— Breed of the Month —

The Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an adorable, agreeable small dog whose size conceals generations of herding instincts and traits associated with much larger breeds. The American Kennel Club ranks the Corgi as the smallest dog in its herding group and the 13th-most popular breed in the United States – an unsurprising ranking for an intelligent, tenacious, family-friendly dog that is equally loving and dependable.

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Breed Traits and Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Corgis. 

 

  • Height

    10-12 inches

  • Weight

    Up to 20 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)

  • Life Expectancy

    12-13 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Double/Short

  • 100 Affectionate with Family
  • 60 Good with Young Children
  • 80 Good with Other Dogs
  • 80 Trainability Level
  • 80 Energy Level
  • 80 Barking Level
  • 80 Shedding Level
  • 20 Drooling Level

History

Some find it hard to believe that a dog the size of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was bred for herding cattle, but its deeply entrenched instincts that back centuries: it is believed that the cattle dogs that were brought to Wales by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries are the true ancestors of the Corgi as we know it today. (It is also possible that they may have descended from a line of dogs that were brought to Wales in the 12th century by Flemish weavers.)

Corgis possess all the vital traits to be extremely efficient cattle dogs: tenacity, determination, and high intelligence. Both the Pembroke and its close cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, descend from the line of northern spitz-type dogs. Initially recognized as one breed, the Kennel Club of the UK decided in 1934 to recognize the Pembroke and Cardigan separately. The American Kennel Club followed suit in the same year and in 1936, the Pembroke was first shown in the USA. The official AKC breed standard is maintained by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is perhaps best known for being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s preferred breed of dog. Queen Elizabeth II of England was given her first Corgi by her father, King George, in 1933, and the breed has been a fixture in her life ever since.

Corgi Personality & Temperament 

Pembroke Corgis are highly intelligent, outgoing, and friendly dogs. Strong and athletic, Corgis are happiest with moderate daily exercise – they especially love herding and chasing, the same activities they engage in as working dogs. Their pleasant disposition makes Corgis a great fit for families, and their protectiveness if they sense a threat to their family or social group makes the breed great watchdogs. Their determination can sometimes turn into a stubborn streak, however, making early, consistent training beneficial to avoid future behavioral issues.

Corgis have become more and more popular in the USA, and for good reason: they are great family dogs, with keen intelligence that means they take to training well. This same intelligence can be a challenge for their owners, however, as Corgis do not relinquish leadership easily – after all, the same determination, tenacity, and independence that serve them well as herding dogs can also make them a challenge to handle.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Corgi, it is especially important to source from an ethical, responsible breeder who is breeding for not only looks, but health and temperament as well. Rescues are also great options for prospective Corgi owners. Contact your local Bark Busters trainer today to learn about great breeders and rescue organizations near you!

Corgi Physical Characteristics

Muscular, long, and low-set, Pembroke Corgis differ from their cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, in several respects: Pembrokes typically have docked tails compared to long tails for Cardigans (though some countries have banned the practice, making the difference more difficult to spot); additionally, the Cardigan has a slightly larger head and comes in different colors than its Pembroke counterpart.

Class & Color

Class

  • Herding Class

Color:

  • Red
  • Fawn
  • Sable
  • Brack and Tan
  • (All colors may be with or without white markings)

Size

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small but powerful dogs with surprising agility given their size and short legs.

  • Small
  • Height: Height: 10-12 inches
  • Weight: up to 30 pounds (male); up to 28 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy

Pembroke Corgis maintain good genetic health, especially when purchased from responsible breeders, though some can suffer from inherited conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other rare conditions.

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 12 and 13 years.

Corgi Common Behavioral Issues

The common issues with Corgis are normally barking, chasing, leash-pulling and sibling rivalry. They can be bossy with other dogs, with a desire to rule the roost. Early training makes a real difference when it comes to managing the strong herding instincts possessed by Corgis, which may transfer to everything they do. Good management is especially important around young children, who may be nipped during overexuberant play. The Corgi is not malicious, but it can get itself into trouble if left on its own to run the show.

If you are struggling with your Corgi’s behavioral issues, contact your local Bark Busters trainer. Our trainers are available both in person and through live interactive virtual sessions to help establish a pattern of consistency, resolve any and all issues, and help you nurture a relationship with your Corgi built on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and love.

Corgis have never been known to walk away from a fight, but the generally won't start one. It is important to socialize them properly from an early age to avoid behavioral issues.

Aggression is not normally an issue with Corgis, though they can become leash-reactive if allowed to lead on walks. Training can help curb their potential to nip at heels if they get excited – call your local Bark Busters trainer to learn more.

Prevention is far more preferable to a cure – early basic obedience training is absolutely vital to ensuring your Corgi understands and follows your rules.

All dogs need a special place to call their own. By selecting a place for yours to eat and sleep away from high traffic areas of your home, you can set good habits early in its life.

We are standing by to help you develop a consistent, compassionate approach to good behavior for your Corgi. Learn more about our services and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our trainers today!

Connect with Us!

Need help training your Corgi? Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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Corgi Health

Health

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, though some may inherit hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or Von Willebrand Disease.

