Corgis with Big Butts: Health, Care, and Characteristics

Corgis with big butts are a sight to behold. They're a result of selective breeding for a specific body type, which can lead to health issues.

Their large rear ends are a defining characteristic of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed, but it's essential to understand the potential health implications. Corgis are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate joint problems and other health issues.

Regular exercise is crucial to maintain a healthy weight and prevent related problems. A daily walk and playtime can go a long way in keeping your corgi's big butt in top shape.

Their short stature and long bodies can also lead to back problems, so it's vital to provide a comfortable and supportive living space.

Worth a look: Pembroke Corgi Gestation Period

Corgis are prone to having hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and hip/joints/back complications due to their body structure.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to prevent these health problems and diseases.

Corgis are low to the ground, which means any extra poundage puts tremendous strain on their bodies.

Their long-bodied, agile nature makes them more susceptible to joint damage and subsequent osteoarthritis (OA).

Overweight and obesity set the stage for increased risk of joint damage and chronic pain.

Fat tissue is biologically active and secretes hormones that cause and enhance inflammation, which can affect the body's responses to other hormones like cortisol and insulin.

Corgis need a stringent feeding and exercise regimen to maintain a healthy weight, and this can vary depending on their size and structure.

A corgi should have a waistline with a visible abdominal tuck just below the ribcage, indicating a healthy weight.

Cooper, the author's 26-pound corgi, is an example of a healthy-weight corgi.

Even small amounts of extra weight can cause problems, as seen in the author's littermate brother, Chopper, who developed hip dysplasia at a young age due to being overweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your corgi's overall well-being. A good indicator of their weight is the body condition score, which combines visual assessment and palpation to evaluate body fat.

To assess your corgi's body condition score, try to feel their ribs. If you have a hard time feeling the ribs and counting, then your dog is overweight. If their ribs feel sharp or appear distinctly visible, then your dog is underweight. An ideal score is between 4 and 5 on a scale of 9.

A visible abdominal tuck just beneath the ribs is a key indicator of a healthy weight for corgis. This can be seen in photos of healthy corgis, such as Drewbert, Swayze, and Cooper, which showcase different weights but all have a similar waistline.

Good contour at a side view is when the hip is high and the chest is deep, with an angle between 30° and 45° along the abdomen from the end of the breastbone to the pelvis. This can be seen in photos of healthy corgis like Bailey, who has a fantastic body structure and good waistline.

For another approach, see: Pembroke Corgi Photos

Exercise is crucial for maintaining your corgi's weight and overall fitness. Regular daily walks or runs (3-4 times a day is ideal) can help keep them healthy. You can also hike with your dog on weekends and measure their food accordingly to ensure they're not overeating.

Here are some DO's for maintaining your corgi's weight and overall fitness:

By following these DO's and being honest with yourself about your corgi's weight, you can help them live a happier and fuller life.

Corgis are known for their distinctive physical characteristic: they're low to the ground. This is due to their original purpose as a herding breed, where they needed to nip around cattle without getting kicked.

They're also quite sturdy, with a robust build that allows them to perform well in agility and other canine sports events. Their compact size makes them a popular choice as a family dog and pet.

Their two breeds, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are similar in many ways, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is often the one referred to when talking about the Corgi breed.

Recommended read: Pembroke Corgi Cardigan

Corgis are a fascinating breed with unique coloring combinations.

The red and white blend is a standout feature on many Corgis, with some having a full-on red head like our example pup.

Their coloring combinations are one of the most distinctive among dog breeds.

This pup's red and white coloring is very pronounced, making it a beautiful sight to see.

Corgis have a wide range of coat colors and patterns, including red, fawn, sable, and black.

Readers also liked: Coloring Pages of Corgis

Corgis have a thick double coat that's perfect for their outdoor lifestyle. This coat helps keep them warm and dry in cold weather.

Their double coat is a result of their breeding history as farm dogs, where they needed to spend a lot of time outdoors tending cattle. This coat is a blessing for Corgi owners, as it's low maintenance and easy to care for.

One of the best things about Corgis' double coat is that it helps keep moisture away from their skin, keeping them dry and comfortable. This is especially useful for owners who live in rainy or snowy climates.

Their coat is also a great asset for Corgis who love to play in the snow, as seen in example photos of Corgis playing in the snow.

For your interest: Are Corgis Good for First Time Owners

There are two breeds of Corgi: the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the one you usually hear about when people talk about Corgis.

They were bred to be low to the ground so they could nip around cattle without getting kicked.

Corgis were used for more than just herding cattle - they also acted as guardian dogs for livestock and companions for farmers and their families.

Today, Corgis are popular family pets and still perform well in agility and other canine sports events.