The Daily Corgi has become much bigger than I ever dreamed (did I actually underestimate Corgi Power)?
For me, that success — and the general proliferation of Corgis all over the Internet — raises the question of whether I do a good enough job here in educating people about the breed.
It’s a legitimate question.
Naturally, the blog shines a positive light on every Corgi. Part of that is personal: I am drunk with love for them. They are smart, full of life and adorable … but unless you clearly know what you’re getting into, a Welsh Corgi might not be the right dog for you.
(Yes, I just wrote that).
The decision to bring a dog into your home is a serious one, representing as it does years of commitment to the care, feeding and well-being of a creature born to live “in a pack.” Like us, dogs are born with a need to surrounded by others, in addition to regular doses of affection, play and meaningful connection.
They’re social.
Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born bright and bossier than many other breeds, because they’ve been bred for centuries to maneuver around animals ten times their size. They’ve got opinions, and you WILL hear about them.
Regularly.
If you already have a Corgi (or have had a Corgi), here’s WHY I want to hear from YOU:
#1 Too many Corgis end up in miserable situations, in rescue (or worse), bounced out of homes unprepared to handle the dog’s needs and temperament. Lots of well-meaning people who didn’t do their homework or bought on a whim have found themselves unable to deal with a Corgi.
#2 Corgis are the dog of the moment on the internet. Earlier this year, CuteOverload (with millions of followers) dubbed them the cutest of all animals. With Corgis — as with most any dog — the cute is not the whole story, as dazzling as said cute may be.
(Oh boy is it ever).
#3 Because they’ve become so popular, more Corgis — particularly Pembrokes — run the risk of living mill dog lives. When lots of people decide they want the same thing, the laws of supply and demand kick in. Ever notice how the Mac store at the mall is perpetually buzzing? Corgis are at risk of becoming the iPhone of dogs. (The iPhone 5, even!)
#4 Because of this, folks who otherwise might adopt a perfectly wonderful blend (mixed breed) — or even another purebred — from a shelter wait instead for a Corgi puppy. They might even pass up a rescued adult Corgi because they’re holding out for a puppy.
Hey, I want that too. I want a whole houseful of Corgi puppies. Going to a legitimate breeder is a perfectly acceptable option, but if you’ve honestly done your homework and know that a Corgi puppy isn’t right for you at this time, there are many options. One of them is to keep coming back here …
… ’cause I got ‘yer puppies! No waiting and no clean-up required.
#5 YOU KNOW CORGIS! I live with a senior cat who won’t let me have a Corgi, so I do The Daily Corgi as a way of keeping a steady supply of low rider love in my life. So YOU know Corgis in a way I don’t yet. (Am I jealous? Only a little).
Please tell me about the challenges of living with a Corgi, the kinds of things people really ought to know before they decide to acquire one.
You can leave a comment here, e-mail me (thedailycorgi@gmail.com) or comment on the facebook page.
If you are a rescuer, your input is also welcomed, even encouraged. Please connect with me!
::::: big sigh ::::
This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for a while.
I blog about Welsh Corgis because there is inexplicably a Corgi-shaped hole in my soul. Because they make me happy. Seeing photos of them, celebrating their stories, connecting with their people about them, it all just makes my toes curl. Being able to raise funds for them has been a huge bonus and blessing.
Because I can reach so many people (which still amazes me), I know in my heart that I owe it to the Corgis to tell their WHOLE story. To better their chances of finding the homes they deserve, with people who are genuinely prepared to handle their quirks.
Every last dog deserves nothing less.
They are very affectionate, and they bond to their owners like no other dog I've ever had, and they are super smart and quick to learn, but they can be stubborn, very food possessive, and very possessive of their people with other dogs (so you might have some aggression issues to deal with). They also really like a schedule as much as possible, so the more able you are to stick to one, the better. Also they miss you a lot when you're gone, so if you work like 12+ hour days, it's probably not the best breed for you (unless you have more than one dog or even a cat who can keep them company). I don't even leave my corgi Darwin alone for too long (maybe an afternoon a couple of times a week), but he is by the door waiting for me half that time, and he is always super starved for attention when I do get home. So having the time for them is important. And of course don't get a puppy of any kind unless you have the time to potty train, to obedeience train, and have all the money for the vet bills that come with dog ownership. DO NOT GET A DOG IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD IT, PLEASE.
