A corgi puppy is just a bundle of joy! With their ears standing mightily upright, cute little short legs, and plump butt, corgi puppies are just adorable. What is even better about a corgi puppy is that it would probably stay as cute as it ages. An adult corgi only grows, on average, up to 12 inches, the length of a standard ruler. There are many other things that you should learn about these cute fur babies. Read on to discover more about a corgi puppy.
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Two Types of Corgi Puppy
Corgis are known for their short legs, long snouts, and upright ears. You may have adored these cute fur babies during your morning jogs. However, there are two breeds of Welsh corgis – Cardigan corgi and Pembrokeshire corgi. Do you think you could tell the difference between the two?
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The primary difference between the two corgis is their ancestors. The Cardigan corgi began to exist some 3000 years ago before Pembrokeshire. They were brought to Wales by traveling Celtic tribes. In addition to this, Cardigan corgis are in the same family (Teckel family) as dachshunds and basset hounds.
Cardigan corgis used to be working dogs. They were efficient in helping farmers look after domesticated animals such as cattle. They were brave protectors of the herd in farmlands. Because of their natural charm, corgis were a valuable part of the family. Government officials also saw the importance of the corgis in the community. They established laws that would protect corgis from harassment and theft.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Let’s now talk about the Pembrokeshire corgi, who was brought by traveling Flemish weavers as they migrated to Wales in 1107 CE. Even then, Pembrokes and Cardigan corgis have already started cross-breeding.
It was only in 1926 that an English Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association began. It was in the same year that the two types of corgis became one breed. Through the years and because of constant cross-breeding, it could be challenging to differentiate the two. But, there is no need to. They are both as endearing and lovable, anyway.
A Folklore on the Pembroke Corgi Puppy
There is not much information about where a corgi originated. Yes, historians had identified when they first arrived in Wales, but no one could tell about the birth of the breed. Could it have come from a magical land?
Corgis are domesticated animals who are effective farm herders. Before they were cute little helpers for farmers, people say that they served fairies first. According to an old Welsh legend, corgis pull the carriages of fairies. Since fairies have small and fragile wings, fairies would ride on the corgi’s back when they need to travel long distances. They were not only used for transportation, but they were warriors as they carried the fairies and fought in battles.
Because the corgis were loyal and hardworking service dogs for fairies, they also allowed them to wander and play. Fairies let the corgis play and watch over the children.
Fairies also had a monarchy. One day, the King and Queen of fairies felt the burden of humans as they performed hard labor to make a living. They saw the farmers’ plight as they spent long hours tending the soil to make their ends meet. As they observed the pitiful condition of humans, the King fell off his corgi, and the Queen rushed to His Majesty’s aid. Unaware that their passengers fell, the corgis continued to rush off.
The King was worried about the two dogs and ordered a searching team for them. However, the Queen felt that the dogs would never be lost, for they would have found a home with the humans. She felt that humans would find more use for the dogs and needed corgi’s assistance.
As the corgi dogs continued to wander, two children, who were also playing, discovered them. At first, the children feared the corgis because they looked like foxes. They ran to their parents and told them what they saw. Their father explained that these were not foxes but a gift from the fairies. The father explained that these were dwarf dogs, and the marks on the corgi’s back were left from the saddle the fairies used as they rode the corgi.
The children went back to where they found the corgis. From then on, they adopted the corgis in their family. Indeed, as the Queen fairy believed, the corgis were not only an addition to the family, but they also helped the family in tending to their farm. It was the beginning of a loving and working relationship between the corgis and humans.
How to Quickly Spot the Difference?
If you are curious to differentiate the two, the key is to look at a corgi puppy’s tail. A Cardigan Welsh corgi has a longer tail than the Pembrokeshire corgi. You can also tell the difference by looking at the shape of their ears. The Cardigan Welsh corgi has rounded ear tips. On the other hand, a Pembrokeshire corgi has pointy or sharper ear tips.
Corgi Puppies Come in Different Colors
A Pembroke Welsh corgi puppy can come in five basic colors with white trim. You can find a corgi puppy in colors red, red-headed tri-color, Black-headed tri-color, sable, and fawn. The dominant color for a Pembroke is red or a read-headed tri-color.
Interestingly, a Cardigan corgi may also have several colors. Aside from shades of red, brown, and brindle, there is also a Cardigan corgi born in blue merle. This color creates a marbling mixing black and gray colors. Only a Cardigan corgi puppy is a blue merle. However, this characteristic may also show when a Cardigan corgi is bred with a Pembroke corgi.
The Basics About Corgis
Let us get to know the basics of a corgi. Your corgi puppy may grow to a height between 10 and 12 inches, which is about the size of your standard size ruler. On average, a healthy adult corgi may weigh up to 30 pounds (13 kg). They are known to be herding dogs who have helped farmers manage animals such as cattle and sheep. A corgi has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years.
