You’re scared of the dog passing germs to you.

You can’t kiss your corgi.

Your corgi’s breath is repulsive.

Shouldn’t your corgi know to not eat his (or others’) poop? Why is he doing this nasty behavior anyway?

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why corgis and dogs eat poop
• How common the behavior is
• Whether or not corgi puppies grow out of it
• Why your corgi may be eating his own feces out of nowhere
• How to stop your corgi from eating poop
• When to see the vet, and what to ask

Sound good? Let’s get your corgi’s poop-eating behavior curbed.

Okay, so let’s get one thing out of the way first.

Corgis will eat poop. It’s not specific to this breed as many dogs will do it by instinct.

There are a lot of theories floating on the web for why they do this, but there’s no scientific proof anywhere that explains this behavior.

The act of eating poop is called coprophagia and it’s quite common in dogs, especially puppies. It’s a nicer way to label “my dog eats his or others’ poop and enjoys it.”

Many people just believe that it’s an instinctive habit and many dogs do it.

Some corgis will eat their own poop. Some will eat other animal poop. And some will eat all poop. Gross.

Why does my corgi eat poop?

The general belief is that when the puppy’s mother has a litter, she’ll eat the poop of her young to hide the scent from predators.

In nature, the puppies are sheltered in a den safe from the outside world, and poop that lies around can attract wandering threats.

So the parent eats the poop to hide the smell. Thus, eliminating the threat (or at least lowering the chance of a predator sniffing them out).

And the puppy will pick up on this behavior– therefore continuing to eat poop well into puppyhood.

But to us humans, this is a behavior that’s just plain nasty.

Your corgi may be eating droppings from:

• Other dogs’ poop
• Horse poop
• Coyote poop
• Rabbit poop
• Cat poop
• Bird poop
• Goose poop
• And of course, his own poop

Whatever the case, there’s no way that you’ll want to give him puppy kisses after he laps up one of those!

Malnutrition

There’s also an argument that consuming feces helps dogs get some nutrients they need if they’re deficient in them.

An enzyme, vitamin, and nutrient deficiency are all common when the pup is still young. Parasites and malabsorption can also trigger a corgi to consume his poop.

You should have your vet examine your dog’s stool every visit when you go to the vet for his booster shots. This is during the first 16 weeks of your dog’s life and a stool exam can rule out common problems the dog may be suffering from.

After that, take your corgi for a stool exam every 6 months to continue monitoring.

Dogs that eat the poop of other animals like horse droppings, rabbit poop, or even cat poop may be low in enzymes and vitamins.

Vitamin B is very rich in rabbit poop and dogs may eat up those pellets packed full of vitamins. But to us, that’s just gross.

Whether the poop is dry, moist, fresh, stale, old, crusted, your dog may gobble the feces up like a delicacy!

Behavioral problems

Some dogs will also eat poop due to stress and anxiety.

Many times, new corgi owners will punish their dog for going poop in the home by scolding them with negative reinforcement.

So the dog learns to either go when the owner’s not looking or eat their own poop to hide it from them.

Corgis that are starved may also eat poop to recycle nutrients. This may be present in kennels and shelters.

Puppy mills also have a reputation for breeding dogs that develop coprophagia because of the poor conditions they’re raised in.

Often, the puppies are competing for food at a communal source and the smaller pups are left out.

So they eat their own feces to get the nutrients they need.

This is another reason why you should never support puppy mills and only buy from reputable breeders or corgi adoption centers.

Learned behavior

Lastly, the act could be learned from other dogs.

When your corgi witnesses another dog eating his poop, your corgi may reciprocate the behavior.

Dogs are social creatures, especially corgis, and will learn from one another over time.

So if your corgi never ate poop but then suddenly started, he may have picked it up from another dog. They often follow the alpha dog and will pick up behaviors rapidly.

Do corgis grow out of eating poop?

This depends on the reason behind the behavior.

It’s very common for puppies to consume their own feces for some time throughout puppyhood.

But for dogs that suddenly start eating poop or adult corgis, this could be some other reasons such as nutrient deficiency, anxiety, stress, behavioral problems, fear, or even an acquired behavior from another dog.

After all, dogs are pack animals. Puppies will often grow out of the behavior ONLY if the underlying problem is corrected.

You shouldn’t depend on your corgi to “learn” himself out of it and stop the behavior on his own.

Often, it doesn’t just go away and stop by itself. You need to be proactive and do something to fix the behavior. This is easier when the puppy is still young during the corgi’s socialization period.

Be proactive, not reactive.

Can my corgi get sick from eating poop?

Similar to humans not eating human feces, you don’t want your corgi to eat poop either.

Whether the poop is his own poop or the poop of another animal, the droppings are one of the most disease-ridden, bacterial-laden, and virus harboring things you can ingest.

This is why you need to discourage the behavior quickly.

You corgi may suffer health effects from regular consumption:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Parasites and worms
• Bad breath
• Dental hygiene problems
• Constipation

There’s also the possibility that your corgi can transfer bacteria and viruses to you when he licks you, salivates, or sneezes. Pretty nasty.

This makes it critical that you monitor what your corgi is sniffing when you take him out on walks, especially in nature trails.

There can be a huge variety of different animals in the area leaving behind their “presents” for your corgi to scout out- horses, cats, coyotes, wildcats, and more.

How to stop corgis from eating poop

There are many different techniques you can use, but here are some easy ones that you can start with right away.

You need to assess the situation and see what’s going on.

Clean it up

Right after your corgi does his business, clean up the feces.

Don’t let it sit until the end of the day or else that provides the stimulus for him to consume.

Use a doggy bag or broom and get rid of it ASAP.

Although this doesn’t necessarily FIX the problem, it does eliminate the possibility of him gobbling up last night’s dinner- for the second time!

Use MSG

MSG is supposedly bitter to dogs and will have them reject their own feces. It’s reported to be harmless to dogs but will metabolize during digestion so that the dog’s poop will taste bitter.

You can try adding a small amount to your dog’s next meal and see if it works. Don’t overdo it.

MSG can be bought at the grocery store as a meat tenderizer.

Some products are pure MSG and you can find these on the shelves (Accent, Durkee, Monosodium glutamate).

Be sure to consult with your vet first before adding any to your dog’s diet.

Sensitive corgis may have reactions to MSG as it does alter the taste of the food and may have other effects.

Avoid the stimuli

When you take your corgi out and about, always watch out for what he eats.

Whether you live on a farm or you’re going to a national park, stay on trail and scout ahead for droppings.

Tighten the leash (you should be practicing loose leash walking anyway) for dogs that are untrained to walk on a short leash.

And avoid the mess. You’ll often see that your corgi will sniff it a few times before eating the poop.

This is your chance to avoid him eating it and steer him clear.

Redirect your corgi

You can train your corgi using positive reinforcement to stop eating poop in general. If your dog gives you a small window of opportunity, use it to train him to stop eating it.

Just like teaching “leave it” or “drop it” you can apply the same techniques to avoiding poop. In fact, “leave it” may work in this case if your corgi has already been trained that command.

But if not, then train him the command and you can use it for all sorts of messes on the ground you come across.

The problem with training him to just avoid his poop is that the command may not work when he comes across horse poop, cat poop, bird poop, or even other dogs’ poop.

But if you train him to use the “leave it “command, this works across everything from poop to nails to sticks and stones.

Why make more work on yourself when you can teach one command for everything?:

Here’s a video teaching the basics of the command. Learn it:

It’s a valuable tool to have and can see your dog a visit to the vet.

Use pineapple

Pineapple supposedly stops dogs from consuming their feces.

The scent of pineapple draws them away after it comes out the other end and you only need a few small chunks. This has mixed reports online and I can’t confirm whether or not this works.

However, it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a quick fix.

Assess the diet

Some corgis will consume poop because they’re not getting enough nutrients from their regular diet.

You’ll want to only feed a high-quality, complete dog food.

Whether you use wet or dry food, make sure that you’re buying the best quality food you can afford.

You can also supplement with digestive enzymes to help your dog get the dietary compounds he needs and also consider adding meal probiotics to your dog’s feedings.

You’ll need to consult and ask your vet about adding or changing supplements to your dog’s diet before making any changes.

Get a fecal exam

You can get a fecal done at your vet for a relatively cheap price- it’s not as expensive as you think.

They’ll collect a stool sample and send it in to a lab for analysis.

You’ll get the result soon after and your professional can tell you about the stool quality and if they notice any problems.

When your dog has problems like coprophagia, getting the stool checked out is a must, especially if your corgi practices the behavior all of a sudden.

The turnaround may be even faster if it’s a full-service animal hospital.

Ensure that your corgi receives sufficient exercise

Your corgi may be bored out of his mind and getting lazy. This can lead to negative, unwanted behaviors such as coprophagia.

Regular exercise on a schedule will keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated when you mix in some training and logic games with your corgi.

Also, exercise helps your corgi’s digestion and makes for regular bowel movements.

Not only does it help keep your dog healthy physically and mentally, but the act of exercising also allows for a happy corgi through bonding with the owner.

Plus, happy dogs that are busy will have a lower chance of developing bad behaviors like barking, biting, and possibly eating poop.

Relocate litter boxes

For those that have a corgi with a cat, you’ll need to relocate the litter box to somewhere that the dog can’t reach.

This will stop your corgi from consuming the cat’s feces.

Use an OTC medication

There are dozens of OTC medications that are made to help stop your dog from eating poop.

The drugs are usually fine powders that are used to dust your dog’s stool and naturally deters your dog from eating it.

Others are medications that are to be consumed with your dog’s meal and make your dog’s poop not as appealing to him. You’ll need to ask your vet before adding any medication to your dog’s lifestyle.

What to ask the vet

You should always take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice the behavior.

The longer you let him continually eat his droppings, the more reinforced the behavior becomes.

This applies to both behaviors where your dog eats his own feces or the feces of other unknown animals.

Here are some things you should document and provide to your vet:

• When you first noticed the behavior
• The food you’re feeding your dog
• Any supplements or medications you’re providing for your dog
• How much food you’re giving your corgi

Here are some questions you should ask yourself and talk about with your vet:

• Does your dog only eat his poop?
• Does your corgi eat the poop of other animals?
• Were there any recent changes in diet?
• Were there any lifestyle changes recently?
• Does your corgi get enough exercise? Has the regimen changed?
• Has your corgi been stressed, fearful, or anxious lately?
• Did you notice any other behavioral changes?

Your vet may ask you additional questions and will recommend a treatment plan to stop the coprophagia. A corgi puppy eating his own poop is usually not a behavioral problem.

Keep everything documented so you can report your findings to your vet, and don’t rush things.

It’ll take time to stop if the behavior is ingrained into your corgi’s behavior and it may take some trial and error to find the exact root cause of the coprophagia.

Further reading

Here are some resources you may find useful:

• My one year old corgi eats poop at the dog park. How do I stop this disgusting habit? – Reddit
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppies eating poop – Reddit
• Corgi Puppy Eating Poop – MyCorgi.com

Did you stop your corgi’s coprophagia?

The behavior is disgusting, but nothing that you can’t control and manage.

With proper process and some patience, you can get to the bottom of the behavior and find out what’s causing it.

Consult your vet for advice first. Then offer some of the remedies you plan to try to see what your vet has to say about it.

After you get approval, see if it works to stop the behavior. There can only be so many causes, but once you find it, fix it, and eliminate it, then you’ll be good to go with those puppy kisses once again!

If you have any comments or questions, drop me a line below. And if you found this page useful, please let me know also!

Thanks for reading.

In this article, we’ll cover some popular questions about grass consumption:

• Will your corgi have difficulty passing stools?
• Does grass digest?
• How to stop your corgi from eating so much grass
• Does your corgi constantly throw up?
• If it’s normal to munch on grass
• When to see a vet about the behavior
• And more

Let’s get your questions answered.

Why does my corgi eat grass?

There’s really no specific reason why a dog would eat grass.

There are speculations that dogs generally eat grass when they have a stomach ache and grass has relieving properties. But this isn’t proven scientifically and is nothing more than a rumor.

And by “relieving,” I don’t mean that grass calms their stomach. it actually induces vomiting and this can help them get rid of a disturbance that’s causing them stomach pain.

Corgi puppies are known to eat grass more than adults. Most puppies will grow out if by the time they’re 1 year of age.

They may lose their interest in eating it over time, or perhaps it’s because after they vomit for the first time, they register it as a negative experience.

There’s really no solid evidence either way.

But generally, corgis will grow out of eating it as they age.

Is it normal for corgis to eat grass?

Yes, dogs will eat grass no matter what breed they are. Corgis included.

This behavior generally stems from puppyhood and they’ll lie down in the sun and just munch on grass. You may even notice that your pup comes back inside your house with a grass sticking out of his mouth.

This is normal behavior.

However, if your corgi consumes it on frequently, you’ll want to ask yourself:

• Was there a trigger prior to eating the grass?
• What was your corgi doing right before he went to the grass?
• How much is he eating?
• Does he vomit afterwards?

Depending on your answers to these, it can be a normal and healthy behavior that’s natural to them.

Or he can be acting on the age old tale of trying to make himself throw up because of something he ate earlier.

Grass is the most commonly eaten plant by canines, so don’t be surprised if your new puppy munches on grass over leaves, flowers, or other plants.

You’ll also want to make sure that your corgi doesn’t eat too much grass. This can lead to digestion problems, excess vomiting, or stomach pain. And also ask yourself:

Is he eating grass in RESPONSE to something? Or is he eating it for no reason?

If there’s a trigger prior, you’ll find out what’s making him eat it.

This could be the reason why he’s trying to make himself vomit and get rid of whatever’s comfortable to him. Dogs can’t talk, but their behavior says everything.

Note that although your corgi may appear to be eating a lot of grass, he may be letting most of it fall out of his mouth.

He could be just chewing on it and spitting it out. Only a few pieces are actually swallowed. Puppies tend to do this and will do it less as they age.

By 7-9 months, you’ll probably notice that your corgi ignores the grass entirely or just quickly munches on it then walks away.

By age 1, your dog should rarely be eating it unless there are other circumstances. Note that there are ALWAYS exceptions.

Some dogs will make eating it a habit.

As long as they’re healthy after a vet checkup, there’s nothing to worry about if the consumption amount doesn’t change.

How to stop my corgi from eating grass?

Here are some ways you can help stop your dog from the behavior.

Use the “no” command

Most corgis puppies will stop over time, but you can accelerate the process by teaching him to stay away from the grass with a stern “no” command.

Reward your dog for listening and use positive reinforcement.

Teach “leave it”

Additionally, you can train your corgi the “leave it” or “drop it” commands to deal with grass.

Start training during the critical learning period of your corgi puppy to train him early.

This will be helpful on walks outdoors so you don’t need to constantly pull the grass out of his mouth.

Can’t train your dog? Don’t have time?

The next best alternative is to simply remove the grass. If you have a small patch, you can consider removing it entirely or building a barrier so your puppy doesn’t mess with it.

Also, if he eats it outside on potty breaks, a barrier will help reduce the number of distractions and make housebreaking easier.

Use a tight leash

And finally, if you can’t block the grass and can’t cut it or remove it, keep him on a tight leash when you go outside.

This can work for both your backyard or on walks. Teach your corgi to walk on heels. This will benefit them to stay by your side in public and prevent unwanted behaviors (like lunging at strangers or running amok).

My corgi is throwing up the grass he eats

About 25% of dogs will throw up after eating grass. The more they eat, the higher chance they have of vomiting based on various reports online.

Most dogs can swallow and push the grass through their digestive tract without any problems.

But if your corgi constantly throws up every time, there could be other concerns at stake. This ranges from the previous foods he’s eaten, missing nutrients, worms or parasites, or a poor nutrient balance.

He could be eating the grass to make up for missing fiber, but throwing up because he’s eating too much or sensitive to it.

Or he may have eaten something earlier that resulted in stomach problems and trying to relieve himself.

Regardless, you should consult a vet for a checkup if your dog constantly throws up.

Can dogs digest grass?

Grass doesn’t digest in dogs because they don’t have the required enzymes to break down the strong fibers in the plant.

