Their luminous eyes and exuberant personalities will conquer any dog-loving person’s heart but is Corgi the right match for you and your household?
Corgis are typical herding dogs: energetic, smart, and highly trainable. They are also loud, vigilant, and prone to chasing and nipping. A corgi needs regular exercise but with modifications, given these dogs’ short-legged physique.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Overview
| Height | 10-13 in (25-33 cm) |
| Weight | 22-32 lbs (10-14 kg) |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years |
| Common health issues | – hip dysplasia, spinal disk problems, arthritis, joint injuries; – epilepsy – eye problems, – von Willebrand’s Disease (a clotting problem that leads to excessive bleeding) |
| The energy level and need for exercise | – high-energy – medium exercise needs, should avoid high-impact exercise |
| Potential challenges | – barking, howling; – herding small animals, and young kids; – mobility issues later in life, due to joint and back problems – the relatively high cost of veterinarian care |
| Good with children? | Excellent with respectful school-age children, needs supervision around infants and toddlers |
Corgi Could Be A Good Match For You If:
- You are an active person and you would like a companion for outdoor activities of moderate intensity, including light hiking
- You have a school-age child in your household and would like a smart, loyal, and fun dog to keep them company
- There are other pets in your home, and you would like a friendly dog that gets along with other animals, as long as they are properly introduced
- You are looking for a loving and cuddly but not clingy pet that tolerates staying alone for a few hours a day
NINE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE WELCOMING A CORGI
1. Corgis Are Relatively High-Maintenance
Corgis are somewhat high-maintenance but they are not harder to take care of than most dogs.
These dogs shed rather heavily, especially during the change of seasons. They need to be brushed regularly and bathed occasionally.
Corgis need exercise, toys, and activities to stimulate their minds but can be self-sufficient when they are busy or away.
Corgis need supervision around young children and small pets because these dogs can try to chase them.
2. Corgis Are Easy To Train
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the smartest breeds when it comes to learning new skills and commands. Cardigan Welsh corgis are not too far behind either.
Dogs of both breeds can also be stubborn and independent, so practice patience and consistency when training your pet.
Your corgi will likely respond well to training even if you are a novice dog owner/trainer and will retain information without much repetition.
3. Corgis Are Quite Independent But They Can Still Get Separation Anxiety
Although any dog can have some separation anxiety, Pembroke Welsh corgis are among the breeds that typically can be left alone for a few hours a day.
Walk your pet shortly before you leave and provide plenty of toys, and puzzles for bright dogs, and consider using the services of a walker if your workday is very long.
4. Corgis Are Good Family Dogs But They Need Supervision Around Young Kids And Smaller Pets
Corgis are fabulous family pets.
These dogs are responsive to training, enthusiastic, eager to play, and protective of their family. They can be prone to chasing/herding children that are very young so that habit would need to be addressed by training. It is even more problematic if the dog likes to nip the ankles of fast-moving people or animals.
Corgis are an excellent match for older children who know how to respect their pets’ space.
5. Corgis Good Are Great Activity Partners But They Should Avoid High-Impact Activities
Corgis love playing outside and keeping you company when you hike or walk. They are active pets and like to keep their minds busy, too.
Their legs, disproportionately short for their bodies, come with some unique challenges. Pembroke Welsh corgis should avoid distance running and strenuous hiking due to decreased stamina, and to prevent excessive wear and injuries to their joints and backs. Your corgi will make an amazing partner for long leisurely walks.
6. Corgis Are Good Apartment Dogs, As Long As They Get Enough Exercise And Learn To Control The Urge To Bark
Corgis can live in compact homes, including apartments, as long as you take the dog outside for a nice, long walk every day. A balcony or a patio is a nice feature because it allows your dog to observe the great outdoors and provides some intellectual stimulation.
Having to walk up and down many flights of stairs could be an issue in the long run, given corgis’ vulnerable joints. These pets do love barking and howling, so you would need to address that habit by training your pup appropriately.
7. Corgis Are Loud And They Love To Chase And Nip
Corgis are not aggressive but they are vocal and loud, as well as protective of the owner and their territory. They do love to chase anyone and anything that moves fast, which could also be mistaken for aggression.
8. Corgis Get Along With Pets In Their Household But They Might Chase Outdoor Cats And Other Animals
Pembroke Welsh corgis are friendly with other household pets, especially if they are raised together.
If you bring a new puppy, a cat, or another pet to your home, the dog might be hypervigilant and even hostile at first. Keep your corgi on a leash around the new pet until the animals adjust. If your corgi and the other dog or cat can eat side by side, it is usually a great sign that the two are adjusting well.
9. Corgis Love To Bark
Corgis do love to bark and howl and this habit could be hard to overcome due to their herding background. They are innate herders used to live on farms, round up sheep and cows, and guard property. Being loud and expressive was a virtue and a useful tool in the past but is usually an undesirable quality now.
Dogs of this breed are highly responsive to training, so bad habits can resolve with practice.
To Conclude
Corgis are not ideal for beginner dog owners but they are a great choice for active, busy people who are looking for a smart, independent, and easy-to-train companion.
They are excellent family dogs and do well as solo pets or in the company of other household pets. There are ways to train them to do well around young kids and small animals but it is important to supervise their interactions, especially in the beginning.
