The Welsh Corgi is associated with Tasha Tudor in many people's minds. She kept many as pets through the years, they are often pictured in her illustrations, and of course are the subject of the Corgiville series of picture books.
Corgi are a herding dog breed that originated in Wales and is the smallest of the herding group. There are two breeds of Welsh Corgi with slight variations. Cor gi means "dwarf dog" in Welsh and is thought to be the origin of the name though some say it is from cur gi - "watch dog ." There are many stories and legends that are shared regarding the Corgi and it's origin. Find out about the cute little Corgi at the sites listed here and fill out the research form to add to your notebook.
EDITED: And thanks to Joanne who found this Corgi coloring page for the younger ones to add to their notebooks. Check out all the great ideas she has for Tasha Tudor study.
About the Corgi, in Tasha Tudor's own words:
"There is no other dog that can compare to a corgi? They're the epitome of beauty. Apollo can't hold a candle to my Owyn. He has royal blood, the same sire as Queen Elizabeth's corgis, that's why I named him Owyn Tudor after my ancestors. Corgis are Welsh in origin and there are two kinds: Cardigans, which are heavy-headed and have tails that go all the way down, and Pembrokes, like mine, that have no tails and are more refined.
My very first corgi was bought by my son Tom for ten guineas from a Reverend Mr. Jones, a vicar in Pembrokeshire, who shipped him over in a tea chest. It was love at first sight and I was determined I had to have more. I've had up to thirteen or fourteen at one time, which causes a lot of commotion underfoot, especially when people come to call.
They're such characters- a mixture of a dog and a cat, I think. They especially don't like to be scolded in public. They talk back; they growl and show their teeth and pretend they're frightfully savage. However, they never criticize. You're always beautiful to them.
I take great pains in feeding them the best. Never canned dog food, I wouldn't dream of it! They always have fresh homemade soup, or goat's meat, and lots of garlic. That's why they don't have fleas.
How could you resist a corgi? Look at their faces. I find them thoroughly adorable, particularly when they're little. And in the winter it's very cozy to sleep with a nice warm corgi in the small of your back to cut the drafts. We always had a medley of doggies when the children were growing up -- collies, wolfhounds, terriers, and then corgis above all. I find them irresistible. They are my trademark."
Joann and her children are always so creative and fun with their Author Fiestas. They certainly bring life into this otherwise bookish author study.