This is why it can be a tool for them to use on themselves to induce vomiting (and probably where the tale came from).

Because they don’t have the means to break down the enzymes to digest it properly, it goes through their entire digestive tract as insoluble fiber.

Some fiber content is healthy to keep your dog’s digestion moving smoothly. Bugt overdoing it can lead to pain or constipation in your corgi.

This is why you need to monitor how much your puppy eats and don’t let him consume copious amounts of foliage.

Is eating grass healthy?

As long as your dog eats controlled amounts, there’s no need to worry.

Grass can help regulate and clean out your dog’s digestive tract by providing some fiber. But if your dog eats grass to vomit because of something else he ate, this is a problem that you should assess.

Dogs will eat it on their own, even if they’re stray ones. So it’s clearly part of their natural instinct. Consuming grass in moderation should pose no risks.

You should always be asking yourself if your corgi is eating it for a reason OR because it’s just instinct.

When you suspect that there may be a trigger that’s causing him issues, that’s when you need to take him to the vet.

Is it safe or dangerous?

Generally, if your corgi eats grass, it’s healthy.

There are many reasons why your dog may be attracted to munching down on a lawn:

• Getting a source of fiber
• Replacing a missing nutrient
• Fixing his digestive tract
• Help get his daily intake of essentials
• Ridding parasites
• The grass provides a chewable plant (chew toy)
• Or simply out of boredom

Again, don’t be alarmed if your dog rushes outside just to lay down on the lawn to chew grass (rather than that false bathroom alarm).

But be cautious of any triggers or dietary problems that may exist that’s causing him to eat it. Your dog may even bring in a few pieces indoors as a chew toy.

Some owners will tell their corgi to stop eating it by using a “no” command. You can practice this if you want to wean your dog off of it.

This can help expedite the natural process of stopping them.

When to see a vet

Take your corgi to the vet for an exam when you first notice a change in behavior, weight, or diet.

There are some things you should lookout for from your corgi though.

Grass in stool

You should take your dog to the vet for a checkup if you notice any difficulty in pooping because of the fibers in the grass (it’s insoluble to dogs).

If your corgi has difficulty passing stool, this needs to be checked out. Seeing grass in the poop is normal- after all, they can’t digest it.

But if it’s so much that it makes your dog strain or take extended bathroom breaks, this could be worthy of a vet visit.

Consistent vomiting

If your corgi vomits every time after eating grass, you’ll want to address the issue.

• Is he eating something prior that’s making his stomach hurt, and now he’s trying to get rid of the pain?
• Did you recently change his diet, exercise regimen, or sleep patterns?
• Does he need more fiber from grass but eats too much and regurgitates it?

You’ll want to document everything (feeding, bathroom breaks, sleep/wake cycles, etc.) and bring this information to your vet. From there, the pet doctor can examine the issue and recommend a plan of action.

If accompanied by any other signs of distress

If your dog eats grass accompanied by fatigue, diarrhea, whining, barking, no appetite, weight changes, shaking or tremors, or other abnormal behaviors, consult your vet.

The consumption of grass could just be a reaction to something else that’s affecting your dog. This warrants a vet exam.

Changes in behavior or lifestyle

If your corgi seems to be munching on grass blades out of nowhere (and suddenly), this could be due to a change in diet, lifestyle, hormones, or some other nutrient deficiency.

Consider if there were any recent changes to your dog’s lifestyle that could attribute to the new behavior.

Further reading

Here are some extra references you may find helpful:

• Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? – American Kennel Club
• Eating Grass – MyCorgi.com
• Why Dogs Eat Grass—a Myth Debunked – Psychology Today

Now you know why your corgi eats so much grass

So now that you’re armed with more knowledge, you probably know some of the reasons behind this behavior.

Hopefully, it calmed your nerves just a bit and relieves some worry over your furbaby.

Corgis will eat grass- that’s normal. Just be on the lookout for specific triggers and any reactions to it.

A few grass blades here and there is nothing to worry about. Anything else? Take your pup to the vet!

Post a comment below if you have any questions.

We’ll discuss these topics:

• Their perks that make them excellent guard dogs
• Why they have protective natures
• How they can help protect your home and family
• And more

Sound good? Let’s see if a corgi can hold down the fort.

Note: Every corgi has its own disposition. There’s no guarantee that a corgi will protect, defend, or guard when necessary. These are generalized statements and do not apply to every individual dog. Use your own best judgment.

Corgis are well rounded for protecting the home

These dogs make excellent guard dogs for protecting your property from strangers and potential intruders.

They have perky, alert ears with an astute sense of hearing. They can hear the faintest sounds you’ll never pick up on- even when they’re sleeping.

Corgis also aren’t afraid to bark at people, animals, and even other dogs bigger than them.

They suffer from “small dog syndrome” which works out in your favor for a guard dog. They simply don’t care about the size of the threat- they’ll bark all night.

Their small size lets them squeeze between cracks and under furniture, so they can reach even the most blocked off sections of your home.

And they’re not afraid to check it out if they see something suspicious. Despite their wiener-dog bodies, they’re extremely fast and agile.

They can make a mad dash downstairs at night to see what’s going on.

Pair that with their smart disposition and you have a dog that’ll pick up weird sounds at night, check it out quickly, and bark at it even if it’s many times bigger than Fido.

Corgis are extremely vocal

This is probably a negative trait for most homeowners as they don’t want their dog to be barking at every single little thing.

Corgis will bark at sounds, sights, and even scents they don’t recognize (to a lesser extent). Poorly socialized ones will even have a harder time being quiet and silencing themselves.

Because of this, corgis have a tendency to bark and aren’t afraid to use it.

While this is a drawback for most people, those that want a guard dog will be happy to hear that corgis are a decent choice for securing the household.

The breed’s history spans back to where they were used as a herding breed for sheep, cattle, and other animals.

This is why they’ve evolved those stubby feet and short stature so they can be fast and dodge attacks from animals.

This is also speculated to be the reason why their tails are docked as it poses a liability if it were to be stepped on by the herd.

Corgis were bred to communicate with their owners by barking. This would keep them alert to know what’s happening with the herd.

Corgis also used their bark to help control the herd.

Because of all these evolutions, the modern corgi is a loud and vocal dog.

Don’t be surprised about their bark volume- it’s loud even though they’re considered to be a small dog. And this can be a benefit to protecting your family and home from danger.

With their big, perky ears and alert disposition, they can hear the faintest sounds at night (and day) to protect your home.

They’re smart to recognize threats

Corgis are good family dogs and don’t tend to pick favorites.

They work well with multiple owners, but they do show some anxiety when everyone’s separated throughout the household.

Because they’re a herding breed and their desire to herd is strong, they’ll “herd” the family members into one room.

This is good because it means that corgis can be trained to recognize “safe” people in the house to a large capacity.

If you have family, roommates, or others that visit every now and then, your corgi can be trained to NOT bark at safe people.

Think of the possibilities:

• Your sibling that visits once a year
• The pest control agent that comes every 6 months
• The dog sitter that comes by weekly
• The mailman that may show up a few times a week
• The college kid that comes back every weekend
• Relatives that come randomly

All these people that aren’t here on a daily basis can be trained to be recognized by your corgi as “safe.”

Of course, bark-happy corgis may never actually learn to be quiet, even to regular people. And others may bark a few times before giving the person a sniff and recognizing that they’re safe.

What can a corgi guard?

Corgis can be astute to the point where no one can walk across your home without him barking.

Corgis have deep barks and growls when they’re fully grown up. They can help protect your home from intruders and warn you of activity in the night.

Here are some things a corgi may warn you about:

• People approaching your home
• People at the door
• The doorbell
• Someone leaving the house
• Someone coming home
• People in the yard
• His own food bowl

Corgis are cattle dogs and rank well for protective traits.

They were trained to keep other cows out of his owner’s territory by barking, alongside regular herding duties.

You may see your corgi staring through the window or sitting down when he hears something going on.

Their sense of hearing will detect the quietest whispers in the night- even stuff that you can’t hear.

Over time, you can tell if the dog is just playfully barking or “serious alert” barking. This is different for each dog so you’ll learn with your own corgi.

He may bark, grunt, howl, or even let out a small whimper when he’s confused. Those are just some of the sounds corgis can make.

Corgis have small dog syndrome

Even though they have a small size, they act and play like big dogs. If you’ve ever taken a corgi out to the park who’s not used to other dogs, he’ll bark at dogs triple his size.

This is perfect watchdog material as hell bark at night time predators even if they look scary. They really don’t care about the size of the bad guy.

Your corgi may go nuts at someone you’d never want to stare in the eye.

Are corgis protective?

Corgis are generally protective dogs who will stay loyal to the few people in Fido’s life that he cherishes.

Suppose strangers get into the home that the corgi doesn’t recognize- even socialized dogs can easily recognize suspicious behavior when it happens.

Think about it: If they can pick up body language cues from their owners, they can definitely see when a bad person wants to do “bad” stuff.

They’re extremely aware of their surroundings and can detect when something’s awry. They’ll bark at unusual sounds, sights, and people.

This makes them a good choice for a family watchdog to protect the people you care about and the house.

Are corgis friendly even as a guard dog?

Yes, corgis are known to be family-friendly dogs and do well with adults.

Children can also be familiarized with this breed but only when proper boundaries are enacted.

These dogs can be rough and may learn bad behaviors when kids play with them.

So it’s important to establish proper socialization and teach your kids the right way to play with your corgi.

Note that corgis will nip at the heels to “herd” children, so this behavior should be controlled early on or else the dog will pick up biting and nipping problems.

To adults, corgis make excellent family dogs even with their protective nature.

There’s no reason why they have to be “mean” and defensive but can’t be affectionate.

What can corgis protect?

Corgis can safeguard your home, apartment, yard, and even your farm.

No matter where or what you live in, you should be able to train your dog to protect and defend your property.

Over time, corgis will easily pick up on his own “turf” and defend it from strangers. Dogs can recognize their own territory, even if it spans a wide distance.

Don’t be afraid to adopt or buy a corgi as a guard dog for your multiple acre farm. You could even train it to help you herd your cattle like the breed’s olden days.

Socialization matters

Note that even though corgis, by nature, are vocal dogs that bark at thin air, they may not end up barking at strangers to guard your home.

Each corgi has a different personality and how the dog was raised makes a huge difference. If you socialized your corgi the right way, they may be alert and friendly to strangers, rather than barking at them.

This can be a drawback to those who want a dog that barks at everyone.

But then again, you probably wouldn’t be training your corgi to NOT bark, so that’s a moot point.

Even the loudest dogs can be trained to be quiet. It’s usually harder going the other way around- shy and quiet corgis will have a hard time barking on command and guarding the home.

Again, every situation is different.

Every corgi is different. If you want a generalized statement, then yes, most corgis can be potentially made into a decent guard dog.

That’s as “general” as you can be.

Further reading

Here are some additional references you may find helpful:

• WATCH: Corgi gets put to the test as a guard dog and adorably fails
• Guard dogs? – MyCorgi.com

Corgis are good guard dogs

Now you know some of the reasoning behind why these dogs make excellent watchdogs to protect your home.

Always remember that every corgi is unique and there are always exceptions. Some are naturally good at protecting you and your home from intruders.

Others are more shy and reserved, which make them less prone to fulfill the watchdog role.

But even the shyest corgis may end up barking at strangers when it really comes down to it.

How the dog was socialized also matters a ton to the dog, so there’s that.

If you have any questions or experience with your corgi as a guard dog, let us know!

Thanks for reading!

Sure, it’s a bias thing. But it’s still legit and fun to think about.

Now that’s a statement that’s sure to attract some fiery fans of any of the other dog breeds.

But for us corgi lovers, there’s no competition.

We all admire and cherish our long-bodied, short stouted, fluffy butts.

Here are some of my personal favorite reasons why they’re truly the best breed.

Disclaimer: These are 100% opinions.

1. Corgis love people

Even though they can be a stubborn breed, they still like to please their owners however they can, specifically for a treat. No dog works for free.

The can be overly pricey, noisy, and even aggressive.

But corgis are one of the most food-motivated breeds and will work hard for the reward.

Whether it’s a tug on his favorite chew toy or a taste of his favorite dog treat, corgis will go the extra mile because of their strong motivation.

Between all the corgis I’ve worked with, the majority of them are “all-out” breeds. They don’t tend to “half-ass” anything and will go full force. That’s the best part.

Because they’re extremely smart and fast learners, they’ll pick up new tricks and commands like nothing. You can literally teach your corgi to sit in just minutes.

With constant reinforcement (positive only), you’ll teach your dog to do the tricks you command.

Corgis are eager to learn because of their need for mental stimulation. And because of this, they’re always happy to please.

Even though they’re expensive to own and have a lot maintenance (from showering to grooming), they’re still worth the hassle. That’s a corgi fact.

2. Corgis love exercise

Sorry to all the lap dog lovers, but corgis are not lap dogs. They’re not made for sitting at home all day doing nothing.

These dogs need to go out and exercise daily and sterously. They won’t tolerate loungin around on the couch all day.

And if you make them do that with nothing else to do, you should expect them to eat up your couch, bed, wires, and whatever else they can fit in their short muzzles.

This isn’t the corgi’s fault (unless they’ve had a bad history or bad behavior). But rather, you need to get up and get out and take your dog for a run.

Before all the moans and groans come in, remember that corgis are herding dogs.

They’re bred for herding cattle and sheep. This is what they’re born to do and their instincts call them to do. This is a good thing. Why? Because it forces you to provide the dog exercise, which in turn exercises yourself. Exercise is good.

And your dog can be a strong motivation. If you don’t, your corgi will then became destructive and chew up your stuff, bark, blow off fur all over your home, and even show signs of aggression.

Take this as a benefit.

You and your dog will both stay in shape. Another reason why they’re the best. If you’re a couch potato, consider getting a dog that has low exercise requirements.

3. Corgis talk a lot

Corgis are known for their yappy bark. They’re vocal dogs and will bark, grunt, yelp, and aroooo at their owners.

They communicate their vocality by marking a bunch of different sounds that you probably never heard of. These dogs have a mouth and ain’t afraid to use it.

This also means that a poorly socialized corgi that’s afraid of everything.

However, a properly trained corgi won’t have a barking problem other than the occasional expected bark after a trigger event.

Although some people prefer silent dogs, the sounds that come out of a corgi’s muzzle are just too entertaining to be silenced. You’ll understand when you get one.

Or you can ask any corgi owner.

Everything from grunting when family members are in different rooms to talking back to their owners, these dogs know how to speak their canine mind.

Don’t think of it as a negative of owning one, it’s actually a pro. It’s the only way they can talk with you. Imagine if they actually could speak English.

4. Corgis look unique

Both pembroke and cardigan corgis have the head of a fox, body of a wiener dog, and legs of a shorty.

Cardigans also have that fluffy tail here in the US, while Pembrokes are docked.

Their body type is comical to an extent and just seeing the agility and speed of a corgi zooming around and playing with dogs 6 times his size is just funny to watch.

They’re not afraid of dogs many times their size. You wouldn’t expect a dog with andropplastic dwarfism to tussle with a larger dog.

And you would never expect them to just blast off at speeds topping 25 miles per hour.

These dogs are like miniature rockets that defy gravity and physics. And they do it with that classic corgi derp while they sleep.

5. They produce corgi glitter

If the barking isn’t enough, the corgi glitter just may do the trick.

These dogs will leave their fur all over your home- the couch, bed, drawers, and even your dinner.

But over time, you’ll get accustomed to it.

Perhaps you can be one of those people who groom out so much corgi hair that you can make another corgi buddy for your corgi. This exists. Don’t be surprised.

Corgis have double coats which shed all year long, but really go crazy and blow off when the seasons change. This is why they shed like no other.

They’re heavy shedders and if you hate dog hair everywhere, this is definitely not a dog breed you should be considering. You’ve been warned.

On the plus side, you can get plenty of housework done and keep your home tidy. And get some exercise also.

6. They’re alert and active

Ever seen a lazy corgi? Probably at the end of the day.

Corgis by nature are high energy dogs and will be ready for whatever you’re doing.

A sprint in the park? Done.

Jogging around the block? No problem.

