Here’s What You Need To Know About Corgis

Corgis have been increasingly popular due to tons of dog celebrities online like Maxine Fluffyroad and Geordi La Corgi & Scotty. In fact, they’re so lovable that Queen Elizabeth has owned 14 generations of Corgis. 

Their short legs, thick fur, and adorable faces are what make them so desirable. Corgis have become so popular that they jumped from 24th in ranking back in 2008 all the way up to 11th in 2020 according to the American Kennel Club. 

Are you interested to know more about this breed? Do you have plans of getting a Corgi but are still doing your own research before making the decision? Read this article to learn more about this adorable breed.

Fact #1: There are 2 types of Corgis

There are 2 types of Corgi breeds namely the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Physically, the two almost look similar, but they have a few notable characteristics that can make you tell them apart.

First of all, the ones you see all over the internet that are “bootylicious” and have cute, short tails are the Pembroke Welsh. Furthermore, the Pembroke Welsh usually have their tails docked 2-5 days after birth due to breed standards. These are the type of Corgis the Queen owns as well.

The Cardigan Welsh, on the other hand, are the lesser known of the two. Although they still have short legs and a long body, they’re slightly bigger than their counterparts. They have a long, bushy tail, similar to that of a fox.

The Cardigan Welsh’s ears are also longer and more oblong, while the Pembroke’s ears are more pointy.

Fact #2: They were originally bred as herding dogs

Both breeds of Corgis come from different origins, but they were both bred as herding dogs. Both of them were bred to be used by farmers to guide the cattle and guard the barnyard.

They escort cows to common grazing land, watch over them, and ensure that they get home just in time for milking.

Their physical characteristics of short legs and a long body make it quick for them to move around and avoid getting hit by cattle. And because of how short they are, it’s easy for them to nip at the heels of the cattle to keep them moving. 

Furthermore, people utilized the Corgi’s short legs to their maximum potential and had them perform other tasks such as rodent control, guarding over other livestock, and protecting their human families.

Today, although Corgis are rarely used as herding dogs, their intelligence and agility still prove to be useful in dog events such as agility, obedience, and conformation.

Fact #3: The word “Corgi” literally means “dwarf dog”

Although the origin of the word “Corgi” isn’t completely confirmed, it is said that the Welsh combined the word “cor” which means dwarf with “gi” which means dog in their language.

Some also say that the breed’s name is derived from another Welsh word, “curgi”, which means to watch over or gather, which describes their role as herding dogs.

Regardless of the breed name’s origin, “dwarf dog” and “to watch over” are perfect terms to describe this adorable and highly intelligent dog, don’t you think?

Fact #4: They are great family dogs

Corgis are very smart, energetic and loyal. And not only are they amazing herding dogs, but they’re great family companions as well!

They’re great with children, and those big ears of theirs not only make them cute, but make them great guard dogs as well due to their sharp hearing senses. 

Not only do they have great personalities, but their size makes it convenient for you to bring them around. Plus, you don’t need a huge space to own one of these small house dogs.

Furthermore, Pembrokes are known to be the more energetic of the two breeds, while Cardigans can be a bit more laid back and quiet. No wonder Pembrokes love to be in the spotlight on social media!

Regardless of which one of the two you choose, you’re sure to have a loyal friend and constant companion!

Fact #5: Corgis are low-maintenance

Because of their history as herding breeds, Corgis have been bred to be low-maintenance. They don’t have that many health problems and need to be bathed just like other low-maintenance dogs.

The general rule of thumb is to bathe them once a month, but this will also depend on how dirty they are and where they have been.

Furthermore, they have a lifespan of 12-15 years, which means they have plenty of time with you. 

Do note however that low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. You still need to keep them active since they’re high-energy dogs. Walking and playing with them will help them stay healthy as overweight dogs will have more health complications. 

Fact #6: They are expensive dogs

Yes, Corgis are low-maintenance, but be prepared to splurge a bit because they can be quite expensive!

These dogs can range from $600-1,200 depending on the area. Some can even go as high as $4,000 if their parents are from a champion bloodline.

The fact, however, is that they aren’t that expensive once you own one. They are only expensive when you choose to buy one from a breeder. Breeders price them so high because of how popular they are! 

And despite these exorbitant prices, you still see people spending a huge amount just to get their hands on a Corgi. No wonder breeders still choose to price them so high. 

If buying a Corgi from a breeder is too expensive, adopting dogs from a local shelter is another great option. You may even find a purebred one there. And not only will adopting save you money, you’ll be able to give a dog a second chance at life too.

Fact #7 Corgis shed a lot

Shedding is a natural process that all dogs go through. Corgis are no exception – they will shed their hair coat twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.

And there are a few things you can do to help minimize the amount of shedding they experience. First, make sure they get plenty of exercise – this will help release any excess hair that they may be holding onto.

Secondly, brush them regularly with a good quality dog brush – this will help loosen and remove any dead hair.

Finally, consider using an antistatic coat spray or powder – these can help to reduce the amount of static electricity in their coat, which can make shedding worse.

So, what are your thoughts on the Corgi breed after reading this blog post?