Thinking of Adopting a Corgi? Read This First

With their short legs, big ears, and huge personalities, Corgis are one of the internet’s favorite dog breeds. But behind the cute looks is a smart, active, and sometimes bossy dog that needs more than cuddles and Instagram posts.

If you’re considering adopting a Corgi, here’s what you should know.

🐕 Temperament: Bold, Loyal, and Bossy

Corgis may be small, but their personalities are anything but:

• Loyal and affectionate with their families
• Often suspicious of strangers—good watchdog instincts
• Can be bossy or stubborn without proper training
• Good with other dogs and kids if socialized early

Corgis are confident, clever, and love being part of the action.

🧠 Trainability: Sharp Minds, Strong Wills

Corgis are herding dogs, which means:

• They’re highly intelligent and love to learn
• They respond well to structure and reward-based training
• Without mental stimulation, they’ll create their own fun (like herding your kids or barking at leaves)

Their intelligence can sometimes make them opinionated — a consistent owner earns respect fast.

⚡ Energy Level: Small Dog, Big Motor

Corgis are energetic and need daily outlets:

• 45–60 minutes of exercise per day is ideal
• Walks, fetch, and agility games are great options
• They love having a job to do—even if it’s just carrying a toy around

They’re prone to weight gain, so regular activity is essential for physical and mental balance.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding: Don’t Be Fooled by the Size

Corgis have a dense double coat:

• Expect moderate to heavy shedding year-round
• Brush 2–3 times per week (more during seasonal shedding)
• Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are a must

They may be small, but you’ll find hair everywhere without upkeep.

🩺 Health Considerations

While generally healthy, Corgis have a few breed-specific concerns:

• Hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — due to their long backs
• Obesity, which can lead to joint strain and back issues
• Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

They usually live 12–15 years with good care and a healthy lifestyle.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Think about your daily life:

• Can you provide regular walks, play, and training?
• Do you mind some barking (they’re vocal watchdogs)?
• Are stairs or high furniture common in your home?

Corgis do well in homes of all sizes, including apartments, as long as they get enough stimulation. Be cautious with jumping on/off furniture—it can strain their backs.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Corgis love food:

• They tend to gain weight easily
• Stick to portioned meals and healthy treats
• Look for high-quality, balanced diets (check with your vet)

Avoid free-feeding, and monitor weight regularly — a “chunky Corgi” may be cute but it’s a health risk.

🐾 Puppy vs. Adult Corgi

Puppies are:

• Very active, very nippy, and into everything
• In need of lots of early training and structure
• Prone to herding behavior (nipping heels, chasing movement)

Adult Corgis can be calmer, housetrained, and more predictable—perfect for people who don’t want the full puppy experience.

🧬 Adoption vs. Breeder

Adoption is a great route:

• Check local rescues or Corgi-specific groups (like Corgi Rescue Ontario)
• Be open to Corgi mixes—they often have the same spirit in a slightly different package

If working with a breeder:

• Ask about health testing for joints, eyes, and spine
• Visit the site and meet the parents if possible
• Avoid puppy mills or sellers who don’t provide documentation

Final Thoughts

Corgis are confident, smart, and endlessly entertaining—but they also need structure, stimulation, and good leadership. If you’re ready for a dog with personality, brains, and bark, a Corgi might be your perfect match.