Playing frisbee for an hour? No sweat.

These dogs extremely active dogs with a ton of energy and stamina that never stop working.

Although they’re not on the scale of border collies, they’re still very active dogs for their size. If you keep them exercised, they’ll be less prone to negative dog behaviors and be a healthy, well-rounded dog.

So if you’re someone with an active lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that corgis can keep up with you.

A perfect partner for the hiking trails, neighborhood park, or even track and field! This alone makes corgis one of the best dog breeds out there.

7. Corgis are happy dogs

Some dogs are known for their silent, reserved and shy nature. Shelties are a good example.

Others are known for their rambunctious, extroverted behavior. Pomeranians are a prime example.

Then you have those dog breeds that are “serious” and all about work, such as border collies

And then you have lazy dogs that are happy to lay at home all day and snuggle up, like havanese.

Corgis are somewhere between a pomeranian’s disposition with ton of energy and happy mood, but with the work ethic of a border collie who loves to herd.

They’re happy dogs that aren’t prone to being moody and will please their owners when food is involved.

8. They can do a bit of everything

They can also be stubborn and even find ways to manipulate their owners because of their high intelligence.

But after a long day out, they turn into snuggle bugs that love to cuddle like a havanese.

They can also somewhat loyal and stick by their owner, but not to the degree of a single owner dog like a sheltie.

Corgis are rather multiple owner dogs and bond with the entire family. They do show a preference for a specific person, but they’ll check on the entire family, specifically if they’re scattered all over the house.

This makes them a fine balance between energy levels, mood, and cuddle ability.

They’re like a jack off all trades dog breed. Or something.

Why’s this good?

Because they can adapt to different personalities of their owners.

Are you a quiet reserved person? The corgi can bring out your playful side.

Are you loud and amicable? Corgis will join your trot.

They can suit a variety of personalities which makes them versatile dogs since they’re not locked to a specific owner’s personality type.

This alone makes corgis a very attractive breed.

9. They’ll help you build a routine

While this can be said for nearly all dog breeds, corgis tend to really nudge their owners to follow a routine.

This means if you don’t take your dog for a walk, he’ll nudge you by doing some weird behavior until you do.

This is good for days where you’re feeling lazy, down, or just don’t “feel” like doing stuff. Your corgi will know that it’s time for a walk, time to play, or even just time to eat.

And if you don’t do it, he’ll bark, stare, or even start nipping at you. This is a good thing.

Think of all the benefits:

• A corgi can keep you on an exercise regimen with your dog should you get lazy
• A corgi can keep you on a positive streak
• A corgi can help you develop good habits
• Routine builds habits, which makes you stick to them

Everything from picking up the mail in the morning or doing your night run after your shift.

Corgis are creatures of habit and will keep you in check.

Further reading

Here are some other thoughts from corgi lovers:

• Thinking about adopting a Corgi – Reddit
• PSA! All those thinking they want a corgi – Reddit
• 14 Reasons Why Corgis Are The Smartest Animals In The World

Now you know why corgis are one of the best dog breeds

With all these details, you know have some idea of why this breed is so admirable and popular around the world. Got any other tips to add? Post ’em in the comments.

I hope this page has helped you decide to adopt a corgi into your routine!

They’re truly one of the best dogs ever and live up to the “man’s best friend” motto.

Here are some fun and interesting corgi facts.

They range from facts about the breeds, both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsch corgis that cover their history, upbringing, and other random tidbits of information.

From their Superman position to their strange noises, these dogs are one of America’s favorite breeds.

Share these facts with other corgi lovers, your kids, or someone getting a corgi puppy!

1. Corgis are almost one of the top 10 smartest dog breeds

They’re currently hovering around position 12 based on a study conducted by Stanley Coren.

2. The word “corgi” means “dwarf dog”

This comes from the prefix “cor-” which means to “watch over” from Welsch origins.

The suffix “-gi” means dog. This could also mean “watch dog” or “gather dog.”

3. Corgis are a herding dog

They come from Welsch farmers who used them to herd for a long time.

They’re still used to herd today for many farms and ranches across the world.

4. Pembroke and Cardigan corgis are different breeds

As similar as they may seem, these are two different types of corgis breeds with some minor differences.

5. Corgis are said to be enchanted dogs

The Welsch believed that Pembroke corgis were used to work fairy cattle and pull fairy coaches, amongst other things.

6. They have a “fairy saddle”

If you look close enough, their shoulders have a saddle shape over their coat. This only applies to Pembrokes.

7. They were believed to be used by the Vikings as companions

Corgi ancestry stems back to the 10 century, where they were descended from Swedish origins.

Vikings brought Vahunds from Sweden to Pembrokeshire.

8. Cardigans are older than Pembrokes

It’s said that the Cardiganshire corgis date to 1200BCE, which is before the time of Pembroke corgis.

This is nearly 3000 years ago from a tribe of Celts. This was the earliest known corgi breed.

9. Pembrokes are younger than Cardigans

Pembrokes date back to 1107CE. They were carried by Flemish people to Wales.

This went on to create the modern day stubby corgi we all know about.

10. A corgi was the mascot for Amazon.com

When Amazon first launched, a Pembroke corgi named Rufus was the dog of the principal engineer and editor-in-chief.

The dog roamed the office and became the unofficial mascot.

11. Pembrokes and Cardigans used to be the same breed

The AKC put the Cardigans and Pembrokes as the same breed in 1925.

Shortly after, breeders were upset over different judging standards at dog shows.

They were eventually separated in 1934 as distinct dog breeds.

12. The Queen’s corgis were used to name Princess Charlotte

When Kate Middleton and Prince William were deciding on their child’s name, they released an ad with 10 corgis each wearing their own vest containing a name.

The corgi Alexandra won a corgi dog race, which then aptly named their second child, Princess Charlotte.

13. Corgis are naturally born with tails

Both Cardigans and Pembroke have tails upon birth, except for a very rare “bobtail” mutation.

Pembrokes have their tails docked shortly after birth. Cardigans keep their tail.

This is due to the breed standard, which requires the docking of Pembroke tails. Many countries have banned this practice. The US has yet to do so.

14. Although corgis have clean coats, they’re not hypoallergenic

Corgis shed a lot and have clean coats. But this doesn’t mean they’re good for allergy sufferers.

Their double-coat keeps them warm and cool when seasons change. And this is why they shed so much.

15. Corgis have two coats

Corgis have a double-coat to protect them from extreme temperatures. The coat changes according to the season.

16. Corgis come in many different colors

Pembroke and Cardigans come in a variety of colors.

They can be merle, tri-colored, black, brindle, fawn, sable, and red. There are also some cool morphs like Blues.

17. The Welsh had a law against corgi theft

Because they were such a prized dog, thieves who stole corgis would be fined severely.

Nowadays, any dog being stolen is a punishment. But back then, a corgi was one of the few dog breeds that had a fine attached to theft.

18. Corgis are heavy shedders

If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed, look elsewhere.

Don’t be surprised when you’re eating corgi fur for dinner. These dogs will fill up your house with “corgi glitter.”

Corgis will shed nonstop, all year long. There are two heavy shedding periods when they blow off their coat.

19. Corgis are the smallest dog of all herding breeds

Specifically, Pembrokes. They hold the record of the world’s smallest herding dog with only a 12” height at shoulders.

20. The Queen has had over 30 corgis

The Royal Family is probably the most popular proponent of corgis, giving rise to their fame over time.

Now, the corgi is topping the charts and has become one of America’s favorite dog breeds.

Don’t assume labradors will also hold their top position, as these stubby, fluffy butts are taking over the charts.

21. California has a “First Dog”

It’s a corgi named Sutter Brown, a Pembroke that was owned by Jerry Brown who was elected CA governor back in 2010.

22. Corgis are fast runners

Even though they’re short and have long bodies, they are extremely agile and lightning fast for their stature.

Since they’re bred for the task of herding, corgis can run up to 25MPH at top speeds.

23. Corgis are related to Siberian Huskies

They’re both Spitz dogs, and this gives them the signature pointed ears, big eyes, and long bodies.

Spitz dogs have thick furs and long muzzles. Other related dogs are the Shiba Inu, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Bichon Frise.

24. There were laws that required corgis to perform tricks

The Welsh were especially proud of their dogs, so there were laws that require owners to train their dog a variety of tricks or else be ashamed. Pretty serious stuff.

25. Pembrokes and Cardigans appeared together for the first time in 1925

This was during a show at The Kennel Club hosted in Britain. The locals liked the Pembrokes, so a split between the two breeds was formed.

There was a Pembroke and Cardigan club for each type of enthusiast. The breeds were recognized as distinct in 1934.

26. Corgis are considered a vulnerable breed in the UK

This is due to the 2007 tail docking ban. In 2009, The Kennel Club in Britain added Pembroke to the “At Watch” list of breeds declining in annual registrations.

Later, Pembrokes were added to the Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

27. Pembroke corgis are extremely agile

These dogs compete in agility trials, flyball, tracking, herding, and obedience events.

Even though they’re short dogs, they can still run up to 25MPH at top speed.

They have pronounced upper body strength compared to other breeds.

28. Corgis are short because of a mutant gene

The condition is called achondroplastic dwarfism.

This is a dominant gene that forces the legs of the corgi to stop growing at an early age, which gives rise to their stature.

29. Long-legged corgis exist

But “normal” height corgis are rare.

These dogs were slowly bred out because of farmers’ preference for the short legs.

This was said to be because it makes them a harder target to hit by sheep and cows.

30. Blue corgis exist

Faults in breeding can cause “bluies” which have a bluish coat.

These blue corgis are rare, but you may seem one up for adoption or sale once in a “blue” moon.

31. Some corgis have long coats

These are known as “fluffies” and are actually quite in demand.

Many people prefer fluffy coats on corgis as you can tell by seasonal search trends.

The first litter of Cardigan Welsch corgis was registered in 1934 in the United States.

The litter was registered in the same year that the AKC recognized the Cardigan corgis.

They were born in Oakland, CA.

32. Cardigan corgis have a different body skeletal structure than Pembrokes

While the two breeds have some differences in coat, ears, colors, length of coat, and even height, they’re different in their skeletal structure also.

The Cardigan has a more exaggerated bend in the front legs. Cardigans are also thicker in bone density.

33. Cardigans have more colors than Pembrokes

The breed standard allows for tan, brindle points, sable, merle, blue, and more.

Compared to Pembroke corgis, Welsch Cardigans have a lot more coat colors to choose from.

34. Showing cardigans have some disqualification criteria

Cardigans with drop ears, white coats, blue eyes, or don’t have solid black noses without merle colors were disqualified from the show.

Corgis with herding training can be used to compete in herding trials

They were called “mad runs.”

35. Welsch Cardigans were used to protect children

Given that fairies were believed to saddle on these dogs, why not?

36. True coat colors take days to appear

Corgi coat colors will take a few days to show up.

The color that appears at birth may change in just a few days following birth. Those are the false markings.

The true markings usually show up later, especially in tricolor, black, or tan coat colors.

Further reading

Here are some additional references if you’re bored:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information – AKC
• A few questions on owning a corgi – Reddit
• More about corgis

Did you learn some fun corgi facts?

Now you know some more about corgis, their history, and some other strange wonders about the breeds.

If you have any of your own to share, post a comment below and tell the world.

That’s a mouthful.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• A list of the most commonly overlooked aspects of corgi ownership
• Critical things to note before adopting or buying
• How a corgi will affect your lifestyle
• Corgis for first-time dog owners
• And more

You should have a solid assessment of whether or not a corgi is right for you by the end of this page.

Sound good? Let’s decide if you’re fit for what a corgi has to offer.

Things you should know before getting a corgi

So you’re looking to jump on the fluffy butt bandwagon and you want to know what you’re in for.

Here are the most critical things that I think any prospective corgi owner should know about BEFORE getting the dog.

Whether you’re adopting or buying from a breeder, these are some common corgi characteristics that are important to consider:

Corgis are extremely smart (and stubborn)

You’re probably thinking “okay, that’s good, right?”

Well, yes. In terms of easiness to train and housebreak, corgis rank well up on the list of the smartest dogs.

However, some corgi owners would even argue that they’re too smart for their own good.

Why is this a bad thing?

Because corgis will manipulate you to get their way. Remember, these are SMART dogs who know a thing or two about their owners, especially their weakness!

This is why they have the reputation of being stubborn dogs.

They can be extremely stubborn, which can make things like potty training difficult.

Do you want a dog that only goes outside when it feels like it? This is the reality with a corgi.

Here’s the truth: Corgis aren’t born to “please” and won’t do things “just for you.”

There MUST be a reward to reinforce the behavior (this is known as positive reinforcement) for the corgi to continue doing the behavior that you’re rewarding him for. This is true for most dog breeds on the planet.

They might do a trick or something you like here and there without a reward.

But if you keep that up and don’t give your dog a treat, pet, or toy, the behavior will become discouraged over time.

So how does this apply to corgis?

Well, since they’re smart, they’ll work for food.

You can use this to your benefit by making it easy to quickly reward your dog for positive behaviors. This makes training your corgi extremely easy.

You can often housebreak, prevent food/toy guarding, or teach basic commands within a few weeks.

However, let’s say your corgi does something you hate.

Because they’re smart, they can weigh the consequences of their actions and if the punishment is worth it or not.

For owners who only practice positive reinforcement, this calculating behavior is very easy to spot.

Examples of manipulation

For example, your corgi may be chewing on the furniture and you tell it to stop.

It’ll then weigh the consequences of continuing to chew or stop. If the punishment isn’t “bad” enough, it’ll continue to chew because he knows you won’t do anything.

This allows them to manipulate their owners in more ways than you can imagine. Sometimes they may even trick you by using a string of behaviors.

Another example: You tell your corgi to go in its crate. It does.

Then you tell your corgi to go outside for potty. It does. Thereafter a long day, you sit back and turn on the TV.

Your corgi sits there and stares at you. It knows you owe him a walk. You shrug it off.

He then starts nudging, whining, growling, and making other strange sounds. He may even start barking uncontrollably.

This is solely because he knows it’s time for a walk. It’s routine. He did all that other stuff for you, so now you owe him a walk.

Corgis are smart and they’ll manipulate you without you even being aware. For owners who give in to their dog easily, this is something you should know.

Corgis love food

You may be thinking that any dog loves food. Well, take that and 10x it with a corgi.

These dogs will devour food until their stomach blows up. They’re extremely food motivated dogs for the most part and will continue to work for food.

This is good and bad. It’s good because it makes it easy to train them since they’re food-loving dogs. It’s bad because they can easily overeat.

You should know the proper amounts to feed your corgi and you should constantly monitor his weight.

Overfeeding can lead to corgi health problems, especially when he’s not getting the right amount of exercise. This brings us to our next point.

They need a ton of physical activity

Are you a couch potato?

Would you rather watch the game than take a walk in the rain with your corgi?

Then a corgi may not be for you.

This is something that new owners always underestimate and it’s something you should know about the dog breed.

Some owners have even given up their dogs because they can’t keep up or are too busy. This should never be the case!

You need to be able to provide your new corgi puppy with at least an hour of exercise daily. As it matures, it’ll need more and more exercise.

The puppy days will only last until about 1 year of age. After that, you’ll really have to start ramping up the exercise regimen.

Don’t skimp on this because it’ll lead to some nasty destructive behavior.

So you need to be prepared to offer your dog dedicated time to get outdoors and exercise. If you don’t have time, make time. Or else consider another breed.

Corgis NEED exercise. They were bred for it and you can see it by their short stature.

You can split up your day such as running with your dog 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes after work.

Or have a friend/neighbor/relative help out. Or hire a dog sitter.

Whatever you need to do to make it work. This will keep your dog healthy and happy. And everyone likes a happy corgi. Right?

And the same goes for mental stimulation

Don’t think corgis only need physical activity.

They also need a mental situation! This means teaching commands, tricks, obedience, and basic dog discipline.

This is much easier to do than exercise because you can practice keeping your dog’s brain mentally stimulated at home. Use short training sessions throughout the day.

Puppies can tolerate short, 3-minute sessions, 3 times a day. Adults can go lengthier depending on what kind of corgi you plan to raise. A show dog will require hours of training. So will an agility dog.

