About Corgis
About the Breed
The questions listed below are those most frequently asked by people who have, or would like to have a Corgi as a pet. The questions (and answers) are general in nature; if you have specific questions or need assistance with topics not covered here, we suggest that you contact the breeder from whom you purchased your Corgi, or, if you are still in research mode, contact a breeder in your area.
Download a brochure on the breed: English or French
What kind of temperament do they have?
Corgis are often described by the phrase “big dog in a small package” since they do tend to have a “big dog” outlook on life. Corgis are herding dogs, and were also bred as an “all-purpose farm dog”. They tend to be loyal, sometimes protective (as is typical of the herding breeds) and most of all, live to be with their people!!
Personality styles range from the cuddly couch potato to the energizer bunny investigator. A good breeder will try to match your lifestyle to the puppy with the right temperament.
I have children. Are Corgis good with children?
Corgis can be great dogs with children, as long as your children are good with them! Young children should never be left alone with any dog, for the safety of both dog and child.
Which is better, a male or female Corgi?
There is little significant difference between the sexes in terms of temperament as they all generally share a loving nature. They are, of course, individuals and, like people, have their own personalities, regardless of sex. Generally though, if you have more than one Corgi, having one of each sex tends to be the recommended route.
What colours do Corgis come in?
Corgis come in Red and White, Sable (a darker reddish-brown with black ticking) and Tricolour ( black, white and tan/red). See the colours
Are Corgis hypoallergenic?
No, they are not!
Do Corgis shed?
The joke goes, “Yes, twice a year. From January to June and then from June to December.” Actually the amount and timing of shedding varies greatly from Corgi to Corgi. Being double-coated, some shed copious amounts of undercoat twice a year; others shed at a slow steady rate all year long. Spaying or neutering can sometimes affect a Corgi’s shedding pattern.
How much grooming does a Corgi need?
Corgis need their nails trimmed and their coat brushed weekly. Since they sport an “all-weather” coat, it does tend to repel dirt to a certain extent, and bathing is recommended only occasionally, as needed.
How much exercise does a Corgi need?
Adult Corgis need to be walked at least twice a day (puppies more frequently) in addition to enjoying some form of playtime (ball toss, frisbee throw, etc) as well. A fit, well-built Corgi is a healthy, happy dog!
What should I feed my Corgi and how much?
Corgis are food efficient, and it is important to keep a Corgi in proper weight. You should consult your breeder for recommendations on what, how much and how often to feed your dog. Never follow the instructions on the food package!
I heard Corgis get back problems easily. Is that true?
Corgis are not long-backed dogs - they are medium-sized dogs with short legs (they are true dwarfs), giving the illusion of a long back. Keeping your Corgi fit and in good weight will help avoid many health problems.
How long will my Corgi live?
Corgis generally live 10-15 years.
Do Corgis bark a lot?
Some Corgis do bark a lot, others are very quiet. Some barking is a form of warning and a function of the protective nature of the breed, however, excessive barking should be addressed with proper training.
What is the difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis?
Pembrokes and Cardigans are two separate and distinct breeds with many differences in physical and temperament characteristics. In general, the Pembroke is a slightly smaller dog, with slightly pointed ears (as opposed to the rounded and larger ear of the Cardigan), and the Pembroke is a docked breed in this country (as opposed to their fully tailed cousins) It is beyond the scope of this forum to address all of the individual traits which characterize the two breeds.
Do Corgis have any health issues?
Fortunately, the breed as a whole tends to be very healthy. Good breeders will test for genetic health issues to which the breed is predisposed, and will discuss those with any potential purchasers. Please check out our Health information here.
I don’t really want a puppy. Is it possible to get an adult Corgi?
Breeders occasionally have adult show dogs or retired breeding animals who are looking for their “forever” home. The advantage of these dogs is they are generally very well mannered and used to many different situations. Alternatively, various Corgi rescue groups may from time to time have adult dogs looking for a new family