Pros & Cons of a Welsh Corgi

Before you bring a Welsh corgi into your family, take the time to consider the pros and cons of the breed to determine if this really is the dogmost ideally suited to your lifestyle. Welsh corgi come in two types: the Pembroke Welsh and the Cardigan Welsh. The Cardigan has a long tail, whereas the Pembroke's tail is very short. Both corgi breeds were developed to herd cattle. The corgi is a small, sturdily built breed that requires daily exercise.

  1. Intelligence and Trainability

    • The American Kennel Club describes the corgi as an extremely intelligent dog capable of learning commands quickly during obedience training. Owners can train the corgi to perform tricks and dance. Because the corgi is surprisingly agile for its size, it takes well to agility training, which proves to be an effective outlet for this energetic, working breed. Training is extremely beneficial for a corgi as it provides the dog with the mental stimulation that it needs.

    Good-Natured

    • Another pro of the corgi is its reputation for having a friendly and affectionate temperament. The corgi is a loyal dog that can be protective over its family, according to DogBreedInfo.com. This dog's good nature makes it an ideal family dog, although it's perhhaps not suited for being around very young children.

    Herding Instinct

    • The corgi sprang from a need for dogs to herd cattle by nipping at the heels of livestock. Today the corgi breed still has a strong, inbuilt instinct to herd. In a family setting, the corgi has been known to try to herd family members and other pets. When practicing this behavior, the dog may also nip as it would when herding cattle. This can be a problem if you have young children in the family. Discourage this behavior from a young age, and to ensure that the corgi gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to feel fulfilled without herding.

    Back Problems

    • The corgi's frame can create health problems, as it is prone to developing back problems. Owners can help reduce the risk of back problems by feeding the corgi a controlled diet to prevent it from becoming overweight. TA corgi can become overweight easily when someone overfeeds it, and this alone can cause back injuries. Take the corgi for regular checkups with a qualified veterinarian.