Welcoming a new furry friend into your home is a delightful experience. But you might be thinking: is it hard to raise a corgi? It is a question many new dog owners have.
Corgis are relatively easy to raise, and their small size makes them a great fit for many homes. But there are a number of challenges you need to know about.
In this article, I’ll explore the joys and potential difficulties of raising a corgi and give you the lowdown on everything I’ve learnt about raising a corgi.
Why raise a corgi?
Corgis come in two main varieties: Pembroke Welsh corgis and Cardigan Welsh corgis.
You can read all about the differences between them here.
They have gained fame around the world through their association with the British Royal Family. In particular, through the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was a longtime enthusiast of the breed.
Their distinctive appearance, characterised by short legs, long bodies, and expressive faces, makes them stand out among breeds. And their friendly personality and playful spirit are great reasons to get one for you home.
Pros of raising a corgi
1. Corgis are smart
Corgis are highly intelligent dogs. They excel in obedience training and are quick learners, making them a joy to train. Their intelligence makes them suitable for lots of activities, from basic commands to advanced tricks and even agility training.
2. Corgis are adaptable
Corgis are adaptable to many different living situations. Whether you reside in a spacious house with a yard or a compact apartment, corgis can adjust, provided they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Corgis are affectionate
With an affectionate and loyal nature, corgis form strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of a family. Their friendly disposition makes them great with children, and they can be wonderful family pets.
4. Corgis are easy to groom
The corgi’s coat, while double-layered, is surprisingly low maintenance. Regular brushing helps control shedding, and baths can be kept to a minimum unless absolutely necessary. This is a bonus for those who prefer a dog that doesn’t require constant grooming.
5. Corgis make good watchdogs
Corgis may be small, but their alertness and protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs. They will often bark to alert their owners of any potential intruders or unusual activities.
Cons of raising a corgi
1. Corgis have heaps of energy
Corgis are an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Their herding background means they have a strong work ethic and thrive when given a job to do. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they may become bored and potentially engage in destructive behaviours.
2. Corgis have a stubborn streak
While intelligent, corgis can be a bit stubborn. They may choose not to follow commands if they find them uninteresting or if they sense that they can get away with it. Consistent and positive training methods are crucial to managing their independent streak.
3. Corgis have specific health issues
Like many purebred dogs, corgis are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, back problems, and obesity.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help mitigate these concerns, but prospective owners should be aware of the breed’s predispositions.
4. Corgis like to herd
Corgis were first bred as herding dogs, and this instinct is deeply ingrained in their behaviour.
This may manifest in attempts to herd family members, especially children, by nipping at their heels. Early training and socialisation are essential to manage this instinct.
5. Corgis can often overeat and gain weight
Corgis love to eat. So, they have a tendency to gain weight. Which by itself, would be ok. But their long bodies make them susceptible to spine issues.
Maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring they get enough exercise is crucial to preventing obesity-related problems.
How to pick the right corgi to make it easier to raise?
Selecting the ideal corgi puppy involves more than just falling for those irresistibly cute faces. Consider factors such as temperament, health history, and breeder reputation. You need to ask your breeder lots of questions.
A reputable breeder will provide detailed information about the puppy’s lineage, health vaccinations, and socialisation experiences.
When choosing between a puppy or adult corgi, consider that puppies require more time and patience for training and socialisation. Adult corgis may come with some training and be less demanding in terms of time and attention.
Corgis are generally affectionate, intelligent, and well-suited for families. If you pick a corgi that is scared, anxious or aggressive, they are going to be much harder for you to raise.
How to take care of your corgi? 6 tips to better raise your dog
1. Regular exercise for your corgi
To make sure a corgi stays happy and healthy, it’s important to make sure they get enough exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes or more of activity every day.
This can include taking them for walks, playing with them, and giving them toys that engage their minds and bodies. Regular exercise helps them use up their extra energy and keeps them from getting bored, which is good for their overall well-being.
2. Train with positive reinforcement – no negativity!
Corgis like it when you encourage them with positive training. You can use treats, praise, and play to motivate them. It’s important to be consistent with how you train them.
When they’re young, it’s really important to introduce them to different places and situations. This helps them behave well in various settings. It’s called early socialisation, and it’s a key part of making sure your corgi is well-behaved.
3. A balanced diet keeps them healthy
Keep a close eye on what your corgi eats to make sure they don’t gain too much weight.
Pick a good-quality dog food that’s right for their age and size. Also, be careful with how much you feed them – around a cup and a half a day is a good amount. This helps them stay at a healthy weight and be happy.
4. Regular grooming for your corgi
Corgis don’t need a lot of grooming, but it’s important to brush them regularly to control shedding. Keep an eye on their ears, teeth, and nails too. Every now and then, give them a bath when it’s necessary. This helps keep your corgi clean and comfortable.
5. Lots of mental stimulation
Keep your corgi’s brain active and happy with puzzle toys, games, and training.
Puzzle toys make them think, interactive games are fun and get them moving, and training strengthens your bond while keeping them mentally sharp. It’s like giving their minds a good workout to prevent boredom!
6. Health monitoring
Keep an eye out for signs that something might be up with your corgi’s health, like limping, changes in behavior, or weight gain.
Taking them to the vet regularly for check-ups is important. This helps catch any health problems early, so they can be taken care of, and your corgi can stay healthy and live a longer life.
Final thoughts on raising a corgi
Raising a corgi can be really fulfilling if you’re ready for their unique needs.
Corgis are smart, affectionate, and adaptable, making them awesome companions. But, they have a lot of energy, can be a bit stubborn, and might have health issues, so you need to be committed and responsible as an owner.
If you understand the ups and downs of having a corgi and take proactive steps, you can build a loving and satisfying connection with your furry friend.
With the right care, a corgi isn’t just a pet but becomes a beloved part of your family, bringing happiness and laughter to your home for a long time.
