National Corgi Day
June 4
About National Corgi Day
National Corgi Day, also known as International Corgi Day, is celebrated annually on 4 June. Founded in 2019 by the Omaha Corgi Crew, the day celebrates the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeds while raising funds for corgi rescues and shelters. The first official celebration took place on 4 June 2020.
What is National Corgi Day?
National Corgi Day is an annual celebration dedicated to corgis — the short-legged, fox-faced herding dogs that have captured hearts around the world. The day honours both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, recognising their intelligence, charm, and the joy they bring to their owners. Beyond the celebration, the day has a philanthropic mission: raising awareness and funds for corgi-specific rescue organisations that rehome abandoned or surrendered corgis.
When is National Corgi Day?
National Corgi Day falls on Thursday, 4 June 2026. The date is fixed each year on 4 June.
History of National Corgi Day
International Corgi Day was founded in October 2019 by the Omaha Corgi Crew (OCC), a corgi enthusiast group based in Omaha, Nebraska. The four founding members — Emily, Jessica, Kelsey, and Olivia — conceived the idea while planning the group’s upcoming events for 2020. They wanted to extend their passion for corgi welfare and rescue beyond their local community and create something with national and international reach.
The founders chose 4 June partly because one of them noticed that writing the date as 06/04 bore a resemblance to the word “corgi,” and partly because the date did not conflict with existing major holidays. The first annual International Corgi Day was celebrated on 4 June 2020, and despite launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly gained traction on social media, with corgi owners worldwide sharing photos, stories, and donations. If you are a dog lover, you may also enjoy celebrating National Dog Day on 26 August, which honours dogs of all breeds.
The corgi breed itself has a much longer history. Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis were developed in Wales as cattle herding dogs, with the breed’s origins stretching back over a thousand years. The two breeds were considered a single breed until 1934, when the Kennel Club officially separated them. Corgis gained worldwide fame through their association with Queen Elizabeth II, who owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis during her reign. Her first corgi, Dookie, arrived at the royal household in 1933, and in 1944 she received Susan as an 18th birthday gift — a dog whose lineage continued through at least 14 generations of royal corgis.
How to Celebrate National Corgi Day
Whether you own a corgi or simply admire them from afar, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
- Donate to a corgi rescue — Organisations like the Southeast Corgi Rescue, East Coast Corgi Rescue, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America’s rescue network all accept donations to support corgis in need.
- Attend a corgi meetup — Many cities host corgi walks, meetups, and social events, especially around National Corgi Day. Check social media for local corgi groups organising gatherings near you.
- Spoil your corgi — Treat your own corgi to a new toy, a special treat, an extra-long walk, or a trip to their favourite park. They deserve the spotlight.
- Share corgi content online — Post your best corgi photos and videos on social media. Corgis are among the most popular dog breeds on Instagram and TikTok, and National Corgi Day is the perfect time to contribute.
- Learn about corgi history — Explore the breed’s Welsh origins, their role as herding dogs, and their extraordinary connection to the British royal family.
- Consider adopting a corgi — If you are in a position to welcome a dog into your home, consider adopting from a corgi-specific rescue organisation. Many corgis in rescue are adults looking for a second chance.
- Host a corgi-themed party — Bake corgi-shaped biscuits, serve drinks with corgi-shaped ice cubes, and decorate with corgi bunting. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Fun Facts About National Corgi Day
- Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her lifetime, beginning with Dookie in 1933 and continuing through at least 14 generations of royal dogs.
- Despite their short legs, corgis can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, making them surprisingly quick and agile.
- The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics.
- Welsh legend holds that corgis were the preferred mounts of fairy warriors. The markings on a corgi’s coat are said to be traces of the fairy saddle.
- The name “corgi” likely derives from the Welsh words “cor” (dwarf) and “gi” (dog), literally meaning “dwarf dog.”
- Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, interest in the corgi breed surged, with breeders reporting significant increases in enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Corgi Day?
National Corgi Day (also called International Corgi Day) is an annual celebration on 4 June honouring the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeds, while raising funds for corgi rescue organisations.
When is National Corgi Day in 2026?
National Corgi Day falls on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
Who founded National Corgi Day?
International Corgi Day was founded in 2019 by the Omaha Corgi Crew — specifically by Emily, Jessica, Kelsey, and Olivia — with the first celebration held on 4 June 2020.
Spread the Word
Celebrate National Corgi Day by sharing your favourite corgi moments online with #InternationalCorgiDay and #CorgiDay2026. Whether you own a corgi or just appreciate their stumpy-legged charm, every share helps support corgi awareness and rescue efforts.
Related Awareness Days
- National Dog Day — Celebrated on 26 August, a day to honour all dogs and promote adoption from shelters.
- National Pet Day — Observed on 11 April, celebrating the bond between humans and all companion animals.
- National Pet Month — The whole of April is dedicated to celebrating pets and promoting responsible pet ownership.
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