8 Things a Corgi First Time Owner Should Know

Corgis have increased in popularity over the years as a go-to pup. They’re cute, playful, and energetic – but they’re not for the faint of heart. You may see a lot of corgis in adoption centers because their previous owner realized they couldn’t handle the extra responsibility of caring for one. However, there are many positives and negatives people don’t tell you about corgis, and this article will go over what a Corgi first time owner should know.

Corgis Are Not Necessarily Lap Dogs

Although corgis like to spend some time snuggling, don’t expect them to sit around for long. They have a sense of protective duty to fulfill, and they get stir-crazy quickly. So they will need to get down and walk around often. They may follow you around the house, so be careful not to step on their little paws.

Additionally, a Corgi first time owner should know they need at least an hour or two of exercise per day to sweat out their pent-up energy. Otherwise, they may get agitated or get into things they shouldn’t be.

Corgis are Highly Intelligent

Corgis were initially bred as herding dogs. They are brilliant, quick-thinkers who love to learn and play. Therefore, they need ample time set aside daily for training and mental stimulation.

However, a first time corgi owner should not expect them to be fooled by basic tricks that confuse other breeds. They’ll catch on to your games quickly, so you will constantly need to be thinking of new ways to entertain them.

They Love to Protect

Corgis may be short and cute, but they have a sense of protective duty to fulfill. You may find them “patrolling” the house and staring out windows – searching for a threat. However, they may run in fright if they get scared. So expect them to issue a warning but not to attack.

Corgi first time owner should know They May Bite Often

Herders often nip at the heels of sheep or other livestock to get them to follow directions. Therefore, you can expect them to do the same to you when they want something.

The biting can be more harmful if you have kids, especially if they irritate your corgi. So it may not be the best family dog for those with curious toddlers and babies who struggle to understand boundaries.

Corgis Bark Loudly

Corgis are small, so many new owners are surprised when they bark excessively. If you are often prone to sensory overload or get annoyed quickly, this may not be the right dog for you. They will bark at anything they see outside – i.e., when someone comes home, when they need something, or for seemingly no reason.

Not only do they bark often, but they bark loudly. If you live in a small home with hard floors, the sound can echo, piercing your eardrums. This can be problematic if you live in a multi-unit apartment building with many neighbors.

Corgis Can be Bossy and Independent

Since corgis were bred for herding sheep, they can be very bossy, constantly barking “orders” and nipping at your heels when they want something from you. To combat this, you’ll need to be very strict and stern during training to establish your authority. You’ll want to do this in a way that elicits respect, not fear.

Corgis are also very independent, and they can be left at home while you work. However, they will get sad or irritated if left alone for too long. Plus, they still require adequate attention, exercise, training, and socialization to be proper pups in society.

They Have Really Short Legs

If you’re looking to become a first time corgi owner and want a dog to go on long runs or bike rides with you, this dog is not the best option. Since they have short legs, they may not be able to keep up with you. However, they still need to go on daily walks to stay healthy and avoid obesity. So, you can still spend some time outside with them.

Corgis also shouldn’t jump too high or often. Their short legs force them to exert more force when jumping, which can put too much strain on their back and legs. To prevent this, you can buy doggy stairs that they can climb to get onto the bed or into the back of your car.

Corgis Can be Loving and Playful

Corgis may be bossy, independent, and stir-crazy, but they still love to cuddle and form a bond with their owners. If you give your dog the attention and love they require (and deserve), they will reward you with unconditional love throughout their lifetime.

However, if you neglect your corgi, it may become aggressive and destructive, like any other breed. So think carefully about your capabilities. You may finally be ready for your furry companion if you still want to find corgi puppies for sale.

Conclusion

Corgis are cute, fun, loving dogs, and they deserve all the credit for their fame online. However, not enough Corgi first time owners conduct the proper research before adopting one, and many of them end up in kennels without a family. This can be heartbreaking and confusing for them, so ensure that you can handle the responsibility beforehand.

In your opinion, are Corgis good for first time owners?