History
There are many wonderful sites where you can read up on the history of the corgi. Basically, they originated as working dogs in Wales, herding livestock.
For more in-depth information on general corgi history, try these websites:
Cardigan Welsh Corgi club of America
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
But as for fluffies…..
As far as I can tell, fluffies have been around as long as the corgi breed. Although I have found no proof, the long hair may have been introduced through interbreeding with collies/shelties. Or it may simply have arisen through genetic drift. Corgis were originally outside dogs for the most part, and the long hair became tangled and matted quickly as they ran up and down hills. In addition, the long hair is not as coarse and waterproof as the short-haired variety. Although many herding dogs have longer coats, this was deemed detrimental in the corgi, probably because of their low stature (only talking about height here <GRIN>). So, for many years, some (not all) breeders actually put down fluffy pups, as soon as the long hair became apparent (awful but true – I’ve heard first hand stories from several breeders).
"The official reference as to why fluffies are rejected [from conformation showing] is the STANDARD. The Pembroke is to have a harsh, dense coat not a long fluffy coat. Basically, it is as simple as that. It has always been an undesirable trait in a Pembroke (and Cardigan, for that matter). It wasn't included in the original standard because those standards were written by people who were familiar with the traits that were detrimental to a working dog and therefore didn't need to be spelled out. As showing dogs became more popular and attracted more people who were not well founded in animal husbandry (farmers, ranchers, sheep herders, stockmen, etc.) the standards had to be rewritten to include more descriptive phrases of characteristics that were either required for breed type or restricted so that type would not be lost. I have bought every book I have ever found published concerning the herding breeds and Corgis in particular. I've also seen and judged the breed world-wide and had many a long conversation with Corgi breeders who have been around a lot longer than I have. I cannot point you to any one "record", just a lifetime of experience and study." Stephanie Hedgepath, South Carolina (http://www.welshcorgi.com - Jimanie Pembroke Welsh Corgis)
However, in recent years fluffies have enjoyed a growing popularity among pet owners. Fluffies cannot be shown for conformation, and most are sold with spay/neuter contracts. There are breeders still attempting to get rid of the recessive fluffy gene, but that does not look like it will become a widespread practice. An effort is underway in the United States to generate a screening process to test for the fluffy gene, but, again, this will probably not eradicate the fluffy. The passage of the gene through generations seems to be complicated. Fluffies have not shown any health defects – the long hair is merely a cosmetic flaw. In fact, several champion corgis, both Pembroke and Cardigans, have come from fluffy dams or sires. The process of using fluffies for breeding is not seen often, but is more prevalent in Cardigans, due to the smaller gene pool available.
Fluffies come in many varieties, both Pembroke and Cardigan. The coat "fluffiness" can vary greatly. Some fluffs have relatively short coats, while some sport floor length styles. Some have no undercoats, some have undercoats so thick that it is hard to get a brush through. Most, although not all, have distinctive feathering around their heads and legs, particularly noticeable about the ears. No one seems to know exactly what the percentage of fluffs is in the corgi population, but it seems to be somewhere around 5%. The determination is difficult, because the degree and thus the definition of a fluffy can vary greatly. In addition, an occasional pup is sold as a regular coated pup, only to grow a beautiful fluffy coat as he/she matures (this is rare, but does happen).
Fluffies are what I consider the epitome of the fairy steed. They are beautiful, delicate creatures. At the same time, they have the indomitable corgi spirit, surging ahead, willing to lead, happy to try anything. They may not be acceptable under the breed standard, but they have a powerful presence, a monumental magnetism. Eyes follow fluffs wherever they wander, and children feel a call akin to that of the pied piper. And once you’ve fallen for the fluff, you can never go back….
