Corgi Breed Information, Personality, and Characteristics
Corgis are one of the world’s most adored dog breeds with a reputation for being the ideal house dog and companion. This breed dates back over a thousand years and were originally bred to be herding dogs in Wales. They are known for their sturdy, low-set bodies and alert, yet cute expressions. These dogs are energetic, intelligent, and extremely affectionate towards their loved ones. However, one must not be deceived by their small stature as they are bold and have a natural instinct for herding.
Corgis are the ideal pets for every house as they are friendly and practically social butterflies that easily gel in with humans as well as other dogs. There are two types of Corgis recognized today – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Physical characteristics
Corgis are small dogs that stand 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh around 12 to 14 kg. They might be small, but their long and low build gives them a distinctive appearance. The Corgi dog breed has a life expectancy of around 12 to 13 years, making it an ideal dog breed for families.
A Corgi's iconic build features a deep chest, short but powerful legs, and muscular thighs. This dog can easily be mistaken for a stuffed animal, thanks to its perky ears and expressive eyes. Its fox-like head gives it an alert and lively expression, while its long body contributes to its cute stance. These dogs also feature a thick, water-resistant double coat which is found in different colors such as fawn, red, sable, black, and tan.
Temperament and personality
A Corgi’s motto is to live life king-size! These tiny, yet mighty dogs are all about making the most of a moment. Wherever they go, they’re always greeting people with their contagious positive energy, friendly licks, and cuddles. This goes to show how easily they get along with people and are the ideal house pets.
The Corgi dog breed loves to explore the world. But, they want to do it with their favorite people. You will often find a Corgi checking new things with their mouth, especially if people around them move too fast. They’ll nip the toes or heels of those around them in a friendly manner because of their curiosity. This is why early socialization is recommended, with other dogs, pets, and children.
Care requirements
If you are planning on bringing a Corgi home, here is a brief on the type of care this breed requires:
Grooming needs
Compared to other dog breeds, Corgis do not have a lot of grooming needs. The best part is that they don't need a haircut often, so you can groom them at home easily. Brush their fur with a comb and a slicker brush, bathe them once or twice a month, and trim their nails every two to four weeks. Pet parents must also get their Corgi’s ears cleaned professionally and brush their teeth daily to prevent any plaque and tartar buildup. Pay extra attention to their dental care as periodontal disease can lead to sore gums, cavities, and other serious issues like organ failure.
Exercise requirements
Corgi puppies seem to have endless energy – they love to run around and explore. While they get calmer as they grow older, this breed still needs about an hour's worth of exercise every day. Swimming is one of their favorite activities. So come summertime, they can be a water baby with you. Since they were bred to be working dogs, they love physical activity and performing a task for their parent is their favorite way of showing love.
Corgi parents must remember that while these dogs don’t feel cold easily because of their thick double coats, they do get hot easily during summers. Hence, plan their outdoor excursions during the cooler hours of the day during summer.
Nutritional needs and diet requirements
The Corgi dog breed takes well to a high-quality commercial dog food diet. The best way to give your Corgi the nutrition it deserves and needs is by ensuring that the food you choose is not only delicious but also healthy. At CESAR®, we offer a range of dog food that is made with finest ingredients to offer best-quality nutrition and flavors. Moreover, as a dog parent to a Corgi, make sure that clean and fresh water is available for your pooch at all times.
The Corgi dog breed tends to overeat and gain weight, which can be crucial to their health. Their adorable faces and contagious energy can convince anyone for a few extra treats. However, pet parents must take caution. Don’t leave a bowl of food out for your floof to enjoy all day. Bring their bowl out only during their mealtime to maintain discipline.
Health concerns
The Corgi breed lives for up to 12 to 13 years and are generally healthy dogs. However, this breed is prone to some diseases that pet parents must be aware of:
Elbow and hip dysplasia
While this disease is more common in larger dogs, it can occur in Corgis as well. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not fit together, causing joint grinds. This leads to weak joints that can affect your dog's walk. Take your dog to a vet to identify any early symptoms and get help.
Cataracts
Cataracts are common in Corgis and other dog breeds in general. This disease can cause cloudy eyes and vision loss. It is best to take your floof for regular checkups to treat this condition before it progresses.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Since Corgis have long bodies, they are highly vulnerable to degenerative myelopathy. This chronic and progressive spinal cord disease can often turn out to be fatal. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease, but genetic screening is highly recommended.
Preventive care and regular check-ups
The best way to keep your Corgi safe is to take it for regular vet checkups and identify any early signs of diseases. Here are some recommended tests for your doggo:
Hip and elbow x-rays
Ophthalmologist evaluation
Dental evaluation
Eye evaluation
Keeping your furry friend’s diet in check, taking it out for regular exercise, and grooming it regularly can also help prevent some of these diseases.
Training and socialization
Since these dogs were bred to be working pets, they have a lot of energy to spare. Corgis constantly need some sort of activity to keep their minds occupied. They love physical activity and are often trained for dog shows too. As a pet parent, you can indulge your furry friend in some training activities. This dog breed is strong but also sensitive. Hence, it is imperative that pet parents resort to positive, reward-based training to make the best out of their talents.
Start training your Corgi with different yet basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and more. You can also teach it to walk properly on a leash and try different commands such as ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’. Since Corgis love to explore with their mouths, these commands will help you discipline them at home and in public. Socialize them between 7 weeks to 4 years of age so that they grow up to be confident.
Living environment
The Corgi dog breed is a great choice for active families or pet parents. If you have kids, bringing this breed home will be the best thing you’ll do for them and yourself. Kids and Corgis get along extremely well, and the best part is that they tire each other. Since Corgis need a good amount of exercise, being around kids will keep them active and engaged.
Corgis are sensitive dogs. Hence, pet parents must resort to positive ways of training and discipline to maintain the Corgi dog breed’s temperament. This includes rewarding them with treats, taking them out for a walk or a swim, or just cuddling with them. This serves as a morale boost for these dogs and keeps them happy. Whether you’re living in an apartment or a townhouse with ample open space, Corgis settle well anywhere as long as they have a loving family.