Corgis: Big Dogs in Small Bodies

The Corgi is a large dog in a small body. This characteristic is most often heard from the owners of these dogs. It’s amazing how such a medium-sized animal contains so much love, cheerfulness, sociability, and devotion to man. And in terms of intelligence and intuition, the corgi will give odds to many recognized human assistants from among large service dogs. Excellent character, amazing artistic ability, charming appearance allowed the representatives of the breed to win love in many countries of the world. It is becoming more and more popular with us.

Brief Information

• Breed name: Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Welsh Corgi Cardigan
• Country of origin: United Kingdom
• Time of origin of the breed: X century
• Weight: Pembrokes – up to 13.5 kg, Cardigans – up to 17 kg.
• Height (height at the withers): 25-30 cm
• Life span: 9-15 Years

Highlights

• Corgi is a dog ideal for a large and friendly family. Feels great both in a city apartment and in suburban housing.
• The main character traits of the animal are cheerfulness, benevolence, and activity. With an almost complete absence of aggressive behavior, the corgi is a brave dog with a highly developed intelligence.
• The Corgi is a breed of dog that is in dire need of human society. Keeping her on the street, and even more so on a leash, is absolutely unacceptable.
• The Corgi is very sensitive to the mood of its owners and will never bother you out of place.
• They are very active and love outdoor games, they are easy to teach.
• Corgi’s love for children has already become a legend. You can leave even a baby with him without any fear – the Corgi will perfectly endure all his pranks.
• As a true herding dog, Corgis love and know how to work in a team. They are not inclined to dominate, but only the owner will obey, who treats them with understanding and love. A hysterical, nervous, and quick-tempered person can hardly count on the love and friendship of the Corgi – this dog is too smart.
• Taking care of the animal is simple. Bathing is infrequent, as the wool is water-repellent and does not collect dirt. Systematic grooming is required only twice a year – during active molting. Nutrition – balanced. Keeping in mind the tendency of the Corgi to overeat, you need to control the amount of food.
• The Corgi body structure requires close attention to the nature of the physical activity. To avoid spinal injuries, you must avoid jumping from a height to the ground. Many breeders recommend protecting puppies from going downstairs. It is not recommended to use a harness, it is better to immediately train the dog to the collar. Toilet filler should not be too soft. Ideally, if it is a special orthopedic mattress.
• People who are going to become breeders should know that this breed is difficult to breed, so you should consult with experts in order to soberly assess your strength and make the right decision.

History of the Corgi Breed

The Corgi breed is an expensive and rare breed, appreciated by dog ​​lovers all over the world. She developed and formed in England. There is a legend that points to the otherworldly, fabulous origin of these dogs. Well, this amusing fairy tale sounds like this:

one evening, the children (brother and sister) were returning home from a walk and in the open field saw two small animals like foxes. Coming closer, they saw that they were not foxes at all, but small dogs, more precisely, puppies. They took adorable babies in their arms and carried them home. The puppies had an unusual coat color, short legs, funny erect ears, and marks on the back. Then dad and mom explained that these were not simple puppies and that they had left them in the fairy field. According to the parents, the fairies used these animals to drag their carriages in the night sky, and sometimes they installed the saddle right on the back of the animal, from which the marks appeared.

Of course, this is just a legend, a fairy tale, but there is also an official story that says that this breed appeared in England after visiting the Vikings. The Vallhund, or Swedish Cattle Dog, was brought to Wales by the Vikings around the 9th century, and most experts believe the Vallhund was the progenitor of the Welsh Corgi. But there are opinions claiming that the breed originated from dogs brought by Flemish weavers.

Now no one uses this breed to graze sheep – given the cost of one dog, this would be a huge luxury. Well, or each of the sheep should have a golden fleece instead of regular wool. The breed is favored by the family of Queen Elizabeth of England – Her Majesty is a fan of these lovely pets.

Appearance

Under the name “Corgi” there are two breeds at once – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These dogs are similar to each other, but there are differences between them.

Representatives of both breeds are small in size, with large heads, elongated bodies on short and thin limbs. Ears of both are quite large, stand upright, but in Cardigans, they are somewhat larger and more noticeably rounded.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is slightly smaller. The average weight of adult males is around 13.5 kg, while more massive Cardigans can weigh up to 17 kg. The Pembrokes have a straight topline, the front legs are straight and parallel, the hind legs are powerful and strong. In Cardigans, the croup is slightly sloping, the front part of the body is more massive than the back, and the front legs are slightly turned outward.

Another important point: the representatives of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi have low-set long fluffy tails. The Pembroke tail is different: also long, cropped, or short from birth (natural bobtails).