Corgis need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Consider walks or jogs, but be mindful of their short legs, which can hinder their ability to keep up at faster speeds.

Corgis are very intelligent and need mental stimulation. Consider a puzzle or chew toy that stimulates a dog’s natural desire to chew.

Corgis benefit from structure and direction, including proper socialization from a young age with people and low-energy dogs.

Grooming

Corgis possess a weatherproof short undercoat with a longer, coarser outer coat of varying length. Pembrokes do benefit from a once-daily brushing with a comb and slicker brush to minimize their tendency to shed, which increases in spring and early summer. The American Kennel Club also recommends occasional baths to loosen dead hairs (though Corgis should be completely dry before brushing), regular nail trimmings, and routine ear checks.

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Hear from Bark Busters Clients Who Have a Corgi

Dan is a lifesaver! Zoe is a 5 year old strong willed Corgi who constantly was barking, pulling, jumping and overall not listening. After the first lesson with Dan, my boyfriend and I saw a major improvement with how she was walking and she was starting to understand that she was no longer in charge. After our second lesson with Dan, my boyfriend and I saw a new well - behaved Corgi. She understands how to walk with us, she grasps that certain areas of the house are not her space but my boyfriend's and mine, and she is understanding the commands when we tell her not to bark. I did not think it was possible to see her improve and the fact that she did and turned the corner so quickly was very impressive! This is all thanks to Dan!
I had purchased a new Corgi puppy last year and had some big issues with her that I could not deal with on my own. My vet recommended Bark Busters and I could not be more grateful for how much their training helped me to be able to keep my dog. Their training is kind and helpful...I would highly recommend this company! - (Google Review)
Steve is great! He is wise, professional, honest, and great at what he does. It's only been a few days since our first session and have seen a huge improvement with our 2.5-year-old corgi, Herbie. His biggest problem behaviors (barking non-stop when we have guests and jumping up to steal food) have subsided and we're looking forward to seeing more improvements as we continue with training.
Deb from Bark Busters totally changed my relationship with my dogs. I have two dogs, one is 4 years old hound mix and the other is 7 months old corgi mix. There has been some sibling rivalry, some aggressive behavior around feeding time (coming from the corgi towards the hound), and the typical barking, jumping, etc. I took a dog training course with the hound but when I tried training the corgi he wouldn't listen, just wanted the treat. Deb came to our home and totally flipped the script on how to handle my dogs. It's only been one week and we still have some work to do in certain areas but I noticed my dogs are a lot more relaxed and when your dog sitter texts you saying "Holy *beep*! What did you guys do? They didn't jump on me when I came into the house!" I find that a great success and the steps to the right direction! Thank you, Deb!
Kayla from Bark Busters is the real deal. She was awesome! Even after having dogs my entire life, learned and practiced so much last evening. It is absolutely true that you see a difference on the very first meeting with your dog. We've been putting in to practice all of the daily activities and exercises and are continuing to see great progress with my 2 year old mini-dachsund, Riley. Kayla is both professional and very personable. I have already recommended her to 2 of my nephews for their dogs, and do not hesitate to recommend her to anyone !
Kayla came to our home well prepared for our first visit and we saw results day one! Her knowledge combined with true compassion for helping owners help their dogs be the best they can be truly shines through. I love that we are armed with a plan and homework to work on in between visits.
Kayla was excellent - we just had our first visit and learned plenty on how to build confidence in our boy Hammy so he knows to look to us for leadership. Already seeing an improvement on our communication!
Kayla is so amazing to work with. She came to our house with our puppy and taught us so much. She answers any questions I have via text when I’m stuck on what the best thing is for our pup. She always gives honest and educated advice that I truly trust.
We were able to see noticeable differences in Henri's behavior in only a few hours!
Carrie was amazing and explained everything so clearly. We immediately saw a difference in Bootsy's behavior and she was responsive to the training. We are excited to see how our relationship improves with our dog.
I am blown away by how quickly our dogs took to the Bark Busters method. We are so grateful that we found Pascha and BB. Will recommend to all of our friends and family!
Pascha was very informative and helped me to become a better leader for Hudson.
Pascha was very effective in addressing my concerns around separation anxiety and excessive barking at other dogs. After the first session, I've seen how I can implement the tactics I learned to better her behavior!
We were beyond impressed with our training session for our dog, Keely. In just one session, we saw a vast improvement in her ability to stay calm in her crate and separate from us. Andy helped us build the foundation for being able to leave Keely in a safe space and allow us to leave our home without worry for Keely's safety. Andy also helped us to learn how to better communicate with Keely. We also worked on leash pulling. Andy gave us a step-by-step plan to help us build on the strategies he taught us in our sessions. We couldn't be more happy with the training we've gotten with Andy/Bark Busters. We wholeheartedly would recommend them to every dog owner.
Mr. Johnny and Ms. Diane are exceptional dog trainers who truly understand canine behavior. Their expertise goes beyond just training, as they also provide valuable guidance on dog health and diet, ensuring a well-rounded approach to pet care. I recently got a puppy who is just 2 month old, and their advice has been incredibly helpful in setting the right foundation. We have completed three sessions with them so far, and the progress has been remarkable. Their dedication and passion for dogs are evident in the results they achieve. Highly recommended for anyone looking for professional and compassionate dog training and care!”
