Snoot boops and bunny hops,

Winston & Bella x

That behavior might be anxiety 😧

In 2020, researchers at the University of Helsinki ran the largest study of canine anxiety ever done — 13,715 pet dogs across 264 breeds, published in Scientific Reports.

They found that 72.5% of dogs showed at least one anxiety-related behavior. Noise sensitivity was the most common (32%) — fireworks, thunder, gunshots. Then general fearfulness (29%). Then separation-related behavior, aggression, and impulsivity. Herding breeds (which includes corgis) scored higher on noise sensitivity and impulsivity than average.

If your corgi is demonstrating repetitive signs of anxious behavior (excessive barking, chewing, licking, for example), note when it happens, what triggers it, and mention it at your next vet visit. It might be nothing to worry about, but if something is causing them stress, it's good to catch it sooner rather than later.

Meet the Queen's corgi breeder 🦊

Thelma Gray's first contact with the Royal family was in sad circumstances: a royal coach ran over her dog 💔😢 Thelma wrote to the palace asking for another dog and this letter was to be one of the first of many years of correspondence which passed between Thelma + the palace.

In July 1933, the Duke (soon to be King George VI) and Duchess of York approached Thelma for a Pembroke puppy (by now, she was breeding Corgis, Chihuahuas and GSDs). She took three to 145 Piccadilly and there, the Duchess picked the one with the slightly longer tail. That puppy, Rozavel Golden Eagle (or Dookie, as we know him), was the first corgi in the Royal family.

Thelma went on to supply many more corgis to the Royal Family, staying good friends with the Queen after she emigrated to Australia in 1975. Had you heard of Thelma Gray?

We recommend...

After writing about Winston's teeth debacle in the last newsletter, a lovely reader shared these chew toys with me. Apparently, the Nylabone Flexi Chew is great at satisfying a corgi's urge to chew, while being soft enough that they won't damage their teeth. Don't forget to do the "fingernail test" with all chews moving forward!

Meet Gladys

​Gladys is one of the girls saved from a meat truck in China back in July. She can fly to Europe fully vaccinated and spayed from September and is dog-friendly. She hasn't been cat-tested, and can't live with children. If you can offer her a home, please email corgis.savingharbindogs@gmail.com.

Corgi of the day

This is beautiful Freyr (who recently turned 1) with his big sister as he prepared for the country fair back in May. He already had two blue ribbons in Showmanship when his owner, Bonnie, emailed me - so we need an update on any more prizes... 🎉🥳 Go Freyr!!!