I appreciate the concerns you voice in your blog. It is inevitable that, as a breed becomes more popular, unscrupulous people take advantage and try to make money without concern for the dogs. I don't think you are in any way responsible for that progression, and I think you do a great job of helping get the word out about rescue dogs in need of a home. (Remember, though, that while not everyone is suited for a corgi, it's equally the case that not everyone can handle the special needs of some rescue dogs). If I were able to speak to someone considering a corgi, I would tell them three things.
1. Corgis need TRAINING. They are bossy and can be difficult if they are not taught what is expected of them. You should commit to taking them to obedience classes, or consider a more docile breed. Once they are properly trained, they are obedient, but never servile.
2. Corgis are not always lap dogs. Some corgis are a little standoffish, at least in the first years of life. Many owners are surprised if their corgi doesn't want to snuggle all the time. Our Emma likes to cuddle, but she also likes to hang out by herself under the bed sometimes.
3. Corgis SHED. A lot. All the time. Get used to it, or don't get one. Really.
Corgi on, Laurie. You are a treasure in the Corgi community. XO
Mad respect for this post, seriously. I've seen good people get the wrong breed of dog for them, and it's just not ideal.
Corgis, as you say, are bossy. They also need a job. My Corgi's job is to play fetch. Seriously. He has to play fetch at certain points in the day, for a certain amount of time. And he will *scream* if he doesn't get that attention. Think of a person with serious OCD, that is a Corgi. Except in them it's endearing and cute.
In addition to all that running around. I also walk him 2 miles every night, plus doggy daycare (or a 1 mile run on the days he's just at home) while I'm at work. And you should have seen how much energy he still had after all that as a puppy.
Corgis are obsessed with food. My dog will follow anyone home who he thinks might possibly feed him. If someone reaches in their pocket, he thinks its to give him a treat. He is very insistent about it. He also tries to follow all the trick or treaters home on Halloween.
Also, my Corgi is NOT cuddly. He has a 2 foot rule. He likes to be close enough to me that he can keep an eye on me, but far enough away that I can't touch him. He really does not like to be pet. The occasional scratch is tolerated. Other people he will walk up to for pets, but after about 10 seconds he's done with them and walks away. But that's not to say he's not attached. If you leave, he will pout and be sad. Just sad enough to make you feel terrible about leaving.
Since Corgis are much more vocal than most dogs, other dog owners will think your Corgi is viciously attacking their dog when he's just playing. That's more of owner stupidity than anything against Corgis, but it's good to know. They growl, groan, and grunt when they're excited.
My Corgi is the perfect dog for me. But I could easily see how he wouldn't work so well with people who don't have the time to devote to their needs for attention and movement.
Wow guys, thanks! I'm so happy I asked, as I'm quite serious about this topic and hearing from you all is precisely what I need.
Keep it up!
Laurie
To put it simply, every Corgi-like every child-is different. I have had six (to date) and each one has/had his own unique personality. Bossy, cuddly, mouthy, lovey, high-maintenance, low-maintenance. What I tell anyone who asks about owning a Corgi is that, when possible, it would be best to spend some time with one and not just a puppy. All puppies are cute! You wouldn't commit to having a child without "being prepared", the same applies for any breed of dog. When people ask if I have children my answer is always the same: Not two-legged ones, four-legged. They demand the same amount of time and attention, they get sick, they need food and love, they need education. If you can't provide that, then do yourself and the dog a favor and admire, but don't commit.
I think the primary thing is to encourage rescue whenever possible. Yes, puppies are adorable, and yes, corgis are darling, but rescuing is a matter of life and death, and there is no love like that of a rescued dog.
I have two rescued corgis, and I love them dearly. I rescued both as adults and they are my best friends in the world! I would not trade them for anything and I am thankful every single day to have them in my life.
If people can't find a purebred corgi to rescue, I think it's better to consider mixes or other kinds of dogs to rescue instead, or wait until a corgi shows up in rescue. There are so many dogs out there in need–including a lot of cute, wonderful corgi mixes! Considering how many nice dogs end up dying in shelters every day, especially with the economy how it currently is, I feel like we all should rescue whenever we can. Don't encourage breeders to keep on breeding and creating more dogs when so many wonderful animals are already being killed simply for lack of a place to go.
