Corgis are taking over the world, shaking their furry behinds and winning the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Lots of fun facts are floating out there about these intelligent dogs. We tracked down a few additional tidbits of information that might surprise you. Now you’ll know all about corgis. Besides, of course, how cute they are, because you already knew that.

1. Many Pembroke Corgis are Born Without Tails

They’re born like that! If it’s a Pembroke Welsh corgi, your dog was quite likely born without a tail. After centuries of tail docking, the breed has evolved to be nearly tailless.

2. They’re Great Watchdogs

Many find the corgi a great watchdog because of their attentive nature and slumber-shattering woof.

3. Corgi Means ‘Dwarf Dog’

Their name comes from the Welsh language. Cor is for “dwarf” and Gi means dog, so every time we speak the name of this breed we’re really saying “Dwarf Dog.”

4. Myth Says Corgis Came from Fairies

Folklore suggests this breed was employed by the fairy kingdom. The fair folk would use them as mounts, literally riding herd on these herders, making them truly enchanting. Come on, you know you want to see a little fairy coach being pulled by a team of corgis! Start a letter campaign to Disney for their next feature.

5. Corgis Have a Double Coat

These dogs know how to winterize and accessorize. Two breeds, two coats: cardigans and Pembrokes have a double coat of hair, enabling them have weather protection but also lose a layer in the warmer seasons. The softer undercoat sheds twice a year in a fall and spring blowout.

6. They Come in Lots of Colors

Most people think of one or two color schemes when it comes to a corgi, but the Pembroke and cardigan actually vary quite a bit. Colors include sable, merle, tri-colored, red, black, brindle, and fawn with white markings.

7. They’ve Got Low-Maintenance Hair

Corgis’ fluffy short hair requires less work than many other breeds. They have the hair you wish you had when you rolled out of bed in the morning.

8. They Share Ancestry with Huskies

You’d never guess by looking at them, but these squat dogs share a common ancestry with the formidable Siberian husky. They have less in common with dogs their size and more in common with their larger canine brethren. They might not pull a sled (or be able to navigate snow) but they have that same dogged determination.

9. Vikings Loved Them

Cardigans are among the oldest herding breeds and over 3,000 years old! The Pembroke settled in Wales and is believed to have accompanied Vikings across the pond as they came and settled in Wales. They have a time-tested history amidst tough, hardworking human companions and they’ve historically earned their keep.

10. Stealing a Corgi = Fines

If you stole a corgi under ancient Welsh law, you’d get fined. There were severe penalties for abducting one of these little canine co-workers, which shows the respect they’ve held throughout history.

11. Corgis are Very Intelligent

While they may not make our list of the top 10 smartest dogs, corgis are pretty sharp. The corgi may just be the Sherlock Holmes of the dog world: brilliant and genteel, with energy and ego to match. If you can keep up, this one’s for you!