt to family dynamics and activities. Always remember, acknowledging their needs and personality traits is key to nurturing a loving and enriching environment for everyone's best friend.
