The Welsh Corgi is an instantly recognizable breed. With its short legs, large ears, dual-colored coat, and an overall adorable demeanor, it is one of the cutest breeds out there. It is also very common. I have seen at least one Corgi in almost every place I go, sometimes more than one per family! Though I have not owned one myself, I get the idea that once a Corgi fan, always a Corgi fan! So, let’s take a closer look at what this breed is all about!
Breed Description
The Welsh Corgi, coming in two types, the Pembrook Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, both affectionately referred to simply as the Corgi, is “distinguished by a sharp-pointed muzzle, foxy face, erect and pointed ears, and a high set, gaily carried tail” (Resource 3). The Corgi sports short legs, large ears, and a pointed snout. Its coat often sports two to three colors (one being white markings), and between the two types of Corgi, it comes in various color options. The Cardigan has many options for coat colors, including brindle (Resource 5). The Pembrook tends to stick with one of the following four options: Fawn, Red, Sable, and Black & Tan (Resource 1). Their large ears are triangular and naturally stand erect, framing their foxlike face. Their short, double coat is thick and soft with shorter fur around the face and slightly longer fur from the ears and cheeks to the tail. Speaking of the tail, Corgis often come with docked tails (the Pembrook) or long tails (the Cardigan) (Resource 5).
Breed Temperament
As with any breed, temperament is more of an individualistic concept. It differs heavily from one individual to another. However, there is often a general consensus with some breeds, and the Corgi seems to fit into the “friendly and brave” category. Because of their history as herding dogs (which we will cover in a moment), they often enjoy controlling situations and other animals while also being affectionate and, according to corgicare.com, a little clingy at times (Resource 2). However, this clinginess is more likely a combination of a learned behavior and a newer element of the breed as it is bred more for family life now rather than its original purpose, herding. The breed tends to be active but able to calm down and settle when hanging out inside, as long as it has the necessary mental and physical exercise throughout the day.
Breed History
The Corgi has been around for a long time. Its origins are relatively unknown. But it is said that it can be traced back to 920 A.D. (Resource 4). However, the Pembrook was used as a cattle dog as far back as the Vikings, as it seems the Vikings themselves brought this little dog to Wales around 1000 A.D. (Resource 4). The Cardigan, however, was brought over by the Celtics around 1200 B.C., making these two types of Corgis actually quite different in origin (Resource 5).
Both types of Corgis spent their early days helping out on farms in Wales, herding cattle and even sheep and fowl (Resource 3). Despite its small size, this little dog was also used to protect cattle from thieves in the open country and keep stray livestock from wandering too far from the herd (Resource 4). Along with their differing origins, there were also differences in their job descriptions. According to the AKC’s website, the Pembrook mainly worked in the “flatter, easier terrain” in southern Wales (they get their name from Pembrokeshire Wales), and the Cardigan primarily worked in the “rough, rocky terrain” of Cardiganshire (Reference 5).
Breed Heath
The Corgi seems to be a healthy breed. The AKC only lists two common tests given to Pembroke Corgis: a hip evaluation and an Ophthalmologist Evaluation (Resource 1). However, it does list three evaluations for the Cardigan Corgi: Hip Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (D.M.) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and the Rod-Cone Dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3) - DNA Test (Resource 6). They can also struggle with other health risks, such as weight gain. In short, make sure you get your Corgi from a reputable breeder who tests for all of the above and take your puppy in for regular vet visits.
Breed Behaviors
Because Corgis are a herding breed, the most common breed-specific “problem” behaviors they may display are those that relate to control. Some Corgis may display herding behavior, such as nipping at heels to get people or other animals to move. They may also be hypersensitive to movement and find it frustrating when they can’t control the movement of others, or they may learn that things like barking help them control other’s behavior. Corgis are very vocal and can develop behaviors such as barking at the window, barking in the car, and barking at strangers. They can also be protective and territorial, especially towards other dogs that come onto their property.
Training and Management Tips
So, what can you do to work with your Corgi on these breed-specific behaviors? Thankfully, most of the behaviors seen in Corgis that are problematic to us humans are either natural to all dogs (e.g., barking) or are the result of an unmet need. A trainer can often address these types of problems, usually through early socialization (when your Corgi is under twelve weeks old) and positive reinforcement behavior training. For Corgis, the problems with barking and a desire to control other people and animals are usually a result of the dog not having had mental exercise needs met or not being socialized well at a young age. So here are three tips for how to help your Corgi engage in behaviors we humans like.
Tip #1: Socialize, Socialize, Socialize. Socialization at a young age is essential for all dog breeds. However, especially for herding breeds, you want to introduce it to the world early on to help it feel safe and secure. This early training will help reduce what I call “stress herding,” where your Corgi will try to control its environment out of fear. Socialization will also help reduce issues between them and other dogs. Though they are usually a very friendly breed, they can develop territorial behavior if they are not socialized well with other dogs and people at a young age.
Tip #2: Participate in herding or agility trials. Herding is in your Corgi’s genes. There is no way around that. As a result, you need to provide for that need to herd. Your Corgi might be able to get its herding needs met by regular games of chase and fetch. However, introducing your Corgi to herding competitions from a young age can not only help it fulfill its herding needs, but it can ensure your Corgi learns the necessary self-control and “on/off switch” skills to be able to relax outside of the competition ring. In other words, these competitions can help you and your Corgi learn to utilize your Corgi’s natural skill set and develop self-control around that skill set.
You can also look into agility. Agility is a great way to get an energetic dog thinking and running in a safe environment. It can be an excellent option for Corgis!
Tip #3: Before barking becomes a problem, train your Corgi to watch. Training your Corgi to watch calmly is extremely important. Please don’t wait until your Corgi starts barking at joggers as they run by to teach it to simply observe. Practice conditioning calm observation as a good thing and teach your Corgi to settle in an environment no matter what is going on. This skill can also be helped by tip 2, as Corgis will have an outlet for their herding needs and thus can learn that there is a time and a place for chasing or barking at things.
Closing Thoughts
Corgis are great dogs! They have been around for so long that they are well established in many counties, and they come with many great qualities, including their ability to seamlessly fit in on both the farm and in the family. However, they do have needs that are specific to them, and those needs must be met. So, please make sure to meet your Corig’s breed-specific needs. In addition to that, take the time to get to know your Corgi and learn what it needs as an individual. Some Corgis are more people-oriented (especially if they were bred more for family life than farm life), and others are more independent and seek out adventures. Whatever your Corgi needs, make sure you educate yourself and are able to meet those needs throughout your Corgi’s life. And remember to enjoy your little farm dog!
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