PostHeaderIcon What can anyone tell me about Corgi’s – are they good dogs? How is their health & temperment?

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Emmers asked:


My parents are looking at getting a Corgi. I don’t know much about them other than they are really cute. My parents are in their early 60’s and want a low-maintance dog and a cute one. I picked out the names Murphy (if they get a boy) and Lily (if they get a girl). What do ya’ll think??

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16 Responses to “What can anyone tell me about Corgi’s – are they good dogs? How is their health & temperment?”

  • Corgi’s are great dogs, but something you MUST remember, is they are HERDING dogs. That lumps them in with Aussie’s, Border Collies, German Shepherds, etc… so you’re looking at brilliant, busy, little workers. Adorable yes, but their exercise and intelligence needs must be met.

  • Murphy is my Aussie’s name! lol

    type corgi in your google search box and do some research.

  • Sarah H says:

    They are lovely dog – there are two types, pembroke and welsh. Both equally cute.

    I love all dogs xx

  • Nancy U says:

    Corgis (Pembroke and Cardigan) were originally bred to be herding dogs, herding cows and large cattle. Their short legs come in handy, they will not be trampled as easily by a cow!! Some Corgi owners notice that their Corgis will try to “herd” other dogs and animals in the house, and even their kids and adult owners. They should not be left alone too long, as they have the tendancy to try to dig and escape out of a yard, and can become destructive. I do not believe this is an ideal dog for an older couple, unless they walk the dog every single day. Involving a Corgi in agility, tracking, or obedience trials helps keep them busy and happy.

    Read this: and this to learn more.

  • sayboo says:

    yes they are good dogs. they learn quickly though, so you HAVE to train them right away by taking them outside when they go potty, and by not letting them act up. they are also a dog that needs a lot of room to play. Ex: big living room, backyard…

  • qtiepie says:

    Okay … I hope you are ready for EVERYTHING THAT YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CORGIS

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a very sturdy looking dog that has short but powerful legs. The long and low profile of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is unmistakable and is unique to the Corgi breeds. There is another breed of Corgi known as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi that is almost identical to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi but has a long tail, while the Pembroke variety has a very short stumpy tail.

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not a small or light dog, rather they are very square in shape and very solid. The head is proudly carried high on the neck, and the ears are very broad at the base and carried alertly pricked at all times. Ears cannot fold over or droop. The ears of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are closer set on the head than those of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The eyes are dark and round, very bright and alert looking. Typically the rims of the eyes are black or very dark, as is the nose. The head is wedge shaped and the muzzle is tapered. The appearance of the face of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of intelligence, curiosity and good humor at all times. Many people feel that this breed closely resembles a fox in the shape of the face and head. When working they almost seem to be smiling.

    The chest and shoulders of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are very strong and substantial looking, as is the long body. The ribs and chest are deep, allowing this dog to work livestock all day without needing to stop or to rest. Overall the breed is extremely athletic and the powerful back legs propel this dog quickly when running. These dogs are extremely agile and can quickly change directions or drop and roll to avoid the kicking heels and hooves of animals they are herding.

    The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is very thick and water resistant with a coarse outer coat and a thick, soft inner coat. They can come in many different colors including fawn, tan, sable, black and red and often there are white markings on the face, chest and legs. The coat is medium length but is naturally very clean.

    Coat Description
    The coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is thick, medium length and double. The outer coat is somewhat coarse and straight while the inner coat is finer and thicker. The breed has a natural water resistance that will keep the coat looking clean and free from dirt in most conditions. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is very clean and will groom itself frequently.

    History
    Both of the corgi breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi originated from the Swedish Vallhunds brought to the areas around Wales in the 800s. From this known ancestors there are varying tales of how the breed actually developed. Many breeders and experts believe that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has definite spitz ancestors that likely were introduced to the line early on in the development of the breed. Sometime in the 1100’s Flemish weavers came to the Pembrokeshire area of Wales and brought the original Pembroke Welsh Corgis to the area. Bred with the local Swedish Vallhund descendants the breed was more completely developed. It is often reported that the short legs and stature occurred from breeding with Pomeranians, and there is somewhat of a resemblance with both this breed and the Schipperkes which may also be in the lineage.

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi were not recognized as separate breeds until about seventy years ago. Prior to that both breeds were developed for their herding and watch dog abilities. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes an ideal herding dog and will drop and roll to avoid being kicked. They are so low to the ground that this natural movement is very graceful and allows them to change directions and move very quickly rather than stopping or backing up as larger herding breeds will do.

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi became a popular dog when Queen Elizabeth the Second started breeding and raising them herself. They have been used in many commercials and advertisements both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and the breed has become very popular since its first official showing in 1926. No longer used as much as a herding dog they are considered an ideal companion dog in almost any type of setting.