Also, I encourage people to be honest with themselves about whether corgis truly fit into their lives and will work with their personalities. I've grown up with herding dogs, including border collies, so I often forget how intense herding dogs can be to people who are not familiar with them. They need exercise, a job, mental stimulation, sometimes they are not the greatest with young kids because of nipping, they can be somewhat domineering and/or neurotic at times. Corgis need people who are truly committed to them all the time, and are willing to accept a dog who may not always be mellow, easygoing, or relaxing to be around. Also, corgis shed like crazy! Hair everywhere. I'd encourage anyone to do a LOT of reading before deciding to bring a corgi into their lives, especially if that person has no previous herding dog experience.
Above all, I hope that people will remember how many dogs need help in shelters before giving in to buying a puppy. Go on PetFinder, see the faces of the dogs waiting for homes! Many of them are truly wonderful dogs and deserve your love, whether they're corgis, corgi mixes, or not corgi at all.
Also, never, ever, ever buy puppies from pet stores, no matter how cute they are and no matter how bad you feel for them! That is why puppy mills are still in operation. One of my two corgis is a puppy mill rescue, and I wonder every day where his mom, dad, and siblings ended up. If they're even alive. JUST DON'T DO IT! Go to the shelter instead!
Cricket is my first Corgi, so I am by no means an expert on them; however, I have a lot of experience with German Shepherds. I currently have two Shepherds, both of them adopted from my local Rescue. Because of the Shepherds, I felt I was well prepared for a Corgi. Cricket will have a "job" because she is going to do competetive obedience when she is older (which I also do with my female Shepherd). The shedding is not a problem for me because Shepherds shed all year long. While I did buy Cricket from a breeder, the contract has a spay requirement and she will be spayed this month.
That being said, unfortunately far too many people do not go into dog ownership actually prepared for the reality of living with a dog. It is one thing to oooh and awww over pictures of adorable Corgis on the web, and completely another to clean up pee spots from your carpet or chase your puppy trying to retrieve the slipper he just stole off of your foot or coming home to a 50lb bag of dog food that has been torn open and a puppy who has eaten so much that she looks ready to pop (Cricket, last Friday).
Education is important and goes a long way towards ensuring a successful relationship between a prospective owner and their new dog. Adding a dog or puppy to your life should not be done on a whim.
I LOVE my corgi. I got him as a puppy at the animal shelter I worked at while studying to become a veterinary technician (I scooped him up). This makes me sad and pretty deeply troubled, to be honest, because I really believe in dog rescue ("Don't Shop: Adopt), but I cannot imagine my life without a corgi. My boy is over 15 now. There aren't any corgi rescues anywhere near me in Ontario, Canada.
Anyway…
Challenges of living with my corgi..
He is a horrible over-eater!! if I ever let him near food unsupervised he will eat until his belly is huge! So many times I was scared he was bloated, but he was just stuffed.
He is a huge suck and he likes to sit right next to you and put his paw up on your foot over…and over…and over again.
He "molts" something FIERCE a few times a year. With the change of seasons, he sheds so much that he has clumps of fur on him (makes him look matted, even though he isn't). He needs SO much brushing I can't even keep up and he needs to go to the Groomers.
But, really, is that the worst I can say? Yes. I love him so much and he is such a great dog. I'm so lucky to have found him at the shelter that morning, and I can't believe how lucky I am to have found him. He is gorgeous, smart, a great watch-dog, but extremely friendly to those who I welcome into our home, he would play fetch until your arm fell off (until now. Now he is blind). Loving, sweet, adorable.
Best. Dog. Ever.
I've had five corgis and each was a unique personality. They ALL shed. A couple of times a year they just blow their coats. I've had other dogs and I loved them, but missed having a corgi while I had them.
One of my girls was very protective. She wouldn't allow repairmen in the house. All have been smart and a little bull headed. I've had great success in training them. They love working and having a job to do.
My corgis have not been big barkers. They will bark for a reason, but not just to make noise.
There is a semi-mythical group known as "The Lesser Corgi Society." Their purpose it to discourage people's interest in Corgis so that Corgis don't suffer the fate of Labs, German Shepherd Dogs, Dalmatians, etc. I believe that's a good idea.
I never encourage anyone that I don't know well to consider a Corgi. The No. 1 mood killer for people struck with the cuteness of our beloved Corgwyn is my answer to whether or not they shed: "Oh yes they shed, they shed like no other dog. They shed enough every week to make an entire other Corgi. You could knit seat covers for your car from the Corgi fur left behind after a single trip to the vet. Yes, Corgis shed A LOT. You must embrace the fur."
