How Fast Can Corgis Run? Discover The Truth
When I first adopted Winston, I had to find out the answer to my burning question: how fast can corgis run?
Very fast, it turns out.
Much, much faster than I thought because like many other people, I believed corgis were lazy dogs who preferred loafing around to sprinting.
I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Keep reading to find out how fast corgis can run and why some prefer sprinting to others.
Let’s go!
How fast can corgis run?
Believe it or not, corgis can run very fast.
That’s right. Even with short legs, corgis can reach up to speeds of 25 mph if they are healthy and fit.
This is because corgis use more upper body strength than other dogs to propel themselves forward, helping them to excel at activities like herding and racing.
Why are corgis such good runners?
Corgis are such good runners because they are herding dogs.
In the past, corgis were bred to herd cattle. They had to be quick on their feet, weaving around (and in between the legs of) cows, nipping at their heels without getting kicked in the head.
This explains why corgis today are so agile. They can run very fast across short distances.
You might’ve seen the video of corgis racing that went viral a few years ago.
This was from the Corgi Nationals, which takes place every year in Santa Anita Park, California.
100 corgi race spots are awarded via a lottery system, with 10 heats in total.
The chosen corgis run a 125-foot course.
Dan McLemore, the co-founder and commentator of the event, said:
“Corgis are herding dogs by nature, so they have a strong will. They’re not aggressive, but they’re very focused. If they’re not harnessed in the right direction and left to their own doings, it could go astray real fast.”
Can I run with my corgi?
I wouldn’t recommend that you run long distances with your corgi.
A short sprint is fine, but continuous running will put excess pressure on your corgi’s joints and back, which can lead to more serious health issues down the line.
Besides sprinting and playing fetch in the park, corgis are better suited to low impact exercise. For example, hiking.
My corgi, Winston, can happily hike with us for 4-5 hours at a time when the weather is cooler (which it usually is in the UK!).
In fact, it’s one of his favorite activities. We take plenty of water breaks and any opportunity we can for him to paddle in a stream.
Factors that affect a corgi’s speed
Corgis can run very fast, but some corgis are quicker than others.
Here are 5 factors that affect a corgi’s speed:
1. Weight
A corgi won’t be able to run fast if they’re overweight.
More importantly, they shouldn’t run fast if they’re overweight, as this can lead to serious spine- and joint-related issues.
If your corgi is heavier than they should be, speak to your vet and ensure they’re on a weight loss and exercise plan before encouraging them to sprint.
2. Genetics
Like humans, some corgis are born with a natural flair for running while some aren’t.
Genetics play a part in your corgi’s unique physique and stamina.
Even with lots of practice and a healthy lifestyle, some will be better at running than others!
3. Temperature
It might sound obvious, but corgis will struggle to run fast in hot temperatures.
Even when the weather begins to warm up, don’t encourage your corgi to sprint because this can lead to dehydration and health risks related to that.
4. Age
The older your corgi gets, the more challenging they will find running.
It’s much easier to sprint when you’re a lively young corgi pup!
5. Personality
Some corgis are more chill than others and simply don’t enjoy sprinting.
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t exercise your corgi regularly – 60 minutes of physical activity a day is ideal – but don’t be disheartened if your corgi isn’t a sprinter.
My lovely corgi Winston can move very fast, but most days he prefers to walk around our local park without rushing.
