A cross between a teddy bear and a fox, Corgis are friendly, intelligent, and make great companions. In addition, Corgis are relatively low-maintenance dogs that don’t need that much exercise or grooming.
The beloved Queen Elizabeth II of England owned over 30 Corgis throughout her life, and who can blame her? For starters, Corgis are incredibly loyal and loving dogs, and their small size means that they can be easily carried around or even placed in a lap. Continue reading to learn about this captivating dog.
There Are Two Distinct Corgi Breeds
Even within the single breed, there are two primary kinds of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
The Cardigan is an older breed, developed in the British Isles over two thousand years ago. Both the Cardigan and the Pembroke were Welsh herding dogs, bred by farmers to watch over cattle. Cardigans originated from Cardiganshire while the Pembrokes were from Pembrokeshire.
According to a Welsh legend, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were used to pull coaches for the fairies and elves as well as serve as steeds for the warriors. Corgis continued to be herding dogs until about 1933, where a breeder named Lewis Roesler brought the first Corgi to the U.S.
There, Corgis quickly grew in popularity due to their friendly dispositions and loyalty to their owners. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them ideal dogs for families with children. Corgis love to play and have a lot of energy, so they need plenty of exercise.
Corgis Are Small, Athletic Dogs
Corgis have medium-length coats that can range in colors between cream, tan, brindle, and white, with or without markings. They may also have a white blaze down their foreheads, a trait characteristic of Corgis.
They are small dogs that stand 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh in at about 30 lbs. Their fox-shaped heads have perky ears and slender muzzles, but perhaps the most distinctive feature of the breed is their short, stubby legs.
Don’t let those legs fool you! Corgis are fast, athletic dogs that were born and bred to move sheep all day. These little guys can MOVE!
Corgis Are Intelligent Dogs, Requiring High Stimulation
Corgis are independent and intelligent dogs, sometimes very eager to please their owners. They pick up new commands quickly and enjoy learning tricks. However, they are also easily bored and can become aloof and distracted. Because of their high intelligence, Corgis sometimes need extra stimulation to stay engaged in training.
However, with a little patience and creativity, you can keep your Corgi’s attention focused on the task at hand. And once they learn something, they usually don’t forget it.
Corgis Need Exercise to Truly Thrive
The diminutive size of the Corgi can be misleading. Corgis are high-energy dogs that will do well with an hour’s exercise a day. A bored Corgi can become destructive, directing its energy into chewing up your couch or digging a hole to the center of the earth.
Corgis will not suit apartments unless they are getting plenty of exercise a day after which, they may be content to lounge around with you. Corgis are also notoriously independent; you’ll need to keep your pooch occupied and stimulated if you want to do extended sessions of obedience training.
Being herding dogs, Corgis are also likely to have a high prey drive, so be wary during off-leash activities as your pooch might just decide to take off after a squirrel or another dog.
Their athleticism makes them ideal candidates for activities like agility training. Corgis, despite their shorter legs and stockier body, have won many an agility competition.
Like All Dogs, Corgis Have Some Health Issues
Corgis are relatively healthy dogs with a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. However, they are predisposed to certain genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and intervertebral disc disease.
Hip dysplasia is caused by a malformation of the hip joint, which can lead to pain, lameness, and even arthritis. While there is no cure for hip dysplasia, there are ways to manage the condition and help your Corgi live a long and happy life.
For example, regular exercise can help to maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. In addition, your veterinarian may also recommend a diet that is low in calories and fat to help reduce the strain on your dog’s joints.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Seizures can vary in severity, from brief periods of disorientation to full-blown convulsions. Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of things, including genetics, head injuries, and toxins. Corgis are particularly susceptible to epilepsy due to their genetic makeup.
Corgis may not suit everyone. Their high energy levels can make them difficult to deal with if you cannot spare the time to give your Corgi the exercise it needs. However, those that take the time to train, exercise, and socialize a Corgi will be rewarded with a loyal, fun-loving companion!
