Corgis are some of the most beloved dogs in the world. They’re small, cute, and awfully smart. As such, they’re a popular choice for people who are looking to adopt a dog for their family. But is the Welsh Corgi the best option when it comes to picking a puppy as your next family dog?
We’re going over all of the basics of Corgi ownership and taking a deep dive into the breed itself. Discover more about the Corgi using this article.
The History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, or just Corgi for short, is a small herding dog that was first recognized as a breed in 1934 by the American Kennel Club. The AKC describes the Corgi as a big dog in a small package and as the most agreeable of all of the small dog breeds. Because of the dog’s overall behavior and small stature, it’s a popular working dog and is used to herd other animals.
The Physical Characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
It’s likely that you’ve seen a Corgi, since they’re so popular, but we’re still going to go over the basics of their physical appearance and what you can expect from a Corgi or Corgi mix.
The Size of a Corgi
Corgis are small herding dogs, only reaching 10 to 12 inches in height at the most. Despite this small stature, they are very muscular dogs and are very strong. Male Corgis can weigh up to 30 pounds, while females will reach up to 28 pounds.
These dogs can be described as being low and strong. The legs on a Corgi may be short, but they are packed full of strong muscles and can give adults a run for their money when they pull. This athletic lineage is all thanks to their original purpose of herding other animals, specifically cattle. They’re strong, quick, and built to work.
A Corgi’s Coat
According to the AKC breed standards, Corgis come with a short, double coat that’s known for shedding tons of hair. They need brushing and grooming every week to two weeks to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Their coats can come in a variety of colors, like black and tan, fawn, red, or sable, and are known to have white markings all over their body.
To prevent the massive amount of shedding that comes with a Corgi, doing a daily brushing can help catch the hair before it sheds from the coat. However, during shedding season, more frequent baths can help alleviate the shedding problem before it gets too bad, and where brushing leaves off.
If you’re looking for a dog with a low-maintenance coat, a Corgi is right in the middle, not needing daily baths but still needing some attention.
Corgi Temperament and Activity Needs
It’s important to remember that all dogs are individuals, and as such, these generalizations may not apply to all Corgis. That being said, these are some of the things you can come to expect when it comes to a Corgi’s behavior and activity needs.
A Corgi’s Temperament
Corgis are loyal pups that are eager to please and are quite playful. They like to feel like they’re part of a pack and are highly affectionate with who they consider to be their family. This strong connection leads to a protective, watchdog-like quality in Corgis. As such, socialization is incredibly important with both dogs and people.
When properly socialized, Corgis are open with strangers and are more looking to alert the family to another person’s presence rather than maul them. They really just want to be friends with everyone and are looking for approval of that from family members.
Adaptable Dogs
Some dogs don’t handle change well. Thankfully, a Corgi is not one of those dogs. These pups do just fine when things around them are changing. At first, they may be unsure of their new circumstances but tend to open up quickly.
Corgis Can Hold a Conversation
Alongside a Corgi’s protective nature comes an affinity for talking with the pack. Corgis are known for vocalizing frequently and have a big-dog bark in a little-dog package. These pups like to tell you what’s going on, whether it be outside or in your own home. If you want a quiet dog, a Corgi may not be for you.
Corgis Need Playtime for Both Their Bodies and Their Brains
It’s well-known that Corgis are highly energetic. As such, they need exercise and a lot of it. They were bred to help move cattle, so they have plenty of power and love to have a good time playing with their owners, going on walks, and running around the backyard. If you can’t spend a lot of time playing with a Corgi, they may not be the dog for you.
Not only do they need a lot of physical exercise, but Corgis need mental exercise, too. These dogs are very smart and like to be given enrichment activities to thrive. If they aren’t given enough attention or mental stimulation, they can get depressed, or they can find themselves getting into trouble frequently.
When you adopt any dog, it isn’t for show. These are members of your family, and they need to have their needs met to be happy. Otherwise, no one will be happy.
Corgis Can Benefit From Training at a Young Age
The same can be said for most dogs, but it’s especially true of Corgis. They love to be involved and are eager to please their pack. Starting training as early as seven weeks is a major benefit for them behaviorally as well as mentally. Exposing them to different puzzles, scenarios, and commands is very enriching. They also do well with positive reinforcement, so be sure to have some healthy treats on hand for them.
Are Corgis Good For a Family?
Now, onto the question you’ve been dying to know the answer to! Are Corgis a good dog breed for a family?
For the most part, Corgis can be an excellent addition to any pack. They love to be given attention and are highly affectionate. What’s more is that they love to make their people happy, and will be loyal, well-behaved companions if given the right environment. They’re sensitive and highly intelligent, so they need a lot of mental stimulation and understanding.
Are Corgis Good With Kids?
As with any herding dog, this question is a bit hard to answer. Dogs have temperaments, and dogs have personalities. The most important thing to remember is that a dog’s temperament does not define its personality. Some Corgis will do well with children, while others will pick up the herding mentality with them. This behavior can lead to nipping at heels and barking at them, which can be stressful for both kids and Corgis.
As such, it’s not recommended that Corgis be introduced to younger children, but they do very well around older children. When kids get to the age where they know how to care for these dogs and give them the attention they need, Corgis are a perfect addition to any family.
Corgis Can’t Be Left Alone for Long Periods of Time
Corgis are a very social breed. They can’t stand to be alone for long periods of time. This is something that needs to be taken into consideration when you’re adopting a dog. If you can’t spend time with your new family member for a large part of the day, then a Corgi may not be for you or your family. They are prone to loneliness and can get very sad when left at home for too long.
Should you need to go on vacation and your Corgi can’t come with you. However, they will do well with friends that can watch them and spend time with them. They warm up to people easily and love meeting new friends.
Adopt When You Can
Corgis aren’t the highest maintenance dog out there, by any means. However, some people aren’t aware of their needs as a herding dog, as well as a social dog. This means that Corgis are normally available for adoption.
If you’ve got your heart set on a Corgi, always consider adoption first. They may need a little help adjusting to their new home at first, but once they’ve gotten the proper care and positive reinforcement, they can become amazing members of the family.
Small but Might
Corgis are an excellent family dog, so long as you have older kids and the time to spend with them. They are social dogs and need a lot of stimulation and affection. If you’re considering adopting a Corgi, they’re normally easy to handle, so long as they get their wiggles out and can love on you to their heart’s content!
Sources
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
Pros and Cons of the Welsh Corgi as a Good Pet for Your Family | Daily Puppy
Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Temperament, Size, Life Expectancy | Country Living
Love dogs? This woman's amazing corgi rescue group will fill you with joy | Upworthy