Anyone who can get past that might be worthy of owning a Corgi.
And I do think, Laurie, that you might put up a Wiki or FAQ about Corgi ownership joys and pitfalls for those lured here by cute Corgi pictures.
I've had two Pems for over a year now, and I can completely agree with a lot of what has already been said. Two things really stand out from my experience.
The first might just be from my own inexperience with dogs (these boys were my first in many, many years), but I have spent an inordinate amount of money taking them into the vet for all kinds of ailments, many of which were totally not serious and likely due to them just having an upset tummy and/or me overreacting and being cautious. Even when my boys get something as boring as a Puppy Wart, they get it on their gigantic ear, or randomly on their paw. I've finally got insurance on them, but unfortunately, because of pre-existing seasonal allergies, I don't know how much it will help.
The second thing that really stands out is the interactions that they have with other dogs, especially at dog parks. It could just be the parks we often go to, but people who aren't familiar with Corgis are absolutely horrified when my boys double-team their dog, even if it's a huge Doberman or Husky. When I explain that they're herding dogs, and that their barks are excited (not angry), some people understand. Many don't. A good way to get around this is to find or start a Corgi Meetup group, like the large one in San Diego, so there's strength in numbers.
My two were neutered rather early on (~5 months), and they have not developed any sort of serious aggression problems which could be likely with two males. They definitely act like two brothers, but I don't see it as any different than two human brothers.
I don't have experience with Cardis, but my Pems are goofy, loveable, needy, athletic, cuddly (at least one is), barky (I would absolutely tell anyone living in an apartment to look for a different dog.. I can't imagine the problems it would cause for you), sweet, and sassy.
My pem needs a job, which means I have to be his Benevolent Boss every day. Lots of loving but lots of direction too. We are a Grounded (NILIF) Home and that structure means his world makes sense. There may be goofy get-along corgis out there, but all the pems I know thrive on structure, routine, exercise and training. Behind that stinkin' cute face and giant ears is an Active Thinking Brain. Put him to work or he'll come up with games you might not like. And oh, the SHEDDING. Claire in NJ
+1 for Doug's suggestions above. Plus, on corgis+kids.
My pem is fabulous with nicely-behaved children because I spent the first year of his life reinforcing Kids=Cheese. Kids adore playing with a tricks dog and my dude delivers. With wild kids, or kids-just-being-kids, it's too much for my guy and I put him away for his safety and everyone's comfort. Goes without saying, but kids+corgi=100% supervision. Claire in NJ
They are almost universally food, owner, and toy possessive. They are also well known among vets for biting and being very bad patients! The only way around that is to be REALLY lucky, or associate vet = treats.
My vet sees many corgis, and a good portion of them are food aggressive. During Izzie's first vet visit with my vet at 8 weeks old, the vet tested her and was bitten. Food aggression can be managed, but is not something you can wish away 100%. It's a condition you have to manage the rest of their lives.
I have a cute mug, "Pembroke Welsh Corgi Property Laws". It's humorous, but also 100% true. If my corgi wants it, DONT try and take it away without offering something in return. You WILL be growled at or bit.
They are very mouthy dogs. Most of it you can train away, but when they're nervous they revert back to herding tendencies.
Izzie's great with kids, actually! She dislikes screaming babies, but once the kids are old enough to walk she's in love. But she has to have a way to get away, and she has to be on a leash. Otherwise kids = sheep that must be herded, which scares the kids.
On a more general note, I add my voice to the "dogs are expensive!" line. Shots, checkups, boarding, food, accidents, exc. add up! Izzie has a malformation that causes her to get UTI's easily. After treating her with $100 a round antibiotics 3 times, I'm stuck wiping her with baby wipes after each time outside. Fun? No. Cheap? No. But cheaper than surgery or more antibiotics.
I really love my little girl, but I wish I'd known more about corgis before I got her. Online they're always presented in a wonderful manner, but in person they're not as 2-dimensional. They're good dogs for the right person, but definitely not beginner dogs!
I have Cardigan Welsh Corgis (the Corgi with a tail). I show my corgis, we herd, do obedience, agility and tracking. Two of them are registered therapy dogs. I health test — breeding away from Degenerative Myelopathy, PRA, hip dysplasia, etc. I only have a litter every couple of years and I breed for myself. I never breed to have puppies to sell — though those I don't decide to keep I do sell.