What To Expect – Personality of a Corgi Puppy
A cute corgi puppy has lots of energy. Having a corgi as a company would always give you an eventful day. The good news is that corgi puppies are easy to train. You can divert their energy to useful training. They are intelligent and are very eager to learn. As such, your dog needs to interact more with toys.
A corgi puppy is a very loving addition to your family. Because of their herding background, they are useful as watchdogs and are very protective of their families. They are also gentle enough to be left with children. Early socialization of your puppy would help them become a well-rounded dog. Make sure to include your puppy in your family activities. They would most probably enjoy as much as you do.
Common Health Problems of a Corgi Puppy
To keep a corgi healthy, you should start with their lifestyle. Give food properly, complete your pet’s shots, and encourage them to exercise. However, they could still be prone to some diseases.
These are some of the common diseases that your corgi might encounter in the future. Knowing these now would help you prepare and prevent their occurrence.
Obesity
Corgis are happy eaters. They tend to overeat, especially if you leave their food on their plates all day. To avoid obesity, stick to an eating schedule and control their proportions. You can also use this dog feeder controller.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormal growth and development of the hips. This condition commonly happens during the puppy’s growth. Their ball and socket are poorly fit.
“When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit smoothly. The socket is flattened and the ball is not held tightly in place, thus allowing for some slipping. This makes for an unstable joint and the body’s attempts to stabilize the joint only end up yielding arthritis,” says Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP.
A common sign of hip dysplasia is when your corgi is having a hard time walking. Besides limping, extreme cases would cause your dog to cry or whimper when in pain, even with just walking. Because of the pain, they would avoid movement and would just rather sleep all day. Because corgis are a very active breed, a change in their activity should be noticeable.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary. Any corgi could be at risk of developing it in the future. However, you could try to lessen the risk of your puppy from having this condition. Experts advise feeding your corgi with just the right amount of nutrition they need. Choose a dog food that is primarily for your corgi. By doing so, you can ensure that your corgi puppy is receiving appropriate nutrition.
Cataracts
Cataracts would cause your corgi to have poor vision. You could easily spot the condition when looking at your dog’s eyes because cataracts make them look cloudy. This white cloud could be removed through surgery to improve your dog’s eyesight.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
This condition is also known as a herniated disc or slipped disc. When your dog has slipped disc, the cushioning found between the bones of the spinal column either bursts or bulges into the space where the spinal cord is. When the bones press into the nerves located inside the spinal cord, it may cause nerve damage that could result in paralysis.
For short-legged dogs with long backs, a slipped disc happens because of a forceful impact on the back. This condition could occur when they jump and land or even when they step on the wrong foot. If this happens to your dog, the veterinarian may recommend your dog to undergo surgery. The treatment of your dog still depends on the severity of their slip disc.
Von Willebrand’s Willebrand’s Disease
“Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder of both humans and dogs. It is caused by a deficiency in the amount of a specific protein needed to help platelets (the blood cells used in clotting) stick together and form clots to seal broken blood vessels. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF),” explains Krista Williams, BSc, DVM and collaborator.
Some signs of vWD are spontaneous bleeding in the nose, vagina, or urinary bladder. You may also observe that they have prolonged bleeding after trauma or surgery. For emergency cases, veterinarians often require a blood transfusion to stabilize the pets.
Some things to watch out for:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Extreme changes in their weight
- Lumps, bumps, and growing moles
- Sudden irritability or being short-tempered
- Itchy skin
- Hair Loss
- Aggression
- Fearfulness, dullness, or excessive sleeping
These conditions may sound scary, especially if you are a new fur parent. However, you must understand that all dogs, like humans, are at risk of developing a disease. Knowing these diseases would help you know that having a dog is a responsibility. As a responsible pet parent, you should be aware of the possible conditions your pet may experience.
It would be best to be aware of these diseases so that you can learn to take precautions to prevent your corgi from developing them in the future. Moreover, it is essential to be informed so that you would not panic if emergencies occur.
Keep Your Corgi Healthy
Taking care of your puppy is as simple as taking care of yourself. You just have to make sure that the lifestyle of your corgi is well balanced. Give them these nutritious vitamins for added health boost.
Before anything else, make sure that you get your puppy vaccinated. Completing the corgi’s shots will ensure that they would not get easily preventable diseases. Bring them to the veterinary for their regular check-ups. Being faithful to their doctor’s schedules will help your corgi live longer, healthier, and happier.
It is natural for corgis to indulge themselves with food. They are natural eaters! To prevent these cute fur babies from being obese, make sure they eat regularly. Create a routine for them and avoid leaving food on their plates. There is dog food available in the market that provides enough nutrition needed by the corgi.
Basic Health Tips for Your Corgi Puppy
- Brush their coat at least every week
- To prevent cavities, brush their teeth at least three times a week.
- Do not overfeed your puppy and avoid giving them table food.
- Invest in high-quality food that is age-appropriate
- Encourage your puppy to exercise.
