9 Essential Things to Know Before Getting a Corgi
Thinking about getting a Corgi? You’re not alone — these stubby-legged charmers have quietly taken over homes and social media feeds everywhere.
But here’s the thing: don’t let the cute fool you.
Corgis are real dogs with real needs, and owning one is not all fluff and giggles. They pack a shocking amount of personality into a very small body.
So before you fall for those bat ears, let’s walk through what you actually need to know.
“Corgis are smart, loving, and endlessly entertaining — but they are definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it pet.”
First, let’s clear up a question new buyers always ask.
1. Pembroke or Cardigan? There’s a Difference (But Not a Huge One)
You might be surprised to learn there are actually two Corgi breeds — and most people only know one of them.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the famous one, thanks to Queen Elizabeth II. It’s a little smaller, often with a docked tail, and has that classic “royal” look.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older breed by more than 2,000 years. It’s a touch sturdier, keeps its long fox-like tail, and comes in a wider range of coat colors.
Here’s the good news: personality-wise, they’re more alike than different.
Pembroke
Smaller, often tail-less, playful, and the breed you picture when someone says “Corgi.”
Cardigan
Bigger boned, long-tailed, and tends to be a little calmer and more reserved.
Both are smart, affectionate, and full of spunk. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a big-dog brain in a small-dog frame.
And that brain needs a job. Which brings us to exercise.
2. They’re Small — But They Need Serious Action
Don’t let the short legs fool you. Corgis are herding dogs, bred to move cattle all day.
That means energy to burn and a brain that craves a challenge.
~1 hr
Minimum daily exercise a Corgi really needs
At a minimum, plan for two walks, some active playtime, and a bit of training or puzzle toys. Mix physical and mental work — a tired brain matters as much as tired legs.
Yes, Corgis can thrive in apartments. But you can’t just open a door to the yard and call it a day.
Speaking of barking...
3. Expect Some Serious Barking
Let’s be honest about this one: Corgis love to talk.
They’ll bark at strangers, squirrels, shadows — and sometimes, seemingly, just because.
If you have close neighbors or live in an apartment, you’ll want to commit to consistent, calm no-bark training early. Reward the quiet, not the noise.
That leads straight into their social side.
4. They’re Social Butterflies (and Hate Being Alone)
These dogs crave company. They’re happiest surrounded by their people — or another pet.
Corgis often do great with other dogs and even cats, as long as introductions are calm and gradual.
Kids
GreatWonderful with respectful children who don’t chase or grab.
Other dogs
GoodSocial and playful with proper introductions.
Cats
With careFine when introduced slowly — watch the herding nips.
Busy solo owners
ToughLong days alone don’t suit this social breed.
So what does this mean for you? If your schedule keeps you out all day, a Corgi may struggle — or you’ll want a second pet to keep your pup company.
Now, about that famous intelligence.
5. Super Smart = Super Willful
Corgis are whip-smart and genuinely love learning — especially when treats are on the table.
But here’s the catch: they’re also independent thinkers. Smart doesn’t mean obedient.
How to train a stubborn Corgi
- Keep it short and funQuick, upbeat sessions beat long, boring drills every time.
- Stay food-motivatedA high-value treat turns a stubborn dog into an eager student.
- Be consistentCorgis test boundaries. The same rules every day get the fastest results.
Don’t expect blind obedience. Expect a clever partner who wants to know what’s in it for them — and reward accordingly.
There’s one instinct you can’t train fully out of them.
6. That Herding Instinct Really Shows
Because Corgis were bred to move cattle, they have a natural urge to nip at heels — especially with fast-moving kids or pets.
It’s not aggression. It’s instinct.
It’s herding behavior, not aggression. Redirect it early to toys and games, and it usually fades with consistent training.
Catch it early, redirect the energy, and most Corgis grow out of the habit. But go in expecting it, not surprised by it.
Now for the part that catches many owners off guard: their backs.
7. Health-Wise They’re Solid — But Their Backs Need Care
The good news: Corgis usually live 12–15 years and are generally healthy dogs.
The catch: those long backs and short legs need protecting.
- Keep them at a healthy weight — extra pounds strain the spine
- Use ramps or steps for high furniture
- Schedule regular vet checkups
- Let them repeatedly jump off couches and beds
- Ignore signs of back pain or reluctance to move
Conditions to keep on your radar include hip dysplasia, IVDD (a spinal issue), and epilepsy, among a few genetic concerns.
Last of the essentials: the fur situation.
8. You’ll Be Brushing… a Lot
That fluffy double coat is gorgeous. It’s also a shedding machine.
Corgis shed year-round, and then really kick into gear during spring and fall.
Pros
The upside
- Weekly brushing keeps it manageable
- Baths only needed every couple of months
- No expensive haircuts required
Cons
The reality
- Fur on everything, all year
- Heavy “coat blow” twice a year
- Regular nail trims are a must
Still with us? Let’s answer the questions everyone asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, if you’re active and committed to training. Their intelligence makes them fun to work with, but the stubborn streak, barking, and shedding mean they’re not the easiest first dog.
A few hours is fine for an adult once they’re trained, but Corgis are social and prone to separation anxiety. Full workdays alone, every day, usually lead to barking and boredom behaviors.
Yes — they’re a naturally vocal breed. Consistent no-bark training and plenty of mental stimulation help keep the volume down.
Generally yes, especially with kids who interact calmly. Just watch for heel-nipping when children run, and redirect that herding instinct early.
Often, yes. With slow, positive introductions, most Corgis coexist happily with other pets — just keep an eye on the herding urge at first.
For most owners it’s a tie between the shedding and the barking, followed by managing their high energy and protecting that long back.
Expect real puppy chaos through the first year, with the wild adolescent phase easing around 1–2 years old. Consistent exercise and training speed that up.
Quick poll
After reading this, are you still team Corgi?
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.