Coat and Color

The Corgi has a straight coat with a good dense undercoat. It is never soft and wavy. The Corgi’s color is red, light red, black, and tan with possible light markings on the chest, neck, and legs (tricolor), sable. The breed standard allows white markings on the head and muzzle.

Personality

All owners of dogs of the Corgi breed almost unanimously speak about the wonderful character of these small shepherd dogs. Among the main features are the activity of the animal, its high intelligence, and amazing friendliness to the representatives of the human race. If Corgis can still allow themselves to display some alertness and aggressiveness towards other dogs, then they almost never growl or bark at a person.

Initially, Corgis were exclusively herding dogs. It is an activity that requires endurance, quick wits, and teamwork skills. Many people are sincerely surprised by the very high activity of Corgi, who loves to run, frolic and even have fun fooling around, despite his seemingly not entirely conducive to such a pastime. Neither modest size nor short legs hinder him in this occupation.

Corgis are dogs who know how to truly enjoy life. It seems that these cute dogs simply do not know what blues and bad moods are. Communicating with the owner, walking, and even work – everything gives the dogs pleasure. Their smiling face, full of enthusiasm and optimism cannot leave anyone indifferent.

A social creature like the Corgi still needs to be looked for. They do not just love the owner and strive to be near him. They want to be with their person always. Whatever you do, your pet will be there. The dogs of this wonderful breed have one interesting feature – they love to touch the owner with their paws or nudge him with their nose. The corgi sits down next to you and gently touches you several times in a row with a short interval of time as if hinting that there is simply no more interesting activity than talking to such an extremely attractive and intelligent dog. However, if you do not respond to these signs of attention, the beast will understand (not the fact that right away) that he will have to wait. Fearing to miss the moment when the owner is free, Corgi will languish from loneliness and forgetfulness, lying at your feet.

Corgis love children very much. They skillfully endure all manifestations of children’s delight and intense games. No matter how active they were bumped, kissed, pressed, the animal will never show even the slightest hint of aggression towards the child.

Corgis consider themselves obligated to be aware of all the events happening around them. This dog will even try to choose a place to sleep in the middle of the room or right on the aisle so that in case of need it will be right there.

Shepherd’s work has developed another characteristic feature of this breed – fearlessness. If the ancestors were not afraid to engage in battle with wolves, then your pet, without any hesitation or hesitation, will rush into battle even with an enemy that is significantly larger in size.

Corgis are surprisingly talkative, they express their emotions not only by barking. Corgis are not bad singers. If they are overwhelmed with positive feelings, then a kind of roulades in different versions can last long enough. Those who have been deprived of vocal talents by nature are manifested with the help of a variety of sounds: grunting, “grunting”, squealing and even muttering. They do this so expressively that the owner has no other choice but to enter into a dialogue with his pet.

Corgi’s voice is difficult to distinguish from a large dog. Bark they are loud and at low notes, which does not quite correspond to their small size.

The instincts of this dog require that all living things around him be controlled, organized, and move only in the right direction. It is from here that the Corgi, especially young ones, have a habit of biting people from behind on the legs and heels. In the absence of geese or sheep, the role of “wards” is determined by the members of your family who will have to endure such manifestations of the character of the breed. It is not difficult to wean a pet from this habit, you just need to show consistency and perseverance.

Corgis love to eat. This is also genetically inherent. The work of a shepherd required a lot of energy, and they could only be restored with a hearty snack. Modern dogs have fewer worries, but the love of food has remained the same, it is another matter that overeating in the absence of active work will negatively affect the dog’s health, primarily on the spine.

With all the common features, each pet has a number of individual characteristics. Someone is calmer, someone is more playful, someone is more hooligan than relatives. But whatever dog you get, you can be sure: your Corgi will grow up to be a loyal, smart, and courageous friend!

Training

Looking at this small dog, it might seem strange to recommend referring to the literature on raising and training a German Shepherd. Experienced dog handlers claim that these breeds have very similar psychological portraits.

Before you bring your baby home, do the following:

• put shoes in places inaccessible to the puppy;
• try to hide electrical wires, internet and telephone cables behind furniture, pack them in boxes or under skirting boards;
• roll up carpets, because it is easier to remove a puddle or pile from the floor;
• stock up on enough toys and materials that your dog can chew on without harm to health.

Until the dog understands what is good and what is bad, some time will pass, and such precautions will not be superfluous at all.

The main principle of raising Corgi is categorical and consistent. Once something forbidden should not be allowed later.

As for the training rules, they are quite simple. No special technique has been developed for these dogs, as they are naturally intelligent and quick-witted. First of all, the puppy needs to be taught to respond to its own name. Call Corgi to you more often, talk to him, calling name. All members of your family should do the same.

