If you’re think about adding a Corgi puppy to your home, or already raising one as part of your family, this post is for you.
In this article, We’ll explore all aspects of Corgis, including their origins, temperament, intelligence and common questions about Corgis’ barking habits, sleep requirements, dietary needs, and suitability for apartment living.
Additionally, we’ll examine Corgis’ abilities to swim, run long distances, and adapt to various weather conditions.
Corgis History: What Are Corgis Bred for?
Originating in Wales, the Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed employed as herding dogs.
There are two different types of Welsh Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Both of them are believed to date back to the 10th century, with the Cardigan having a marginally longer lineage.
Corgis were bred to be herding dogs, specifically for herding cattle and other livestock. They are known for their short legs and long bodies, which allowed them to nip at the heels of cattle without getting kicked. They are also incredibly athletic and energetic, with a remarkable work ethic that makes them excellent herding dogs.
Despite their history as herding dogs, Corgis have also become beloved pets. Queen Elizabeth II is a famous Corgi owner and has owned more than 30 of them throughout her life.
Corgis have a life expectancy of 12-15 years and can make loving companions. They are good with children and other pets but may tend to herd them. Ensure to provide them with ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
How Big Do Corgis Get?
Corgis are generally small to medium-sized dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis usually weigh between 25 and 30 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is slightly larger, weighing between 30 and 38 pounds and standing 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
By the time they are one year old, Corgis reach their full size, though they may continue to develop until they are three or four years old.
At the age of six months, a female corgi usually weighs between 17 and 22 pounds, while a male corgi might weigh a bit more, ranging from 17 to 23 pounds.
As they continue to grow and fill out, corgis may gain weight and become less active. It’s necessary to monitor your corgi’s weight and modify their diet and exercise regimen to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Corgis Temperament: What Is It Like to Own a Corgi?
Owning a corgi is a delightful and fulfilling experience for those who are ready to invest time in training, socialization, and providing ample exercise.
High Energy Levels
Corgis are known for their high energy levels and need for exercise. They were originally bred as herding dogs, so they have a lot of stamina and love to stay active. You should be prepared to take your Corgi on daily walks, play with them, and provide plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Alertness and Loyalty
Corgis are alert dogs that are quick to sense new happenings or detect when something out of place occurs. They are highly loyal to their owners and frequently accompany them throughout the house. They are also known for being excellent watchdogs, barking at any potential threats to their home or family.
Stubbornness
Corgis can be stubborn at times, which can make training a challenge. They have a strong will and like to do things their way. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained to follow commands and behave well.
Affectionate Nature
Despite their stubbornness, Corgis are very affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners. They are also great with children and make wonderful family pets.
Needy Personality
Corgis can be needy and require a lot of attention from their owners. They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for a long time.
Are Corgis Good with Kids?
Corgis can be great companions for kids but they do require proper training and socialization. Corgis have a strong herding instinct, which means they may try to nip at children’s heels or try to herd them around. This behavior can be problematic if not addressed early on.
With that said Corgis tend to do much better with older kids who are more aware of how to interact with dogs. If you have young children, you should always supervise their interactions with your Corgi to ensure that everyone stays safe and happy.
Do Corgis Get Along With Cats?
Corgis can generally get along with cats if they’re socialized properly and have the right temperament.
Socialization is Key
Socialization is crucial when it comes to introducing a Corgi to a cat. If Corgi lacks prior experience with cats, they struggle to know how to interact with them, which could lead to negative behaviors. It’s important to expose your Corgi to cats from an early age, so they can learn how to interact with them properly.
Temperament Matters
Corgis are known for their friendly and sociable dispositions, which can make them get along well with cats. Some Corgis may be too high-energy or bossy for a cat, while others may be more laid-back and gentle.
Watch Out for Herding Instincts
Keep in mind that Corgis are herding dogs, which means they may try to herd cats. While this behavior may seem harmless, it can be stressful for cats and may lead to negative behaviors. If you notice your Corgi trying to herd your cat, it’s important to redirect their attention and discourage this behavior.
Corgis Intelligence: How Smart Are They?
Corgis are highly intelligent dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the 11th most intelligent breed. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are the 26th most intelligent breed.
They excel at learning quickly and have exceptional memory.
Corgis can be trained to perform various tasks, such as herding, obedience, and even search and rescue.
