Before I got a Corgi, I wish I knew just how much they barked and how much grooming they needed. I wish I knew how much physical exercise they required and how bored they would get without stimulation. More than that, I wish I knew how badly they’d break my heart.
I love my Corgis. They are the best thing that ever happened to me and I have nothing but love for them. But that doesn’t mean they were always easy. They’re silly, stubborn dogs who need a lot of training and can be a handful. For such small creatures, it’s impressive how loud and defiant they are. I wouldn’t change them for the world.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things I wish I knew before I took the plunge and got myself a stumpy faerie dog. Of course, I did my research, and I spoke with breeders in detail, but nothing prepared me for how overwhelming my first Corgi was going to be. That’s why I’m here to help make sure you’re ready to welcome your bundle of fluff to the family.
Here are the seven things I wish I knew before getting a Corgi.
Key Takeaways:
- Corgis are incredibly loud, and they love to sing (or bark)
- They shed a lot and need regular grooming
- Corgis are active dogs that require plenty of exercise
- They are stubborn and smart, which is a dangerous combination
- Corgis are prone to weight problems, so watch their diet
They Bark… A Lot
Corgis are some of the loudest dogs I have ever met. They are only outshone by my Swedish Vallhunds. They love to sing and make a lot of noise, and it can be a little difficult to get used to (especially if you have sensory issues). Of course, it’s not impossible to train them to stop barking or reduce it, but you will need to put a lot of time and patience into it.
They bark because they have a lot of energy, and they need to be vocal when herding cattle and livestock. It’s part of how they were bred, and it’s deep in their DNA. When training them to stop barking, make sure you are consistent and use positive reinforcement.
Corgis Need Loads of Grooming
You will find that your Corgi sheds a lot, especially when Spring comes along. They have a double coat, which means they are able to stay warm in the winter and regulate their body temperature in the summer to help them stay cooler. It’s why they’re so well-suited to colder climates, but it also means a big summer blowout every year.
They need to be groomed at least three times a week, and during the shedding seasons (twice a year), you might want to brush them daily instead. This will help reduce the amount of fluff you find in your home and it also allows them to stay cooler when it’s hot out.
They Need Plenty Of Exercise
Corgis are very active dogs who need a lot of exercise and time to run around. They should be out for a minimum of an hour each day (I usually take mine for two hours), and they need the freedom to sniff, explore, and let off steam. They are herding dogs, which means they go a little crazy when they are cooped up inside, and no exercise leads to a sad dog.
Corgis Get Fat Easily
Corgis are indeed quite prone to weight gain. It’s easy to let them get fat, and while a few extra pounds might look really cute, it is terrible for their health and can lead to an increased risk of health conditions such as IVDD, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Make sure they get plenty of exercise, keep their diet healthy and balanced, and don’t let them get fat.
They Are Smarter Than You Think
Honestly, people underestimate how smart Corgis are. They are highly intelligent dogs, which means they need plenty of mental stimulation to stop them from becoming destructive, and they know exactly how to manipulate you into getting what they want. They’re right up there with Collie’s on the intelligence scale, and that needs to be respected.
Make sure you take the time to play games with them, give them a consistent training schedule, and actually work their brains so they don’t get bored. If they’re not listening, it’s not because they are dumb; it’s because you haven’t grabbed their attention very well.
Corgis Are Seriously Stubborn
They are some of the most stubborn dogs out there, and when they don’t want to do something, it can feel like a battle trying to make them behave. This is especially difficult when you’re in the middle of a training session, and they suddenly decide they don’t want to listen anymore. It can be very frustrating, but it’s important that you don’t lose your cool.
Corgis benefit from positive reinforcement training. What you need is time, patience, and a gentle hand so that they actually want to listen and train with you. Tricks and training are fun for dogs and good mental stimulation for Corgis. You just have to make them want to do it.
That They Were Going To Break My Heart
I think losing a dog is the hardest thing we go through, and losing my first Corgi shattered it. No one can prepare you for how hard it is, and no amount of empathy or reminiscing from other owners who have lost their Corgi will help you be ready for it. I never was. They were worth every second I had with them, but it really did break my heart.
I do strongly recommend grief counselling when you lose a dog. There is nothing silly or dramatic about it. Your Corgi is a member of your family, a sentient being capable of love and loyalty that you (hopefully) get to share fifteen or more years with. That is a serious loss, and the memories you make with them are always worth the pain. I speak from experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Corgis Good For First-Time Dog Owners?
Corgis can be good dogs for first-time dog owners as long as you understand that they are incredibly stubborn dogs that need a lot of patience and work. They have loads of energy and are harder to train than dogs like Labrador Retrievers, which means they might be more than you can handle. I’ve known plenty of first-time dog owners who have loved having Corgis, but they are not without their fair share of challenges.
Do Corgis Pick One Person?
Yes, Corgis tend to pick one person to bond with more than the other members of the family. It doesn’t mean they love the rest of the family any less, but they are most loyal to the person they choose to bond with. My Corgis are the same, and while some households with multiple Corgis will be lucky enough that everyone had one who is most bonded to them, all of mine decided to pick me.
Are Male Or Female Corgis Friendlier?
It’s a myth that gender determines how friendly a Corgi is. They can be equally loving, and it doesn’t matter if they are male or female they will love you just the same. In my experience, I have found males are often more biddable and soft compared to females, who are often very independent and wild. But at the end of the day, they are both just as cuddly and in need of attention. It really doesn’t matter which you get – it’s personality, not sex.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Corgi will change your life in all the right ways. Yes, they are difficult to train and incredibly stubborn, but the bond you’ll have with them is worth everything. All you need to do is be prepared to put in the work training them and ensure that they are getting enough mental and physical exercise. Not to mention all the love you can spare.
