What critical need for early Welsh farmers cemented the Corgi's short stature as a functional adaptation?

The ability to duck under a cow's swing while nipping hocks

The short legs resulting from achondroplasia were deliberately preserved because they provided a crucial operational advantage in the arduous daily work of driving livestock. When a Corgi was nipping at the hocks of large, powerful animals like cows or bulls, the primary danger was being kicked. By remaining low to the ground, the dog was positioned perfectly to deliver the necessary nip for control while simultaneously being able to duck under the arc of a kick delivered by the larger animal's swinging leg. This practical necessity meant that a dog capable of ducking under a cow's swing was highly prized by rural workers in eras like the 1930s over a taller, faster dog that might risk serious injury.