But a casual dog for the casual owner just needs a few minutes of mental exercise throughout the day. You can supplement with puzzle toys, chew toys, etc.

Corgis aren’t lap dogs

Corgis need dedicated exercise time daily and aren’t good dogs to leave at home all day.

Don’t expect to just have your corgi sitting around the house (or in your lap) for hours every single day. Most will start to get angst, restless, or destructive with negative behaviors like barking.

This is very apparent in corgis that are already used to an exercise schedule.

New owners need to know that corgis won’t tolerate sitting around all day for extended periods.

Now, the thing to note is that corgis will run around all day. You will have a quiet time with your dog, but only after a day’s work is done. That’s when it’s time to snuggle your corgi.

But if you do this everyday without providing your dog constant outlet to drain his energy, he’ll go crazy. They were bred to be herding dogs, and it’s in their genes.

Expect a lot of shedding

Corgis are heavy shedders and you may have already read about this before.

They shed twice a year to the extremes when they “blow off” their coat. This occurs during a change of seasons in the summer and winter.

But that doesn’t mean the rest of the time they don’t shed.

Corgis shed constantly. And nonstop. So you need to be ready for constant maintenance of his double coat.

This means you should be ready to do these practices to handle your corgi’s shedding:

• Bathing your corgi on a schedule
• Grooming by hand daily
• Taking him to the professional groomers monthly
• Preventing matting and knots
• Vacuuming loose corgi fur around the home
• Be ready to eat corgi hair for dinner!

Corgis are relatively high maintenance dogs because they require a little bit of everything from their owners.

They need basic maintenance that’ll have you doing things like shaving, combing, cutting nails, wiping paws, brushing teeth, sanitary trimming, removing mats, shampooing and cleansing, vacuuming, and basically a bit of everything.

Corgis aren’t really suitable pets for first-time dog owners, but if you’re willing to put in the time to research EVERYTHING, then they may be worthy of consideration.

Expect a lot of barking

Corgis are extremely vocal dogs and have been trained to bark at their owners to communicate.

Back in their cattle and sheep herding days, they would interact with their owners by barking signals.

Nowadays, barking is generally regarded as negative behavior in dogs.

However, they still retain this trait and a poorly socialized or trained corgi will drive you crazy.

Corgis must be trained to minimize bark early or they can be very excessive barkers.

Even trained corgis can still be quite vocal whether or not it’s barking.

These dogs will “talk back” to their owners with a closed mouth bark. If you’re not willing to put in the time to train your dog properly, I suggest you consider another breed.

Or else risk never getting a silent moment because of a yappy corgi.

Owning a corgi will be expensive

Corgis are slightly above average in cost to own.

Generally, smaller dog breeds are cheaper because they have lower costs associated with gear, supplies, equipment, etc.

For example, a smaller dog carrier costs many times less than a large one.

The same goes for pretty much any other dog equipment.

Even though corgis are considered a small dog breed, they have a higher cost of ownership because of a few reasons:

They’re extremely popular right now

They were one of the most popular breeds in recent years.

Thus demand drives supply and this both reputable and backyard breeders to increase their prices.

They can sell the same dog for a premium because they know someone will buy it.

The over initial cost gets a price premium because of their popularity.

Corgis may require training or obedience classes

Because many owners buy or adopt a corgi without doing their research, they typically don’t have the time to “fix” or correct negative behaviors like barking, biting, or potty training.

So the quick fix is to sign the dog up for a class.

While this is an optional cost when compared against the “corgi necessities,” this should still be considered when assessing the total cost of ownership.

Pet insurance

Corgis are generally a healthy breed but are predisposed to specific health problems, as with most dog breeds.

There are definitely healthier breeds out there to which the owner may not opt for insurance for their dog.

When compared to a corgi, this is another expense to consider.

Dog surrender

Because of their popularity and many owners getting a corgi and then not realizing the consequences of not doing their research, this results in many corgis ending up in shelters or rescues.

This is another added cost to the previous owner as rescues have a fee to surrender your dog.

Although it’s typically small, it can be significant to some people.

All these costs can easily add up and be more than you expected.

With the majority of Americans not being able to cover a $1000 expense, prospective owners should think twice before making the purchase.

Dog health bills can add up quickly, especially if you don’t have pet insurance. This is something that’s often overlooked, but something everyone should know.

Do you have savings for unexpected corgi problems?

You can’t leave a corgi at home all day

Corgis are not good house dogs and can’t be left alone for extended periods. If you’re an extremely busy person, you’ll need a responsible dog sitter or someone who can keep your corgi busy.

There are some artificial solutions like automatic fetch machines and puzzle toys, but these are no match for actual human interaction that involves all the senses (especially human scent).

Corgis may develop destructive behavior patterns if left alone for extended hours.

A typical workday can be a stretch right on the border of “too lengthy” for corgis.

This will be something you’ll need to think about before buying a corgi. It’s especially critical to know before adopting a corgi also.

What’s it like owning a corgi

Owning a corgi is a lot like any other dog. Except corgis will require more patience and experience from the owner.

These dogs are smart, require exercise and mental stimulation, and need to be challenged on a daily basis.

So there’s definitely a degree of involvement from the dog owner more so than other laid-back breeds.

Are corgis a good first dog?

Corgis are also known to be stubborn and manipulative to get their way.

This can make things like housebreaking and obedience difficult, which again, is why an experienced owner is preferable.

New owners may not even realize that they’re training and positively reinforcing their dogs for negative behavior until it’s too late!

First-time dog owners may give up or not have the patience to properly socialize, train, and shape a well-behaved corgi.

Thus, negative behaviors will develop from poor socialization, discipline, and other factors (poor exercise, obedience, etc.).

Simply put, there are a lot of different variables that the owner needs to be aware of and get “right” during the puppy’s development.

A simple mistake can be very difficult to “fix” among corgis because of their stubborn nature and high awareness.

Things you need for a corgi puppy

A corgi puppy needs the same essential things as any other puppy.

The needs are no different so you don’t need to go out and buy anything too fancy.

Here’s a quick new puppy checklist of all the essential equipment for a corgi:

Must-have supplies

• Adjustable collar/harness
• Durable leash
• ID tag
• Food and water bowls (stainless steel)
• Dog food airtight storage
• Dog treats
• Poop bags
• Bag of dog food (mix with the breeder’s food)
• 1 puzzle toy
• 1 hard chew toy
• 1 soft chew toy (plush)
• Dog crate (dog should be able to turn around fully)
• Dog bed
• Enzyme carpet cleaner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs
• Coarse and fine brushes
• Nail clippers
• Ear cleaner
• Shampoo

Optional

• Scented cloth or rag with littermate scents
• Dog wipes
• Professional grooming tool (Furminator etc.)
• Training treat pouch
• Dog clicker
• Exercise pen
• Training pads
• Flea drops/collar
• Dietary supplements
• Poop scoop
• Coat supplements
• Coat shampoo

Medications and vaccinations (varies on dog)

• Flea drops/chewables
• Heartworm meds
• Dewormer
• Core shots (all dogs need these administered in a series)
• Rabies (check state laws)
• Optional vaccines (kennel cough, rattlesnake, etc.)
• Any other necessary medications or vaccinations your vet has prescribed

Print these contact details to have handy

• Vet’s phone number
• Pet insurance phone and ID
• Breeder’s phone number
• Vaccination record
• Registration records (AKC, CKC, etc.)
• Any other certificates
• Dog license (where necessary)
• Dog trainer, sitter, walker, etc. contact

Further reading

Here are some resources you may find useful:

• Would you recommend a Corgi to a first time owner? – Reddit
• First time corgi owner : puppy101 – Reddit
• Advice for a First Time Corgi owner! – MyCorgi.com

And now you know

So now you know what to expect before adopting or buying a corgi.

As you can see, there are some nuances with this breed that are quite different from others.

They’re not really for beginners and will require patience and dedication to properly raise. But anyone with the will and desire can make it happen.

And by reading this, you’re already doing your part to be one of those people.

Did you have any questions? Post a comment below and us know!

(But albeit, a cute one?)

That’s right!

Corgis are known for their trademark sploot, fluffy butts, and short, stubby legs.

• But why do they have these stubby legs?
• Can they have long legs?
• Did they always have short legs? Or what?
• What’s the reason behind this evolution?

Let’s get these questions answered! These mysteries can no longer be left unknown.

Corgis were bred for herding

These dogs were used to herd cattle and sheep back in England and Scotland.

The short stature allows it to be fast and agile while being a small target that’s hard to hit. This is also partly why their tails are docked.

The tail can be a liability that’s stepped on or attacked by their herding target! But this only makes them cuter!

The Pembroke corgi will have its tail docked if adhering to breed standards in the United States, unlike Europe and many other countries that have banned tail docking.

However, the cardigan corgi won’t. If you want a corgi with tali, check out the Cardigans corgis.

Short legs made corgis hard to hit

The short legs were a desirable trait, thus, corgis were selectively bred for this trait.

Farmers and ranchers bred for their bodies to be close to the ground to keep them short.

Why?

This made them less of a target to cows.

A corgi that was kicked or trampled by cattle is inefficient for herding.

So breeding a dog that’s lower to the ground makes them harder to hit.

Thus, each corgi could avoid attacks more efficiently by being a smaller target for cattle.

And therefore each corgi lasted longer on the field and avoided injury, which cost farmers money or downtime.

So the genetic condition defiantly was preferred by people who used corgis for herding.

This was the origin of the breed and its original purpose.

Achondroplastic dwarfism

When the corgi was primarily used as a herding breed to help herd cattle, they were bred for that purpose specifically.

This means that the corgis with short legs continued to propagate so that over time the condition known as achondroplastic dwarfism became dominant.

This is the “defect” that results in dogs like the corgi and dachshund.

Corgi mixed breeds can also produce short-legged golden retrievers, border collies, and any other breed because it’s a dominant gene.

The gene specifically controlling the short legs is called FGF4, which is abbreviated for fibroblast growth factor 4.

Simply put: The FGF genes determine what parts of the body grow by how much. And the “4” marks the gene for bone growth in the limbs.

And corgis have a mutated copy of the gene which forces their bones to stop growing. And thus, they have stumpy legs that we adore.

Corgi mixes can also inherit the gene

Corgis can be bred with other breeds to produce a mutt. If the corgi mix receives the gene for achondroplastic dwarfism, the mix will have short stubby legs just like a purebred corgi.

You can see dalmations, labs, and even huskies all with the short stubby legs of a corgi. That doesn’t make them any less cute though.

Can corgis have long legs?

Yes, in the past, there were long-legged corgis.

They USED to have long legs. But over time, they were bred for their short legs.

The dwarfism gene became the dominant gene and now expresses itself in today’s modern corgi.

The AKC recognizes the corgi’s short legs and if you even could go back in time and bring a corgi to the present with long legs, it wouldn’t be considered a purebred corgi!

During the herding era, only half of the corgi puppies would have short legs.

The dwarfism gene is a dominant gene, so that means if at least one of the parents has the gene, the litter will have short legged corgis.

The gene is on a non-sex chromosome and only a single gene is necessary. If a corgi puppy has just one dwarfism gene expressed, it won’t be as short as a puppy with two of the same genes.

This depends on the expression from the parents of the puppy.

Of course, over time, only the short dogs were allowed to breed to get the desirable trait.

And because it’s a dominant gene, odds are that the litter will be fully short-legged corgis. Remember Punnett squares from science class?

Who knew that’d come in handy eh?

Why are there no long-legged corgis?

The first corgis with short legs were thought to be bred around 300 years ago.

Ranches and farmers would breed corgis specifically for working on the fields and the trait to have a short stature was desirable.

They found that corgis had these mini bodies with short legs close to the ground which made them hard to hit.

Dog breeders also thought that this was a unique trait to have and continued to breed more dogs with the genetic defect.

Over time, only the short-legged corgis became dominant, as the regular “long-legged” corgis disappeared.

The gene became the dominant one in gene expression. This means that the short-legged FGF4 expression “overtakes” the recessive gene for long-legged dogs.

In other words, the long leg corgis weren’t allowed to breed.

So only the short-legged ones could. This led to only short legged puppies being produced. And that’s why today we only see corgis with short legs.

If you look hard enough, long-legged corgis STILL EXIST. They’re either mutts or express the recessive, long-legged gene.

Can corgis have different heights?

Yes, corgis show variable differences in heights on both the environment and genetic levels.

You can have a corgi that’s “born” to be shorter than other corgi dogs.

And you can change how much the legs grow by changing the environment to a small degree.

Things like how much you feed, what you feed, exercise, jumping, nutrients, male or female, and other variables affect your corgi’s growth plates on their bones and legs.

Further reading

Here are some other resources to aid your knowledge of this phenomenon:

• TIL all corgis suffer from achondroplastic dwarfism – Reddit
• The copied gene that gave dachshunds and corgis their short legs – ScienceBlog
• FGF4 Retrogene – UC Davis Veterinary Medicine

Did you find out why corgis are short legged now?

So now that you know why corgis have short legs, what do you think?

Do you like the short legs? Or do you like the long legs?

Post a comment and tell us your thoughts.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How much corgis eat on average
• Estimated amounts to feed a corgi puppy
• Baseline calculations and variables to consider
• How to tell if your corgi is over or underweight
• How to make yoru corgi gain or lose weight
• And more

You should have a solid baseline measurement and understand why there’s no answer to this question by the end of the article.

Sound good? Let’s feed your corgi the right amount.

Last updated: 6/17/20.

How much do corgis eat?

Let’s face it.

Corgis love food and may have a problem stopping themselves from gloriously engorging their face into a bowl of dog kibble.

Corgis are a highly food-motivated breed.

Pair that with their high intellect and you have a dog that’s easily trained.

Just use treats and a bit of motivation and you can make your corgi do all sorts of cool tricks.

But the drawback?

They’re prone to overeating.

Any corgi owner will tell you the same thing.

These dogs don’t know when to stop eating and can quickly gain weight.

This is especially true for corgi owners who don’t give their dog adequate exercise daily.

The volume of kibble you feed your puppy will change.

• For example, at 8 weeks, you’d be feeding less (1/3 cup, twice a day).
• At 12 weeks, you may have bumped that amount up to 2/3 cup, twice a day).
• At 16 weeks, the amount you feed may remain pretty constant, maybe 2/3 for one sitting and fewer for the next.

How much do you feed a corgi a day?

You should feed your dog anywhere from 1/3 to 3/4 of a cup, twice a day. There is NO exact answer for this.

Even with professional vets, you’ll find that each one has its own unique take on the amount of food corgis should be eating.

And if you search online, you’ll find tons of different answers from different owners.

The truth is that there is no answer. You’ll never find it.

And here’s where it gets complicated:

The amount of food you feed changes depending on the corgi’s circumstances.

How much should you feed a corgi puppy?

Typically, when it’s a puppy, you’ll feed more.

This is usually about a 1/2 cup twice per day. You can do one meal in the morning and one at noon.

Some people do it all at once, but preferably you should space them out so the energy distribution in calories is spread throughout the day.

As the puppy grows up, you can dial up the amout you feed. Only use 1/4 cup increments to make it easy to track. And keep a daily log of feeding amounts over time.

As the corgi goes to adolescent and then adult, the amount you feed should drop off. You can taper off by 1/4 cup until you hit the sweet spot.

This is where the dog can eat all its food and not be ravenous.

• If your corgi can’t finish its food, you fed way too much.
• If your corgi eats like crazy, you’re feeding way too little.

The amounts also vary between and depend on the dog’s age, lifestyle, and mood. The food itself and any other supplements, veitams, or treats you give him also matter.

For exmaple, if your corgi gets daily strenous exercise, you should be feeding more because ehs’ burning energy.

But if your corgi sits at home all day (which can lead to bad corgi behavior), the amount you feed should be less because he’s sedentary.

Also, you need to add in the actual food you’re feeding.

• Is it high-quality, high calorie dry kibble?
• Or is it wet dog food with low calories?
• How many treats do you feed in a day? How many calories per treat?
• Do you feed table scraps or other food?

There’s no exact amount you should be feeding.

