Corgi Dog Group: Complete Guide to Owning a Corgi

If you're considering bringing a Corgi into your family, you're in for a treat. Corgis are part of the herding dog group, bred to herd cattle and horses in their native Wales.

Their short stature and long bodies make them perfect for navigating tight spaces. Corgis typically weigh between 25-38 pounds and stand between 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice as family pets. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II is a well-known Corgi enthusiast and has owned more than 30 Corgis throughout her reign.

Recommended read: Adopt a Corgi Dog

If you're new to dog sports, the first step is to get familiar with the basics. Intro to Dog Sports is a great place to start, covering the fundamentals of dog sports and what you can expect.

To participate in dog sports, you'll need to find a canine partner, and Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed options are available for those who want to include mixed-breed dogs in their activities.

Dog sports often use specialized terminology, so it's helpful to know the Titles & Abbreviations used in the sport.

Considering your dog's breed, size, and temperament, Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog? will help you choose the right activity for you and your furry friend.

To succeed in dog sports, you'll need to Get Started in Dog Training, which covers the essential training skills and techniques you'll need to master.

If you can't attend in-person events, Virtual Dog Sports & Events offer a convenient alternative, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home.

A fresh viewpoint: How to Obedience Train Your Dog

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly intelligent breed, ranking high in intelligence. They're active and loyal, making them great companions.

Their short legs allow them to sploot, which is a pretty cute move. This unique ability is a result of their breed development.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally good with other dogs and cats that are part of their household, especially if they were raised together. However, they can be territorial around other dogs and cats, which might lead to aggression.

Here are some key characteristics of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed:

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active dogs with high exercise needs, so they require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Intervertebral Disk Disease is a concern for Cardigan Welsh Corgis due to their long backs, which can lead to ruptures in a spinal disc, causing unsteadiness and weakness.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis also need to be tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early signs of PRA include night-blindness, which can progress to complete loss of sight.

To keep your corgi healthy, monitor their weight and discuss it with your veterinarian, as this breed tends to put on weight if overfed. It's best to feed them two meals a day, splitting their daily ration into at least two feedings, and avoid free-feeding throughout the day.

A balanced diet is essential for your corgi's health, and you can discuss nutritional supplements with your veterinarian if needed. For example, they might recommend giving your dog omega-3 fatty acids or joint supplements to support their joint health.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Breeds of Corgis

Here are some key health and care considerations for corgis:

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and intervertebral disk disease. These conditions can lead to unsteadiness, difficulty going up or down stairs, and even paralysis.

If you're considering this breed, make sure to check the health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to ensure your puppy is healthy.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, degenerative myelopathy, back issues, patent ductus arteriosus, and von Willebrand disease.

Here are some common health problems to watch out for in Corgis:

To keep your Corgi healthy, it's essential to monitor their weight and discuss their diet with your veterinarian. They can recommend a feeding schedule, amount, and type of food that will help keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, in particular, can be prone to overeating, so make sure to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. You should be able to see a waist on your dog and feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

A unique perspective: How to Stop Dog from Eating Other Dogs Food

To ensure your Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Pembroke Welsh Corgi gets the exercise they need, daily walks or training for dog sports like agility are a must. This will keep them happy and prevent problematic behaviors.

Cardigans have short legs and long backs, making them prone to back injuries. Avoid letting them jump on and off furniture, and never pick them up without supporting both their front and rear ends.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have high energy levels, so they need plenty of physical activity daily to stay happy and healthy. Without it, they might develop unwanted behaviors.

Take a look at this: Black and White Pembroke Corgi

Cardigans have a weather-resistant coat, but that doesn't mean they're outside dogs. They're highly people-oriented and need regular human interaction.

As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to consider your Corgi's exercise needs and provide them with the right environment to thrive. With proper care and attention, your furry friend will be happy and healthy in any home, from city condo to country estate.

Corgis are known for their beautiful coats, but they require regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. They are double-coated dogs, with a short undercoat and a longer, thicker topcoat.

Cardigans and Pembrokes both shed continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year. Be prepared to brush your corgi frequently to keep flying hair under control. Daily brushing and warm baths may be necessary during shedding season.

The coat comes in all shades of red, sable, and brindle, and also black, blue merle, and fawn. They usually have white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip, and may have a blaze on the head. Some corgis have soft, fluffy coats, which are not desirable because they don't protect the dog from the elements.

A unique perspective: Rescue Corgis

To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim your corgi's nails once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far, you can cause bleeding.

Check your corgi's ears weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.

Brush your corgi's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

For more insights, see: Why Does My Male Dog Lick My Female Dogs Ear

Early socialization is crucial for corgis, as they tend to be naturally reserved around strangers. This trait makes them good watchdogs, but excessive fearfulness needs to be avoided.

Pembroke Welsh corgis have a tendency to herd by nipping at the ankles, which can be a challenge with very young children. However, proper training and socialization can make a big difference.

Training is an absolute must for Pembroke Welsh corgis, as they crave activities and challenges. Start with the basics, then consider training the dog to do a job, such as a watchdog or a herder.

If you want your corgi to serve as a watchdog, keep in mind that they have a tendency to bark a lot. But you can train them to reduce unnecessary barking.

Here are some dog training resources to get you started:

Training is crucial for Pembroke Welsh corgis, as they crave activities and challenges. Proper training and socialization can make all the difference, especially for families with young children.

Early socialization is essential to avoid excessive fearfulness in Pembroke Welsh corgis. This trait makes them good watchdogs, but it's also important to educate children about dogs to prevent any issues.

Worth a look: Black Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies

Pembrokes have a tendency to herd by nipping at the ankles, which may not be ideal for very young children. However, with proper training and socialization, this behavior can be managed.

To keep your Pembroke Welsh corgi engaged, consider training them to do a job, such as a watchdog or a herder. This will provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need.

If you do want your corgi to serve as a watchdog, be aware that they have a tendency to bark a lot. You can train them to reduce unnecessary barking, but it's essential to start with the basics first.

Here are some essential training tips for Pembroke Welsh corgis:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a family companion and show dog with an adaptable personality and responsible nature.

He's a sturdy friend for children, and his intelligence makes him highly trainable.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are independent thinkers and will often choose to do things their own way, adding a special twist to obedience commands and other directives.

Related reading: Cardigan Corgi Black and White

As a herding dog, he's an alert watchdog and may be reserved toward strangers, barking a warning at the sight, scent or sound of anything unusual.

Socialization is key, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies need early exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences before four months of age.