— Featured Breeds —

The Corgi

Back to Featured Breeds

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.

Please begin by confirming your zip code.

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 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.

Tips for Every Dog Owner

Golden retriever and British shorthiar cat lying on the floor

How Do You Introduce Dogs to Cats? A Calm, Humane Guide to a Safe First Meeting

Learn how to safely introduce dogs to cats with step-by-step guidance on scent sharing, safety zones, prey drive, and calm supervision.
A Siberian Husky enjoying a walk in the snow

Winter Pet Safety Tips to Keep Your Dog Warm and Healthy

Whether you live somewhere with freezing temperatures or reside in a milder climate, winter can bring some challenges for dogs. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can keep your pet safe and cozy.
A man and his Golden Retriever opening gifts by a Christmas tree

Holiday Dog Safety Guide: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

The holiday season is a joyful time to gather with family and friends, decorate around the home, and enjoy traditions old and new. Keep your dog safe and happy with our tips for a fun, stress-free season.
2025 holiday gift guide

12 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers: Bark Busters 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Bark Busters’ 2025 Dog Lovers Gift Guide: 12 top picks for dogs and pet parents, from practical essentials to fun favorites. Perfect holiday gifts!
Dog under the dinner table looking for scraps of food

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Dog

Thanksgiving is a holiday that all family members can enjoy – including your dog. Follow these tips to make sure everyone can indulge and celebrate safely.
Golden retriever in the backyard with a pumpkin

How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

Keep your dog safe this Halloween with tips on avoiding candy, costumes, decorations, and stress from trick-or-treaters and loud noises.
Puppy in need of toilet training

How to Potty Train A Puppy (Fast, Kind, and Consistent)

Establishing a toilet training routine with puppies (usually at around three months old) requires time, effort, and consistency to yield results, but the benefits are well worth it.
Dog trainer prepares puppy for handling by grooming at home

Dog Handling Training: How to Build Comfort with Handling at Home

Every dog benefits from gentle, positive handling at home. Regular practice reduces stress and anxiety, helping your dog stay calm and cooperative during vet exams, grooming and other handling situations.
Dogs at Dog Park

How to Decide if the Dog Park Is Right for Your Dog

While dog parks can be great for socialization, they’re not the right fit for every dog. Follow these tips to determine whether dog parks are right for your pet.

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!
Scott was incredible. I cannot believe how quickly Milo responded to his techniques. He usually loses his marbles and barks and gets defensive over everyone, but after 15 minutes of Scott being present he was sitting at his feet being his buddy and loved him. I have seen my dog do this with anyone. I recommend him beyond words!!!
Bark Busters training helped both dogs stop their bad habits fairly quickly. Yoshi learned to stop biting hands/pants. Bailey aggressive behavior was quickly corrected. Strongly believe that the training will improve tremendously.
Amazing! We were so frustrated - our dogs changed in a week and kept wanting to kill each other. Orlando had them changed in 1 visit & gave us training exercises and we have our calm dogs back.
Sara is amazing. She was patient and kind with Zander and taught us too what we needed to do. She is an excellent trainer. Would recommend for your training needs!!! Thank you Sara!
Orlando is very professional and helped me stay relaxed to train Lily Rose. The process seems simple enough.
So very happy to see significant improvement in just a few hours of work.
The training was informative & interactive. Orlando was terrific and I consider him a dog whisperer.
Johnny from Bark Busters has been amazing! He’s extremely knowledgeable, communicates clearly, and really took the time to understand my dog’s needs. We’ve already seen huge improvement in my dog’s reactivity thanks to his guidance. Highly recommend!
John was great. We learned so much in the first session and Stella already is responding. We feel very well prepared to train Stella.
John was extremely professional and knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly. I feel confident in what we were taught and can't wait to see the results.
Today was very informative. I feel much more confident that I can regain control of my dog and help reduce her anxiety.
Deb was great with helping us learn why our dog was behaving the way she was, and gave us useful tips to help correct her behavior. While correcting her excessive barking is a work in progress, we did see improvement immediately. Our dog is becoming more comfortable around other people and is barking less the more we work with her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Life-Changing. Truly"

I don’t write reviews lightly and I especially don’t write emotional ones but Bark Busters of San Diego quite literally gave me my life back.

For years, I lived in silence and stress. I couldn’t leave my home without my dogs barking, howling, scratching at their crates, and spiraling into panic. The mouth watering alone was enough to break me. So instead, I stayed home. I adjusted my life around their anxiety. I suffered quietly because I loved them and didn’t know what else to do.

Until one day I broke down completely.

I realized this wasn’t living not for me, and not for them. We deserved calm. We deserved peace. We deserved to live our "best" lives and this wasn’t it.

Some people complain in reviews that dog training “doesn’t work.” Let me be very clear: anxiety whether in humans or dogs is not something you fix by checking a box. A true behavioral therapist understands one thing above all else, "awareness". Anxiety comes from surroundings and perceived safety. The work is learning how to respond and create calm and that takes consistency.

