Corgi breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Corgis
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Corgi breed
Corgis are an adorable and distinctive breed known for their short legs, long bodies, and expressive faces. They originally hail from Wales and were traditionally herding dogs, specifically bred for herding cattle. Corgis were historically believed to be the preferred mounts of fairy warriors in Welsh folklore.
There are two main breeds of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more commonly seen and lacks a tail, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a long tail.
Weight, height and life expectancy
On average, Corgis stand about 25-30cm tall and weigh between 11-14kg.
Corgis can live for about 12-14 years.
What is the temperament of a Corgi like?
Corgis are known for their big personalities and are often described as intelligent, bold, and affectionate. They form strong bonds with their families and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised.
Corgis have a natural herding instinct, which can manifest as nipping at heels or attempting to herd other animals or even family members. Early socialisation and training are important to help manage and channel this behaviour appropriately.
They are alert and make excellent watchdogs, often sounding the alarm when they sense something out of the ordinary.
Our Corgi Community
“Howie is our little ray of sunshine. Will happily snuggle on your lap, or spoon lay like a human next to you in the quilt at night. Clever but daft as a brush! Loves belly and ear scratches. He loves food especially sausages! Very clumsy! Falls over pavement curbs with style, good at forgetting how long he is and slinking off the sofa.”
Howie’s owner, Beth from Lincolnshire
"Luna and Dinky love long walks, belly scratches, and running after a ball. Luna is very active and loves to play fetch and swim. Dinky is a bit more lazy and loves a cuddle and a nap. They can be a bit hyper until you’ve given them a walk, then they will sleep for most of the afternoon. They are incredibly affectionate and love to play with each other and other dogs."
Luna and Dinky’s owner, Jennifer from London
How much exercise does a Corgi need?
Corgis have moderate exercise needs and typically at least 1 hour of exercise per day. Regular exercise is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, as Corgis are an active and intelligent breed. Daily walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive toys are great ways to provide exercise and mental enrichment for Corgis.
It's important to note that Corgi puppies have different exercise requirements. As puppies, they should engage in shorter play and exercise sessions to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing joints and muscles. Corgis generally reach full exercise capacity at around 12 to 18 months of age. Consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Corgi's age and development.
Need an extra hand exercising your Corgi? Find a local borrower today.
Do Corgis need a lot of grooming?
Corgis have a double coat consisting of a thick, weather-resistant outer coat and a dense, insulating undercoat. Their coat sheds moderately throughout the year and undergoes heavier shedding twice a year during seasonal coat changes.
Regular brushing, at least two to three times a week, is important to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the increased hair loss. Corgis have a tendency to accumulate dirt and debris in their coats, so occasional baths are also necessary to keep them clean and smelling fresh.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Corgis easy to train?
Corgis are generally intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewards, praise, and treats. However, Corgis can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak, so consistent and patient training techniques are necessary.
Starting training and socialisation early is crucial for Corgis to develop good manners and appropriate behaviour. Their herding instinct may also need to be managed and directed through training. Providing mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle games, and training sessions can help keep Corgis engaged and mentally sharp.
Want to experience spending time with a Corgi to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Corgi near you.
What do Corgis eat?
Corgis should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer and adjust the portion sizes as needed to maintain a healthy weight. Most do well being fed twice daily.
Corgi puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and should be fed a specially formulated puppy diet until they reach approximately 12 months of age. Most puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, when it should be reduced to twice daily.
The transition to adult dog food should be gradual and based on the advice of your vet. Corgis are known to have a tendency to gain weight, so it's important to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding or excessive treats. Regular visits to the vet can help ensure that your Corgi maintains a healthy weight and receives appropriate dietary guidance.
Are Corgis healthy?
Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Corgis include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
Urinary
Bladder Stones - Stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Corgi or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Corgis are an energetic, intelligent breed with a strong herding instinct, but they are also prone to obesity due to their compact size and love of food. Regular walks, mental stimulation through puzzle toys, and a vet-recommended diet will keep your Corgi healthy and happy.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
