Do Corgis Make Good Pets? The Truth About The Breed

So you’re a little corgi obsessed and want to know whether corgi make good pets.

I don’t blame you.

I got bitten by the corgi bug a few years ago and have since rehomed my beloved Pembroke corgi, Winston.

But before I did, I had to do some research to find out whether they make good pets. Things like: are they good with other dogs, how much exercise do they need, and are they ok to live in an apartment?

One of the main reasons corgis make such good pets is because they’re adaptable. As long as they’re given the right attention and training, they can live just as happily in an apartment as a house. They’re great with kids and families, as well as solo dog owners. And as much as they love to run around and burn off energy, they also love nothing more than a good cuddle. 

Keep reading to find out whether corgis make good pets (hint: they do!) and if they’re the right dog for you.  

Do corgis actually make good pets?

The simple answer is that yes, corgis make great pets.

However, the real question is whether a corgi makes a good pet for you and your lifestyle.

Corgis are energetic, loyal, playful, stubborn little dogs that are happiest when they get daily exercise (60 minutes) and as much time with you as possible. They can be quite clingy and won’t make a good pet for someone who isn’t at home very much or enjoys their freedom. 

If, on the other hand, you can spend most of your time with your corgi then you will love having them as a pet! Thanks to their size and their sweet nature, they make a great companion for almost any person or family. Just don’t be fooled by that adorable face!

Without the right training, a corgi’s intelligence will get the better of you. Make sure you show them who’s boss by implementing structure and consistent training from a young age. 

Is a corgi a good family dog?

Corgis make great family dogs for a few reasons.

They’ve got lots of energy, they’re the right size for small children, they’re extremely playful. And best of all, they’re not fazed by new situations or environments.

Besides the regular grooming they require (more on this later), corgis are pretty low maintenance dogs that fit in well with chaotic family life.

Not to mention the fact that they’re very loveable. Corgis enjoy nothing more than spending time with their owners, running around the park and cuddling on the sofa.

If you’re considering getting a corgi as a family pet, make sure you’re ready to commit time and attention to training.

Without the right training, corgis can become a little bossy and they may nip at the heels of humans. This is because corgis are herding dogs—they were bred to nip the feet of cattle to herd them in a particular direction and this instinct is still present in some corgis today.

While this isn’t an issue with older adults, it can become a problem with smaller children. Especially if your corgi isn’t effectively disciplined and bad behaviors are allowed to develop.

Are corgis good for first time owners?

Corgis are great for first time owners that have the time and energy to train and socialize their corgi from a young age. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about corgis is that they’re lazy. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Corgis are highly intelligent little dogs with lots of energy. This makes them one of the easiest dogs to train, but also one of the most stubborn dogs to handle if you’re not willing or able to stick to a consistent training program. 

WIth high levels of energy, corgis need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. They’re also wonderful human companions that love spending time with their owner. That’s why they shouldn’t be left on their own regularly for long periods of time (4+ hours). 

If you work from home (or are able to bring your corgi to the office) and have time to go on a couple of 30 minute walks each day, a corgi will make a great first dog. As long as they get enough exercise they’re just as happy living in an apartment as a house. And they’re the perfect size to bring with you (almost) anywhere! 

Are corgis high maintenance? 

For the most part, corgis are low maintenance dogs. As herding dogs, they’re very used to spending hours outside in unforgiving British weather, helping farmers keep control of cattle. 

This makes them relatively hardy dogs that aren’t fazed by much.

There’s only one thing that does make corgis more maintenance than your average dog—and that’s the shedding.

Due to their double coats, corgis shed hair a lot. I’m talking every single day. 

You will find white hairs on your jeans, on your sofa (if your corgi is lucky enough to sit there), and across your floors. The best way to tackle this shedding is to groom your corgi at least 2-3x per week. Taking them to a professional groomer at least every 8-12 weeks will also help keep on top of excess hair.

Oh, and make sure you have a reliable vacuum cleaner and a lint roller in your home!

Do corgis like to cuddle?

Though it’s true that corgis require lots of exercise, they also know how to chill. 

And an important part of chilling is cuddling, which corgis absolutely love. The biggest issue you will face is resisting their cuteness and not bringing them up on the bed or sofa to cuddle with you. If you don’t mind them being on the furniture, great! If you do, good luck saying no to that face.

How much exercise does a corgi need?

A corgi needs at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to stay stimulated and happy.

Despite what many think, corgis are not lazy dogs. They have heaps of energy that needs to be burnt off, otherwise you’re in for trouble! I take my corgi, Winston, out for two 30 minute walks each day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The rest of the time he plays puzzle games in my apartment and the occasional game of fetch. 

I don’t live in a huge house with a garden but that’s no problem for Winston. He gets enough exercise and spends all day with me—he is one happy corgi!

Related questions

Are corgis good with other pets?

Corgis are great with most pets, especially if they meet them as a puppy. Introduce your corgi to your existing pets gradually and give all animals time and space to get used to each other.

Do corgis shed?

Yes, corgis shed daily. Keep the hair at bay by grooming your corgi multiple times a week and taking them to be professionally groomed every 3 months. 

Are corgis good with kids?

Thanks to their size and affectionate, playful nature, corgis are great with kids. Just make sure that your corgi receives regular training to keep their bossiness in check (a common corgi characteristic). The more training and structure they get, the better behaved they will be around young children.