I spent three straight weeks training four hours a day, every single day. I cried. I doubted myself. I wanted to quit. But I followed the Bark Busters program exactly as taught—daily simulations, real-world scenarios, repetition, and patience.

And then something incredible happened.

My dogs slept.
They relaxed.
They trusted.

Today, I can leave my home and my dogs are calm, quiet, and peacefully sleeping, knowing I’m coming back. Visitors come and go with ease. My 9- and 6-year-old Maltipoos are relaxed, confident, and happy. And so am I.

Here’s the truth people don’t want to hear, there is no magic pill. There is no shortcut. The training never “ends” because leadership and love are lifelong commitments. And honestly? That’s the gift. Once it becomes part of your daily life, it feels natural. I walk more. The cuddles are calmer. I’m no longer being climbed on out of anxiety I’m being loved in peace.

And about the cost? Think about it. You’ve already spent more on multiple trainers, treats, wasted time, emotional exhaustion, and a very unhappy household. Bark Busters’ training is guaranteed for life. If you move. If life changes. If new challenges come you’re supported. That matters more than people realize.

Justin and his team are beyond words. Compassionate. Honest. Direct. They don’t just train dogs, they train families.

Value your pet’s life. Value the short, precious time we get with them. Happiness for everyone in the home is worth the work.
🐾💛
This was great! Would recommend!
Working with John was a real pleasure today. We actually saw some improvement in our first session.
We reached out to Ryan and BarkBusters to help with our 3 dogs (9, 8.5, & 4 years old). While our dogs are super sweet, they were a mess; reactive, pullers, no boundaries, dog aggressive. We noticed a huge change after just one session! Today we were able to take the to a park with other dogs. They are more polite, so easy to walk, and sweeter than ever. This training was a game changer, we couldn't recommend Ryan more strongly.
Very thorough, John was very understanding and educated me and I saw improvement during the first session.
I was impressed how easy the dogs were to train once I understood how to communicate with them. The education you get from Bark Busters is vary valueable and really enhances the life of your dogs.
Met with Deb for about 1 1/2 hrs. She taught me the best way to communicate with my dog, and gave me great tips and advise to help me with my newly adopted dog. It worked beyond my wildest dream! He is now a very good boy! Totally recommend Bark Busters!
Deb was great with us humans and especially Winkie our puppy. Can’t wait to keep training with her!
I want to share my deep gratitude for the incredible work Bark Busters did for our family. We have two female dogs from the same litter, and we had no idea that this could lead to serious behavioral issues. Unfortunately, it did. They started fighting over everything—attention, food, you name it—and at one point, I ended up with a bite that required stitches. With a toddler in the house, I was really worried about safety and heartbroken at the thought of having to rehome one of our dogs.

Enter Bark Busters. We decided to give professional training one last shot, and I am so thankful we did. James, the owner and our trainer, was absolutely wonderful. He gave us practical, effective strategies and a solid plan that we followed closely. Now, our dogs are so much better behaved. We haven’t had any more fights, and I’ve been able to keep both of them together in our home, which means the world to me.

One of the best parts is that Bark Busters offers lifetime support for the dogs they train. If we ever need a refresher, they’ll come back out and help. They even offer to assist if, heaven forbid, the dogs ever needed to be rehomed. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I can’t recommend them enough. Thanks to James and Bark Busters, our family is whole and happy.
We just had our second training session with Bark Busters, and within 10 minutes, Elly was walking on leash at our side. He gave us some tips to handle barking across fences at dogs as well! We're super happy with the training, and Elly's barking has become much better and so much easier and simpler to manage. Guests can come in without fear of getting barked at for 10 minutes while we try to calm Elly down.
We are working with Greg Kleva in northern New Jersey. We have a new grandchild, our first, and while our puppy is generally wonderful, she just isn’t good with children. We had tried other dog training, but nothing really worked. We didn't know what to do. We found Greg and Bark Buster’s, and at first, we were very apprehensive because of what seemed like a large upfront payment. I have to say though that after 5 hours of training our dog has been transformed in the most positive way. She's great with our granddaughter, and we have a really good path to a happy, safe home. Greg himself is fantastic. Experienced, responsive, respectful, warm. We love him. And the Bark Busters methodology simply works. Greg has been worth every cent.
i was very pleased with the way my dogs responded to the training techniques. Orlando was very knowledable & informative.

Bring Out the Best in Your Corgi: Submit Our Form to Learn How Expert Training Makes a Difference!

Enter your zip code and fill out this short form, and we’ll contact you within 24 hours to talk about your dog’s training needs. Get the one-on-one support of in-home training and avoid group class frustrations.

Call us at 1-877-500-BARK (2275) for more information

  • 99.7% 4 or 5 stars 99.7% rate their experience with Bark Busters as 4 or 5 out of 5 stars.
  • 99.6% Would Recommend 99.6% would recommend Bark Busters to their friends and neighbors.
  • 99.6% Dog Responded 99.6% think their dog responded well to the training.

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

CALL TODAY 1-877-500-BARK (2275)

Please begin by confirming your zip code.