Corgi

Temperament and Personality

These pint-sized pups might be small in size but they’ve got bags of personality. The Corgi temperament is lively, mighty, and fearless, and should be considered a large dog on little legs! 

Known for their bold and confident nature – and for looking like a loaf of bread – Corgis have no trouble commanding the room and stealing the hearts of those in it. They’re enthusiastic and have an impressive ‘big dog’ bark, making them a great watchdog. This protective streak combined with a fun, energetic and playful nature has made Welsh Corgis an ideal choice for families and farmers alike.

Despite their feisty demeanour, Corgis are actually really sweet, affectionate and loyal doggos. They form strong bonds with their owners and love nothing more than to please them, making them a relatively easy breed to train.

Originally bred to herd cattle to market, Welsh Corgis are bold and intelligent with a surprising amount of stamina. They need an active environment and lots of mental stimulation otherwise they can get bored very quickly. If left alone for too long with nothing to do, Corgis can display some destructive behavioural problems such as digging or chewing.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a courageous but compact canine companion, the Corgi could be the breed for you.

Corgi paw-sonality traits

• Bold, brave and mighty
• Energetic and playful
• Spunky and sassy
• Outgoing and friendly
• Sweet and affectionate
• Protective and loyal to owners
• Eager to please
• Highly vocal with a big bark
• Active with lots of stamina
• Strong herding instincts
• High prey drive
• Wary of strangers
• Needs lots of physical and mental exercise
  

Corgi pros and cons

Are Corgis good family dogs?

Yes, Corgis can be lovely family dogs because they form strong bonds and love to be around people. Never shy to raise the alarm if a stranger approaches, Corgis are a vocal breed with a strong set of pipes, making them great guard dogs. Although small, the Corgi is no couch potato. This breed needs lots of exercise and activity to feel fulfilled, and can be prone to develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Active families with at least one member at home for most of the day are better suited.

Are Corgis good with children?

Maybe. On the whole, Corgis are naturally good with children, but they might be better suited to living with older children. This is because these cheeky chappies have strong herding instincts, and tend to nip at people’s heels to keep everyone moving along. While this isn’t a sign of aggression, it’s not ideal for little ones who won’t know how to respond appropriately. However, with proper training and redirecting their herding instincts, Corgis can live paw-in-paw with respectful kiddos.

Are Corgis good with other pets?

Yes, Welsh Corgis generally tend to be good with other pets in the home. Their spunky personality means they’re down to play with furry friends of any size, however, they do have a high prey drive and love to chase. As with all dogs though, early socialisation from a young age is crucial in raising a polite pooch.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Corgi properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Corgi need?

When fully grown, these lively guys and gals need a minimum of 1 hour of physical and mental exercise a day. They were bred to trot alongside and herd cattle for miles, so Corgis don't run out of puff easily. They’re active and get bored easily, so keeping them stimulated is a must.

Their stumpy legs and long backs mean they’re not an ideal running partner, and jumping and swimming will be off the cards too. Instead, Corgis love long walks around the park, rambling through the countryside and lively games of chase. As long as they get plenty of off-lead time and have a healthy collection of toys to play with at home, they’ll be fulfilled.

If they don’t get their daily walkies and the opportunity to channel their inner herder, they can develop some nuisance behaviours, such as chewing furniture or digging up the garden. 

How do you train a Welsh Corgi?

Welsh Corgis are smart cookies and love to please their owners, so they’re relatively easy to train pups. Because of this, they make an ideal dog for first-time owners, but consistent training from a young age is key to prevent these proud pooches from becoming too dominant.

Unleash your Corgi’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and high value treats, such as our Baltic Beef Jerky. Corgis are sensitive dogs and won’t respond well to harsh corrections, so a gentle approach is needed. They’re also more likely to respond better to verbal cues over physical cues such as pulling on a lead.

2. Work on recall. Practice in distracting environments to help improve their focus, such as busy parks, beaches or hiking trails. Their curiosity and high prey drive means they often get sidetracked by more intriguing sights and smells, so it’s important you’re able to get them back when they’re off-lead. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats – the perfect reward for recall for pups who are prone to put on weight.

3. Tap into their herding instincts. Use their herding instincts to your advantage by incorporating Treibball into their training. It’s a dog sport that’s perfect for Pastoral dogs like the Corgi, and gives both their brain and body a good workout! Puzzles and interactive dog toys will also ensure their minds stay sharp. 

4. Keep training on the floor. Their unique frame means they shouldn’t be encouraged to run up and down stairs or jump onto the sofa, so keep training firmly on the ground.

5. Be consistent. Corgis are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. They can also be a little stubborn, so consistent, ongoing training from a young age is essential.

6. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is a must for the Welsh Corgi, as they’re known to be a little wary of strangers. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

7. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Corgis be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Corgis need?

