Corgis might have caught your eye with their adorable looks and playful personalities. These pups, with their short legs and big ears, have won the hearts of many dog lovers. Even Queen Elizabeth II loves this dog breed.
Corgi has two kinds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The only difference between these two kinds is the tail. The Cardigan has a tail, and the Pembroke has no tail.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranked 10th most popular dog in the USA. So if you’re a Corgi fan and want to own one, read on to find out the Congi dog pros and cons before bringing one home!
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Corgi Dog Pros And Cons
Historically, experts have varying theories about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s origins. Some believe that the breed may have descended from Swedish Vallhunds brought to Wales by the Vikings, while others suggest Flemish weavers could have brought them in the 12th century.
The breed has been a part of life in Wales for over a thousand years, and people used them as herding, companion, and guard dogs. In 1934, the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized Pembrokes as a separate breed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Corgis have gained a reputation for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding instincts. They have a distinctive appearance, with their short legs, erect ears, and foxy face. But like any breed, they have their own unique set of pros and cons:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Intelligent and eager to please | Require a lot of exercise |
| Loyal and affectionate companion dogs | Prone to excessive barking and making “wookie” noises |
| Versatile – can excel in herding, agility, obedience, and therapy work | Demand a lot of attention and can be destructive if ignored |
| Charming and cute appearance, especially their fluffy butts | Shed heavily year-round, especially in spring and fall |
| Relatively long lifespan of 12-14 years | Can be stubborn and challenging to train |
| Good with other dogs and in multi-dog households | Prone to weight gain if not exercised enough |
| Similar personality to larger breeds like German Shepherds | Potential for health issues like degenerative myelopathy |
Pros Of Corgi Dog
Corgis come with a bunch of positive qualities that make them popular companions. Here are some pros of Corgi dogs;
- Intelligent and Trainable: Corgis are smart dogs. They are quick learners, easy to train, and can learn many fun tricks. They can excel at activities like herding, agility, obedience, and even working as therapy or service dogs.
- Affectionate and Loyal Companions: Corgis are loyal to their families and often form strong bonds with their owners. They enjoy being involved in family activities and can be quite affectionate.
- Cute Appearance: Corgis has an adorable appearance with expressive faces that often go viral on social media. Their cute looks make them very popular and attention-grabbing when out in public.
- Adaptable Size: Corgis are the perfect size. They have enough energy and personality, like a big dog. Also, they are small enough to accommodate apartment living or homes with multiple dogs.
- Protective And Alert: Corgis are excellent watchdogs. They bark when they sense something unusual, which can help to alert their owners to potential threats.
- Energetic: Corgis has good energy levels and enjoys regular exercise. They love activities like walking, hiking, and playing fetch, which can help keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
- Long Lifespan: Corgis have a relatively long lifespan compared to many other dog breeds, typically living between 12 to 15 years when properly cared for.
- Low Grooming Needs: Corgis’ grooming needs are relatively low compared to other breeds. Regular brushing helps to manage shedding, and they typically only need baths occasionally.
Cons Of Corgi Dog
While Corgis have many positive traits, it’s important to consider the potential challenges associated with owning this breed. Here are some cons of Corgi dogs:
- High Exercise and Stimulation Needs: Corgis are energetic dogs that require a lot of daily exercises and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.
- Heavy Shedding: Corgis are heavy shedders that shed year-round. Their double coat means you’ll find Corgi hair everywhere. Frequent brushing is required to control the shedding.
- Stubborn and Demanding Personality: Corgis can be stubborn, which may make training more challenging. Consistent and patient training methods are necessary to establish good behaviour patterns.
- Health Issues: Some Corgis can develop serious health problems like intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) because of their long back and short legs. Other potential issues include hip/elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and von Willebrand’s disease.
- Barking and Noisiness: Corgis are vocal dogs that bark frequently. They make different noises, including “wookie” sounds, that some owners find cute but can also be annoying. However, training can help manage excessive barking.
- Herding Instinct: Corgis have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd people, children, or other pets by nipping at their heels. Training can help manage this instinct.
- Prone to Obesity: Corgis have a tendency to overeat and gain weight. It’s important to monitor their food intake and provide them with regular exercise to prevent obesity-related health issues.
- Sensitive to Heat: Corgis can be sensitive to heat and may struggle to regulate their body temperature in hot weather. Owners should provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and avoid heavy exercise during peak temperatures.
- Separation Anxiety: Corgis are social animals that form strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
Who Should Own A Corgi Dog?
Corgis can make great pets for many people, but certain characteristics and lifestyles may be particularly best for owning a Corgi. Here are some types of individuals or families who may enjoy owning a Corgi;
- Families and individuals who like to be involved in various activities.
- Have experience in owning dogs.
- Individuals have time for training and socialization.
- Families and individuals looking for a loyal companion.
- People who can manage grooming needs.
- Individuals who can afford health care costs.
- Individuals who can train Corgis patiently.
- Families having older children.
Therefore, if you can provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, consistent training, and affectionate care to a smart, energetic, and social dog like a Corgi, then you would be the best owner of this breed.
Additionally, those who enjoy the attention that comes with owning a Corgi and are prepared for the commitment and responsibilities of caring for a high-energy dog would also make ideal Corgi owners.
Who Should Not Own A Corgi Dog?
While Corgi makes wonderful companions for many people, there are certain individuals or households for whom owning a Corgi may not be the best fit. Here are some considerations for whom owning a Corgi is not the right choice;
- Individuals who don’t like to be involved in activities.
- Owning the dog for the first time.
- Having a busy schedule.
- Living in a small space with no outer space option.
- Seeking a quiet dog.
- Having allergies.
- Families with young children.
- Seeking a low-maintenance pet.
- People with limited patience.
- Individuals who can’t commit to long-term care.
- Having a tight budget.
- Individuals have back problems and face difficulty in bending low.
Corgis are best suited for active, experienced owners who can provide extensive training, exercise, grooming, and veterinary care. Owners who are first-timers, having limited space, on a tight budget, or want a lap dog should carefully consider keeping a Corgi as their pet.
Corgi Dog Quiz
Is a Corgi Right for Me?
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Personal Experiences of Corgi Dog Owners
Our reader, Jones Claire, aged 30, shared his adorable experience with his Corgi pet
“Corgis can be an amazing pet if trained properly. My Jellybean is pretty loud, which I didn’t know before bringing him home. Also, he sheds too much. I need to manage it daily, otherwise there will be hair all over the space. But he is the sweetest and smart little pup, and teaching him commands and tricks is fun.”
Liza Ves, aged 40, also shared an interesting experience about her Corgi
“I’m a first-time Corgi mom. My Sparky barks a lot when she needs my attention or sees someone passing by from the window. She steals my food and is always ready to eat. I need to be careful about her weight. However, Sparky is fine with my daughter. They get along very well. She is a gentle and loving little pup.”