I could not have had a better experience with this team! My dog Beau was a rescue adoption, and he had significant anxiety and aggression issues. Michael came directly to our home, listened to our concerns, and worked with me to create a plan to help everyone, including Beau, feel safe and secure. I gained a whole new perspective surrounding a dog’s behavior. It was well worth the price for peace of mind knowing we are on the right path with the right tools. Thank you!
I am amazed at how well our dog is responding after one training session. I wouldn't have believed it was possible to make so much progress so fast if I didn't see it for myself. I mainly called Bark Busters because of resource guarding against our older Golden retriever and I was worried I may not be able to keep the new dog because he would start fights so I was desperate to find help, I believe this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, this is going to help in so many different ways, not just resource guarding, he's so much easier to get calmed down while preparing the dog's food or when company comes over, etc. I look forward to learning more. Michael is very kind and I appreciate his experience , he explains things very well and is patient with me and all my questions.
Deb was amazing with my pup! We saw results immediately and she continued to provide support to us as we continued training.
I had an amazing experience working with Kayla from Bark Busters! Her guidance has been incredibly helpful in teaching me how to take control and establish myself as the leader of my pack with my dogs, Nash and Bernie. Kayla’s methods were clear, effective, and easy to follow. She took the time to understand my dogs’ behaviors and provided practical strategies that made an immediate difference. Thanks to her expertise, I feel much more confident as a dog owner, and Nash and Bernie are already showing positive changes. I highly recommend Kayla to anyone looking for professional, results-driven dog training!
Working with Kayla and the bark busters training system has been an amazing experience for us and our dog! The training method has built such a close trust and bond between us and our dog. There’s a solution for everything and we always have a great time learning from Kayla - she makes it fun and is a patient and skilled teacher. The health and wellbeing of the dog is her number one priority which we fully align with her on, and she helps us not just with classic “obedience” training (although it doesn’t feel like obedience, it feels like communicating with our dog), but also nutrition and interacting with our baby and anything else we have questions on. We love our dog so much and want the best for him and Kayla is the best!
Extremely pleased with C assey. We have a nightmare of a 14 month 71 lbs Golden Retriever. Cassey had him under control and doing as told in less t g an 5minutes. I'm delighted and amazed cannot wait until next visit. !!
Google Review: "They showed me within the first hour how my French Bulldog could be and I am so thankful. They know what they are doing and have amazing results."
Nicole is absolutely fantastic! She worked wonders with our dog, providing expert guidance, patience, and personalized training that truly made a difference. Her approach is both professional and compassionate, making it easy for both the dog and owner to learn. We saw incredible progress in a short amount of time, and our dog is now more obedient, confident, and happy.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and caring trainer, Nicole is the one to call. Highly recommend her services!
My pup is so so sweet but large and very strong. He has had some traumatic experiences at the vet that left him very fearful and combative. He needed a medical procedure that required sedation. I didn’t want to add to another traumatic experience where they would have to shove him between the door and the wall to give him the sedation. I hired Jared a month before the scheduled procedure so time was at a crunch. Happy to report my dog had a very successful procedure where he was sedated calmly and not more traumatized. The peace that I got from the work Jared did with us to keep me, my dog and the vet staff safe and the success of the procedure was worth my investment. Jared also helped with other behaviors I wanted to eliminate. He gave me the tools to feel confident and safe managing my large dog. We are very grateful. 🙏🏻
I have a wonderful little pup named Luna, who is a sweetheart but unfortunately was very comfortable being top dog in the house. Thanks to some recommendations from family, we reached out to Bark Busters and got connected with Jared to help with Luna's behaviors. Jared was very professional and knowledgeable in helping us create a plan and providing context and reasoning for what methods he was going to use. Even after the first few sessions, Luna's behavior dramatically improved, and she's practically a different dog now! I couldn't be happier with the service we received, and the lifetime access is also a bonus! Thanks Jared!
We can't recommend Kayla at Barkbusters enough! She is an excellent teacher evidenced by her training us on how to train our dog. In only a few months (even after our first session) we have already curbed several negative behaviors and learned a lot. We are eager to continue working with Kayla and Barkbusters until all negative behaviors are extinguished!
Bark busters and Kayla are the only reason we have our dog today. We rescued our dog Leo in April of 2023 and he is fear aggressive due to his trauma. We called Kayla and she came out within days of our call. After just one visit of Kayla coming Leo was a different dog! She was able to teach us everything we needed to do in order to get a loving and happy dog! We went from a dog who couldn’t even go over our families house or be around dogs to now can sleep over with his best bud Steve without us!! My husband and I owe everything to Kayla and bark busters! We are forever grateful!
Kayla has been excellent training our hyperactive 1.5 year old Jack Russell/Boston Terrier mix. She has taught us valuable tools that we can use on a daily basis. This training really has helped us take control without the use of painful techniques. Definitely would recommend!

Need Dog Training Assistance with your Corgi? Find Your Local Trainer Now!

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