One of the first things I Googled when I was considering getting a corgi was: how long do corgis live for?
I was so excited to rehome lovely Winston.
But I was also terrified of the day when he’d no longer be with us.
Corgis can live for up to 15 years. As a smaller dog, they live longer than other purebreds with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
Let’s take a closer look at the typical lifespan of a corgi and some of the record-breaking ages they’ve reached!
Can corgis live 20 years?
It isn’t usual for a corgi to live 20 years, no.
That’s because purebred dogs like corgis are usually bred for specific physical features, which aren’t always the most natural or healthiest.
For example, corgis are bred to have short legs and long backs. This makes them more prone to back and joint problems — particularly as they get older.
Inbreeding is also another reason why most purebred dogs don’t live as long as 15-20 years.
Mating closely related dogs over many generations can pass down certain genetic disorders.
What is the longest a corgi has ever lived?
According to one online source, the oldest corgi that ever lived was called Maggie. She lived to 19 years and 9 months old.
Apparently this corgi, Riley, was 21 years old when the photo was taken!
Riley the Corgi
How long do healthy corgis live?
Healthy corgis can live up to 15 years old, with most reaching the age of 12.
The best chance you can give your corgi to live a long and healthy life is to feed them a nutritionally balanced diet and ensure they get regular exercise.
And be mindful to minimize the risk of health problems like IVDD and hip dysplasia, which are common in corgis.
You can do this by stopping them from jumping down from high places (like sofas and beds) and making sure they don’t run up and down stairs frequently.
Do corgis have a lot of health problems?
Corgis are at greater risk of spine and joint related issues like IVDD, hip dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy.
To keep these at bay, make sure your corgi doesn’t put too much stress on their back and legs as this will have a long-term effect on their health.