And the other point to note is that there’s no amount that you should WANT to feed constantly.

You should be changing the quantity of food your corgi gets based on all these factors.

Use the “cups per day” as a baseline and go from there.

Don’t just stick to the rule because you read it online or someone told you so. You should be adjusting the amount of food. Never stick with the same “rule of thumb” forever.

This is bad practice.

Some also argue that it may be cruel to feed your dog once per day.

This varies depending on the dog’s lifestyle and breed. Some dogs don’t need multiple feedings. But again, there’s no exact answer.

Remember, your corgi’s food amount varies by:

• The amount of exercise he gets per day
• The number of treats you feed per day
• Other foods that add to overall caloric intake per day
• The nutrients and calories per cup of dog food you feed
• The age of your corgi
• The current weight of your corgi
• Whether or your corgi is neutered or spayed
• The current season (summer or winter coats)
• Whether your corgi is male or female
• Whether your corgi is a Pembroke or Cardigan

As you can see, there are quite a few different variables that add to the overall picture. Try computing the “perfect” amount with all these different factors.

You probably can’t. And that’s okay.

Because you just need to adjust accordingly based on them. There is no right answer unless you have a supercomputer for calorie counting.

How much should my corgi weigh?

As you probably guessed, the weight changes over time.

• The adult weight of a Pembroke male is about 27-30 pounds.
• An adult Pembroke female is about 22-29 pounds.

These numbers are not “perfect” and can change.

But you can use them as a guideline for where your corgi’s weight should be.

These measurements are for a fully-grown corgi that measures about 12″ tall at the withers.

Always consult with yoru professional vet for exact numbers, changing diet, and before starting any actin plans.

Evaluate daily to see how your corgi’s doing and how much he eats. Check his weight on a weekly basis. Try to plot a graph and see if you notice trends.

You can do a quick check to see if you’re in the safe weight zone by doing the following:

• Have your corgi stand still
• Evaluate the ribcage by eye. You should be able to see only fur and no visible ribs.
• If you see ribs, he’s probably underweight.
• Put your hand over the ribcage. Rub it softly without pushing. You should be able to feel the ribs.
• If you can’t, he’s probably overweight.
• Check the waist. He should have a visible waist before the hind legs.

How to make your corgi gain weight

If your corgi is underweight, you can simply add more food in 1/4 cups to bring his weight up.

This will take course over a few weeks. Don’t try to force him to eat more. Slowly bring the amount of food he eats up.

Be sure to constantly keep track of his weight over time until he approaches healthy levels. Then assess again from there. Either taper off or keep the food levels constant.

Remember, the amount of food CHANGES depending on the corgi’s lifestyle.

If your dog doesn’t eat all the food you give, consider changing to a different brand that’s more calorically dense.

Don’t up his calorie intake by using treats or table scraps. This is very bad for the dog. You can only raise his weight by using his staple food.

But if you try everything to bring his weight up and still can’t, bring him to the vet for a consultation.

Don’t try to fix it on your own as the diet is a critical part of corgi wellness and not to be messed with. At all.

How to make your corgi lose weight

If your corgi needs to lose weight, start by replacing some portions of his meal with veggies.

You can use green beans to help him feel full without sacrificing the extra calories. You can also use apple or carrots as treats rather than the regular treats you feed.

Slower taper off the amount of staple kibble, dry food, or wet food you feed. And eliminate table scraps or other unnecessary foods that you’re giving him.

Start upping the exercise regimen also. This means either:

• Exercising longer
• Exercising harder
• Exercising frequently
• Or a combination of any.

This will help bring down the corgi’s weight. You should also consult your vet before doing anything that’ll change your corgi’s diet or weight.

This is important that you do so as adjusting the weight can be dangerous if done unsafely. Don’t skimp on this. Contact your VET!

What to feed your corgi

You should feeding your corgi a high-quality dog food.

There are so many options available that it can be hard to decide. Typically, all dog foods have the necessary nutrients your dog needs for a healthy development.

But the problem usually comes into play when determining how much of each element is needed, and the quality of each nutrient.

If possible, you should opt for all natural dog foods. There are some expensive and fancy brands out there, but note that it’s not always necessary to buy them.

You’ll have to sift through a few dozen reviews or so to settle for a dog food you deem suitable. The food must match the current lifestyle of your dog- like age, activity, and size.

Also note that the dog needs to LIKE the food for you to feed the food.

This is usually done by slowly transitioning the food by mixing up the old and new foods in varying portions until you fully replace the old food with the new one.

You should start off with 1/4 new to 3/4 old and then adjust as needed.

Corgi growth chart

Here’s a corgi growth chart you can reference.

Further reading

Here are some additional resources you may find useful:

• HOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU FEED YOUR CORGI A DAY? – MyCorgi.com
• [Help] How much food does my 1.5 year old corgi need?
• How much should a corgi eat every day? – Quora

Did you find out how much to feed your corgi?

You should now have a much clearer understanding of how much to feed your dog!

The amount always changes and is never permanent. Adjust as necessary.

If you have any questions, post ’em below.

If you found this page helpful, tell a friend!

Thanks for reading.

Did they get removed? Or were they born that way?

In this article, we’ll cover these topics:

• The reason why corgis don’t have tails
• Are they born with tails?
• The controversy of tail docking
• Pembroke and Cardigan tails
• And more!

Sit down and let’s dive in.

Last updated: 3/7/20.

Why don’t corgis have tails?

The reason why you rarely see a corgi with its tail is because they get their tails docked.

There’s no sufficient evidence to support the reason behind this longstanding practice. But the general consensus is that since corgis were used as a herding dog, they had their tails docked to avoid being stepped on by cattle.

This would make the breed less prone to injury by giant stampeding animals.

The tail was considered a liability

They were also bred for their short and stubby height to make them harder to hit as a target.

Cattle may kick and the short overall body height of the corgi makes it harder to be attacked or trampled.

From their upbringing, the docking of the tail then was adopted by the AKC when the corgi was recognized.

And thus, the tail is usually docked for the dog to be considered registerable with the AKC.

Since reputable breeders often register their corgi puppies, this leads to the continued practice of tail docking- at least in the US.

Note that docking has been banned in other countries. The US has yet to enforce or revise this practice.

Are corgis supposed to have tails?

Yes, corgis are naturally born with tails.

Though you rarely see any corgi running with its tail intact. Pembroke corgis come with small tails known as bobtails.

After the puppies are born, vets will dock the tails when they’re just a few days old. This is considered to be the traditional approach in the US.

Cardigan corgis have fluffier and larger tails and are not docked.

Do cardigan corgis have tails?

Cardigan corgis have their tail intact and are not docked. Often Cardigan owners have to explain that their corgi isn’t a Pembroke.

Pembrokes are much more popular and famous, thus they are often assumed as the only corgi breed.

Cardigan corgis have no problems with docking as their breed standard allows them to have a tail. Thus, there’s no overseeing “rule” to cause any problems.

The majority of other countries will have tailed Pembrokes. It’s just here in the US that makes us so accustomed to seeing them with just a tiny stub.

Why do Pembroke corgis not have tails?

Pembroke corgis have tails just like their Cardigan counterpart.

Sometimes you may see a Pembroke with a tail- this corgi may not be raised to AKC standards, which doesn’t mean it’s a “bad” dog. The breeder may not believe in tail docking. Or the dog was raised by someone who doesn’t follow AKC rules.

Both Pembrokes and Cardigans naturally lengthy and fluffy tails.

The only difference is that Pembrokes have smaller tails compared to the large furry tails of Cardigans.

Pembroke corgis have had their tails cut off 2-3 days after birth to maximize their usage on the fields.

Since they were recognized by the AKC in this manner, the tradition still continues to this day.

If the rules were to ever change and a tail dock ban was to pass in the US, you’d see both Cardigans and Pembrokes running around in the fields with their fluffy tails.

Are Pembroke corgis born without tails or are they docked?

Pembrokes are born with tails and have a fox-like appearance just like Cardigans.

However, because the breed standard calls for a docked tail, the majority of them sold in the US have no tail to wag.

There are corgis that have no tails

Some Pembrokes are born only with a bobtail, which is a known genetic defect in the breed.

Two bobtail adults should never mate because this may result in a deformed puppy. It’s a gene that can cause some awful birth defects if both the sire and the dam have the bobtail gene.

A genetic defect may result in a tailless corgi, also known as a “bobtail” corgi.

There’s good reason to avoid breeding two natural bobtail corgis because this can result in a fatal mutation.

Pembroke corgis should never be mated if both parents have their tails intact.

Corgi tail docking ban

The US is the only country to still practice tail docking where corgis are a major market.

The UK, Australia, and more of Candan. The US is one of the last countries to allow docking.

Reports online state that over 90% of Pembrokes born int eh US have their tails intact. The bobtail defect affects a small minority of Pembroke corgis.

Docking is a heated topic in the breeding community and bobtail corgis are often spayed or neutered to prevent the gene from being passed to a puppy.

Does tail docking hurt?

Tail docking occurs shortly after puppy birth and is regarded as a painless procedure.

However, there is a surprising amount of evidence that this is not the case for the puppy.

Conversely, there have been reports that corgis are endangered because of a tail docking ban.

With the majority of other countries already banning the practice, the United States may be next.

Are there any benefits to tail docking?

Corgis are born with tails. Both Pembroke and Cardigan corgis have tails intact at birth.

Pembrokes have a long, foxy curved tail that’s fluffy on one end.

However, in the US, this is a rare sight because the AKC standard requires the tail to be docked and a long tail is a liability of being stepped on back from its herding days.

The vast majority of corgi owners are using their dogs for companionship and thus ruling out the need to avoid the tail being trampled on.

So this isn’t a “necessary” benefit of being docked.

If you see a corgi with a tail in the US, it’s probably a Cardigan or a non-ACK Pembroke.

Other than the breed standard and herding, there are absolutely no benefits to removing the tail.

Further reading

Here are some handy resources you may find useful:

• Tail Docking – Wikipedia
• Corgi breeder cries foul over dog tail docking ban – Stuff.co.nz
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis Endangered Because of a Ban on Tail-Docking?

And that’s the “tale” of corgi tails

Now you know a bit more about the history behind the tail docking and some of the differences between Pembroke and Corgi tails.

Does this clear up the confusion? Even a bit?

Questions? Leave a comment!

That’s a good thing to do!

Trying to convince yourself NOT to get a corgi can rule out some common things you’d normally overlook when you’re deciding whether or not to get one.

So let’s take a look at some reasons not to get one.

Last updated: 3/7/20.

1. Corgis can bark excessively

Their barking is a known drawback of the breed.

From the corgi Superdog to the furry butt to the sleeping on their back, corgis have a lot of things that are cute.

These popular dogs have a lot to fawn over that it’s easy to overlook the negatives.

But the barking? Not so much. Probably because it’s hard to excuse.

The infamous corgi bark is noted as “yappy, annoying, shrill, and high-pitched.”

This can be enough to make you crazy especially if the puppy was poorly raised and socialized- then it’ll really bark at everything.

By nature, corgis are trained to bark and this comes from their roots of herding cattle and sheep. Both Pembroke and Cardigan corgis are guilty.

They bark to push the animals and alert the owner of various events during the herding. This breed is very alert and intelligent, so it has no problem understanding what’s going on.

Although corgis aren’t known to be sensitive dogs (can “read” their owner’s mood), they can still be very alert and bark at anything that seems off or strange.

The corgi bark is something you should already be aware of if you’ve done any research. They bark. And the barking is hard to stop.

You can reduce the amount of barking by proper training and also socialize the dog to sights and sounds at the critical weeks 8-12.

After this, it makes it a lot harder to get the corgi used to new objects or beings.

Since corgis bark at things they find strange, the less things that are strange in the world means the less they bark.

And you can do this by socializing the dog by exposing it to anything and everything after it gets its puppy shots.

This can help control and reduce how much they bark. But don’t expect to completely eliminate the barking. Some individual dogs can end up being silent.

Some will fit the stereotype and bark at thin air. There are always exceptions. But to be on the safe side, you should be okay with dealing with a yappy dog.

Check out the parents if you’re buying a puppy. See if they bark or if they’re calm. If you’re adopting, the dog is likely already an adult or adolescent.

So you already know what you’re getting. If it doesn’t bark nonstop at the shelter or rescue, it probably won’t bark at home.

That is until you discover some triggers you never knew about. There’s always that risk.

2. Corgis can shed a lot more than you expect

Corgis have a thick double coat that lets them dive into cold water and withstand cold temperatures.

These dogs will shed so much that your entire home and all the furnishings will be covered with corgi fur, AKA corgi glitter. Yup.

You best be okay and not complain about this, because this is no joke. Corgis will shed nonstop until your floors, couches, beds, and kitchen are coated with fur.

That’s even if you practice proper grooming and professional grooming- they’ll still shed excellently.

Don’t think that you’ll just brush the corgi for a few hours a day and you’ll be okay. It won’t work.

You need to be ready for nonstop fur everywhere. If you don’t have the time to vacuum weekly or groom your corgi daily, you’ll be having corgi fur for dinner.

Every single night.

So be prepared. Some corgi owners had no idea of how much they shed so they had to give up the dog.

Don’t be this person. If you’re going to be “okay” with the shedding, commit to it. Don’t change your mind halfway through and foring the corgi to be rehomed.

3. Corgis are stubborn

Even though corgis are known to be happy dogs that please their owners, don’t expect your corgi to be a lap dog that listens to your every command.

Because of their high IQ, they think for themselves, especially when it comes to males vs. females.

Females are known to be more independent and only listen to commands when they feel like it. Of course, this is a generaltionalization and there are alwasys expcetions.

The point is that corgis are bright dogs.

And think for themselves from this inborn intelligence. That’s where the problems can come into play. They know how to calculate if a risk is worth it.

For example, you may spot your future corgi puppy chewing on the furniture. You exclaim “no!” and the corgi will look at you with its mouth hard pressed on the sofa.

After a few seconds, it’ll continue to chew the furniture because it decided that your punishment isn’t worth the reward it’s currently receiving.

Corgis will do this to everything. If the reward aint worth it, they can be extremely lazy and ignore commands.

Corgis are extremely motivated by food. If a treat is involved, they’ll work extra hard to please you.

So that may be off putting to some owners- the dog is motivated by internal needs rather than the owner.

Again, this is a stereotypical trait. Not all corgis are like this. This is called being stubborn.

And stubbornness can make things like corgi training, housebreaking, and even brushing teeth a chore. If the dog fights or resists, it can drive you up the wall.

That brings us to our next point.

4. Corgis love food

Because they like food, they’re prone to overeating which leads to overweight corgis.

This means your corgi will work extra hard when there’s food in the area. If you have an especially stubborn corgi, you may be excited that it’s actually listening to you when you feed it.

Perhaps it’s finally doing the “sit” command when you toss it a treat. But when there’s no food, it doesn’t care and couldn’t be any more aloof.

This can be a double-edged sword because on one hand it’s listening to you.

But on the other, it’s leading to the dog being overweight. You may not be able to stop tossing it treats over and over because it just keeps following every command. So happily.

This makes training your corgi a mixed bag for extra stubborn ones.

The other drawback about their love of food is that they can overeat quite easily. If you have no idea how much to feed your dog and you never cared to research, this will lead to an overweight corgi.

They’ll eat and eat even when they’re naturally supposed to stop. You may even notice your corgi’s midsection bulging with food.

Corgis are very bad at judging when to stop eating and that’s where you come in. You need to control the amount of calories going into your corgi on a daily basis- twice a day.

Please educate yourself on this and the correct amounts you should be feeding your dog.

Never feed until it’s full because that’s just asking for problems. Corgis will beg for food with their facade of willingness to please for food.

You’ll have to restrain yourself if your dog has had the daily limit.

5. Corgis are independent

This goes hand in hand with the brightness of the dog.

Again, these dogs think for themselves.

This means when they do tricks, listen to commands, or play, that’s their ulterior motive. If the action doesn’t help them reach their motive, they don’t care and will refuse to listen.

Or get bored and do something else. This is especially apparent when a corgi loses interest and walks off.

For some owners, this may be a con of the breed.

