As dog lovers, we can’t get enough of these furry creatures. But with so many breeds to choose from, most of us know far less than we might think we do.
Each breed has its own characteristics. Take the beloved Corgi, for example. There is so much more than meets the eye with these sheep, cattle, and livestock herding dogs. And though they are small they are mighty.
Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful yet fierce dog breed.
Corgis At a Glance
While there are various breeds of Corgis, the most popular breed is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The very name “Corgi” is a Celtic word that stands for dwarf dog. They weigh about 26-28 lbs., and stand about 12 inches in height, with females being slightly smaller than their male counterparts.
Corgis are distinguished by their long back and short bowed out legs. Their ears stand upright without any help. Their average lifespan is from 11 to 13 years. They have about an average energy level, with approximately 20-40 minutes of exercise per day required.
On the flip side, corgis do have a tendency to bark more than other dogs and are incredibly social, making them a bit more demanding when it comes to play and bark park time. Bred to drive cattle, they require extensive training to keep their mind sharp and to stay out of trouble.
They have a short double coat that comes in a rainbow of colors including black and tan, red, sable, fawn, and with or without white flashing. According to the AKC, their classification is herding dogs.
Now that we know the basics, let’s dive in a bit deeper and explore what makes Corgis tick.
Corgi Puppy
Preferred Living Space
Because of their size, Corgis are ideal for homes with limited space. If you have an apartment and want to add to the family, they make a great addition. However, they do require at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. As for the overall environment, corgis fair best in cooler climates and prefer not to be in hot temperatures. During the summer, it is best to keep them indoors or near bodies of water.
Good for Novice Dog Owners
If you’re looking to add your very first dog to your family, it’s best to take on a breed that is easy to train. Fortunately, Corgi’s are a great breed for trainability. They are incredibly intelligent and are easygoing. They can bounce back from the mistakes you might make during the training process because of this.
Friendly
Corgis make great family dogs. They absolutely adore people and are incredibly affectionate. If you want a lap dog who loves you whenever you need it, they are the perfect fit. They are fiercely independent and freethinking, so don’t expect them to be subservient to you. Also, because of their breeding, they often nip at the feet of children when they run, so teach your children to approach them correctly and be aware of the possibility of that happening.
However, they aren’t as friendly with other dogs. As a herding dog, they can be a bit aggressive in their play, which in turn is interpreted as aggression by sensitive dogs. Before you schedule a dog play date, be sure to get them one on one with another dog.
Grooming & Overall Health
Other great features Corgis possess are easy grooming and good health. Their double coat prevents them from shedding too much. They don’t drool, which is great if you don’t want to constantly pick up after your dog.
They also do a good job of maintaining a good weight throughout their life. However, they have a tendency to overeat, so keep an eye on the amount of food you’re giving them to make sure they don’t pack on extra poundage.
Their overall health is generally good, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble caring for them, but they can be susceptible to diseases that many smaller dogs suffer from.
Some of the diseases that they can suffer from include:
-Hip Dysplasia
-Epilepsy
-Intervertebral Disk Disease
-Retinal Dysplasia
Overall, Corgis are lovely dogs who are healthy, live long lives, and are incredibly intelligent. They make great family dogs and can be trained to do many amazing tricks.