For about 70 years, the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known as separate breeds.
There are many theories concerning the Welsh Corgi. One states that both of the varieties descended from Swedish Vallhunds, brought in the 800's to Wales by the Vikings. Another theory says that the Cardigan variety is older and was brought to Wales in 1200 B.C. by Celtics people, as the word Corgi comes from a Celtic word that means dog. And the last theory is that the Pembroke variety was brought in the 1100's to Wales by Flemish weavers. The only thing that is sure about this breed is that it has been developed in Pembrokeshire in Wales and it was used to drive cattle.
After 1930, the two varieties started to be bred separately. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is now popular for being the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II.