Are Corgis Easy for a First Time Dog Owner?

It’s been two and half years since I adopted Winston the Welsh Corgi and one question I receive all the time is: Are corgis easy for a first time dog owner?

I would recommend a corgi for a first time dog owner if they are committed to training and can walk them for at least 60 minutes per day. Corgis may be small (and extremely cute!) but they’re also highly intelligent and can be demanding. 

Let’s take a closer look at a corgi’s personality and whether they’re the right fit for you.

How to decide if a corgi is the right breed for you

Deciding whether a corgi is the right first dog for you will depend a lot on your lifestyle. You might be surprised to hear that despite their size, corgis are energetic dogs that require lots of physical and mental stimulation.

This is because corgis were traditionally used as herding dogs known as “heelers”. They would nip the heels of larger animals to keep them on the move and avoid getting kicked thanks to their small size and agility. 

The herding instinct is still present in corgis today and is the reason why they will go with you everywhere if they can. If you share your home with anyone else, prepare for your corgi to try and herd you all into the same room! 

To ensure you don’t end up being ruled by your corgi, consistent training and socialization from an early age is really important. This will keep their bossy tendencies under control and satisfy their high energy levels!

Can a corgi live in an apartment?

Now that you’ve learned how energetic this breed is, you might be wondering whether a corgi can live happily in an apartment. Well, I have good news for you.  I live with Winston the corgi in an apartment in London (without a garden!) and he is a happy, healthy corgi that knows who is in charge… most of the time.

That’s because I take him out for a 30 minute walk twice per day and keep him entertained with toys. I also work from home, so Winston is never left alone for more than 2-3 hours at a time.

How long can I leave my corgi at home alone?

Adult corgis can be left alone for 4-5 hours, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this very often. That’s because corgis love human companionship. Frequently leaving them home alone for long periods of time will lead to separation anxiety and behavioral problems. If you work full time in an office and have a busy social life, a corgi probably isn’t the dog for you. 

What is a corgi’s personality like?

Welsh corgis are intelligent, athletic and loyal dogs with big personalities. They also shed and can be prone to sensitive stomachs. 

If you’re considering getting a corgi as your first dog, first weigh up the pros and cons of the breed.

Corgi pros

1. They make great companions

2. Corgis are fast learners

3. Corgis are very laid back (as long as they’re with you!)

4. They are extremely cuddly

Corgi cons

1. Corgis are prone to obesity

2. They shed (a lot!) 

3. Corgis can have sensitive stomachs

4. They can be stubborn

5. Watch out for the barking

6. Clingy 

Getting an older corgi versus a corgi puppy

Getting an adult corgi is very different to bringing home a corgi puppy as a first time dog owner. I adopted Winston the corgi when he was almost 12 months old. 

While this is still technically a puppy (dogs mature into adults between 9 and 15 months), I didn’t have to worry about many of the things you normally consider when getting a young corgi. 

For example, Winston was already toilet trained and neutered when I adopted him. He also knew a few basic tricks, which made him a very easy corgi for a first time dog owner. However, he wasn’t well socialized as a puppy. He is scared of most other dogs and doesn’t really know how to play. 

Overall, getting an adult corgi is easier for a first time dog owner than a corgi puppy if you know their history and where they’ve come from. Rescuing or adopting any older dog comes with certain risks, but the more information you have about their background the better. 

I was lucky that apart from a lack of socialization, Winston had a great early life in the English countryside. This meant that it didn’t take long for him to adjust to his new surroundings in London.

Related questions

Are corgis good with kids?

Corgis don’t generally like the loud noises children make or being chased around by them. If not trained properly, corgis can be dominant with young children (5 or under) and may nip at them (to herd them) in the same way they do their owners. That being said, some corgis are very relaxed around young kids so be sure to check with your breeder about the temperament of the parents around children. 

Are corgis easy to train?

Corgis are highly intelligent and are therefore easy to train, if you are firm and consistent. Start training your corgi puppy at 8 weeks old and use rewards like treats and verbal praise to reinforce good behavior. 

Are corgis good family dogs?

Corgis make excellent family dogs thanks to their loyal and affectionate personalities. They also adapt very well to change, which makes them the ideal dog for family life that can often be chaotic!