What contemporary behavior in modern Corgis echoes their thousand-year-old vocation of driving livestock?

Attempting to herd children or pets by nipping at heels

Despite the major transition of both Corgi breeds from being indispensable working dogs on Welsh farms to primarily companion animals and show competitors, the deep-seated instinct for herding remains remarkably preserved. Owners of modern Pembrokes and Cardigans frequently observe behavior that directly mirrors their ancestral role. This manifests as the dogs attempting to herd family members, such as children or other pets, by executing the historic maneuver of nipping at their heels. This enduring behavior is a direct echo of their vocation from a thousand years ago, posing an ongoing challenge for breeders who must balance the show standard with maintaining this hardy temperament.