Coris have their own needs and motives and aren’t afraid to show it. They don’t necessarily put their own want aside to please the owner.

Again, this doesn’t apply to all corgis. But it’s definitely noticeable and is a common trait. Corgis aren’t as motivated as other breeds to please their owner.

They themselves come first, then the owner if it helps them get to where or what they want. And it’s probably either food or play time.

6. Corgis aren’t cuddlebugs

Corgis were bred for their ability to herd animals and are considered a herding breed.

This means they’re intrinsically “required” to be out in the fields and working.

A corgi staying at home all day will become depressed, destructive, and show other behavioral problems.

This is why exercise is so vital and critical to a happy corgi.

If you plan to keep your corgi indoors all day and give it light exercise, it may become destructive.

They need to engage in daily exercise, both mentally and physically. This breed is not meant to sit at home in your lap all day for cuddles. But after a day out of hard work? Yes.

If you can’t commit to daily exercise for the dog, this could lead to some nasty behavioral problems down the road.

Corgis need to work and feel accomplished before they can settle down for the night and become the cuddlebug they are.

So as long as you can provide this requirement to them, they can snuggle bugs.

But if you plan to just keep the corgi inside your home all day as a lapdog, that’s a big no-no. They’re working dogs. They need to work to be happy.

Allow the corgi exercise outdoors and mental training with commands to keep it happy. And sane.

7. Corgis can be aggressive

This is a hotly spoken about topic as many owners find their corgis to transform from a sweet corgi to angry nipper:

• Aggressive Corgi? (bites, vet, breeder, shaking)
• What to Do With an Aggressive Corgi?

Corgis are mildly aggressive by nature, as they’re trained to nip at the heels of cattle and other animals to herd them.

Some people may mistake this as an aggression problem, but that’s about the extent of it. Really. But corgis will exhibit this nipping behavior even with adults and small children.

This can appear as biting or corgi aggression. They have a strong drive to herd. This can be seen especially when the owners are separated into different parts of the house.

The corgi will run from room to room trying to herd everyone together. The corgi nipping is one thing to be aware of.

Otherwise, they’re very happy dogs.

8. Corgis need to get moving

These dogs are a raging ball of energy and need to deplete it on a daily basis. They don’t seem to calm down even as an adult!

This means you, a dog sitter, or someone else needs to give it the daily runs and walks it needs. Take it to a dog park and allow the corgi to get strenuous exercise for 30 mins, twice a day.

Run, walk, jog, bike, play fetch, or do whatever else to keep it exercised.

A simple walk won’t be enough. Corgis need exercises that make them run for all their worth to exercise all their muscles bred for herding.

Then comes the mental exercises. You need to teach your corgi tricks, command, and other puzzles to keep it occupied and using that dog smartness.

You can do this through clicker training, treat puzzles, and other various stimulating games you can search for online.

There are endless amounts of them that you can use for free, such as these.

Consider doing an agility course.

This trains the dog and makes it exercise at the same time so you’re knocking out two birds with one stone.

If you’re a couch potato, a corgi may not be the best fit for you.

The same goes for people who are constantly busy or not home.

The corgi will need a dog sitter or you’ll have to find time for the dog’s commitments.

Think of it as an excuse to finally put on those running shoes and pedometer.

Further reading

A video that you can check out covering some of the basics:

Still want a corgi?

Check out pros and cons!

So now you have some of the basic reasons why NOT to get a corgi, I hope this makes you consider your decision more clearly.

The perfect dog would be one that brings you years of happiness without sacrificing the dog’s happiness or health.

If you think you can handle all of these reasons, then you just may be on your way to petting a furry butt.

Check out more corgi care articles.

You’ll learn:

• Differences in temperament and behavior
• Aggression between the two sexes
• Ease of training and housebreaking abilities
• Personality, traits, and characteristics
• Common stereotypes
• Pros and cons between males and female corgis
• And more

By the end of this article, you should have a newfound understanding of whether to adopt or buy a female or male.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

Last updated: 3/7/20.

Are males or female corgis better?

This question is asked a lot and there’s no definite answer.

As much as we can stereotype the differences between males and females, there will ALWAYS be exceptions.

For every trait that exists, there will be an owner with a counterexample.

So it’s a very poor way of deciding which sex to adopt or buy.

However, people are curious and still want to know. So that’s why this article was written.

Do NOT assume the traits listed here apply to all corgis.

They’re simply oversimplified characteristics of differences between the sexes and not to be used as a “set in stone” kind of thing.

These traits are based on years of experience with the breed and reports from owners- both online and in-person.

Please take the following text at your due discretion.

Physical differences

There are some major differences between male and female corgis physically.

Weight:

• Males are larger and weigh 22-32 pounds on average.
• Females weigh 22-29 pounds on average.

Height:

• Males are about 12″ tall at the shoulder.
• Females are about 12″ tall at the shoulder.

Since they’re about the same height, the major difference comes from the weight. They only have a few pounds difference, with the male being barely noticeably heavier.

Overall, male and female corgis don’t have many physical differences. The breed’s physical traits are nearly the same.

Corgi temperament between males and females

Again, it all depends on the dog.

But if you want stereotypical generalizations between the corgi sexes, here they are in terms of temperament.

Females are known to be more alpha, stubborn, and independent. They can think for themselves and are less eager to please their owners.

Corgis already have a reputation for being stubborn, and it may be the females who are behind it!

Regardless, females can also be much more affectionate than male corgis.

So it’s like she’s better at expressing her emotions at both ends of the spectrum.

Whatever trait she’s expressing, she’ll show it off easier than the male can.

On the other hand, male corgis are much more aloof.

They’re casual and easy-going. Whatever you feel like doing, he’ll gladly tag along and do it with you.

They’re right in the middle in terms of temperament and behavior.

Not too alpha and not too much of a cuddle bug. Just right in the middle. You can say male corgis are more “stable” in emotions.

Are male or female dogs easier to train?

Males would be easier to train if you had to pick one sex over the other.

Male corgis, especially neutered ones, are laid back and relaxed. This means he’ll be calm and willing to take commands and obedience.

Females are more stubborn and bossy and will listen only when they feel like listening.

As you can see, this would make training progress not consistent. And consistency is everything.

There is a negligible difference between males and females.

However, females will be more difficult to train over males just because they take more time.

This depends completely on the dog’s upbringing and personality.

Corgis are definitely a smart breed. But training difficulty varies widely on many factors. And gender is just a small part of the overall picture.

Dominant or submissive personality and socialization are both key factors in determining how easy or hard the dog is to train, rather than the corgi’s sex.

Are males or females easier to housebreak?

Just like regular training, male corgis tend to be easier to housebreak because they’re willing to listen to their owners.

Females are standoffish and only listen when they want.

Males want to please the owner and thus will work harder to do so.

Thus, housebreaking a male corgi tends to be faster based on simple consistency.

A dog that cares to listen to the owner and please them will learn faster than a dog that only listens here and there.

Do male or female corgis bark more?

The generalization is that females are quieter and more careless while males are yappier and more vocal.

This varies depending on how the dog was socialized and the environment, but most people seem to agree their female corgi is more “cat-like” and will do her own thing while being quiet.

The male follows the owner around and barks to expression.

But that doesn’t mean the females won’t like to cuddle or be affectionate or males won’t ever be sassy. It really depends on the dog.

What’s the difference between male and female corgi personalities?

The legless dogs have a plethora of personalities, and just basing it off of sex isn’t fair.

A male can have all the stereotypical females characteristics. And a female can have all the male characters.

The corgi’s socialization and personality are what determine how the corgi acts and behaves.

With that said, the overall consensus is that males are more loyal and will follow you everywhere. They make better snuggle bugs and are always affectionate.

They’re more eager to please and always like to be around people. They also are easier to train because they like to please and are just always happy.

No moodiness and no ulterior motives.

In essence, male corgis are what people expect to see when they think of the corgi breed.

Females are the opposite. They’re known to be bossier and needs less attention than a male corgi.

They choose to listen to their owner when they want, which can make training difficult. But they also think for themselves and make their own decisions.

They’re also less of a lapdog and will stay by their owner, but at the feet rather the lap. They can also be double as affectionate males, as they’re much better at expressing their emotions and affections.

But that’s only when she feels like it.

Again, these are not true for every corgi. You can have exceptions for every single trait.

Are males or female corgis more aggressive?

Either sex can be aggressive.

This varies depending on the training and socialization the dog receives and the natural disposition of the corgi.

Males are usually more cuddly and are better suited as lap dogs whereas females are bossy and standoffish.

So it’d appear that the female corgis are aggressive.

Males will share toys rather than fight over them. Females will protect and nurture children if they’re socialized as a puppy.

But that can also mean a poorly socialized female can drag children around by the leash. Or a poorly socialized male will fight over dog toys.

The neutering process can also change a male’s attitude like crazy. They can be neurotic, aggressive, and barky before they get neutered.

And after, they’ll be chill, collected, and cuddly.

The same goes for females and getting spayed.

There are a lot of things that can affect temperament and aggression.

How you raise, socialize, and exercise the dog can have much more of an effect than the sex.

For example, if you leave your corgi at home, it can turn out destructive and neurotic. This has nothing to do with the fact that it’s a male or female.

Pros and cons of male corgis

If you’re thinking about adopting a male corgi or buying one, here are the stereotypical personality traits compared to females:

Pros

• Stable emotions
• Always relaxed and laid back
• Easier to train
• Easier to housebreak
• Affectionate most of the time
• Follows the owner everywhere (depends on owner preferences)
• More loyal

Cons

• Velcro dog
• Lapdog (depends on owner)
• Prone to separation anxiety
• Pees on things to mark them
• Less affectionate compared to a female who decides to show it
• Can be aggressive over food and toys
• Un-neutered males may have ulterior motives, show aggression, and bark excessively

Pros and cons of female corgis

If you’re thinking of adopting or buying a female corgi, here are the stereotypes of their behavior.

Pros

• Protective of children
• Doesn’t pee to mark objects
• Can think for herself
• Not a lapdog (depends on owner preference)
• Better at showing affection when she wants

Cons

• Can be bossy
• Affectionate less of the time
• Listens to commands only when she feels like it
• Training can be difficult
• Housebreaking can be difficult
• Can have dominance problems

There’s no definite answer to this question. It depends on the dog and how it was raised. These are all generalizations and there are always exceptions.

Rather than checking out the pros and cons of male vs. females, you should be reading the pros and cons of corgis overall.

Further reading

Here are some references you may want to check out:

• Adopting a female vs. male corgi? – Reddit
• Deciding between female or male Corgi – Reddit
• Male or Female? – MyCorgi.com

Should you adopt a male or female corgi?

There’s no definite answer to this. It’s a neverending age-old debate probably older than when the corgi was first recognized!

The best way to find out is to meet the dog in person and check out the parents.

Any reputable breeder will have both parents on site (or at least one of them).

You can see how they act- their disposition, behavior, and how well-trained they are. This may be somewhat reflective of how the puppy will end up.

Also, check to see the puppy’s behavior. Does it come to you? Or is it aloof and avoidant? This is basic puppy-choosing practices that you should be familiar with!

Read more about corgi care if you don’t really know what to look for. Educated owners are the best owners!

Perhaps you live in a small home or apartment and you’re considering a corgi.

Or you’re a busy person who’s out of the home most of the day.

Let’s cover some points you should know before you get a corgi.

Are corgis good for homes and apartments?

Corgis are herding dogs by nature and not meant to be kept indoors all day.

They need outdoor exercise on a daily basis to avoid temperamental and behavioral problems.

If you’re considering keeping your corgi in your home all day, you’ll be pleased to know that’s perfectly fine.

But only if you take your corgi out for daily exercise. Sometimes twice a day for busy people.

So this means you can’t leave them alone for extended periods without at least giving them a walk every few hours. If you work, consider walking them before and after work. Or getting a dog sitter.

Are corgis indoor or outdoor dogs?

Corgis are not low-maintenance lap dogs that are happy sitting at home doing nothing. They’re outdoor dogs.

They’re herding dogs, so they need plenty of outdoor activity daily. This means, rain, snow, heat, and cold- they don’t care because they have a thick double coat.

But for you, that may be something you’re not willing to do.

You need to take them out and tire them out or else they’ll be a nightmare to take care of.

Can you provide your dog with at least an hour of strenuous exercise daily?

If so, then a corgi may be perfectly living happily as a house dog that’s well-behaved.

But that’s not all.

Here are some things you should also consider if you plan to keep this breed inside your home like a house dog.

Note that these are just additional points to consider that may or may not pose an issue for you.

But the exercise thing- that’s not an option.

This breed needs a few different requirements to stay happy and healthy.

Here are the ones you should consider before keeping your corgi as a house dog.

Corgis are very vocal

So let’s start off with corgi barking because this is a very popular topic amongst prospective owners looking to adopt or buy one.

Corgis are known to be very vocal dogs. They bark at people walking across the street. They bark at people ringing your doorbell.

They bark at you pulling up in the driveway after work. They bark at thin air. If you can’t handle constant barking, then a corgi may not be for you.

As painful as that sounds, these dogs were just bred to be vocal to alert their owners and to herd animals.

Now, you can definitely train it from an early age to bark on command, which can help you train it to stop barking.

You’ll need to do this early during the socialization period so the corgi knows that excessive barking is a no-no.

You should also teach it the “thank you” technique which allows the dog to bark a few times, then stop.

The barking is controllable to a small degree. But you’ll have to put in some work first. If you’re not willing to do that, then a corgi is not a good house dog for your situation.

Note that the barking also depends on the specific dog. Some may bark at nothing while others are silent.

How much exercise you do also makes a huge difference.

How to tell if your corgi is a barker

Before you buy, check out the parents.

• Are they calm and collected?
• Do they bark?
• Are they obedient?

If you’re buying your dog from a reputable breeder, they’ll have one or both parents on site. If not, run.

But if you’re adopting, you pretty much already know what you’re getting. Chances are, you won’t find many corgi puppies for adoption.

But rather, an adult that needs a second chance. If the adult doesn’t bark much, then it probably also won’t’ bark when you take it home.

Corgis need plenty of exercise

Another hallmark characteristic of corgis is their need for exercise.

They need both mental and physical work every day. Failure to stimulate their mind and body results in a destructive dog that barks, sheds excess fur, chews up furniture, and is misbehaved.

Physical exercise

This breed needs at least an hour of strenuous exercise daily. If you have a typical schedule, you can walk the dog before and after work. Or just do it all at once.

As long as you tire it out, it’ll be happy to live in your house.

Small yards may not be sufficient, nor is indoor exercise. Corgis will need ample room to run amok and really get up to speed.

You’ll have to exercise the dog for extended periods of time to actually get tired.

A simple stroll around the block won’t really do much to utilize the corgi’s physical ability.

And that’s just the physical part.

Mental exercise

Don’t forget to keep ti mentally exercise also. This means treats, obedience, commands, games, and anything to make your dog think.

Both are equally critical to your dog’s behavior and temperament if you plan to keep it indoors most of the time.

Poor exercise can also trigger the dog to be aggressive or hyperactive, as both of these are outlets for the corgi to relieve pent up energy.

Remember that exercising the dog will relieve energy and make it tired, which means less energy to be used for destructive behaviors.

A tired corgi is a happy corgi. Corgis have a happy and easy-going temperament, but no exercise will alter their behavior.

This means you technically can keep a corgi indoors for most of the day- but you need to release all of the energy daily.

Don’t skip this part as it’s not an optional step for proper corgi care.

Corgis shed a lot

As you probably know, corgis are no strangers to shedding. They’re said to shed twice a year when the seasons change.

But any corgi knows that they shed nonstop 24/7. Twice a year just happens to be the absolute worst times for fur.

Your house will be covered with fur. Fur in the bed. Fur on the couch. Fur for dinner. Can you handle this? If yes, then skip this part.

For anyone else, there’s nothing you can do to stop corgis from shedding.

You can only keep them healthy to reduce shedding. This means proper diet, bathing, exercise, and grooming.

But still, you should expect a lot of corgi glitter all around your home.

So if you’re too lazy to vacuum or don’t like dog hair, consider another breed. You’ll have to learn to appreciate the corgi fur and live with it.