Yes, there are lots of corgis in rescue, and they are there for a variety of reasons. Many of those reasons are wrong people/wrong dog. Ethical breeders screen potential buyers to make sure they understand that this breed needs a job, that it will not be happy alone and entertaining itself. No matter how cute that corgi puppy is (and they are absolutely the cutest), it will not look so cute when you have left it alone to eat your couch or tear up your bed pillows. Just as you would not leave a baby crawling the house unattended, you cannot leave a puppy alone and at large.
Bless the rescuers — you are saints. However, since I have purposes for my dogs in addition to hanging out to watch television, I breed for specific traits and soundness. My dogs are my companions and our activities are my hobby. None of us are bored.
Education is the key. Laurie, you do a great service with the Blog. Now those who sell corgis need to get with the program and not sell corgi puppies to people who are not suited to them.
As an aside, ethical breeders will ALWAYS take back a puppy if circumstances prevent the owner from keeping it. That is a lifetime commitment.
Corgis are the four "S's"…smart, stubborn, silly and shedding. They are smart enough to know when you really mean for them to do something or when you are just saying it. Noodles knows the names of every single toy and all you have to do is say a name and he will go searching for that exact toy. You can also see the wheels turning in his head when you ask him to do something. It is like he is pondering over whether or not to obey.
And that is where the stubborn comes in…he knows what to do, but doesn't always decide to do it. He can go for a period of time and be the perfect dog on obedience and then something will snap and for the next couple of weeks it is a nightmare. Definitely training is key.
Now for being silly, he makes me laugh every day. He is my shadow and makes coming home from work all the more enjoyable. He greets me at the door with a kiss and that little bunny butt shaking non-stop. He is very insistant on playing tug-o-war for at least an hour every night and will drop the rings on your feet if he hasn't finished playing.
And now the shedding…oh the hair. You learn to get dressed right before you leave and then don't touch the corgi after that. You better vacuum on a weekly basis if not before then or else you will be overcome by hair.
Sticking to a schedule is very important as well. Noodles has been on basically the same schedule his whole life and you can tell. When people watch him, they tell me things he did and I have to laugh because that is what would have happen if we were at home with him.
When people ask me what I like about corgi's, I have to say how smart they are, but then I make sure they understand their stubborn side, how important food is to them, they need a lot of exercise (Noodles gets 2 jogs a day which covers about 2.75 miles) and they NEED to be a member of the family.
I'm so glad I have Noodles and I wouldn't trade him for the world.
Lots of good points have been brought up.
One thing I have noticed with all 3 of the Cardis I have had is that they are motion sensitive. This, of course, is a result of their innate herding instinct. But, not only can this lead to them chasing/nipping a toddler/younger kid, but it also gives them a tendency to chase bicycles, skateboarders, inline skaters, joggers, and worst of all, cars. Chasing any of those can lead to a very bad outcome for both the person and the dog. It can be trained out of them, but not without alot of effort. And many people who buy a dog on impulse aren't willing to put in that level of effort it requires.
I've got 4 cardis, all quite different, and similar at the same time.
1. VOCAL. Demanding. Did I mention VOCAL??
2. They want to play and figure stuff out. All the time. Lots of toys, lots of interactive puzzle games required. Agility and tons of exercise is mandatory (if you don't have access to sheep)!
3. They are food obsessed (but all nice and slim as I am immune to their laser beam stares)
4. Every one of them sheds every day, all day. The Furminator gets a workout several times a week, but all surfaces of my house are covered in fur. It's even on the ceiling fan.
5. Crazy, reactive herders who turn into psycho killer dogs when the vacuum gets turned on.
6. Really, really VOCAL.
7. Can get squabbly when high value resources are introduced — need good management and strong leadership if treats or good chew toys are involved.
7. Fun, funny, wildly intelligent, creative, affectionate but not cuddly, devoted until they find a hunk of edible garbage in the back alley
8.THEY ARE STRONG WILLED, REQUIRE FIRM, KIND, CONSISTENT TRAINING, AND ARE NOT FOR 'SPOILERS', You must handle every part of their little bodies from day one if you want to clip nails, brush teeth and groom pantaloons without issues when they grow up as they are bossy!
This is an amazing breed that I could not imagine living without – but definitely not for someone who just wants a 'background pet' You must devote plenty of time to your Corgis or you and they will be miserable!