The lovely Corgi has a medium-length, dense, waterproof double coat that requires little grooming. Colours include red, sable, black, tri-coloured, or fawn, usually with white markings. These low-maintenance coats come at a cost though - they shed continuously throughout the year with heavier shedding during spring and autumn. Follow these tips to keep your Corgi looking dapper all year round.

• Brush once or twice a week using a slicker brush to remove dead hairs and minimise shedding. Increase during spring and autumn when they shed more heavily.
  
  
• Bathe occasionally using a dog-friendly shampoo to remove dirt and debris they’ve picked up on their walks. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.
  
  
• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
  
  
• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
  
  
• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
  
  
• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the dog dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Corgi life span is between 12 and 15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are some specific Corgi health problems.

Common Corgi health issues

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is a devastating condition that’s more common in breeds with long backs, such as the Welsh Corgi. Compression on the spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms including pain, weakness and even paralysis.
  
  
• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Corgi puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.
  
  
• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.
  
  
• Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause paralysis in the back legs. Dogs are usually 8 years old when symptoms begin, but sadly there is no treatment and no supplements will help.
  
  
• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
  
  
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat vWD.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Corgi a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to improving their joints and mobility, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Corgi eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Corgi will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they've been neutered or spayed.

A good rule of thumb is to feed these active pooches twice a day – in the morning and evening – to fuel them for all their activities. However, it’s vital you don’t overfeed them as carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on this pooch’s back and internal organs. Obesity in Corgis also puts them at higher risk of joint disease such as IVDD.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt to help you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Protect their back
Extra care should be taken with long-backed breeds to keep IVDD at bay. Use a body harness rather than a neck collar, avoid steps and jumps, and try to keep their spine horizontal when they’re lifted or carried.

Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Corgi’s nutritional needs. Also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil and Joint Supplements to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints
To help keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay, consider feeding Welsh Corgis a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor weight
A healthy Corgi weight is anywhere between 9kg and 12kg. Keep treats to a minimum and make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. These pooches can easily pack on the pounds, which puts pressure on their spine and makes it difficult for them to move.

Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Corgi’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Corgi is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Corgi puppy?

The price of a Corgi dog can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £1,800. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Corgi is around £75.

Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £40 a month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a few hereditary health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Corgi should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Corgi even more with these titbits and tales about Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite pooch!

• Legend has it Corgis were used by the fairies and elves of Wales to pull their carriages, work their cattle and also ride into little fairy battles. It’s why they have the nickname ‘Enchanted’ dog.  
  
  
• The origin of the name Corgi might mean ‘dwarf dog’ in Welsh. Some believe ‘cor’ means dwarf and ‘gi’ means dog. However others suggest ‘cor’ means gather and ‘gi’ means dog. Either way, they both make sense!
  
  
• Queen Elizabeth II of England was a huge Pembroke Welsh Corgi fanatic and owned more than 30 in her lifetime. In 1933, her father bought a Corgi for the family, which was named Dookie. It wasn’t until 1944 on her 18th birthday when she got her own Corgi named Susan. All of her subsequent Corgis were direct descendents of Susan, meaning this bloodline spanned more than a dozen generations.
  
  
• Corgis are affectionately compared to loaves of bread, due to their sturdy, wide frame and big fluffy butts!
  
  
• You can get many Corgi cross breeds nowadays, resulting in some interesting but adorable looking pooches. The Corgi Poodle mix is called a Corgi, the Corgi Husky cross is called a Horgi, the Corgi Chihuahua mix is called a Chigi, the Dachshund Corgi mix is called the Dorgi, and possibly our favourite name goes to the Corgi Jack Russell Mix… the Cojack!

History and Origin

Like many breeds, the origin story of the Welsh Corgi is a bit hazy. Some historians believe they descend from Vallhunds, Swedish cattle dogs, which the vikings brought to Wales in the 9th and 10th centuries. Others suggest they landed on Welsh soil in the 12th Century having been brought over by Flemish weavers. There’s even famous folklore surrounding the Corgi! It’s said they were used as war horses by fairies, and the darker patch of fur on their shoulders is often referred to as a fairy saddle.

The Pembroke is a member of the Spitz dog family, famous for their foxy features and erect ears. They’re an ancient breed that was bred to herd cattle to market. This was a gruelling job that could take several days, proving the amazing strength and stamina this sturdy dog has. They were also all-round friendly farmyard dogs, used for vermin control, guarding livestock and protecting the family. 

The cattle they herded would be smaller than what we’re used to today, due to rougher terrain and not as much vegetation. When farmers started raising their sheep in secure pastures, and the livestock evolved, the small and compact Corgi was relieved of its herding duties. However, this bright and spritely dog has continued to be a beloved companion for people all over the world.  

Originally classed as one breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi were recognised as separate breeds by the Kennel Club in 1934. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. 

1. Research the breed. Corgis are energetic, vocal and active, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Corgi puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Corgis and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Corgi, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Corgis in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.