Some corgis owners have given up their dogs because of the hair. But at least you’re learning this now, right?

Ask yourself:

• Are you okay with hair across all your furniture, bed, home, kitchen, etc.?
• Do you mind vacuuming at least twice a week to keep things somewhat clean?
• Do you have time to devote to groom your corgi’s hair daily?
• Are you able to take your dog to get professionally groomed monthly?
• Can you bathe your corgi every month?
• Do you care about eating dog fur for your supper? (Joke, but not really.)

If you answered “yes” to all except the last one, then a corgi may be for you! Keep learning.

Corgis are stubborn

Corgis are smart, but this means they’re also stubborn.

They’re not really of a dog that’s born to please their owners as they’re independent and can think for themselves.

They’ll calculate punishment and reward and act accordingly.

Some owners have noticed their corgi think on the spot to see if an action’s consequence is worth the prize.

These aren’t lap dogs that don’t mind sitting in your lap and following you around all day.

They’re extroverted, high energy bullets that need to be outdoors, dash around, and make decisions on their own.

So what does this mean for you?

If you expect a corgi to listen to your every command, all the time, you may be disappointed

These dogs definitely will obey commands, especially for treats since they’re treat oriented dogs.

But that doesn’t mean they’ll always listen to everything you say. They can think for themselves and do their own things.

They may also get bored with doing tricks or constantly obeying commands when there’s no food.

This can make things like housebreaking difficult. If you live in a house and you don’t want your dog to potty all over your carpet or furniture, a corgi may not be the right pet.

Since they’re stubborn, they take time to housebreak and this means accidents.

And even after you think you’ve trained your dog to go to the right place, they just may not decide to listen to that one time.

So this means more accidents. You need to be ready to deal with problems like this if you plan to get a corgi.

Not all corgis are independent and not all corgis are willing to please. It’s up to the dog and how it was trained, socialized, and raised.

Corgis are very smart and because of this, they’ve learned to think for themselves.

So consider this before adopting or buying a corgi as a house pet. This is something that many owners overlook.

Other dogs and corgis

Corgis will generally be friendly and happy with other dogs, especially when socialized early.

However, this isn’t always the case for older dogs. Corgis may end up in power struggles, dog fights, and territorial problems.

This varies on the breed, temperament, and environment.

But corgis will fight other dogs and aren’t afraid to get personal.

Despite their small stature, they’ll act like big dogs. This means playing, fighting, and showing aggression towards other dogs if needed.

Don’t let their small size fool you. They’re a big dog in a small body.

Other pets and corgis

The last thing to consider is other pets. Do you have cats? Rabbits? Small animals?

These can all be factors for corgis as they may attack, eat, or maul down other pets. Corgis are herders by nature and will try to herd everything into one place. If you ask any corgi owner who has family all over the house, they’ll tell you all about it.

Corgis hate separated owners and have an OCD-like tendency to bring everyone together. The same could go for other animals in your home.

This is something you’ll need to consider.

Further reading

Here are some references and additional resources you may find useful:

• Caring for a corgi in a townhouse – Reddit
• Do corgis make good apartment dogs? – Reddit
• Are Corgis Good Family Dogs? – Canna-Pet

Are corgis good house pets?

So now that you’ve read over some of the most common problems with keeping corgis in the home, what do you think?

You now should have a lot more things to think about.

Corgis can make excellent house pets, but only if certain conditions are met. They’re definitely going to require some work.

But how can you say no to that furry butt or corgi sploot. Or when they sleep in strange positions?

Questions? Post ‘em below and ask us!

After all, that’s a pretty strange position to sleep in, right?

You’ll learn about:

• Why your corgi sleeps on his back
• The most common sleeping positions
• Other corgi sleeping habits
• And more!

Let’s cover this particular topic and get your questions answered!

Corgi sleeping positions

The first thing we’ll cover is the main positions that are considered “normal” sleeping positions for corgis.

You’ve probably been asking yourself:

Does anyone else’s corgi sleep like this?

If your dog sleeps in a weird way, don’t be alarmed. These are just the most popular positions that corgis have been observed to sleep in and what they mean.

Corgis have four major positions they often sleep in:

• On their side
• On their stomach (AKA “Flying Squirrel” or “Superman”)
• On their back
• Curled up

Depending on how the dog feels and whatever’s comfortable, they may choose to sleep in any of those four positions.

It’s important to note that your corgi may choose any of those positions and will probably have a “favorite” position to sleep in.

Why does my corgi sleep on its back?

There are multiple reasons why your dog sleeps on its back with its feet in the air. The most common reasons are the following.

1. Helps cool down body temperature

This goes hand-in-hand with temperature control.

When the seasons change and the temperature picks up, you may notice your corgi start to sleep on its back more often.

This may happen during the summer months. Since corgis have a thick double coat that they shed constantly, they’re prone to heating up quickly.

Thus, lying on the back provides a way to quickly cool down by splaying itself out and maximizing surface area.

The more room a corgi’s body takes up, the faster it can cool down and regulate its temperature.

When your corgi lies on its back, its belly is exposed to the air.

The stomach area has minimal fur, and this allows the body heat to dissipate into the air, which cools down the overall temperature.

2. Makes them feel safe and sound

Dogs usually relax and sleep on their back when there aren’t any threats or dangers nearby.

This is a good sign that your home proves to be a safe and happy place for your corgi.

You’ll often find that your dog will press its limbs against something in this prone position. This allows your dog to quickly get back up on its feet in case of a threat.

3. To maximize comfort

The last reason is none other than comfort.

Even if your corgi never sleeps upside down and starts out of nowhere, it could just be the inherent dog genes expressing themselves and now your corgi wants to sleep backward.

Your dog may choose this position simply out of comfort. It could be relaxing, even though to you it may seem like a terrible way to sleep!

Corgis can relax their bodies this way and reduce tension build-up as each paw is stretched out to the maximum extent.

You may even see the sense of carelessness in your corgi’s eyes.

4. A sign of submission

A dog on its back is a globally recognized sign of submission. If your corgi often sleeps in this position, it could mean that your dog is submitting itself to you, trusts you, or is showing a sign of loyalty to you.

This is a pleasing thing to notice and you should snap some pictures just to show the world how much your corgi likes you.

Corgis are known to be self-sufficient and stubborn dogs. So showing these signs and going to sleep can definitely feel like an accomplishment.

You should feel quite happy if your corgi sleeps like this, especially in your room or in front of you.

5. Available space

Depending on the space your dog has to sleep, this can also affect what position it sleeps in.

If there’s minimal space, it may end up sleeping on its stomach or on its side. As you probably know, sleeping on its back takes up a lot of room.

If your corgi sleeps in a crate or dog bed, there may not be enough space for it to sleep with its body stretched out.

So this can definitely be a factor in determining how your dog sleeps.

6. Simply corgi preference

Some dogs have a preferred sleeping position. If your corgi chooses to sleep on its back, it could just be a personal preference of your dog.

Even if it’s cold or there’s minimal space, don’t be surprised if you catch your dog sleeping with all limbs splayed out!

Corgi puppies sleeping on their backs may end up choosing it as their preferred sleeping position.

My corgi sleeps against the wall

This is completely normal (and kind of derpy). You may notice that your dog sleeps with its legs or paws pressed or propped up on something.

This helps alleviate pressure from their underside, as many deep-chested dogs sleep in this position.

Some other breeds like greyhounds and dachshunds all do the same thing.

The limbs against a surface, table leg, sofa, counter, couch, wall, bed, or furniture allow your corgi to quickly react to threats by propping himself up.

Legs in the air are good. But legs against the wall are better.

My corgi sleeps in the corner

This is also normal. Corners offer protection and security so your corgi can feel safe.

Alternatively, if the room is busy or noisy, your corgi may sleep facing a corner to minimize distraction or disturbance.

As you probably know, corgis are smart dogs. They’ll use corners for sleeping if needed.

My corgi is sleeping a lot

You shouldn’t need to really worry about how much your corgi sleeps. If it’s still a young puppy, sleeping patterns can be erratic and non-consistent.

Even if your corgi is sleeping all day, give it a day or two to see if his energy levels return to normal and bounce back.

• On one day, your corgi puppy may be a ball of energy and out of control.
• On the next day, it can sleep for the whole day, lethargic, and tired.

The temperature can also affect how much your corgi sleeps. Hotter days can make your dog sleep more or for longer periods of time.

Or it can just be tired from living that dog life.

• Maybe it experienced a lot on the previous day.
• Did you take your corgi out?
• Did you exercise him all day?
• Did something disturb or keep the dog up?
• Perhaps there was a lot to learn mentally.
• Or it’s just catching up on sleep from all the previous days.

If the habit continues, consider getting your dog checked by the vet.

Why did my corgi change sleeping positions?

Many factors such as available space can affect how the dog sleeps.

The temperatures also matter as some positions allow more surface area to be exposed and lets the control temperature.

When the temperatures pick up, you’ll notice that your corgi prefers to sleep while splooting, as this position helps the corgi cool down.

Or when it cools down, your corgi may end up sleeping on its side.

This change in sleeping habits is directly influenced by ambient air. That should always be something you consider if you’re worried.

My corgi never sleeps on its back

You may also notice that your corgi never sleeps on its back. Or on its side. Or on its belly.

This is normal. Some dogs prefer a specific position to sleep and may never end up sleeping in another position- just like humans.

We all have our favorite ways to sleep, right? Fetal, on the back, or even on the tummy.

Your corgi has the same preference. It may suddenly shift its position out of nowhere.

This usually happens when there’s a change in season, temperature, or environment.

Further reading

• Why do dogs sleep on their backs? – Sarah’s Dogs
• Why do Corgis like to sleep on their backs? – MyCorgi
• FAQ – Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Rockies – CO Corgi

Corgis sleep on their backs for many reasons

You now should have all the answers you need to tackle this confusing topic.

The next time you notice your corgi sleeping upside down with his legs in the air, take a look at his eyes and see that sign of relaxation!

We’ll cover the two types of corgis that are the most popular, and some of the difference between corgi types.

Let’s get started!

The two types of corgis

Well first, we should refer to them as “breeds” rather than “types.”

The two recognized breeds are:

1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
2. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Both corgi breeds are recognized to be their own independent breed, even though they’re very similar in character, appearance, and temperament.

Pembroke Welsh corgis

Pembrokes are the younger and newer breed. They were derived from the Cardigan corgis around 1100 CE after Flemish weavers migrated over to Wales.

Pembrokes and Cardigans then mated to spawn the Pembrokes you see today.

Pembroke corgis are the most popular corgi breed in the United States.

Even though Pembrokes mated with Cardigans, a new breed wasn’t recognized with the cross between these two species.

All offspring from the cross-breeding are considered to be Pembrokes.

Cardigan Welsh corgis

Cardigan Welsh corgis are the older and “original” corgi breed.

Reports date them back to Cardiganshire, Wales where they were used as a herding dog for animals around 1200 BCE.

They used the short-legged canines to help cattle together by nipping at the feet of cows.

Pastures weren’t fenced back in the day, so a dog would be useful to quickly herd sheep, cattle, or other animals for the farmer.

This is the earliest corgi breed noted from the Teckel family of dogs, which includes other similar breeds like the wiener dog.

There was only one corgi type at one point

The AKC actually combined Pembroke and Cardigan corgis as one breed back in 1925.

After much disagreement with breeders, they have separated again as two distinct breeds in 1934.

This was mainly due to bias for one breed over the other, which made events and competitions like dog shows unfair.

Why do corgis have short legs?

They were bred with short legs which kept them close to the ground.

This is because when they nipped at the ankles of cattle, the cow would kick back.

Being so short and stubby, the corgi is hard to kick and can escape the retaliation from the cow.

This made them reliable and highly efficient herding dogs for farmers in Wales.

Differences between the corgi types

There are minor differences between the Pembroke and Cardigan corgis.

Pembrokes have docked tails

Pembroke corgis are docked at birth which leaves no tail on its rear end.

Sometimes the tail may be bobbed. They’re born with tails, but docking is still practiced in the United States.

The AKC recognizes Pembrokes only with docked tails, thus the tail must be docked to fit the breed standard.

According to the AKC:

Tail – Docked as short as possible without being indented. Occasionally a puppy is born with a natural dock, which if sufficiently short, is acceptable. A tail up to two inches in length is allowed, but if carried high tends to spoil the contour of the topline.

Cardigan corgis have tails as they’re not docked or bobbed at birth.

Cardigans are bigger

Cardigans have an overall size that’s bigger than Pembrokes. They’re also slightly heavier due to their larger body size.

If you’re looking for a smaller corgi, go with the Pembroke as they’re smaller overall and slightly lighter than Cardigan corgis.

Cardigans have more rounded ears

Cardigans have rounded tips, but Pembrokes have less rounding at the ear tips.

Both breeds have pointed medium-sized ears. This gives them that cute corgi appearance that they’re known for- just like the corgi sploot.

Because they’ve been getting so much media attention, they’ve risen to popularity. This is also why they’re so expensive in many states.

Coat color

The Pembroke corgi has the shiny sable, red, or black outer coat that you commonly see.

Cardigan corgis can have the same colors, but also brindle, tan, or even blue merle.

Cardigans have more color variation compared to their counterpart, but there have been some extremely cute Pembrokes.

Their thick, double-coat is a signature trait of the breeds. Keep the coat healthy and clean so it doesn’t become smelly!

Corgi personality

Pembroke corgis are known to be the derpy, outgoing, and energetic type. Cardigans are more reserved, shy, and friendly.

This is stereotypical corgi temperament and is definitely NOT applicable to all corgis.

You can have a Pembroke that’s shy. Or you can have a Cardigan that’s extroverted. How the pup was raised and its environment matter.

Socialization of the puppy is a huge determining factor on how well-behaved the corgi is.

This can determine a variety of traits, such as vocalization, training difficulty, and even shedding (stressed corgis who are poorly socialized will shed more).

Further reading

Here are some additional resources and references you may find useful:

• The Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs. the Pembroke Welsh Corgi – AKC
• What Are the Different Types of Corgis? – Pinterest
• Welsh Corgi – Wikipedia

Corgi breed types explained

As you can see, there are a few minor differences between the two types of corgi dogs.

No matter which breed you adopt, do your research first and learn everything you can about corgis.

Check out our corgi care guides to learn more about them so you can establish a welcome home for your furry companion!

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why corgis have such a high price tag
• The average price for a corgi
• Are corgis expensive to maintain?
• And more!

Let’s dive in and get your corgi FAQs answered.

Last updated: 1/28/20.

The reason why corgis are expensive

Corgis aren’t a rare breed by any means, as there are plenty of reputable corgi breeders all over the US. And globally also.

The main driving reason why corgis are expensive is because of their popularity.

Not to mention the many pros of corgi ownership, their ease of training, and corgi glitter.

They’re popular

They’re currently a very popular dog, and because they’re the “hot new thing,” this commands a high price tag.

The same effect happens across any other goods or service you can buy- it’s not specific to dogs.

Breeding dogs can be an expensive business, but at the same time, it’s not always about the bottom line and overhead costs.

If the breed is in demand, supply can easily raise the price. In this case, breeders are the suppliers and since corgi demand is high, the price will increase.

This is basic economics.

Even if the cost to raise the corgi before selling it is low, breeders can easily tack on a “popularity fee” just because everyone wants a corgi.

Reputable breeders

Corgi breeding from a responsible breeder incurs costs.

For reputable breeders, they often offer many things that explain the high price tag:

• All current shots
• A month of a food
• Dog supplies
• Vet checks
• Medications
• Health guarantees
• AKC registrations
• Neutering or spaying
• On-demand knowledge and dog care

Sometimes these additional things really add up in price, which justifies the breeder selling the corgi for such an expensive price.

But other times, when breeders don’t offer anything to show they really care about the dog, they’re just one-person puppy mills.

And this is when you should run rather than support the breeder. If the breeder purely does this for profit, you should avoid buying a corgi from them.

Breeders charge more for popular breeds

You’ll notice the inflated price just because of corgi’s popularity, but you’ll also notice that the breeder doesn’t offer any of the above “add-ons” to the dog.

