Are Corgis High Maintenance?

Corgis are wonderful little characters and a popular choice for a lot of dog lovers. There is the preconception that this little dog will be nothing but a bundle of fun to have around. While they are sweet and amusing dogs, there may be some ill-conceived ideas about owning one. So, are Corgis high-maintenance dogs?

Are Corgis high maintenance?

Corgis aren’t the most high-maintenance dogs around as owners can keep up with their daily routines and care without too much trouble. Shedding is an issue but it is manageable. The bigger issues come with some of the behavioral traits of these dogs. They can be vocal and stubborn, with a tendency to revert to herding instincts. Experienced owners without small children can work on training these dogs and see big improvements.

How much do corgis cost?

Corgis are a fairly popular breed of dog, so their price can vary significantly. Some breeders may charge as little as $500 for a corgi puppy, while others may charge upwards of $2,000. The price will also depend on the specific type of corgi you are interested in purchasing. For example, Pembroke Welsh corgis are typically more expensive than Cardigan Welsh corgis. Ultimately, the price you pay for your corgi will depend on several factors, including the breeder you purchase from and the specific type of corgi you select.

Corgi requirements for health and well-being.

The best place to start when considering if a breed is high-maintenance is in the effort put into their day-to-day care. Do they require any special dietary considerations? Do they require a lot of exercises to burn off calories and stay fit? Are there any grooming problems to be aware of?

Corgi diets and feeding schedules.

It shouldn’t be too hard to find the right food and feeding schedule for your dog unless they develop any allergies. The problem comes with portion control. Too little and they won’t have enough to fuel their active lifestyle. Too much and they can overeat and run the risk of obesity.

Corgi exercise requirements.

Corgis are active dogs and require a lot of exercise and playtime. Exercise helps them deal with any issues of overeating and keeps them in good shape. Regular walks and games in the yard are essential. They might not be so good in an apartment without long walks outside. Also, you need to keep up with the need for mental stimulation. Their intelligence means that they are always looking for something to do. Don’t let them get bored.

Corgi shedding problems.

This is a big issue to contend with if you choose to have a Corgi at home. Their topcoat can shed moderately and you will find the hair around the house. But, there is also the issue of the seasonal molt. This is where the undercoat of the dog blows out with masses of shed hair.

Corgi grooming needs.

Owners that can stay on top of these shedding issues with the right grooming and tools during blow-outs should be fine. The plus side to grooming a Corgi is that their coat repels dirt pretty well. You won’t have to bathe them quite so often, but you could find more dirt on the floor or in their dog bed.

What to know before owning a corgi?

The factors above all relate to the maintenance of feeding and grooming a Corgi. But, there is more to this animal. Some dog lovers will consider them low maintenance because of these requirements and then overlook some of the behavioral issues and training problems. Corgis can be a joy to have around when well-trained and well-understood. But, they aren’t always ideal for first-time pet parents because of the following issues.

Corgis can be bossy and stubborn.

Some Corgi owners find the bossiness of a Corgi to be endearing. It shows some spirit and keeps you on your toes when devising walks and playtime. Selective hearing isn’t uncommon either. This is a problem for anyone that wants a more passive people-pleasing dog with perfect obedience.

Corgis can still develop separation anxiety despite this independence.

Surprisingly, this stubborn and independent-minded dog can also suffer from issues of separation anxiety. They like to get their way, but they also hate to be left alone. With the appropriate training, you might find that they get destructive and bark all the time.

Corgis have herding instincts that can manifest via your children.

Corgis are working dogs at heart and are content running around a field rounding up animals and wildfowl. They know that they need to stay near those vulnerable creatures and keep them in the right place. They can start doing this to kids. While it might be a secondary babysitting service for crawling toddlers, there are potential problems.

Corgis can also start to nip at children because of this.

This is where this behavior can become a bigger issue. Herding sometimes comes with an instinct to nip at the heels of kids. Corgis and other short working dogs will do this to livestock to make it move. They may be trying to get your kids out of danger, but it can appear aggressive.

Corgis can also be more vocal than new owners would like.

We say vocal because it isn’t just barking that you need to watch out for when dealing with Corgis. Corgis will bark at anything they want to move, even balls and toys, because of their herding background. They can also bark at you to get their way. Then there is the “talking” and howling that can happen during feeding and when they want attention.

Training your Corgi to make them less of a high-maintenance dog.

Training is essential for any smart working breed. The sooner you work with them to showcase your expectations and banish bad habits, the better-behaved your dog will be. The stubborn nature of the Corgi could make it a little challenging at times to get the message across. But, you can work to limit nipping, excessive vocalization, separation anxiety, and more. Be patient and consistent with small steps.

Are corgis hard to take care of?

In short, there are some big pros and cons to owning a Corgi. While some would say that they aren’t the highest of high-maintenance dogs because of their feeding and grooming, there are challenging behavioral issues. It all depends on how well you train your Corgi early on to handle herding, nipping, barking, and separation anxiety. Deal with these issues effectively and there should be no problem.

Related post: Are Corgis Healthy Dogs?