Facts About Corgis: Everything You Need to Know

Corgis are a beloved breed, and for good reason - they're intelligent, loyal, and adorable.

Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, with a strong instinct to herd livestock.

Their short stature belies their energetic and athletic nature.

Corgis are prone to obesity if they don't get enough exercise, so regular walks and playtime are a must.

On average, corgis live for 12-14 years, but with proper care, some have been known to live into their late teens.

Additional reading: Lifespan of Corgis

Corgis need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats, which should be done weekly, or even daily if you're not fond of their heavy shedding.

Their coats shed heavily twice a year, in spring and fall, so be prepared for extra brushing during these seasons.

To keep your corgi's ears, eyes, teeth, and nails healthy, make it a habit to check them regularly.

Corgis require at least an hour of daily exercise to prevent obesity and depression, so make sure to schedule playtime into your daily routine.

With their short legs and long backs, corgis are prone to fractures if they jump up or down from high surfaces, so it's best to keep them off the couch and other elevated areas.

Taking care of your Corgi's coat is a weekly task, requiring daily brushing, sometimes more often depending on your tolerance for their shedding, and occasional bathing. Their coat sheds heavily twice a year, in spring and fall.

Regular ear, eye, tooth, and nail checks are essential for all breeds, and Corgis are no exception. No special upkeep is required beyond these routine checks.

Corgis need a significant amount of exercise, with one to two hours of daily play and activity. Under-exercised, they can suffer from obesity and depression.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, in particular, require plenty of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. They can adapt to living in apartments as long as they receive enough physical stimulation.

These dogs have short legs and long backs, making it essential to avoid letting them jump up or down from heights, as fractures are common.

Discover more: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Life Span

Feeding your Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires attention to their individual needs, as they come in different sizes, ages, builds, metabolisms, and activity levels.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

Pembrokes like to eat, and will over-indulge if given the chance. This is why it's essential 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 when looking down at your Pembroke. If you can't, it may be a sign that they need less food and more exercise.

To check if your Pembroke is at a healthy weight, place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine and your fingers spread downward. If you can feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard, they're likely at a good weight.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and Von Willebrand's disease.

Regular veterinary care and preventative measures can help manage these risks. I've seen firsthand how important it is to stay on top of a Corgi's health, especially as they age.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically stand between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders.

Consider reading: Welsh Corgi Health Problems

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Regular veterinary care can help manage the risks of hip dysplasia, which is often inherited from parents.

Corgis are also susceptible to degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord.

Preventative measures such as maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help reduce the risk of degenerative myelopathy.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is another common health issue in Corgis, which can cause back pain and paralysis.

IVDD can be managed with regular check-ups and a balanced diet.

Von Willebrand's disease is a genetic blood clotting disorder that affects Corgis, causing excessive bleeding.

Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy can also affect Corgis, leading to vision loss and blindness.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders.

The average weight for a Corgi is between 24 and 30 pounds.

They can reach up to 12 inches in height.

Their size can vary depending on factors like age, gender, and activity levels.

Corgis weigh no more than 30 pounds.

Corgis are known to be eager to please and easy to train, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners.

Their temperament is often described as amiable and playful, which makes them excellent companions for people of all ages, including children and older adults.

Cardigans tend to be quieter and less energetic than Pembrokes, but both breeds are eager to join in activities and enjoy running and following quick directions.

They're also natural herders and may try to herd children, so it's essential to teach them to distinguish between play and reality.

Corgis are intelligent and love to learn, which means they can excel in organized sports like herding, agility, and obedience.

However, they can be prone to excessive barking when excited, which can be a challenge for some owners.

Pembrokes are protective of their family and will alert them to any strangers, making them great watchdogs.

They're also cautious around strangers and need early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Additional reading: Are Corgis Good for First Time Owners

With proper training, Pembrokes can learn to accept new people and situations, but they may still be a bit stubborn at times.

Their love for food can be a challenge, as they can easily become obese if their food intake isn't moderated.

Overall, Corgis are a lovable and energetic breed that make wonderful companions for active families.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not hypoallergenic and shed moderately, making them not recommended for people with allergies. Regular grooming can help maintain their coat's health.

To keep their shedding at a minimum, it's essential to brush your Pembroke Welsh Corgi weekly with a rubber curry brush, ideally for 10-minute sessions, to remove loose hair. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

In terms of maintenance, Pembroke Welsh Corgis require regular nail trimming every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth. Weekly brushing of their teeth is also necessary to maintain oral health.

Here are some similar breeds to Pembroke Welsh Corgis that also require regular grooming:

Bathing your Pembroke Welsh Corgi should happen every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on its activities. This breed is not hypoallergenic and is an average shedder.

Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush is a must to remove dead hair from its fur, taking around 10 minutes per session. Brushing on schedule can help keep shedding at a minimum.

Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent tears and overgrowth.

Weekly brushing of the teeth is required to maintain oral health. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does not typically emit any noticeable smell and is not known to be a drooling breed.

If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not the way to go. They are not hypoallergenic and shed moderately.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are not recommended for people with allergies.

Check this out: Are Corgis Hypoallergenic

If you're looking for breeds that require minimal maintenance, you might be interested in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's similar breeds.

The Australian Terrier is 100% similar to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in terms of maintenance needs.

If you're already familiar with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's grooming habits, you'll be happy to know that the Chinook shares the same level of maintenance.

The Norwegian Elkhound also requires the same level of maintenance as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Welsh Terrier is another breed that's 100% similar to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in terms of maintenance.

If you're considering a breed that's low-maintenance and doesn't require a lot of grooming, the Podenco Canario is also a great option.

Here are some breeds that are similar to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in terms of maintenance needs: