Corgi | Rehoming Rescue Dog | Dogs Trust (2024)

Everything you need to know about Corgis

Life Expectancytypically 12+ years

SheddingMedium length with heavy shedding
SizeMedium

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Corgis, sometimes known as Welsh Corgis, are moderately active herding dogs with a medium length coat. Their fur is often a shade of brown with white markings, but can be any colour.

There are two breeds of Welsh Corgi:

Pembrokeshire Corgi

Pembrokeshire Corgis (as pictured above) are the more common breed of the two, known for their association with the Queen. Their coats are usually tan, red, and sable with white markings.

Cardigan Corgi

Cardigan Corgis are similar in appearance to the Pembrokeshire Corgi, but are often larger. Their coat varies more in colour and can sometimes have a brindled pattern.

Lots of doggy behaviour comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Corgis. From digging and chasing, to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Corgi a forever home? Here are some Corgi facts that might help you decide.

Caring for Corgis

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Corgi.

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Health issues

Before giving a Corgi a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Corgis, speak to your ...

Before giving a Corgi a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Corgis, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills.

Why dog insurance is important

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Vet care essentials

Why dog insurance is important

Preparing for your new dog

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Your puppy

Preparing for your new dog

How much food does a Corgi need?

There is no set amount for how much food your Corgi needs. This depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

The information on dog food packets can...

There is no set amount for how much food your Corgi needs. This depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

The information on dog food packets can be a helpful guide, but you still need to adapt the portion size to your dog’s individual needs.

It’s helpful to know your Corgi’s body condition when deciding how much food to give them. You can find out about body condition scoring through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

Check with your vet to find out more.

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How much exercise does a Corgis need?

Corgis are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energ...

Corgis are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Corgis, like all dogs, need training and daily enrichment. When exercising your Corgi, consider their:

  • age
  • health
  • personality.

Young or growing pups, for example, might need a few short walks instead of one long one. Exercise plans for older, injured, or ill dogs may need to be adapted based on advice from your vet.

Quiet, peaceful walks may suit some dogs, where others may require something more sociable.

Ask your vet for advice on exercising your dog.

Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained

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Recipes and enrichment

Enrichment activities to keep your dog enterta...

How to find a good dog walker

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Outside the home

How to find a good dog walker

How much grooming does a Corgis need?

Corgis shed heavily. To put your dog at ease and help their confidence, introduce handling and grooming step by step. This makes grooming more enjoyable for everyone and ensures a positive experience for your pup.&nbs...

Corgis shed heavily. To put your dog at ease and help their confidence, introduce handling and grooming step by step. This makes grooming more enjoyable for everyone and ensures a positive experience for your pup.

What size crate do you need for a Corgis?

When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

  • stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down and stretch out
  • wag their tail.

When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

  • stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down and stretch out
  • wag their tail.

Slowly build up the time your dog spends in their crate to help them feel positive about it. They should associate it with good things happening.

Playpen and crate training a puppy

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Training at home

Playpen and crate training a p...

Corgi behaviour and training

You might think you know about Corgis, but every dog has their own unique personality.

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What’s the temperament of a Corgi?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Corgi’s temperament is different.

As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They deve...

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Corgi’s temperament is different.

As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways.

For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs and some may not. Some might like new experiences and others may need to go slowly.

How to understand your dog's body language

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Understanding your dog

How to understand your dog's body language

Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog

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Life at home

Introducing your new dog or puppy to your curr...

Introducing your puppy to the world around them

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Your puppy

Introducing your puppy to the ...

Are Corgis easy to train?

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can us...

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.

Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This helps you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.

Corgi | Rehoming Rescue Dog | Dogs Trust (13)

Training techniques

Top 10 dog training tips

Positive reinforcement – training with rewards

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Training techniques

Positive reinforcement – training with rewards...

Are Corgis good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They have their own likes and dislikes and respond to situations in different ways. However, there are some univer...

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They have their own likes and dislikes and respond to situations in different ways. However, there are some universal ways to behave safely around them and treat them with respect.

As this is an important skill for the whole family — adults included —why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? It’s suitable for children aged seven to eleven.

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FAQs

Do Corgis like being picked up? ›

Many don't like being picked up.

Are Corgis hard to deal with? ›

They will generally get on well with children and other pets, although because of their strong herding instincts they have been known to nip the ankles of small children. Corgis are quite vocal dogs and they make good guard dogs, meaning they do have a tendency to bark at guests.

Is Corgi a high maintenance dog? ›

Smart and affectionate, Corgis are a low-maintenance house dog. Before adopting one, it's worth knowing that their thick coats will need taking care of. "Corgis have a medium-length double coat and therefore need regular grooming, more than once a week," Bill adds.

Do Corgis have bad separation anxiety? ›

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble. Willful and stubborn if you don't show strong leadership. Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices.

Why do Corgis not like to cuddle? ›

The history of your Corgi, or any other breed, may affect its love for cuddles. An adopted dog may have come from an abusive household or a place where love and affection were not shown. If a dog is not brought up with love, it may not know how to show that affection, and sometimes a cuddle can trigger trauma.

At what age do Corgis calm down? ›

Some Corgi pups mature as they get older, and some begin to calm in adulthood at around the age of 1-2 years. Temperament is about more than just age, though. It depends on their level of training, activity levels, and stimulation, too.

What I wish I knew before getting a corgi? ›

Corgis are high maintenance

They have a double coat that sheds continuously. Not just in the spring and fall, but year round. Your corgi sits on your lap and deposits another corgi worth of fur when it gets up. You will have to brush your corgi regularly and take it to be groomed.

Do Corgis bark a lot? ›

Corgis naturally bark a lot.

They barked to command and control the herd, but they also barked to warn of potential predators and to alert shepherds to any dangers. Pet Corgis are not required to tend flocks, but they do retain some of the properties that made them such good herding dogs, and this includes barking.

What are the bad habits of Corgis? ›

Too much unreleased energy and a lack of training can lead to excessive barking and other behavior problems, including aggression. These dogs also have a herding instinct, so without proper training, they are not an ideal pet for homes with small children.

What problems are Corgis prone to? ›

Do corgis have a lot of health issues? Like many pure-bred dogs, corgis have their fair share of health issues. They are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), although they may also develop epilepsy, cataracts, degenerative myelopathy and other common disorders.

Do Corgis prefer one person? ›

Also, Corgis tend to only really bond with one owner. They'll show other people in the family plenty of love, but they pick a clear favorite.

Do Corgis pick a favorite person? ›

Also, Corgis tend to only really bond with one owner. They'll show other people in the family plenty of love, but they pick a clear favorite.

Where do Corgis like to be touched? ›

You can also show affection by petting your corgi. Good spots for petting include under the chin, the top of their bottom, the back of their neck, and their belly. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas like the top of their head (when they are uncomfortable), their ears, and their legs, paws, or tail.

Are Corgis affectionate to their owners? ›

Corgis are renowned for their playful and outgoing nature. They are extremely loyal to their family, often forming a strong bond with their owners. Their affectionate demeanor is coupled with a desire for interaction and engagement. These dogs thrive on attention and love to be involved in family activities.

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