Want To Rehome A Corgi? Read My Heartwarming Adoption Story!

If you’re thinking about doing the same, this article covers everything you need to know before you rehome or rescue a Corgi. 

Rehoming an adult (12+ months) Corgi is a very rewarding experience for people that can give them the daily exercise and companionship they need. Before you decide to rehome, it’s essential to assess whether a Corgi will suit your lifestyle. 

Careful consideration of factors such as exercise, companionship, and the unique needs of a rehomed Corgi will ensure a successful integration into your family.

Keep reading to find out more about my Corgi adoption story. Plus I’ll provide plenty of advice about the rehoming process. That way you can decide if this is the right path for you.

Key Takeaways

• Find out more about my journey rehoming Winston the Corgi at 12 months old
• You’ll get a balanced look at the pros and cons of adopting a herding dog 
• By understanding the rehoming process, you’ll feel confident knowing whether adopting an adult Corgi is the right choice for you

Rehoming A Corgi: My Personal Story

When I rehomed my Corgi, Winston, at 12 months old, I had experience with Irish Terriers and Pugs but never Corgis. 

Fortunately for me, Winston arrived house-trained, neutered, and friendly with people. However, he hadn’t been properly socialized with other dogs. And as the less dominant of two brothers, he was (and still is) quite scared of other dogs.

Since adopting him 3 years ago, we’ve tried to socialize him as much as possible. We spend lots of time in the park and with family and friends’ dogs. He’s definitely got braver but he may never be as outgoing as some other Pembrokes.

The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service (based here in the UK) made it possible for us to rehome Winston. They made the entire process easy, safe, and supportive. I would wholeheartedly recommend them.

Pros of Rehoming a Corgi

Adopting an older Corgi has multiple benefits, which I’d like to point out:

• Predictable behavior and health: Adult Corgis tend to have established, predictable personalities and health conditions, which simplifies pet ownership.
• Often well-trained: Older Corgis are typically already house-trained and understand essential commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’, making them easier to handle than puppies.
• Less demanding: Adult Corgis don’t usually need as much time and attention as 2-6 month-old puppies. This can allow for a smoother transition into your home.
• Cost-effective: Rehoming an adult Corgi is cheaper than purchasing a puppy from a breeder, making it a more budget-friendly option. Purebred Corgi puppies start at $2000. We only paid $300 to rehome Winston, a discretionary donation made to the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service. Winston also came neutered, microchipped, and with a crate, dog food, toys, and a lead and harness.
• Pre-screened for health: Many rescue organizations microchip, spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs under their care. This ensures that they are in good health when you adopt them.
• Emotional reward: Giving an older Corgi a second chance at a loving home provides immense satisfaction, knowing you’ve made a positive impact on their life.

By rehoming an older Corgi, I advocate for the idea of ‘adopt, don’t shop’. This allows these wonderful dogs to find their forever home while giving you the numerous advantages of adopting an older dog.

Challenges and Considerations in Rehoming a Corgi

When rehoming a Corgi, it’s important to consider their potential health and behavioral issues, as well as whether your lifestyle is compatible with their needs.

Behavior

For example, when I adopted Winston the Corgi, he had never been properly socialized with other dogs besides his brother, Duke. This meant that when I brought him to London to live with me, he was very scared of other dogs we came across in the park.

One of the risks of rehoming an older Corgi is that some of the less desirable traits (like stubbornness and barkiness) may not have been managed with proper training.

It’s been three years (and a global pandemic) since I rehomed Winston and he still isn’t confident around other dogs. Fortunately, he is just scared and not aggressive, so it’s not too much of an issue.

However, many Corgis are naturally standoffish anyway, so how well-socialized, stubborn and/or barky (or not) your rescue Corgi might be is definitely something to be aware of. 

Health

Rehoming a Corgi, regardless of age, requires careful consideration of their health needs, especially when a complete health history may not be available. 

Either way, make sure you’re aware of common health issues in Corgis and take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. For example, minimizing treats (to avoid obesity), not allowing them to jump up and down from high surfaces (to protect their spine), and taking them for regular check-ups at the vet. 

Expense

While rehoming may be cheaper than buying a puppy, there are still expenses involved, such as:

• Adoption fee
• Dog food
• Toys, bed, and crate
• Monthly medications
• Annual vaccinations
• Quarterly grooming
• Potential training classes

I suggest creating a spreadsheet with all the costs (including unexpected ones like medication for illnesses) to decide whether you can afford to rehome a Corgi or not. Always maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral tone while discussing these considerations with potential adopters.

Lifestyle

Don’t rehome a Corgi if you don’t have the time and patience to help them settle into their new home. This can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on their history.

Evaluating your lifestyle compatibility with an older Corgi is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Even if the Corgi doesn’t have any serious health or behavioral issues, don’t forget that Corgis can still be demanding little dogs!

If you’re rehoming a Corgi aged 1-10, they will require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. That’s at least 45-60 minutes of exercise a day! 

And they’re known as ‘velcro dogs’. They hate being left alone.

Preparing for a Rehomed Corgi: What to Expect

When it comes time to rehome your Corgi, take note of the following questions to ask and signs to watch out for.  

The Rehoming Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adopting a Corgi: Key Considerations

When looking for a Corgi to adopt, it’s essential to find reliable rescue centers or previous owners. Always ask important questions before rehoming to ensure you understand the Corgi’s needs and background. Familiarize yourself with the legal and adoption process, and make sure to follow all necessary steps.