Corgis have a good balance of instinctive, adaptive, working, and obedient intelligence. Their instinctive intelligence helps them perform tasks that come naturally to them, such as herding and guarding. Their adaptive intelligence helps them to learn from their environment and adjust their behavior quickly.
Working and obedience intelligence are the most important types of intelligence for dog owners. Corgis excel in these areas, as they are eager to please and quick to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats, praise, and play.
Corgis are also known for their ability to solve problems. They can obtain their desired items, whether it’s a treat or a toy.
This is attributed to their innate drive to satisfy their owners, leading them to go the extra mile to bring joy to their owners.
How Often Do Corgis Bark?
Corgis can bark quite frequently, especially if they are not trained properly.
Corgis are herding dogs, and their barking tendencies are deeply ingrained in their nature. They were originally bred to bark loudly to control and move livestock. Thus, barking is a natural behavior for Corgis, and it is essential to understand why they bark and how to manage it.
Here are some common reasons why Corgis bark:
- Boredom: If your Corgi is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may bark out of boredom.
- Anxiety: Corgis can become anxious when they are left alone or in unfamiliar situations, causing them to bark excessively.
- Territorial: Corgis are naturally protective of their homes and owners, and they may bark at strangers or other animals that they perceive as a threat.
- Attention-seeking: Corgis are social animals and crave attention from their owners. They may bark to get your attention or to demand playtime.
It is essential to understand Corgi’s barking triggers and address them accordingly. Here are some tips to manage your Corgi’s barking:
- Exercise: Corgis are active dogs that require daily exercise. A tired Corgi is less likely to bark out of boredom.
- Training: Positive reinforcement training can help your Corgi learn to bark less and respond to commands. Consistency is key.
- Socialization: Expose your Corgi to different people, animals, and environments to reduce anxiety and territorial barking.
- Distraction: Provide your Corgi with toys, puzzles, or treat-dispensing devices to keep them occupied when you are not around.
- Professional Help: If your Corgi’s barking is excessive or uncontrollable, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
How Much Sleep Should a Corgi Have?
On average, Adult Corgis need between 8 and 12 hours of sleep per day. However, Corgi puppies may sleep as much as 18-20 hours a day. Factors such as age, activity level, and health can affect Corgi’s sleep needs. Senior Corgis may need more sleep as they age, with some sleeping as much as 18 hours a day.
To ensure your Corgi gets the rest they need, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable and quiet sleeping area. This can be a cozy dog bed or a crate that is large enough for them to move around comfortably. You can also encourage your Corgi to rest by providing them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied.
Best Age to Breed a New Corgi
In general, it is recommended to wait until a Corgi reaches full physical and mental maturity before breeding. For female Corgis, this typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.
Breeding a female Corgi too early may put her at risk for complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as her body may not be fully developed to handle the demands of carrying and delivering puppies.
Additionally, responsible breeders must consider the breeding frequency. Female Corgis should not be bred during every heat cycle, as this can cause significant stress on their bodies and potentially lead to health complications.
Male Corgis are also advised to reach full maturity before being used for breeding, which usually occurs around the age of 2 years old. This allows them to develop a stable temperament and reach their peak physical condition, making them better suited for producing strong, healthy puppies.
Best Age to Spay/Neuter a Corgi
For female Corgis, it’s recommended to delay spaying until they’re at least a year old, or three months after their first heat cycle. Delaying spaying can help ensure that your Corgi’s growth plates have closed, reducing the risk of orthopedic issues.
For male Corgis, it’s generally safe to neuter them as early as six months old. Neutering your Corgi can help prevent unwanted behaviors such as marking and aggression.
It’s important to discuss the best timing for spaying or neutering your Corgi with your veterinarian. They can perform a physical examination and provide personalized recommendations based on your Corgi’s health and individual needs.
What Corgis Can (And Can’t) Eat?
It’s necessary to understand what foods are safe and what foods should be avoided.
Foods That Corgis Can Eat
- Fruits: Most fruits are safe for Corgis to eat in moderation. Including apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon. Just make sure to remove any seeds or pits before feeding them to your Corgi.
- Vegetables: Many vegetables are also safe for Corgis to eat. Including carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
- Meat: Corgis are omnivores, Corgis require a diet containing meat. Chicken, turkey, and beef are good options.
- Dairy: Some Corgis can tolerate dairy products like cheese and yogurt in small amounts.