- Avoid letting them jump from high elevations.
Corgi Puppy: A Member of the Royal Family
No other than Queen Elizabeth II adores corgis. For decades, corgis have been living the royal life inside Buckingham Palace. In 1933, the first corgi charmed its way into the House of Windsor. King George VI, who was the Duke of York, brought a corgi puppy into their home. It was named Dookie.
Since then, Queen Elizabeth II has grown to love the breed. According to reports, the Queen even sneaked her favorite dog Susan to join her honeymoon in 1947. Because of her love for corgis, they continued to breed corgis from the same lineage as Susan. There came to the point that the Queen cared for 30 corgis at the same time.
If a corgi is fit for a Queen, don’t you think it might be perfect for you too?
Who Should Get a Corgi Puppy?
You could not deny the fact that corgis are cute. They are so adorable that even their butts are a joy to look at. If you are considering getting a corgi puppy for your family, here are some more reasons to help you make that decision.
- They are fit for any home.
Because of their size, a corgi is fit for any home, even apartment spaces. You would not need a big lawn to take care of these fur babies. Because of their short legs, they would not need to run long distances.
- They are small but are excellent guard dogs.
Corgis are very talkative dogs. They bark at anything and anyone. If you feel the need for a guard dog but have limited space, then a corgi is the best fit. The bonus is that they are loving and playful as much as they are very protective.
- Corgis are perfect exercise buddies.
Corgis are athletic and agile. Aside from this, they are also very energetic. They would be the ideal companion for your morning jogs and night strolls. You and your corgi could be fit and healthy together.
- You must not mind the shed.
The fur of the corgi is prone to shedding. If you do not mind dog hair on your furniture, then getting a corgi should not be a problem. A reliable vacuum cleaner is always the answer.
- Show them who the boss is.
Corgis tend to be wilful and strong-minded. However, if you discipline them well, they are the most loyal companion you’ll have. You just need to show that you are in control of them, and they will surely follow your commands.
- They are perfect stress relievers and a great companion.
Because of their playful nature, they would always spice your day up. Being around corgis would uplift your spirits. Owning a pet drastically changes pet owners’ emotions and outlook.
According to Allen R. McConnell, PhD, “We observed evidence that pet owners fared better, both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences, than non-owners on several dimensions.” He adds, “Specifically, pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners.”
Getting a Corgi Puppy
There are many reasons why you should welcome a corgi in your homes. The Furry Companion supports you in making the decision. Being a pet parent might have its challenges, but it also has its advantages. Embrace your love for dogs, and enjoy the company of a pet. Getting a corgi may be your best decision yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size collar should I get for my corgi puppy?
A practical choice for your corgi puppy’s collar is about 14–16 inches. This size could still fit them as they grow older.
How much should a corgi puppy cost?
On average, a corgi puppy may cost about $1500. This price could still vary from $1200–1800. Sometimes, there may also be corgis up for adoption.
Are corgis aggressive?
Yes, corgis can be aggressive. Corgis, by nature, are herding dogs so they can be more aggressive than other breeds. However, this should not be a problem because corgis are easy to train. They may tend to be aggressive, but they are not violent.
How often do you bath a corgi?
Corgis are not a high-maintenance breed. You may bathe them once a week or as needed.
Does the Cardi get along with other breeds?
Yes, indeed! Corgis are good companions, even for other breeds and even a cat. They do not mind mingling with any type of dog, whether big or small. Because corgis are generally loving and playful dogs, they could get along with anything and anyone.
Does a corgi puppy need to exercise a lot?
Exercise will be good for your corgi. Corgis are naturally energetic. You can reduce their energy by allowing them to run in the yard. You may also take them with you on long walks or let them play inside the house. These simple activities are good enough for their exercise.
What is the average lifespan of a corgi?
The average lifespan of a corgi is twelve to fourteen years. You may ensure that your corgi will have a long life with a proper diet and the right amount of exercise. You can also provide your corgi with vitamins and supplements aside from making sure that they complete their shots.
How many corgi coat colors are there?
Corgi puppies can have various fur colors. A Pem corgi has five colors: red, red-headed tri-color, Black-headed tri-color, sable, and fawn. On the other hand, a Cardigan corgi has an additional color: blue merle. This color is a mix of black and gray that creates a marble effect.
How often does a corgi puppy need to be groomed?
The coat of a corgi has a double layer. Because of this, corgis require minimal grooming. Their coating naturally repels, especially with constant brushing, using a fine brush. Aside from this, you just need to check if their ears are clean and if their feet are well-trimmed.
Could a corgi puppy be trained?
Yes, it is ideal for a corgi puppy to get early training. A corgi puppy is a perfect house dog. They are trainable, especially when you start them young. Corgis are naturally smart, so it would not take much effort to potty train then and teach them some necessary treats. With your patience and enough time, training a corgi puppy will not be a problem.