Finding Reputable Rescue Centers or Previous Owners:

• Research online and ask for recommendations
• Look for reviews and testimonials
• Visit the rescue center or meet the owner in person

Essential Questions to Ask:

• Is the Corgi up-to-date on vaccinations and health checks?
• What is the Corgi’s background and previous living situation?
• Does the Corgi have any special needs or behavioral issues?

What to Look Out For When You Meet Your Potential New Corgi:

• That they’re eager to approach you and make a connection
• Their tail wags
• Take them for a walk and check that they don’t desperately yank in an attempt to get away from you
• During the walk, see how they interact with other dogs—you don’t want a corgi that tries to fight

Legal and Adoption Process Overview:

• Complete necessary paperwork and agree on rehoming terms
• Follow any specific rules or regulations for your state or country
• Keep records for future reference, if needed

How I Ended Up Rehoming Winston

When my husband and I decided we wanted to rehome an adult Corgi, I began my search by typing ‘corgi rescue’ into Google. Not long afterwards I came across the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service.

I sent an email in the autumn of 2019. A few weeks later, completely unexpectedly, I received a call from Lynne Creech, who runs the charity.

She told me about two 12-month-old Corgi boys that had recently become available. The owner, who once worked from home, was offered a job working from the office full-time. Looking after two young dogs was no longer viable.

We were so lucky!

Lynne emphasized how rare it is to be offered a young Corgi so quickly. Most people remain on the rescue service’s waitlist for years and/or only get offered much older Corgis.

My husband and I knew we had to make a decision fast. Not long after that call, a member of the charity came around to assess our flat. As it’s a relatively big space with access to a communal garden and a park nearby, we were approved.

Next, we organized a meeting with Winston and his previous owners who lived an hour outside London. Of course, we fell head over heels for him. He was (and still is) a shy Corgi and much less confident than his brother, Duke. 

We knew straight away that we wanted to proceed with the adoption. In January 2020, we set off bright and early to collect Winston and bring him home. 

Understanding Corgi Rehoming: What It Means and Why It Matters

Rehoming is the process of finding a new, suitable home for a Corgi when the original owner can no longer take care of them. This often occurs due to lifestyle changes, lack of preparedness for a Corgi’s behavioral needs, or health issues for either the owner or the dog.

Some reasons why Corgis are rehomed include:

• Incompatibility with the owner’s lifestyle or living situation
• Excessive barking or other behavioral issues
• Allergies or health problems affecting the owner or the dog

The benefits of rehoming Corgis are numerous, not only for the dog but also for the community. It helps provide loving homes to dogs in need, ensures the well-being of the Corgi, and reduces the pressure on shelters and rescue centers. 

Rehoming an older Corgi can also be a hugely rewarding experience for the new owner, who gets to give a wonderful dog a second chance at life. I can attest to what an incredible privilege it is to adopt, not shop.

However, rehoming a Corgi isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. You can never be completely sure what kind of behavioral or health issues an older Corgi might have as a result of the way they were raised as a puppy.

They may not be properly socialized or trained. They may have been left on their own for long periods. Animal neglect comes in many forms and can have lasting consequences on a Corgi’s life. 

Having said that, not all Corgis that are up for adoption have had a bad start in life. Some require rehoming because of divorce or the death of the owner. 

Just make sure you’re fully aware of the risks of adoption, and weigh up the pros and cons of rehoming a highly intelligent breed like the Corgi.

Alternatives to Rehoming: Selecting the Right Path

So now for the million-dollar question: should you rehome an older Corgi or get a Corgi puppy?

Let’s take a look at the suitability of each option.

You should get a Corgi puppy if:

• You Have Time and Patience for Training: Raising a Corgi puppy requires a significant time investment for training, socialization, and establishing routines.
• You’re Ready for a Long-Term Commitment: Getting a puppy means committing to their care for their entire life, which can be over a decade.
• You Want to Shape Their Behavior: With a puppy, you have the opportunity to mold their behavior and personality from an early age.
• You Enjoy Active Involvement in Development: If you find joy in watching and being part of every stage of a dog’s development, a Corgi puppy is a great choice.
• You Can Handle High Energy Levels: Corgi puppies are known for their energy and playfulness, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation.
• You’re Prepared for Puppy-Specific Challenges: Be ready for teething, potty training, and other puppy-specific behaviors.

You should rehome an adult Corgi if:

• You Have Lots of Time to Spend with Them: Corgis are very energetic ‘velcro dogs’. Human companionship makes them really happy. As does at least 45-60 minutes of exercise a day. Make sure you’re fully aware of the character traits of the breed before you commit to rehoming. 
• You’ve Got Experience with Dogs: Experience can be beneficial in understanding and managing any ingrained habits or behaviors in a rehomed Corgi.
• You Don’t Mind Skipping the Puppy Stage: If you prefer to avoid the challenges of puppyhood like teething and intensive training, rehoming an adult Corgi is a great option.
• You’re Open to Potential Training Challenges: Be prepared to address any existing behavioral issues, which may require patience and possibly professional training assistance.
• You Want to Provide a Second Chance: Rehoming gives an adult Corgi a new, loving home, which can be a deeply rewarding experience.

Where Can I Find A Corgi To Rehome?

To find rescue Corgis, I recommend searching online or asking fellow Corgi owners if they or their breeder know of any shelters they can recommend.

Here’s a list of Corgi rescue centers around the world.

👋 Over to you

Has this article convinced you to rehome an adult Corgi?

Let me know in the comments below (plus any questions you have about the process!).