The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (/ˈkɔrɡi/; Welsh for "dwarf dog") is a herding dogbreed, which originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The Corgi from Pembrokeshire is a breed of considerable antiquity. The direct ancestors of the Pembroke were brought across the Channel in 1107 by Flemish weavers. Welsh Corgis are famed for being the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned more than 30 during her reign. These dogs have been favoured by British royalty for more than seventy years. The corgi is one of the smallest dogs in the Herding Group. Pembroke The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been ranked at #11 in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, and is thus considered an excellent working dog. Besides herding, they also function as watchdogs due to their alertness and tendency to bark only as needed. Low-set, strong and sturdily built, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gives an impression of substance in a small space. Bold and friendly, the Pembroke responds well to training and loves his family, but he may try to herd you! He is one of the most agreeable small house dogs, as well as an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding and obedience. He thrives on farms, but can adapt to a variety of living situations if given regular exercise. They have a great desire to please their owners, thus making them eager to learn and train. Due to their herding instinct, they love to chase anything that moves, so it is best to keep them inside fenced areas. The herding instinct will also cause some younger Pembrokes to nip at their owner's ankles. Most Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born without tails, the ones that are born with tails have them docked between 2–5 days old. The ritual began when they were primarily used as herding dogs in the United Kingdom. According to Tax Law any Pet Dog was considered a Luxury, and therefore Pet Owners were taxed. However working and herding dogs were exempt from the Tax, but to be Tax Exempt the owners had to dock the tails.