Intelligent, lovable, agile, entertaining, charming, confident, and devoted – this dog has it all! Corgis are like the superstars of the dog world – they just can’t get enough of all the love around them.
History
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the Queen of England’s most faithful comrade. Their history dates back to the early 1107 A.D when Flemish weavers brought dogs to Wales, where they bred to herd cattle. In fact, they are the oldest breed of ‘herding dogs. A Corgi’s short, compact body would help them nip at the cattle, along with their low body and short legs that helped them run extremely fast. A Corgi’s weather-proof coat helped him herd in all weather conditions.
About the Breed
Nutrition
Corgis have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract which means you have to be careful about what you feed them and how much of it. Corgis need high-quality dog food without fillers like maize or soy – choose food with natural, wholesome ingredients with healthy substitutes for fillers – beet pulp, sweet potato, and other vegetables. That said, a homemade diet may not be the best choice for a Corgi’s health in the long run.
Grooming
Corgis are heavy shedders and require a fair amount of daily brushing, weekly de-shedding, and monthly trips to the groomer. Moreover, many dog parents shave their Corgi’s thick coat during the summer to prevent the dog from getting heat strokes. Corgis tend to smell when their coat is damp, and this could lead to fungal skin infections; hence, it is important to make sure they are completely dry before grooming. You also want to check on trimming nails and ear infections from time to time.
Exercise
Don’t let the breed’s small size get the better of you – this is a dog that thrives on exercise. Skip a few days of vigorous exercise, and you’ll find your Corgi with a potbelly. This breed requires more physical exercise than other small breeds, and since they tend to gain weight quickly, a minimum of two hours of aerobic exercise in the form of running or swimming is best. Physical activity and sufficient mental exercise through puzzles, agility, and obedience training are necessary to keep a Corgi and his household happy.
Training
Corgis get good marks for obedience and training. They love to please their parents and are quick to learn commands. Remember to use positive reinforcement with not too many treats but lots of love and praise for every training session.
Health
Corgis are fairly healthy but pay close attention to what and how much you feed them since obesity can lead to problems that can worsen and shorten their life.
Temperament
Corgis are great with kids or just any family who like the outdoors. They tend to be barkers, but that isn’t aggression; it’s just their chirpy personality!
A Corgi is downright fun, entertaining, and fantastic. Want to get a laugh out of the silly things a dog is capable of doing? Get a Corgi –
Corgis thrive on companionship and enjoy being with their owners for most of the day.
The breed is exceptionally intelligent and quick thinking
Corgis are excellent family watchdogs
Corgis are a robust long-living breed that can live almost anywhere!
Corgis are eager to please and easy to train.
Don’t let that cute face and wiggly butt fool you; as fun as the breed may sound; it takes hard work to raise a Corgi –
Corgis do not like to be left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety
A Corgi needs a high-quality diet due to its sensitive gastrointestinal tract
Corgis shed – a lot!
Corgis are not quiet dogs – they tend to be vocal about everything
Corgis are not the healthiest of breeds
On the whole, this is a breed that is suitable for athletic families who are with their dogs for most of the day. Corgis do well in colder climates and are fairly healthy and long-lived. Ever heard the saying ‘a dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than himself’? That perfectly describes the personality of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
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