Did you just welcome a new Corgi into your home? Are you thinking about it? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Whether your new furry friend is a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog, we have the information you need to properly train and care for him or her. This guide is tailored mostly to Pembroke Welsh Corgis and was compiled with new dog owners in mind, but we also have tips and tricks for seasoned fur parents and those new to this breed.
Your guide to Corgis
Corgis are strong and lively herders, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are great house dogs given that they have a small stature and make good companions. Corgis are easy to train and very loyal. They’re incredible watchdogs and can help keep your household safe with their bark, which typically sounds like it’s coming from a large dog.
You can adopt a Corgi at an animal shelter or find a breeder. It’s important to look for breeders that can provide detailed health records of their puppies (and parents!) as well as genetic testing for health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) maintains a voluntary database of Corgis and their health screening results.
Fun facts
Here are some fun facts about Corgis, according to the Dogtime:
- Corgis were originally bred to herd horses
- This breed tends to overeat, so regular exercise is very important
- Pembroke Corgis are double-coated and have a thick undercoat and longer topcoat
- Corgis come in two different breeds: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Physical characteristics
Corgis are built “long and low,” according to the AKC and stand at about 10 or 12 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh about 30 pounds and boast short strong legs and muscular thighs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi often has a natural bobtail, that is, they are born without a tail! This is due to a mutation in the T gene.
Bringing your new Corgi home
Whether you’re adding a puppy or a dog to your family, it’s important to remember that everything is new to your furry friend. When you bring the pup home for the first time, ensure your house is fairly quiet so your pooch can get used to his or her surroundings without any anxiety; you were both probably a bit nervous about the change anyway. You want your pup to explore and learn about your family, according to puppyintraining.com.
Did you name your dog yet? Teaching your pup his or her name should be one of the first things you do. It’s easy, just continuously refer to the pup as Rex or Sparky or whatever the name may be. What’s not so easy is training the pup. You may want to get help with this by enrolling your new Corgi in a training group or get your own personal trainer. This will help get your puppy going to the bathroom in the right places, keep him or her from eating your favorite shoes, stop excessive barking or whining, and much more. Dogs make some funky sounds don’t they? Click here to learn more about dog sounds.
Nutrition
A balanced diet is vital to your dog’s growth and health, according to the ASPCA, and portion control is key. Especially for this breed given their tendency to overeat.
It’s okay to give your dog commercial pet foods, just be sure to read the label and ensure that what you’re buying is based on your dog’s caloric needs.
“Barring any special needs, illness-related deficiencies, or instructions from your vet, your pet should be able to get all the nutrients he or she needs from high-quality commercial pet foods, which are specially formulated with these standards in mind,” the ASPCA reported.
You should also keep in mind that a dog’s diet needs to be altered as they grow. A puppy should have a different diet than an adult or senior dog, and adult dogs should have a different diet than senior dogs.
The best thing you can do for your pup when it comes to diet is talk to your veterinarian about a meal plan.
Playtime
Corgis love physical activity and should exercise every day. With their short legs, it can be tough for them to go on a long run, but they would be great on a long walk! Your Corgi would love a job to do, so if you want to extend your playtime beyond a light jog or walk, hide one of their toys so they can hunt for it.
Corgis love herding, obedience, tracking, and agility, the AKC reported.
Grooming
Corgis have a thick coat that is weatherproof. Their coat has two layers: a soft, light undercoat and a coarse outer coat. They need to be brushed every day and have extra baths during shedding season.
You should trim your Corgis nails often and ensure that their ears are clean.
Health & aging
Do you know your pup’s birthday? Never miss a celebration with your four-legged friend! And keep in mind that you’ll need to care for him or her differently as your pup ages.
Corgis have a lifespan of about 11-13 years, according to PetMD. Your dog is considered a senior pup after turning 8. Make sure you’ve had your pup tested with Embark so you’re armed with as much information as possible to ensure your dog is healthy and to sidestep any preventable disease that may come your way.
An Embark Dog DNA Test looks at the following health conditions in Pembroke Welsh Corgis:
We hope that this guide helps you with your Corgi and that you remain happy together for years to come! However, we know that the only bad part of having a pup is losing them. If you are grieving and in need of a resource, click here for a relevant blog post.
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