Thanks, Laurie E. — it is easy to fall under the spell of their mind-boggling cuteness — people need to stop and think about the whole package. You do a great service here!
Laurie R., Cochrane Alberta
Hi Laurie,
You are doing a wonderful job – keep it up! I go to your blog first thing every day. And I love the new masthead.
Corgis are wonderful dogs – for the right person. I've had 2, and wouldn't have any other breed. But as sweet and funny as they are, they have lots of quirks that are not negotiable.
Corgis are smarter than a lot of people. They are working, thinking dogs and will devise their own solutions to situations if not properly trained. And even if well trained they may still decide to “go their own way”.
They are also “easy keepers”. A nice way of saying that they are opportunistic eaters and will eat any thing, any time, any where. Fat corgis are not cute, nor healthy. Maintaining proper weight can be an ongoing battle. They can also be food possessive, if allowed.
Corgis are not big dogs in little bodies. They are big dogs with no legs. They are stronger and faster than they appear. Because they are strong, take care around small children and the elderly. Being low-riders, they are also easy to trip over.
They need lots of exercise and stimulation. While some are more laid back than others, they all need to be active in some way. If you don’t give them something to do, they will find something. And you may not like it. They are also very routine driven and don’t like changes to their daily schedule. If you’re late with their walk or playtime, you’ll hear about it.
Because they are big dogs with no legs, they are also big dogs with no fear. They love to run with the big dogs and play very rough & tumble with other dogs.
And they are very devoted, almost bordering on possessive, to their people. They need to be with their people, not kept in the yard or left alone for long periods of time. And they may not share “their people” well with other dogs.
As part of their herding background, they can also be very barky. Most corgis are vocal and will hold conversations with you. They are also quick to sound the alarm if they feel their territory has been invaded. If you have neighbors who hate barking dogs, this may not be the breed you want.
Oh, and did I mention the shedding…?? Seriously, you could make a whole other corgi out of what my Gracie sheds. Don’t even mention the semi-annual coat blow –it’s a blizzard of dog hair. If you can’t live with dog hair absolutely everywhere, do not get a corgi. I am not kidding. On the furniture, on your clothes, in the car, everywhere. All. The. Time.
Having said all of that, Corgis are the most fun, amazing, entertaining, sweet and funny dogs around. I would not have any other breed. But they are not for everyone; especially first-time dog owners.
If, after all of that, a corgi is still in the cards, please rescue one. If rescue is not for you, please obtain your corgi from a responsible, ethical breeder. Never get a dog from a pet shop or backyard breeder.
Maryk in Philly, PA &
Gracie, the blue CWC
We love our corgi, but corgis are not for everyone. If you want a sweet, quiet, couch potato who is content to lie in your lap, this is NOT the dog for you. We rescued ours at two years old because the previous owner couldn't deal with the needs of a corgi. So, please consider the following if you are thinking of getting one.
1) Corgis are very smart and very bossy because they are a herding breed. (Ours will herd people, other dogs, cats, and little kids.) They need obedience training – otherwise they will become the boss of you! They also need LOTS of exercise or they become very grumpy. We take ours on several 20 to 30 minute walks every day. (And, should we forget one, she will remind us!) On weekends, she loves romping on much longer walks in the woods. Corgis are perfect for people with active lifestyles. If you are housebound, don't like taking walks, etc., a corgi is not the iedal dog for you.
2) Corgis bark A LOT because that's what herding dogs do. (Ours even barks at the television, especially when animal shows are on…) If you live in an apartment or condo, your neighbors will hate you and your dog.
3) Our corgi is also food aggressive with other dogs and very possessive of us. She once went after an enormous German shepherd while we were all sitting quietly in the living room because it came to close to us.
4) Corgis are prone to back problems. Weight problems contribute to back problems. Corgis who are slim usually don't have these issues. Do not overfeed them.
We have a corgi mix and the one thing I'd like to add is not only is she smart and stubborn, but SPITEFUL. It seriously is like having a two year old child, if she doesn't get her way she will throw a temper tantrum. We've had her decide she wants to go out NOW and poop behind our chairs or tear things up.
Training, training, training, training is so important for this breed. It's mainly for you, so you can learn how to manage your corgi. The corgi already knows everything! Even a trained corgi is just waiting for you not to pay attention so they can see what they can get away with.
