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The PROS & CONS Of Corgis: (What You Must Know)

If you’re considering getting a Corgi, there are many things you should know first.

While we generally think corgis are great, there are a handful of potential issues that could turn owners away from this breed. Let’s explain everything below.

pros-and-cons-of-corgis

4 Things That Make Corgis Quite Difficult

Let’s now cover some of the traits that could be seen as problematic. To remain fair to the breed, I must mention that most of the following can be prevented entirely with sufficient training from the beginning.

1. Corgis can be super stubborn

Stubbornness is common in many breeds, so this isn’t something only corgi owners have to put up with. Stubbornness usually drives owners crazy, from having stand-offs when it’s time to come back inside from the yard or when you’re trying to call your corgi back when out on walks… Stubborn behavior is super frustrating and can happen in the most inappropriate times.

2. Corgis can be mischievous

Apart from stubborn behavior, Corgis are known to have a mischievous streak in them. Although they are smart and highly trainable, sometimes they’ll choose to do the wrong thing, get up to no good and cause a little bit of trouble. What’s worse is that this kind of bad behavior can rub off on other dogs too. Worth knowing if you plan on owning more than one dog.

3. Corgis are serious barkers

Many Corgis have a thing for excessive barking. Constant yapping and barking is another potential issue that you might face owning a corgi. Although, just like with all the behaviors mentioned above, it can be trained against. But this kind of behavioral issue can really strain your ears and press your buttons.

4. Corgis can be aloof and even aggressive

Being aloof to other dogs and strangers means being suspicious, fearful, or aggressive towards them. This is a very undesirable behavioral trait and one that’s very likely if the Corgi isn’t sufficiently socialized from a young age. Fortunately, aloofness can be rectified and even prevented entirely if when adequate socialization is given.

6 Things That Make Corgis Great

Despite the bad, there are many reasons why corgis are in fact great to own, so let’s cover that below.

1. Corgis are smart

One of the best attributes that any dog can have is intelligence. The fact that corgis can be trained to a high level gives them the ability to be well behaved and extremely obedient (even if it takes a while to get there). Intelligent dogs, once trained can make life as a dog owner very easy and stress-free. Sometimes this is only realized once you have to deal with a dog that isn’t very smart.

2. Corgis are happy

Another great trait is just how happy and positive corgis seem to be. These little fluff balls raise the spirits of anyone they are around and have a strong happy-go-lucky spirit about them. Coming home to a Corgi will certainly make anyone’s day in a heartbeat. This is a simple, yet very desirable personality trait for any breed to have.

3. Corgis make great companions

Having a strong bond between you and your dog is important for any owner, and that’s exactly what’s possible with a corgi. Corgis, just like most working breeds, make excellent companions to the whole family. After centuries of working duties and responsibilities herding cattle, Corgis have developed uncanny respect and admiration for their leaders. A Corgi will no doubt be the best friend for everyone in your family.

4. Corgis make great watchdogs

Although Corgis don’t make great guard dogs, they do make great watchdogs. You can certainly rely on a Corgi to watch and be on the lookout at all times. For many people, this is a surprisingly desirable trait. Your corgi will be the first to let everyone know of any unusual activity happening in or around your property.

5. Corgis are small and manageable

Something that makes corgis more manageable for a wider range of people, is the fact that they are small and not as strong as bigger breeds. Personally, I love breeds of all sizes, but I know that small dogs have their perks. They are more easily transported, you are able to pick them up with ease for whatever reason, and in general, small dogs don’t get in the way as much as large dogs. For a lot of people, this is a big positive.

6. Corgis are a healthy breed

Apart from potential spinal issues, corgis are a generally healthy breed and usually have few complications throughout their life. I am aware many people seem to argue this point, but in reality, a Corgi is no more prone to health issues than many of the other “healthy” breeds like labradors and poodles are… This doesn’t make them immune to health issues, but in general, most seem to go throughout life without huge problems. Additionally, Corgis have a decent life expectancy of 12-15 years of age.

Are Corgis Good Dogs?

Corgis are considered by most owners to be great dogs and are described as affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and playful. This said, however, corgis can be mischievous, stubborn, and potentially aloof.

With consistent training and proper socialization, these issues can be rectified and even avoided altogether. But that would require more of a conscious effort on the owner’s part, than what some other breeds would need.

What’s your definition of “good”? This is an important question to ask. When you ask whether corgis are good dogs, what does a good dog mean to you? The next section will clearly state what are corgis ARE and ARE NOT so this should help you find the answer.

Trending Corgi Articles:
How To Deal With Corgi Shedding: Tips For Every Owner
Can Corgis Handle Long Hikes? Exercise Tips

Undesirable Behaviors Can Be Avoided

It’s only fair to clarify, that these negative behaviors can be avoided and even fixed if they still develop.

From different training methods, providing socialization, or increasing their exercise. One way or another, the undesirable behaviors mentioned above can be prevented, and shouldn’t put any potential Corgi owners off.

After all, as long as a Corgi has their daily needs sufficiently met, problematic behavior likely won’t happen in the first place.

What It Takes For Corgis To Be Good Dogs

If you want your Corgi to be a well-behaved, obedient, and friendly dog then it’s absolutely crucial that his daily needs are adequately met.

What a Corgi will need on a daily basis, to be a “good boy!”

Daily exercise of around 60 minutes (ideally split into two sessions)
Daily basic command training of at least 45 minutes
Sufficient mental stimulation (training, puzzle games, socialization)
Dedicated socialization with other dogs at the dog park or with friends
A well-balanced diet that works for them
To receive sufficient attention and interaction
To not spend a lot of time left alone

As long as those basic needs are met, a Corgi will be ready to be at their best and well-behaved.

Corgis are working dogs. Corgis have a strong working background and this really defines their character. They must feel sufficiently exercised and mentally “worked” in order to be at their best. Many inexperienced owners make the mistake of owning a working breed without understanding the importance of stimulation.

The honest truth is that problems only start to happen when we fail our dogs. If we stay on top of providing enough exercise, training, and stimulation, our dogs will always reward us with the behavior we want.

Trending article: When do corgis stop growing & reach full size?

Is a Corgi The Right Dog For You?

Please let me know what your thoughts are on Corgis… Do you own one already? are you a first-time dog owner?

Let me know if any further questions or thoughts you have on this topic and I’ll be happy to get back to you.

Additionally, if you can provide some further insight into this topic, I’ll be sure to add it into this article to help future readers!

Thank you for reading!
All the best, Harry

Additional Corgi Articles:
What To Do When Your Corgi Has Diarrhea
Top 10 Breeds That Get Along Well With Corgis

View more Corgi articles >>



Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.