This trickles down to adoption centers. Some shelters raise their fees if the dog is in demand.

You’ll notice that even though they have an “adoption fee” or “rehoming fee,” it may vary between different breeds.

What’s the average price for a corgi?

Corgi prices vary significantly depending on your location and where you’re buying one from. Breeder reputation is also a strong influencer of price.

If you’re in a state that has a high cost of living and you’re buying from a reputable breeder, expect to pay upwards to $2,200 for a corgi.

But if you’re in a low cost of living state and doing the same thing, your price may be much lower. You can expect to pay around $600-$1400.

There are also corgis at both extremes. Some “show dog” quality corgis can cost more than $4000 for a single dog.

Avoid cheap corgis

And then you have puppy mill breeders who charge $200-400 for a corgi, which is something you should highly question before buying.

Corgi demand is across the US and they’re selling like hotcakes.

This popularity factor will bump up the price no matter where you buy it from.

Corgi demand makes them expensive

Demand is high, and reputable breeders typically have only a single litter on a cycling basis.

Since the corgis sell so quickly, they can bump up their prices to get the most for their work. Not all breeders do this, as some aren’t in it for profit.

But you can expect a reputable breeder who sells their corgi litter for average prices will be sold out faster than you can say “sploot!”

How much do corgis cost to maintain?

Corgis don’t cost much more than any other breed to maintain for their average cost of ownership.

Regular maintenance fees are typical and you should expect to spend extra on grooming equipment.

They’re a small dog so food costs are low, along with equipment like a crate, leash, and even flea treatment. This saves you money.

However, they do shed nonstop, so you’ll be spending more money on grooming tools, dog shampoo, professional grooming, and a pet vacuum built for dog fur.

You can use a traditional regular vacuum, but don’t be surprised if it clogs and breaks.

Further reading

Here are some handy resources you may find useful:

• Curious! How much did you pay for your corgi? – Reddit
• Breeder here: purchase price – Reddit
• What is the average price for Corgi puppies? – Quora

Does the dog justify the price?

Now you know the reason behind their price tags.

Corgis are an expensive breed and will continue to be one unless they drop off in popularity.

But with their cute pointy ears, furry butts, and nonstop splooting, this is probably something you don’t want to wait for.

Adopt a corgi or buy one from a good breeder and enjoy the corg!

Here, we’ll cover some of the most unexpected downsides and surprising upsides of corgi ownership.

These are real reports from real corgi owners taken from around the web.

Hopefully, you’ll learn a thing or two that you never expected about owning a corgi.

Cons of owning a corgi

First, let’s go over the cons, or negatives, or owning a corgi.

Con #1: Corgis need a lot of exercise

Depending on your lifestyle, this may not be a bad thing.

But for the majority of busy Americans, taking time out of the day after a long day at work can be extremely tiresome.

Corgis require hours of both physical and mental exercise every single day. If you don’t do this, they’ll get creative and find ways to get into trouble.

You can’t leave a corgi at home all day- it needs strenuous exercise at the dog park before and after work.

Con #2: Corgis shed a lot

As you probably already know, corgis can shed as much fur to make a second corgi!

Because of their thick double coats, they shed all throughout the year and twice during peak “coat transition” events during the change of seasons.

There’s nothing you can really do to stop the shedding.

You can only control the shedding by practicing basic grooming habits xyz.

Other than that, expect to eat, sleep, and breathe corgi fur 24/7.

Con #3: Corgis are stubborn

Corgis are known to be stubborn dogs, which can make daily tasks a chore.

Because of their unwillingness to do things, they may end up refusing to eat or going pee in the right spot.

They really do have a mind of their own and will consider their own wants and needs.

They’ll place them before their owner if necessary- so don’t expect a dog that listens to your every command and is eager to please. They may also need a lot of patience to be trained.

Con #4: Corgis can be aggressive

Corgis can be extremely aggressive to specific animals like rabbits, gophers, mice, cats, and even other dogs.

They’ve also been reported to eat raccoons, frogs, and other pets.

Depending on how the corgi was socialized, they may not always get along with other pets or humans. They may also have difficulty calming down.

They can be extremely docile and calm towards one person but extremely aggressive towards another. Their size plays no role in their aggression.

Con #5: Corgis are prone to overeat

They develop weight problems easily and you need to be strict and consistent for feeding.

Make your dog work for its food. Don’t let it eat as much as it wants, or else this can lead to overeating.

Con #6: Corgis like to be dominant

Corgis are herding dogs and like to be in charge.

You need to teach them that the human comes first, or else you’ll end up with a dog that always wants to lead and disobeys commands.

They also want to know where all the “people” are at all times. Separating the people in the household can cause stress and anxiety for the dog.

Con #7: Corgis are deceptively smart

While this may not be a bad thing, their intelligence can make them cunning dogs who will try to get their way.

Some owners reported that the dog calculates whether or not the punishment is worth the reward.

This also means that if you don’t keep the dog busy and occupied, it’ll go crazy and start to become destructive.

Remember that you can’t outsmart the dog as easily as other breeds.

Con #8: Corgis have leg problems

Corgis aren’t good with jumping or stairs due to their elongated bodies and thus are prone to leg problems.

You should constantly take care to avoid any activities like that and also get regular vet checkups to make sure everything’s OK.

There are also special staircases made just for corgis.

Pros of owning a corgi

Okay, so now that we’ve covered some of the cons of corgis, let’s talk about the pros and positives of ownership.

Pro #1: Corgis are super smart

Yeah, we listed this as a con earlier.

But at the same time, corgis are an extremely smart dog breed which makes teaching commands and tricks easy.

Pair the training with a reward and you’ll have a dog that learns new commands in no time.

Pro #2: Corgis are good guard dogs

For the most part, corgis are extremely vocal and will bark at anything that’s out of the ordinary.

This makes them excellent guard dogs for homes and can offer you peace of mind at nighttime from strangers.

Pro #3: Corgis keep you in shape

Because they need so much exercise on a daily basis, this will eventually force you to get on an exercise regimen to keep up with your dog.

Pro #4: Corgis are good family dogs

Although corgis can show aggressive behavior, the majority of socialized corgis are well-trained and do well with the entire family.

They work especially well with families that are closely bonded so it doesn’t run from room and room trying to herd the family together.

They’re also very good with kids once they get accustomed to them and can handle some rough play.

Pro #5: Corgis are food driven

This makes it easy to train and get them to please you in reward for food.

Whether you’re trying to teach them a new trick or stop a bad habit, all they need is food.

Pro #6: Corgis are extremely loyal

They’re a loyal dog that’ll stick by the family like a herd of sheep.

Corgis do well with multiple owners and don’t mind having multiple people constantly hanging around.

They’re known to be loyal and stick with the family when socialized correctly.

Pro #7: Corgis are never boring

These are high-energy dogs that are driven by testosterone and food.

Whenever you’re up for a game of fetch, tug of war, or even just a walk in the park, expect your corgi to be up and ready before you are.

They’re rarely lazy and will always be ready to do whatever you want to do. If you’re expecting a lap dog, you’ll want to adopt a different breed.

Pro #8: Corgis are cute

Probably the most subjective reason on this list, but the long body, fluffy butt, and pointy ears just make a killer combination.

You’ll get strangers asking to pet your corgi and people sparking up random conversations with you on the street.

Corgis have gained popularity over time and you’ll be walking one of the hottest dogs of 2020.

Further reading

Some additional resources you may find useful on your quest to adopt the perfect corgi:

• Thinking about getting a Corgi – Reddit
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information – AKC.org
• Corgi Dog Breed Profile – Purina

The pros and cons of corgis

Now you have some ideas of the pros and cons of corgis. Did you have one that I missed? Leave a comment!

On this page, we’ll cover some commonly asked questions:

• What’s the reason behind splooting?
• Why do only some dogs sploot and not others?
• Can you make your dog sploot?
• And is splooting good for your corgi?

We’ll answer all these questions.

By the end of this article, you’ll be a “sploot expert.”

Sound good? Sploot yourself down and read!

What does it mean when a corgi sploots?

Wondering what a corgi sploot is?

It comes from the combination of the words “splay” and “scooch.” Combined, you get “sploot.” Or something like that.

The act of splooting is how a corgi lays down.

Rather than breeds that fold their feet and arms when they lie down, the sploot is when all limbs are stretched out away from the body.

The corgi will lie on its belly with either one or both of their rear legs facing out behind them.

There are also other terms for splooting, such as:

• Dog frogging
• Frog dogging
• Frog legs
• Half sploot
• Full sploot
• Reverse sploot
• Upside down spout
• Pancake sploot

The most popular one is the pancake sploot, which is when the corgi lies down with the arms pointed forwards and the feet pointed backward.

The corgi is literally flat against the floor.

The other combinations are usually combinations of one or both legs being extended.

Sometimes, your corgi may also place the back legs on one side. Other times, only one leg may be extended towards the back.

Why do corgis sploot?

So, what’s the actual reason behind the act of splooting, you ask?

The reason why dogs sploot is simply because of comfort. This position allows the corgi to relax and lie down comfortably.

Just like how some humans prefer to sleep sideways in the fetal position, some dogs like to lie down in sploot position.

Splooting is comfortable

They can stretch their legs and hips and allows them to splay themselves to be flexible.

Splooting also may help cool dogs down because they can cool down their stomachs by lying on a cooler surface.

You may also notice that your corgi sploots more during the puppy phase than an adult. This is because it’s more flexible when it’s younger so it has the flexibility.

The exercise has also been known to help make their hip flexors stronger.

Can corgis sploot on their backs?

Yes, this is known as the reverse sploot or upside down sploot.

Corgis are not the only breed that sploots on its back, as other breeds have been seen to do the same.

Is it bad for dogs to sploot?

Not at all. If your dog sploots, that’s a good thing! It means your dog is flexible and can relax into a comfortable position.

Many dogs aren’t flexible enough to do so, and some dogs can’t sploot when they get older because they lose their flexibility. If your dog sploots, let him be and relish in the cuteness.

The only thing you need to watch out for are signs of change. If your dog never splooted before, but suddenly starts, that may be something you need to watch out for by consulting a vet.

Or if your dog always splooted, but then suddenly stopped, this may be due to a bone problem or poor flexibility. Take him to a qualified professional for help.

Why is corgi splooting so popular?

Corgis are one of the trending dog breeds right now, and thanks to media coverage, they’ve quickly become a sensation.

Everything from their looks, personality, characteristics, and of course, the splooting, are viral.

Famous people like Queen Elizabeth have showed off her corgis multiple times. And social media has only helped contribute to the reason why corgis are so popular.

The corgi sploot, butt, and pointy ears are all extremely recognizable characteristics of the dog breed.

Splooting is most associated and related to corgis, but not exclusive to them.

What dog breeds sploot?

There are a few other breeds that also practice splooting.

The most popular breeds that sploot are pugs, poodles, bulldogs, and wienerdogs (Dachshunds).

Some larger breeds also sploot like Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Pitbulls!

So splooting is NOT just for smaller dogs, as both large and small (and medium) dogs, all have been seen to sploot.

How come some breeds don’t sploot?

This is because of the breed and their bone structure.

Some dog breeds solo because it’s natural and comfortable for them.

Other breeds don’t because it’s not a natural behavior. Even within breeds, some individual dogs won’t sploot while others will.

The breed is a determining factor that you can use to generalize which dogs sploot, but it also comes from the dog’s preference.

Restrictions due to joints, bones, body structure, and even how much your dog weighs are all factors. If it’s uncomfortable for the dog, then the dog won’t do it naturally.

Can you make your dog sploot?

No, you should never force your dog to sploot.

Corgis are a splooter along with some other breeds, but if your corgi doesn’t sploot, you should never force your dog to do so.

There may be something preventing your dog from being comfortable if it’s been splooting and then recently stopped.

Or if it was never splooting but recently started.

You should consult a vet for these kinds of occasions.

Making your dog sploot against its will only causes strain and possibly injury.

Cats can sploot too

Cats are also no exception to this super comfortable position!

They’ve been caught in the act with their hind legs stretched out in a full-fledged pancake sploot!

Further reading

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information
• PWC Rescue Network
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Wikipedia

Now you know all the basics about splooting

With the newfound knowledge that you have, you should be able to clearly spot a corgi sploot, why they do it, and why not all dogs sploot.

Who’d have ever known splooting could be so complex for such a cute and simple behavior? Just more corgi magic.

A seemingly cute dog that was once unheard of how now become one of the most popular “dogs of the year.”

Just how did this fiasco happen? What made the corgi so popular? When did they become popular?

We’ll dive into each question and I’ll offer you my thoughts on the subject!

First, let’s talk about the history of the corgi

Yeah, history’s boring.

But this is important to understand the rest of this article.

Corgis were first thought to have originated from Cardiganshire, Wales around 1200 BCE. They were used as herding dogs for over 300 years.

AKC recognition

Since then, they were recognized by the AKC in 1934 at the same time with the Bullmastiff, Lakeland Terrier, and Brittany Terrier.

We’re talking about the Pembroke Corgi here, which is the younger breed of between the two (the other being the Cardigan).

The Queen

Ever since then, there hasn’t been much news about corgis. Other than the Queen.

Since 1933, Queen Elizabeth II owned at least one corgi at any given time, at least until last year.

Whenever the Queen made the news, her dogs were shown alongside her multiple times.

Corgis become popular

Of course, given her popularity for the Royals, this quickly gave corgis a name to be recognized globally.

This popularity chart from Google Trends clearly shows an uptick in corgi interest over time. In just the course of 14 years, corgi popularity has nearly doubled.

Did you know: Corgis became the most popular in August 2017, reaching an all-time high in search volume since 2004.

Rise to popularity

Ever since then, corgis have maintained their popularity. and it doesn’t look like the corgi breed will be declining anytime soon.

The AKC noted that corgis because the 15th most popular dog breed in 2017, so this aligned perfectly with the chart above.

Before that, corgis were ranked the following:

• 2017: 15th place
• 2016: 18th place
• 2015: 20th place
• 2014: 22nd place
• 2014: 24th place

This means that corgis hit their high point in 2017 and have slightly declined in popularity since then.

But why are they popular?

Who knows. Lots of reasons. Most of them accommodate modern people.

The corgi is a modern dog that’s suitable for a variety of people.

1. Corgis are fit for apartments

This means that they can be adapted for apartments and homes.

This allows them to be kept for many dog owners that normally wouldn’t be able to own a dog.

2. Corgis are friendly and good with kids

Now families that have kids can also own a dog.

Again, this makes them available to many families.

Corgis are smart. This means easy to train and easy to housebreak, even though they can be stubborn.

3. Corgis are good guard dogs

Even though they’re small, they pack a punch.

They don’t care about how big the enemy is. If something doesn’t look right, you can be sure that your corgi can catch the problem and start barking.

4. Corgis are easy to feed

Even though each dog has preferences and transitioning foods can be troublesome, corgis have voracious appetites and eat like crazy.

They’re prone to overeating, but at the same time, that makes it easy to feed them. Just be careful of your food portions.

5. Corgis are cute

No explanation needed. This dog appeals to people all over the world.

With their extended dachshund body and lowrider, stocky feet, and pointy ears, they’re hard to resist.

This just makes them all the more desirable.

For the casual person, how “cute” a dog appears to be is everything.

So this makes a huge difference in popularity and desirability. And corgis are no exception. Even though corgis shed like crazy, that’s just corgi glitter.

6. They’re trending on social media

Ask anyone that owns a corgi about what happens when they bring their dog out.

Kids and adults both ask to take pictures or pet the dog. For some reason, the memes, attention, and crowds this dog breed draws is just crazy.

This is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more popular the dog, the more attention the dog will draw.

Further reading

Some additional resources that you may find useful:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgis: 7 Fun Facts About the Dog Breed – AKC
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed – Facts and Traits -Hill’s Pet
• Welsh Corgi – Wikipedia

No wonder why corgis are so popular

With reasons like these, it’s pretty obvious why corgis are all the rage nowadays.

They’re accessible to nearly all families, suitable for apartments, pairs well with kids, make good guard dogs, and of course, are cute dogs.

With all the media publicity they’re receiving, we should expect corgis to maintain their popularity.