Because they're like a child, be prepared to exercise and practice firm and consistent discipline. Your no must mean NO.
Also, having a second dog is a really great idea, it gives them a playmate and someone to entertain them when you aren't there.
My Corgi has been one of the best dogs I've ever had, but it has taken A LOT of training and attention! She is very dominate, and very dependent. This is a very smart breed of dog, they will challenge you at every turn!
It can be difficult to keep them at a good weight, they tend to get overweight and have back problems.
Also, they shed, shed, shed, shed… if you don't like dog hair, well everywhere, this is not the dog for you!!
Having said that, owning a Corgi is a wonderful experience! They seriously have a sense of humor – my friends and I are always laughing at Rowan, and she can cheer me up like nothing else! I can't imagine life without at least one Corgi! Once you get a Corgi, you become super addicted and really REALLY want more – proceed with caution if you don't have much will power!!
My Corgi has been one of the best dogs I've ever had, but it has taken A LOT of training and attention! She is very dominate, and very dependent. This is a very smart breed of dog, they will challenge you at every turn!
It can be difficult to keep them at a good weight, they tend to get overweight and have back problems.
Also, they shed, shed, shed, shed… if you don't like dog hair, well everywhere, this is not the dog for you!!
Having said that, owning a Corgi is a wonderful experience! They seriously have a sense of humor – my friends and I are always laughing at Rowan, and she can cheer me up like nothing else! I can't imagine life without at least one Corgi! Once you get a Corgi, you become super addicted and really REALLY want more – proceed with caution if you don't have much will power!!
I love this blog 🙂 I too had a corgi shaped hole in my heart… My husband and I waited patiently to graduate, get married, and get ready (financially & emotionally) to have a dog. I have always loved corgis and, after researching the breed, we decided a corgi would be right for us. We knew we wanted a young adult Pembroke corgi– we didn't have the time to have a puppy!– so we became addicted to PetFinder. I was on there 3-5 times a day (sometimes more…) looking for corgis that needed to be rescued. We finally found our lovely 1.5-year-old Macaroni (renamed by us) after a few weeks of trying to find the right dog that would fit into our life. We took him home in December 2010 and we could not be happier with him. I'm even tearing up as I write this because of what a wonderful adoption process we had and what an amazing dog we now have in our lives.
The research is an important step in adopting any dog and, with purebreds, you can get a sense of what traits your dog might have– but obviously all dogs of the same breed are not created the same! During this research process, I found out about the excessive shedding, which was not a big concern, but it was good to know about before we brought him home– I had a lint roller and brush waiting in the car when we went to the shelter to pick him up! There are really no words to describe how much corgis shed, especially when they are nervous. If you want a corgi, get used to having dog hair as a condiment on EVERYTHING. I recommend investing in a Furminator (or some other deshedding tool) if you plan on adopting a corgi.
Mac has a wonderful personality and I think this is one trait that is consistent among almost all corgis. He's definitely derpy to the fullest. Every morning he jumps out of bed and "dances" all over the place– rolls & rubs his face on the carpet, clicks & dances on the wood floors– and scarfs down his breakfast before we go for a walk. He also loves the car but I'm not sure if that's a breed trait or just varies dog to dog.
Another corgi trait: they are always hungry! This, like the shedding, is hard to describe without actually experiencing it. Mac could eat himself into a food coma if he was allowed that amount of food. We feed him a 1/2 cup of kibble a day split between breakfast & dinner and then he gets treats throughout the day for good deeds. I must admit, we are suckers for those big brown eyes so he gets table scraps every now and then but I am proud to say he is very svelte, handsome and in-shape at 30lbs.
I read a lot about corgis' herding instincts and I know, unfortunately, that's a reason that some corgis have to find another home. Mac does not herd humans– except for the occasional nudge at our ankles– but he herds other dogs at the dog park via running in circles and barking. I know a lot of corgis nip ankles but I can't really speak to this specific trait. I do have to add that he is always following me around the house and barks at anyone who touches me for too long or hugs me– even my husband! Being owner possessive is a pretty common trait I believe.
My corgi is the light of my life and keeps me smiling every day. These are great dogs but, as with any big decision, research is needed into the breed before you adopt. They're adorable, dorky, and loyal– all wonderful dog traits– but it is possible that you could not be a corgi owner even if you like looking at pictures of them and hearing funny stories!
Remember: adopt, don't shop and remember to spay or neuter your pet!!!
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!