Since the training process is perceived by the Corgi as a game, then the tone of communication with the puppy should be team-playful. It is very important to choose the right intonation color for this or that team. Be sure to praise your pet, even if it does not work out well at first. Patience, persistence, and love are the ingredients of success.

Specialized training courses, if necessary, it makes sense to start when Corgi reaches the age of four months. It is better if a professional will help you with this.

Conditions of Detention

Animals quickly get used to any conditions of life, be it a small apartment or a country house. They have a good, dense undercoat that protects them from the cold in winter and from the heat in summer, but this does not mean at all that you can keep Corgi outside. It’s still more of an indoor dog breed, and it is better for her to be in the house.

If you live in a city apartment, try to provide your pet with good physical activity.

Setting up a dog’s place is not difficult. For this, any unnecessary pillow is suitable, on which you can put on a pillowcase and change it as it gets dirty. If this option does not suit you, purchase a special house for your pet at the pet store.

Keeping in mind the natural activity of the Corgi, buy enough toys for your pet.

When buying a Corgi, be prepared to devote as much of your time to him as he needs it so badly.

Care

Despite the fact that the Corgi is a rather expensive breed, you will not find any particularly difficult requirements for caring for it. There is practically no characteristic smell from these dogs, so bathing is often not required. True, given that the dog has short legs, it will not be possible to avoid water procedures in rainy weather. For bathing, use only special high-quality shampoos, and do not forget to thoroughly rinse the remaining detergents from the wool. To make the Corgi less dirty, many owners buy special overalls.

From hygiene procedures, it is important not to forget to cut your pet’s claws at regular intervals (at least once a week). During manipulation, do not forget to cut the hair between the toes. Also, keep your dog’s ears clean and clean them as they become dirty.

Caring for your coat is extremely simple. The Corgi sheds twice a year, during this time try to brush the dog thoroughly every day. At other times it is enough to brush the dog sometimes.

Feeding

In terms of diet, many breeders suggest opting for premium dry food. If you decide to give preference to natural products, then it should be remembered that the main task is to provide your pet with a balanced diet. The diet must include meat products (with the exception of poultry), cereals, eggs (at least twice a week), low-fat cottage cheese. It is better not to use legumes (lentils, peas) and pearl barley for feeding Corgi. Don’t forget to include vegetable dishes in your pet’s diet. It is unnecessary to remind you of the constant availability of clean water.

Health

Corgi cannot be attributed to the pampered breed suffering from numerous diseases. This is a strong working hardy dog. If you vaccinate your pet in a timely manner and in full and regularly visit a veterinarian, then there will be no special health problems.

However, animals still have a number of “weak links”. Dogs of this breed often have problems with the eyes and ears, so preventive visits to the doctor are necessary. As a child, Corgis sometimes suffer from narcolepsy. This is a rare disease, which manifests itself in the fact that the dog suddenly falls asleep for no reason. The main thing at this moment is to protect the baby from sharp loud sounds.

Another risk area is the back. Corgi is a short-footed dog and quite long, so problems with intervertebral discs are possible. Try not to let your pet jump from a height to the ground. Anyway, any jumps are not for this dog. His element is running.

Corgis love to eat very much. To avoid any health complications due to obesity, monitor your Corgi’s diet, and exercise control.

Another common problem for Corgi is hip dysplasia. This disease is inherited, therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the joints from an early age.

How to Choose a Puppy

Buying a pet on the market is a priori failure. Buying a Corgi over the internet is just as dubious. There is only one way out – to contact a well-known breeder or a nursery that breeds this particular breed.

Keeping in mind that Corgi is a breed of dogs, where 75-80% of hereditary traits (health, character, appearance) the puppy receives from the mother, buy a little Corgi from a well-proven girl dog.

Be sure to pay attention to the temperament and character of the baby. The puppy should be funny, curious, and even somewhat intrusive, he should be interested in everything.

A purebred dog must necessarily have a puppy card indicating the organization under whose jurisdiction the breeder or nursery selling you the animal falls. In addition, there must be a veterinary passport with notes about all vaccinations carried out.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to the conditions in which his parents are kept, ask about their achievements in a show career, lifestyle (apartment or suburban maintenance).

As for external signs, then:

• you should not be embarrassed that the ears of a one and a half-month-old Corgi may not yet stand – they will certainly take an upright position after a while;
• the eyes of the baby Corgi are always dark in color and round in shape;
• the expression of the muzzle should be mischievous and sly – “fox”, which is very much appreciated in the breed.

When you first meet a Corgi, you should feel like this is your puppy. And even if it’s the last in the litter, buy it without a doubt. He is the last one not because he is bad, but because he was waiting for you!