A 25cm-tall corgi is proving that herding ability is not measured in inches, earning a reputation as one of Britain’s most unexpected sheepdogs.
Daphne, now seven, has spent the past five years helping manage a 1,200-strong flock on a farm in South Lakes, Cumbria, while also winning fans around the world on social media.
Despite standing only 25cm from paw to shoulder, the diminutive dog works from behind the sheep, barking when instructed to keep the flock moving in the correct direction.
Her owner, Heather Hodgson, 33, says Daphne’s short legs have never prevented her from playing a useful role during the demanding lambing season, which is at its busiest in spring.
With summer now underway, Daphne has turned her attention to helping shift sheep between grazing fields and pitching in during the farm’s annual shearing work.
Ms Hodgson said corgis are often unfairly viewed as dogs that spend their days “lounging on cushions” because of their close association with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Challenging that image, the mother-of-one said: “They are high-energy, very intelligent and full of character. So when people find out about her driving sheep, they love it.
“Daphne is incredibly confident and loves getting involved. She is super keen.”
Daphne, now aged 7, has been helping to move a flock of 1,200 sheep at a farm in South Lakes, Cumbria, for the past five years
The tiny dog, who stands just 25cm from paw to shoulder, keeps behind the woolly flock, barking on command to ensure they continue moving in the right direction
‘She is such a natural, especially with her ability to bark at command.’
‘I’d say Daphne is calm about 90 per cent of the time, but the other 10 per cent, when she is driving the sheep, it is the most excited you’ll ever see her. It’s quite a novelty, really,’ Ms Hodgson added.
Daphne was gifted to Ms Hodgson as a Christmas present from her husband Bertie, 33, in 2018 after she became obsessed with the breed.
The corgi quickly became an integral member of the farm team.
According to the Welsh Corgi League, Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle and work alongside farmers.
Ms Hodgson described Daphne’s love of rounding up sheep alongside Mr Hodgson and his Border Collies: Silver, Roxy, Molly and Panda.
Daphne’s role is to stay behind the flock, pushing the sheep forward while barking as loudly as possible to keep them moving in the right direction.
Ms Hodgson said the little dog is particularly valuable during lambing season, when the family can be moving hundreds of sheep at a time.
Her owner Heather Hodgson and her husband Bertie pose with Daphne, Britain’s most unlikely sheepdog
Daphne’s role is to stay behind the flock, pushing the sheep forward while barking as loudly as possible to keep them moving in the right direction
She said: ‘She is really good at that time of year when the ewes have their lambs.
‘They can often be really anxious, constantly looking around for where their offspring might be.
‘Daphne stays behind them, barking on command and keeping them moving.
‘It can be really noisy and disorientating with the quad bike, the whistle and Bertie shouting, so Daphne really helps drive the sheep in the direction they need to go.’
Ms Hodgson, who works in environmental consultancy alongside helping on the family farm, set up a social media page for Daphne and says the hardworking pooch has built up a loyal international following.
She said: ‘Thousands of people have watched her videos.
‘She has some really big fans in America, Norway and China, of all places, who regularly comment and send me messages saying how wonderful she is.
‘I guess it’s because it’s so uncommon nowadays to see a Corgi working on a farm. Because of the stereotypes, people have just gone crazy over her.’
Daphne was gifted to Ms Hodgson as a Christmas present from her husband Bertie, 33, in 2018 after she became obsessed with the breed
Ms Hodgson says winter is Daphne’s least glamorous season, as her short legs mean she often ends up covered in mud and needs frequent showers.
Her favourite treats are cheddar cheese and steak fat.
When she’s not helping herd sheep, Daphne’s favourite things to do are riding on the quad bike, racing the other dogs around the farm and, once she’s back indoors, enjoying ‘a good sleep or cuddle’.
