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The Corgi

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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 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!
We’re experienced dog owners, but Clementine completely humbled us. We adopted her, as a puppy, thinking she was a small-breed chihuahua mix, but it turns out she’s about 80% working dog (Malinois, Border Collie, Shepherd) and only 20% chihuahua…which explains a lot in hindsight. One day, the world became terrifying to her. We couldn’t walk down the street or have people in our home and were honestly losing hope. She was reactive to everything, and despite months of training on our own, nothing helped. I also have an energy-limiting disability, which made her extreme protectiveness even harder to manage. We were running out of options.

Hiring Jared from Bark Busters was our last resort and the best decision we made. Clementine has done a complete 180. We went from not being able to walk down the street or have visitors to hosting family and taking her to crowded restaurants. Jared’s approach is practical, grounded in how dogs actually communicate, and it works. We went from feeling helpless to confident again, and Clementine is thriving. If you’re stuck or feel out of options, hire him. You won’t regret it. And bonus: he’s an awesome person too.
Connie has been a godsend for our family. We were having issues with our dogs’ reactivity on walks and were searching for a trainer and training method that felt right for us. However, most of what we found was either treat based, which did not work with our large reactive dogs, or dominance and physical correction based which didn’t resonate with us. Connie showed us a third way. By helping us better understand our dogs, their needs, and their communication style, she taught us how to shift our entire relationship to one in which we are the authority and we can all feel safer and more relaxed. Our walks and home life are now much more enjoyable and we feel empowered to make the changes necessary to improve our lives.
Jerry was SO helpful. I tried other training classes only to be disappointed in the results. Barkbuster's technique was immediately effective. My dog responded very quickly and with a little practice, her behavior improved tremendously! The way Jerry explained everything made so much sense! He taught me so much about my dog, dog behavior, and gave me tools that have greatly improved our quality of life!
Pam is a miracle worker! I have a German Shepherd that started to display aggression. I was afraid to walk him when other dogs were around. It got to the point I wouldn't walk my dog until midnight! After working with Pam, I learned to establish myself as a leader and get Buddy to actually listen to me. It's amazing the results you see when you learn to communicate with your pup. Buddy and I now enjoy multiple walks/day.
Google Review: "Betty Lou and Rachel are doing a great job helping us with our 2 older dogs! Since we started about 3 months ago they both are a lot calmer and no longer charge the door when somebody is there! Also, our one dog has ( had )separation anxiety to the point I could not even do yard work without him scratching the door. He is now fine! We had an issue with him nipping if he is startled and is making great progress there! We live in Foley Alabama and would highly recommend them to help you with your doggies! Thank you ladies!"
Google Review: "Betty Lou and Rachael were great and they helped our very skittish Great Dane Thor to become much more social and confident. People remark weekly on the change in him and how happy he seems. He has also learned to be the alpha dog to our younger pup who also benefited from their behavior and leash training. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to help their pups learn to fit more into the family and to be more well behaved pups."
Larry Rudginsky has been a kind and gentle teacher for my incredibly energetic and stubborn pup. She is learning manners and how to behave on and off a leash as well as walking near other dogs and people without running at them. It has been a challenge but she is learning to be acceptable in and with company! I like this program of learning together - very helpful for us both!

Bark Busters made a huge difference right away with my dog Izzy's behavior. It's only been a couple days since my at home training session with Michael, but Izzy seems like a new dog. She has barely barked since the training and she used to bark at almost every new person or dog she came across. She is also much more respectful of boundaries now and she doesn't pull at the leash during walks anymore. I highly recommend Bark Busters to anyone whose dogs are excessively barking or have other problem behaviors. Thank you, Michael and Bark Busters!
We were so frustrated with our rescued puppies resistance to our home training to no end. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Bark Busters style of command and confidence training is just what the doctor ordered. Looking forward to many great years with our trained dogs! Thank you Michael and Lydia, you saved us from our despair.
Helpful, professional and educational! Sharon came to our home, spent three hours teaching us how to communicate with our dog. After just one visit we have seen a great amount of progress.
Sharon is fantastic. We found ourselves in a frustrating time with our puppy and Sharon, and her team was great. From our super thorough intake call to getting an appointment super fast, she addressed all of our concerns with understanding and immediately put our puppy and us at ease. She checked in, is reachable, and we can already see the difference, not just in our pup but in us as well. She trains both the humans and the dogs and showed us how to have a better dog. We have tried other trainers and methods, with limited success, which caused more frustration, yet her approach has made a difference almost immediately. Highly recommend!
Benji - a sweet dog with many issues like pulling extremely hard on the leash, resource guarding, attacking my cat, and jumping. All these problems were practically resolved within the first visit. He is like a brand new dog, he doesn't bark when someone rings the doorbell, pulls on walks, and now he even cuddles with my cat! We've seen such an improvement in his resource guarding issues as well!! Can't wait to continue to work with Benji and get him to where he needs to be. Thank you so much Mark!
Absolutely MINDBLOWING first session! I have a reactive dachshund Elton, who barks aggressively at anyone coming to the door, people walking by etc. Scott taught us some great techniques and Elton’s behavior change was immediate. Highly recommend using this service!!
We are having an outstanding experience with Mark from Bark Busters of Northern Virginia—truly a 10 out of 10! During a comprehensive initial three-hour in-home session, Mark clearly explained the core principles of the program and demonstrated several highly effective techniques that immediately improved how we communicate with and control our dog. He followed up with a phone call a week later to reinforce key points, which helped keep us on track. After just two weeks of applying what we learned, our dog’s barking has decreased by at least 90%, his on-leash walking has improved significantly, and his responsiveness to commands has dramatically increased. He even seems more comfortable and confident. It’s also reassuring to know Mark is available if we need him going forward. The results have far exceeded our expectations—we couldn’t recommend Mark more highly!
This might not sound believable but its living testimony. We started with a 2 hour session. 1st was a presentation about learning how our dog works and to communicate better with him. After that less then 15 minutes into direct training we could see a immediate impact. Patrick is the BEST dog trainer I've ever seen or worked with. My wife and I can walk our dog outside and he isn't going crazy barking or pulling. Also we have full command of him and where he goes in the house. I cannot say enough good things about our training session. Thank you Patrick!
This might not sound believable but its living testimony. We started with a 2 hour session. 1st was a presentation about learning how our dog works and to communicate better with him. After that less then 15 minutes into direct training we could see a immediate impact. Patrick is the BEST dog trainer I've ever seen or worked with. My wife and I can walk our dog outside and he isn't going crazy barking or pulling. Also we have full command of him and where he goes in the house. I cannot say enough good things about our training session. Thank you Patrick!
Training was amazing, we learned a lot of new useful techniques that will help Suki be the beast! Amazing instruction and results!!!
I learned how to get Beau's attention and how to hold it. I also learned the firm no / loving praise!
The training session was so helpful and made so much sense. John is an amazing behavioral trainer and so very knowledgeable. We felt heard and our issues were completely addressed.
John was great! It was a very productive session.
John is amazing!
Our experience was so helpful - I feel like we gained so many new skills to resolve the issues with our dogs, the dynamics, and establish leadership in a confident way. I feel hopeful and see the path forward which feels so good to say after living in such stress for 2 years.
Everything I had problems with was addressed. Time spent working with Bruno was great!
John had a wealth of knowledge for us. We saw an improvement on the first night of training. We are so looking forward to well-behaved dogs.

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