Foods That Corgis Can’t Eat
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to Corgis. Keep all chocolate products out of reach of your Corgi.
- Grapes and raisins: Keep these foods away from your dog, as they may cause kidney failure.
- Onions and garlic: These foods can damage your Corgi’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Avocado: Avocado contains a toxin called persin that can be harmful to dogs.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for Corgis.
Are Corgis Easy to Train?
Corgis are generally easy to train. Starting early, establishing clear rules and boundaries, and keeping training sessions engaging are all important factors in successfully training your Corgi.
Start early to train your Corgi. Corgis are highly trainable, but they can also be stubborn at times. Consistency is key when training your Corgi, and you should establish clear rules and boundaries from the beginning.
Positive reinforcement is also an effective training method for Corgis. Rewarding your Corgi with treats, praise, and playtime when they exhibit good behavior can help reinforce that behavior. Conversely, penalizing your Corgi for bad behavior can backfire and may make them more difficult to train.
It’s important to keep training sessions short and engaging. Corgis have short attention spans, and long training sessions can quickly become boring for them. Divide the training sessions into 10-15 minute intervals during the day, and make sure to include plenty of playtime and exercise in between.
Can Corgis Swim?
Corgis can swim, but they are not natural swimmers. Due to their short legs and barrel-like body types, corgis are not built for swimming like some other dog breeds. However, with practice and patience, many corgis can become proficient swimmers.
Not all corgis enjoy swimming. Just like people, dogs have their own personalities and preferences. Some corgis may love the water and enjoy swimming, while others may be hesitant or even afraid of it.
It’s important to supervise your corgi while they are swimming. Even if your corgi is a good swimmer, accidents can happen. Always watch your dog and consider using a life jacket to keep it safe.
While corgis can swim, they are not built for endurance swimming. Make sure to take regular breaks and give your corgi plenty of opportunities to rest. Furthermore, pay attention to the water’s temperature and the amount of time your corgi spends in it.
Can Corgis Run Long Distances?
Corgis are not known for their endurance, but they can run short distances quite fast. However, with proper training and conditioning, your Corgi can handle longer runs.
Before starting any long-distance running with your Corgi, make ensure that they are physically fit and healthy. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your Corgi is in optimal health and capable of managing the physical requirements of running.
When introducing your Corgi to long-distance running, it is vital to start slow and gradually increase the distance over time.
Start with short runs and gradually increase the distance each week. Make sure to give your Corgi plenty of rest and water breaks during the run.
It is crucial to observe your Corgi’s body language and signs of fatigue. If they start to fall behind or exhibit signs of fatigue, it’s time to take a break.
Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?
Corgis are not considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. They shed a lot and their fur can cause allergic reactions in some people.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s crucial to spend time around a Corgi before deciding to adopt one, as this will help determine if you experience any allergic reactions. Some individuals with allergies might find they can better tolerate Corgis compared to other breeds; however, keep in mind that each person’s allergies vary.
Corgis, like all dogs, produce dander, saliva, and urine, which can all trigger allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, if a Corgi spends a lot of time outdoors, it can bring pollen and other allergens into your home on its fur.
Do Corgis Shed?
Corgis do shed. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi have a double coat, which means they shed more than dogs with a single coat. Shedding is a natural process that helps dogs regulate their body temperature and protect their skin.
Corgis shed all year round, but they tend to shed more during spring and autumn. During these seasons, they shed their undercoat to prepare for the upcoming weather changes.
Shedding can be managed with proper grooming and a healthy diet. Brushing your Corgi’s coat regularly can help remove loose fur and prevent matting.
It’s essential to note that shedding varies among individual Corgis. Some Corgis may shed more than others, depending on their genetics, age, and health.
While shedding cannot be eradicated, there are actions you can take to decrease it.
These are some tips to keep your Corgi’s shedding under control:
- Brush your Corgi’s coat at least once a week with a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool.
- Bathe your Corgi once every two to three months with a mild dog shampoo.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean your home regularly.
- Consider using a shedding tool, such as a Furminator, to remove loose fur from your Corgi’s coat.
Can Corgis Stay Outside in the Heat?
Corgis can stay outside in the heat as long as you provide them with the right conditions.
They have a double coat, which helps regulate their body temperature by providing insulation against heat. The outer coat features long guard hairs that defend against sunlight, while the undercoat is thick and soft, providing insulation and ventilation.
