[glencorgi]

None of my most visible ones are from human error (and hey, I've stuck my hands and body in between fights, even knowing better - it's a natural reactive instinct).

I have a puncture scar from a fear biter - nurture instead of nature factor in her temperament. I actually had her littermate as a rescue as well and he was a super dog. She could not be picked up without trying to bite. Grooming always had to be done muzzle on.

I have chewing scars from a boy that exhibited as close to rage syndrome as I ever want to experience. We were doing one of his favorite things - running through obedience drills and tricks when he snapped and chewed up my hand and wrist. To make matters worse he didn't "bite and release" he came after me as well. No stitches were required, but on that one I did see a doctor and had a tetanus booster.

I have a quarter moon scar on my right index finger where a foul tempered young corgi tried to remove the end of my finger when I tossed a bit of dropped food into his food bowl. He would also snap aggressively during handling and petting.

The last two corgis were definitely dangerous dogs as they would "attack/bite" without provocation and aggressively. The idea that ALL corgis are sweetness and light marshmallow cream puffs needs to be chucked out the door and a reality check done. Inside the wonderful jovial loving corgi breeds is the heart of a working dog. There are people around who will avoid corgis in the same fashion many of you avoid pit bulls and they have this perception of nasty snarky beasties because there are corgis around that have earned the reputation. Corgis are no different than any other breed of dog or even the mutt canine population - there are bad apples among them all. Any dog breed or mutts can and do have dangerous specimens. Lest one believe that a corgi bite can't do serious damage; remember they were bred to move cattle. A strategically placed bite/nip on the back of a cow's leg with force enough to earn the respect that the wee corgi was something to be reckoned with and obeyed, well it wasn't a "love nibble" that's for sure. In the US at least, with high popularity that Pembrokes have, there is so much random breeding done only for production of "those cute little puppies" which bring such a good price - temperament is NOT taken into account. Another issue is that often as puppies corgis are allowed to get away with so much, just 'cause they are cute. On another Pembroke forum a new person was asking about grooming and I finally lost count of stalwart list members confessing they couldn't even brush their corgis without them trying to bite. Sooooo, they are taken to the groomers where they are muzzled in order to have a good brushing and thus perpetuating the reputation. These aren't bad tempered corgis necessarily, nor are the owners really "bad" owners - just not strong enough in their position in the household and never made their corgis do anything they didn't want to.

IF one seriously looks through the archives here as just a random sample of corgi owners, it isn't too long before one will come across a home that is just not suited for the corgi breed. Promotion of the breed for a home very ill-suited or equipped for it is <IMHO> terribly irresponsible and vain and only results in the individual dog and sometimes the corgi breeds reputation suffering because of it.

I annually go to several picnics where there are 30 or more corgis of both breeds cavorting about and having the time of their lives. There are few which we've learned from past experiences that need to have an eye watching the owner to make sure they watch their dog, but those are the exceptions. I KNOW both sides of the coin here. To not be able to imagine that a corgi could need to be muzzled or even be a dangerous dog is as ridiculous as Breed Specific Legislation and Italy's dangerous dog list.

One more time: Punish the DEED, NOT the breed and there a lot of deeds corgis are capable of.

Now back to Cindy's original purpose of this thread - the stories she has related are consistent with reports from those who visit Wales in hopes of corgi sightings and are duly disappointed.

Debbie