Dogs are an important part of a household. If you’re planning on adopting one for your family, then one of the most loved and sought-after is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Corgis are herding dogs with origins from Pembrokeshire, Wales, and thus its name. It is one of two Welsh Corgi breeds, with the other being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both have similar attributes but have differing sizes. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known as a great dog breed for families. They are compact, friendly, affectionate, loyal, and one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are ranked 24th by the American Kennel Club out of 175 breeds.
Are Corgis good family dogs?
Yes, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a fantastic family dog. One of the reasons for this is they can adapt easily to different environments and are flexible when it comes to any change that occurs in their lives or the household.
The Welsh Corgi has an excellent disposition, is incredibly loyal to its owners, adores its families, and gets along well with people and other animals if you socialize them early enough. Being herding dogs, they are fantastic watchdogs and are great for watching your house and your kids.
However, it is important to know that if you’ve never had a dog before, they are not ideal for first-time owners. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation and are high-maintenance dogs. They need daily exercise, lots of attention, and affection, and may need to be enrolled in an obedience class or herd dog club to keep them happy.
Are Corgis Good with Kids?
Corgis are one of the most energetic dog breeds. They are spirited and athletic, and always need something to do. This is why they are great companions for lively kids who have unlimited sources of energy. They make great playmates for kids and are highly possessive, which means you’ve got an excellent watchdog for your child.
Their small, compact size also makes them great playmates for kids because they don’t pose a risk when they’re clowning around. As compared to a 70-pound Dalmatian that can potentially topple over your child, a 20 to 30-pound Corgi won’t have the same physical strength to do similar damage.
However, Corgis are not ideal for families with kids below the age of 5. As a herding dog, Corgis have a tendency to nip at the heels of kids, which is something they would normally do to cattle if they were out in the field herding on a farm. Though it’s not life-threatening, it can cause harm and trauma to children.
Corgis are also very strong-willed and have an assertive temperament. They tend to be bossy and want to do things their way, which may be problematic for smaller kids.
Do Corgis Like to Cuddle?
Corgis love to cuddle because they love getting affectionate with their owners to show love and affection. They are also very trusting and affectionate, and physical contact means familiarity and kinship.
Corgis are also social animals and love to be around people, and are known to be clingy and cuddly. On cold days, they might want to cuddle a lot to warm themselves.
Can Corgis Be Left Alone During the Day?
Corgis do not like being left alone for long periods. Because they are naturally social animals, they want to be around other people or other animals at all times. When they are left alone, they can become anxious and destructive. They can become agitated and start chewing on shoes, destroying furniture, and wreaking havoc.
Corgis are not relaxed dogs, have an unlimited amount of energy, and always need something to do. If you need to leave your Corgi for long a period, such as when you need to go to work, you would need to walk your pet in the morning, and once you arrive home. The longest time that they can be left alone during the day would be 8 to 10 hours.
If you can’t give them the attention and physical stimulation they need, you would need to hire a dog companion to be with them while you work, or you would need to leave them at a dog daycare. Another solution could be adopting another dog to keep them company.
Pros of Owning a Corgi
- Great for Kids Ages 5 and Up
Corgis are excellent playmates and watchdogs for kids. They’re energetic, intelligent, loyal, and lively.
- Great Watchdogs
They are great at watching your home and your kids, as well. As herding dogs, they are used to chasing away strange animals from the herd and have loud, sharp barks that can scare off other animals or people who may attempt to come near your child or enter your home.
- Loyal, Affectionate, and Loving
Corgis are great companions because they are loyal, loving, and affectionate. They can sense if you’ve had a bad day and are always around you trying to cheer you up or making you play with them.
- Easy to Teach
Whether it is obedience or social training, Corgis are very easy to teach because they are naturally smart dogs.
Cons of Owning a Corgi
- High Maintenance
Corgis are high-maintenance dogs. They’re not the type that you can just leave behind for long periods. They need constant mental and physical stimulation, with some needing to be walked two times a day. If they don’t, they can get depressed, and angry, and can be very destructive. If you don’t have the time to socialize, play, or exercise your pet, then a Corgi is not for you.
- Not Ideal to Leave Outside the House
Corgis are very vocal dogs, which means they will bark at strangers and other pets they’re not familiar with. If you leave them out of the house and they see a dog or cat they’re not familiar with, they will chase that animal, start barking very loudly and cause a stir in the neighborhood.
Bottom Line
Corgis are great family dogs as they are loyal, playful, and affectionate. They are great with kids and make for excellent companions and playmates. Their natural ability to chase off strange pets and people makes them excellent watchdogs for kids and your home.
However, because of their high energy levels, and their need for constant mental and physical stimulation, they are high-maintenance dogs that need a lot of attention and care.
If you can provide the care and attention a Corgi needs to be happy and healthy, then adopting one would be a great choice for your family.
Related post: Are Corgis High Maintenance?