Additionally, Corgis have a short snout, which allows them to breathe efficiently and cool down faster.
These are several things to keep in mind:
- Shade: Ensure your Corgi always has access to a shaded area. A covered porch, a tree, or a sunshade are all good options.
- Water: Provide your Corgi with fresh, clean water at all times.
- Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool.
- Time: Limit your Corgi’s time outside during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Exercise: Avoid exercising your Corgi during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, take them for walks during the early morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler.
Signs of Heatstroke
It’s crucial to watch for heatstroke symptoms. Common indicators include heavy panting, drooling, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, move your Corgi to a cooler area immediately and provide them with water. If their condition doesn’t improve, seek veterinary care.
Can Corgis Stay Outside in the Cold?
Corgis can stay outside in the cold, but they are not ideally suited for extremely low temperatures.
Corgis have a double coat that provides them with insulation against the cold. The undercoat is thicker and softer, while the outer is coarser and water-resistant. This coat helps them regulate body temperature, keeping them warm in colder weather.
However, corgis are not suited to stay outside overnight when the ground is covered in snow or the temperatures are below freezing.
In regions with cold climates, you need to provide your corgi with suitable shelter to protect them from extreme cold. A dog house with insulation can help keep your corgi warm and dry. You can also provide them with a heated bed or blanket to keep them cozy.
It’s essential to monitor your corgi’s behavior in cold weather. Signs that your corgi is uncomfortable or cold include whining, seeking shelter, hunching with a tucked-in tail, and reluctance to keep walking. If you notice any of these signs, bring your corgi inside and warm them up.
Can Corgis Live In Apartments?
Corgis can live in apartments. Make sure to keep their needs in mind and provide them with a loving and supportive environment.
Corgis are adaptable and active dogs and can adjust to living in smaller spaces. However, they still need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. This means that you will need to make sure your Corgi gets enough exercise, whether that means going for walks or playing games inside your apartment.
Another consideration is that Corgis shed quite a bit, so you will need to be prepared for some extra cleaning. Regular grooming can help to minimize shedding, but you will still need to vacuum and sweep frequently to keep your apartment clean.
Are Corgis Good Service Dogs?
Corgis can make excellent service dogs, but it is essential to consider their size, temperament, and health issues before making a decision.
Corgis are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them trainable. They are fast learners capable of mastering various tasks, including fetching objects, opening doors, and offering balance assistance.
Their small size can be either a benefit or a drawback, based on the specific task. For example, they may not be suitable for tasks that require a larger dog’s strength, such as pulling a wheelchair. Nonetheless, they are a great option for tasks demanding agility and maneuverability, like moving through crowded spaces.
Corgis have a friendly and outgoing personality, which can be a plus for a service dog. They are sociable creatures that relish human interactions, which can make them more approachable and less intimidating than larger breeds.
However, this can also be a drawback if the dog is prone to distractions or excessive friendliness, potentially hindering their performance as a service dog.
Corgis Mixed Breeds
Corgi mixed breeds offer a diverse range of characteristics that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. By combining the best traits of two breeds, these adorable hybrids provide an array of options for potential dog owners seeking a loyal and loving companion.
Whether you prefer a high-energy playmate or a gentle and affectionate family pet, there is likely a Corgi mix that will suit your needs.
Here are some popular Corgi mixed breeds:
Horgi or Siborgi: This hybrid combines the energetic and outgoing nature of the Siberian Husky with the loyal and affectionate temperament of the Corgi. The result is an intelligent, playful, and friendly dog that thrives in active households. With their striking blue eyes and fluffy coat, the Corgi-Husky is also an eye-catching breed.
Corgimatian: This crossbreed possesses the iconic Dalmatian spots along with the Corgi’s short legs and elongated body. Corgimations are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and social nature. They make excellent family pets, as they are good with children and enjoy being part of a pack.
Corgen: This mix inherits the gentle and loving nature of the Golden Retriever, as well as the intelligence and loyalty of the Corgi. Corgens are typically easy to train, making them suitable for first-time dog owners. Their friendly demeanor and love for people make them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Corgipoo: The Corgi-Poodle mix. This breed is known for its intelligence, as both parent breeds are among the smartest dog breeds. Corgipoos are often hypoallergenic due to the Poodle’s low-shedding coat, making them a great option for those with allergies. They are also friendly, social, and adaptable, fitting well into various living situations.
