The British Queen loves them: the short-legged corgis. But according to the animal rights organization Peta, the small herding dogs were unscrupulously bred and are therefore susceptible to health problems. This did not go unchallenged.
When you think of the British Queen Elizabeth II, you quickly think of her faithful companions: the corgis. The Queen and her family own several of the signature little herding dogs, and everyone knows just how infatuated the monarch is with the cute animals. It is therefore not surprising that many merchandising articles in the form of Corgis or with Corgi motifs are now being sold to mark the platinum anniversary of her accession to the throne. Anyone who is a fan of the Queen is usually automatically a fan of her favorite dogs.
But almost all pedigree dogs have a problem: Since they have been bred for certain optical characteristics over a long period of time, there are almost always typical health problems. With tormented breeds like the pug or French bulldog, the damage human intervention has done to the animals is obvious – they almost always suffer from eye infections and respiratory problems. Shepherd dogs often have hip problems at a young age, collies often react violently to actually harmless medication such as wormers because of a genetic defect. And corgis have also suffered from breeding – at least that’s what the animal rights organization Peta says.
Corgis have ‘legs too short for their bodies’
“Corgis have been purposely bred to have legs that are too short for their bodies, causing painful hip and spine problems, as well as being prone to numerous other health problems,” Peta UK tweeted. The organization continues, “Never buy corgis. Buying them supports breeders who produce litter after litter to make a profit.” According to Peta, there is no such thing as responsible breeders.
But to criticize corgis in England of all things – that’s how Peta got himself some criticism. Numerous Twitter users enthusiastically defended the love for the short-legged dogs: “All dogs were bred for specific tasks. I’ve had corgis myself and they were bred to be herding dogs. They’re wonderful animals!”, someone else agrees: “This is so silly .My two corgis are perfectly healthy and happy!”
Incidentally, the Corgi that made the breed so popular again was called Susan: Queen Elizabeth II got him in the 1940s and fell in love with the breed so much that she has never wanted to be without one of the little dogs ever since. She currently owns two corgis and a corgi mix, as well as a cocker spaniel.
Sources: Twitter, “Indy100”
