Welsh Corgis probably derive their name from the Welsh word Corrci, meaning dwarf dog.   There are two closely related varieties - The Pembroke and the Cardigan.   The Pembroke (the Corgi without a tail) enjoys much more popularity than the Cardigan, perhaps because it has always had friends in high places, despite its small size!.   Through the ages it has been a big favorite of royalty, from Richard I to Queen Elizabeth II.(from "The ultimate dog book")