THE CODE
OF CORGI
IN DEPTH
Corgis: The Loveable and Mischievous Dog Breed
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Corgis, also known as Welsh Corgis, is a small dog breed originating in Wales. They are known for their adorable appearance, friendly personality, and mischievous behavior. Despite their small size, corgis are sturdy and energetic dogs that make great pets for families and individuals alike.
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Appearance
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Corgis have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. Small dogs typically weigh between 20-30 pounds and stand 10-12 inches tall. They have long, low-slung bodies with short legs, which gives them their signature appearance. Corgis come in two varieties: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Corgi has a docked tail, while the Cardigan Corgi has a long tail.
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Personality
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"They're a big dog in a little package," says Marilyn Van Vleit, the Judges Education Chair for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA). Corgis are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They are affectionate dogs that love to be around people and other animals. They are also intelligent and trainable, which makes them great pets for families with children.
However, corgis are also known for their mischievous behavior. They love to play and can be quite stubborn at times. Corgis are also known for their tendency to bark, which makes them good watchdogs.
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Grooming
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Grooming is a big part of corgi care. They have a thick, weatherproof double coat that sheds regularly, so weekly brushing helps remove excess hair. Because they're seasonal shedders, you'll get a fair bit more hair in spring and fall during the coat-blowing season. Regular baths will help remove the dead hair.
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Living Needs
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Here are some important considerations for providing a suitable living environment for your Corgi.
Exercise
Corgis are active dogs that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play, so a backyard or access to a park is ideal for them to get exercise. However, if you live in an apartment or don't have outdoor space, daily walks, and playtime inside can also meet their exercise needs.
Living Space
Corgis are small dogs, so they don't require a lot of living space. However, they do need a comfortable and safe place to sleep and relax. A crate or dog bed in a quiet corner of the house can give them a cozy spot to rest when not playing or exercising.
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Nutrition
Corgis are prone to obesity, so providing them with a balanced and healthy diet is important. Feeding them high-quality dog food and limiting their treats can help prevent weight gain and keep them healthy.
Socialization
Corgis are social dogs that enjoy spending time with their family and other dogs. Socialization is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. Exposing them to different people, animals, and situations can help them develop into well-adjusted and confident dogs.
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In our home, Piecito is the outdoorsy, active type, and Queso is a couch potato, and yes, we know that his name is perfect, like somehow we knew when we saw him a baby potato!
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"They're a big dog in a little package. They have a wonderful, wonderful sense of humor, and they love their toys. They love to interact with their people."
— MARILYN VAN VLEIT,
JUDGES EDUCATION CHAIR FOR THE PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI CLUB OF AMERICA
Health
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In this section, we'll discuss some of the most common health issues that corgis face and some tips for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.
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Hip Dysplasia
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Hip dysplasia is a common issue in many dog breeds, including corgis. This condition occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don't fit together properly, causing friction and eventually leading to joint damage. Signs of hip dysplasia in the corgis can include limping, difficulty getting up or lying down, and a reluctance to exercise. While there is no cure for hip dysplasia, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your dog's quality of life.
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Obesity
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Due to their small stature, corgis are prone to becoming overweight or obese. This can put much strain on their joints and increase their risk of developing other health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. To keep your corgi at a healthy weight, feed them a balanced diet, provide plenty of exercises, and avoid overfeeding or giving them too many treats.
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Back Problems
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Corgis have long bodies and short legs, which can put them at risk for developing back problems such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine become damaged or degenerate, leading to pain and potential paralysis. Signs of back problems in corgis can include stiffness, reluctance to move, and dragging their hind legs. It's important to take your corgi to the vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment can improve their chances of recovery.
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This condition affects the spinal discs in corgis and can cause pain, weakness, and paralysis. To prevent IVDD, limiting your corgi's jumping and running on hard surfaces is important.
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Eye Problems
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Corgis are prone to developing eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is a genetic condition that can lead to blindness, while cataracts can cause cloudiness and reduced vision. Regular eye exams can help catch these issues early and prevent them from progressing.
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Dental Issues
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Like many breeds, corgis can also develop dental issues such as tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. To keep your corgi's teeth healthy, make sure to provide them with dental chews or toys.
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Corgis always look like they’re smiling.
They're cute and fluffy and always seem to be smiling. But have you ever wondered why Corgis always look like they're smiling? It turns out there are a few reasons behind their perpetually happy expression.
Firstly, Corgis' unique facial structure contributes to their smile-like appearance. They have a slightly upturned mouth and prominent cheeks, which create the illusion of a smile. This feature is known as the "smile line" and is a characteristic of many dog breeds, but it's especially prominent in Corgis.
Another reason Corgis always look like they're smiling is that they're generally a happy and outgoing breed. They're known for their friendly personalities and love nothing more than spending time with their human family. They're also very playful and energetic, which means they're often caught in excitement or joy, which can translate into a smile-like expression.
But not just their physical features and personality contribute to their smile-like appearance. Corgis have also been bred for centuries to work alongside humans as herding dogs. As such, they're incredibly attuned to human emotions and body language. They're able to pick up on even the subtlest cues from their owners, which means they're often able to read and respond to their human's moods.
This heightened sensitivity to human emotions means that Corgis often appear to be smiling because they're responding to their owner's positive emotions. When we're happy or excited, our body language changes, and we're more likely to smile and be animated. Corgis pick up on these cues and respond in kind, which can create the illusion that they're smiling along with us.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Corgis always look like they're smiling. Their unique facial structure, friendly personalities, and sensitivity to human emotions all contribute to their perpetually happy expression.
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Whether you're a Corgi owner or just an admirer of this adorable breed, it's hard not to smile when you see a Corgi's happy face.
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Overall, corgis are a delightful breed of dog that brings their owners joy and happiness. Whether you're looking for a loyal companion, a fun playmate for your kids, or a working dog to help you on the farm, a corgi could be just what you're looking for. With their cute looks and charming personalities, it's no wonder corgis have become so popular in recent years.