    Temperament
    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an overall happy, jolly and very loyal dog that is completely devoted to the family. They are great dogs with considerate children and love to run and romp with the family. Although they are small in height they are a big dog at heart and can handle a fair amount of rough and tumble play. They can be somewhat dominant at times but with proper training and socialization this should not be a problem with the breed.

    As a breed that has been developed to herd livestock, they have a natural instinct to try to keep everything that moves in a group. As puppies they may be prone to nipping at people’s heels to try to get them to move in the right direction. Training an

  • Lacie M says:

    What i can tell you about them off the back of my head is that they are herding dogs. They were used in Ireland, and the reason they are short is so that the cattle could not kick them. They will have the urge to bite your ankles, like all herding dogs seem to do lol. Im guessing (just guessing) that health problems are maybe hip problems.. idk lol. google them.

  • Verity says:

    They are adorable, and as you probably know, a great favorite
    (or is it “favourite”?) of Queen Elizabeth. Best of luck with them!

  • Love Herds summed it up perfectly. They require daily walks to keep them properly exercised. They are a herding breed, so they will find something to herd unless properly trained. This means kids, cats, people, etc.

    As far as temperament, I have yet to find a Corgi that isn’t happy-go-lucky!

  • Which corgi? Cardigan or Pembroke? There is a big difference between the two. For an older couple I would suggest a cardigan because of their softer nature.

  • LB4animals says:

    Corgi’s are really cute dogs, but I have never met one that was not REALLY nervous. Not sure if that is the breed or if the type of owners that tend to get Corgis also tend to not socialize or train them. My bet is actually on the owners.

  • K B says:

    Corgi owners LOVE their Corgis. Talk about loyal owners. Corgis are bossy and smart, but are wonderful companions. Their personalities are formed greatly by their owners. They need socializing, affection and understanding of the breed. There are 2 different breeds of Corgi as well. Pembroke and Welsh – they are great dogs, and I am sure your parents will soon be among the Corgi fanatics.

  • If they want a low-mainenance dog, Corgis are not the right breed.

    They are herding dogs, which means they need training and work. They are pretty active little dogs.

    They are also a double coated breed – like a lab – which means lots of shedding and grooming.

    If they don’t work, then something like an Italian Greyhound, a Pug, a Boston Terrier, Greyhound, or even a Schnauzer would be better than a Corgi.

    Corgis are super fun little dogs, my dog LOVES them, but they are not for someone who wants a couch potato dog.

    Health – Corgis are prone to back injuries because of their long back. Owners should learn how to prevent this.
    Badly bred Corgis are prone to a whole host of genetic issues from eye problems to bleeding disorders to severe joint problems. and can help you learn about problems and how to avoid them via choosing good breeders.

  • sheltiemom says:

    What do you mean by “low maintenace”? If you mean non-shedding (or not much shedding), then a Corgi does not fill the bill. They have an undercoat and they shed like crazy. However, a good quality food and a good brushing once or twice a week should get this under control.

    Corgis are very intelligent and very people-oriented. They love doing whatever their person (or family) wants to do. They are willing to please and easy to train. *however* they can be manipulative. If they don’t want to do something (or do want to do something) and their behavior gets them what they want, they’ll continue to do it. Obedience training classes are pretty much a “must” for this breed.

    They have moderate exercise needs. They should do fine with frequent walks. But they *do* need exercise — a bored Corgi is one who is going to invent his own games, which may not be what you have in mind! :-) Also, inadequately exercised Corgis may gain weight, and this is not a good thing with their long back and short legs.

    They are prone to the usual complaints with long-backed dogs. Be sure you deal with a *very* reputable breeder who knows his/her line and can tell you what to expect.

    Female Corgis are the original “b*tch” — when you look up that word in the dictionary it shows a Corgi! :-) The males tend to be sweeter and more owner-focused. The females tend to have their own agenda and if it corresponds with yours, fine, if not, then too bad for you!

    Good luck with your Corgi search.

  • Katie says:

    Corgis are a great dog for families, but because of their origins they tend to need a more active life style. Well behaved and good tempered both the Cardigan and the Pembroke are small in stature with water proof coats. Arthritis and back problems do plague this breed when weight becomes an issue. Great companions Corgis also make good guard dogs despite their size.

  • bcdawgma44 says:

    Low Maintenance & Corgi don’t go in the same sentence. Corgi’s are very active, strong-willed Herding dogs. They need a good amount of exercise & lots of mental stimulation. They tend to be bossy & need firm, consistent training. And Corgis shed BAD!
    True BC…..Cardigans are quieter natured than the Pembrokes.

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