So you think you want a corgi …
It’s officially puppy season! Early spring through late summer is one of the most popular times to bring a puppy home. Warmer months are certainly more ideal for starting to raise and train a young puppy. So you think you want a corgi? Might I ask why? Have you done your research on the breed? Have you read about the potential health risks? Did you know they are stubborn and tend to bark … a lot?
We were inspired to write this post several months ago but never got around to posting. We have been following @queensbeststumpydogrescue for while now and love to read through all of their transformation stories. It truly breaks our heart when we read their captions about people surrendering their corgis after realizing how much work they are. It angers us when we read that the owners wanted a corgi because they love corgi puppy pictures online or wanted to attend social events with a corgi puppy. People message Navy’s instagram daily saying how badly they want a corgi because they are so cute, so that they can attend corgi meet up events, post photos of their puppy online, etc.
Let me break it to you guys, having a corgi, let alone any puppy is no walk in the park. Puppies are HARD work. They poop everywhere, pee on everything, cry though the night, get sick, and chew literally everything up in sight. (Navy has chewed through three iPhone charges, 2 Powerbeats Wireless headphones, several pairs of shoes, and anything wooden she could find in our apartment). Do you think you want a puppy? Ready through Reddit’s Puppy101 thread and look for the “puppy blues” or “vent” tags. A little scary right?
Puppies also cost money, especially in the first few months–and I am not just talking about food, toys, grooming supplies, and leashes. Think vet visits, medicine, shots, insurance, and training! In our first few months of owning Navy we invested approximately $500 in shots, medicine, and vet visits in order to insure her good health in the future. In addition we spent another $1200 signing her up for puppy training, basic obedience training, and advanced obedience training. Not every pet parent budgets for this and the financial burden can become too much, causing them to potentially cut corners, or even worse … surrender the new member of their family.
Also, while corgis are incredibly smart dogs, they are also a very stubborn breed. Corgis are an active dog and require exercise. This means they need quite a bit of time and energy to train. Both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh corgis are herding dogs; it is in their breed instincts to want to herd, yap, and nip. If a corgi is properly trained, this should not be an issue. Corgis are working dogs and they want to be useful; if you do not give them a job to do, boy they will find something for themselves and I guarantee you won’t like it! Navy took on the job of being a paper shredder … (send help please).
Oh and there is the barking issue… Okay so there is no hiding it.. Navy barks a lot. She is the bark queen, the yap monster. It’s somewhat humorous because when people first meet her they have a big smile on their face, their eyes light up and you hear “awww.” Then Navy opens her mouth and “yap yap yap yap YAP yap YAP” and a few more “YAP YAPs!” come out. Their eyes widen and they may say something polite like, “oh wow… she has a voice on her…” Yes, yes she does. Try living with her. Through a lot of careful training and a little bit of growing up, thankfully Navy only barks in the house when he needs something or she gets worked up while playing. Now outdoors we allow Navy to be a dog and to bark as much as her little heart desires (unless it is early in the morning or late at night).
We hope that you enjoyed reading through our post, and sharing our story inspired you to potentially rethink or delay purchasing a corgi. Before making this important life decision to purchase a pet, please take a good hard look at where you see yourself 5-10 years from now and if a dog will fit into that picture. With that being said, please know that we we love our corgi. Navy is the most important part of our little family. It would take something completely out of our control for us to ever surrender Navy.
We are always available if you have any questions about our experience with corgis. Feel free to leave a comment below or send us an email.
xoxo
Navy, Alex, and Zach
6 COMMENTS
kathy super
6 years agoThere are three adults home and a 5 year old golden retriever. We are pretty much home all the time. Penquin is 5 months old and she is a handful. She has Chester (the Golden) pretty cowed because she can be so aggressive. He has never even growled at her even though she attempts to steal his food and bite his legs and ears. She is darling and very smart. She is the official box shredder and the player of squeaky toy melodies. Did you know that they purr when they first wake up and are sleepy and happy. It is the cutest sound. She is an excellent watch dog.. She house trained like a dream., but will deliberately pee on Chester’s quilt if she can get to it. I have always had big dogs, Goldens and Shephards. This little one has such a different personality. Sometimes she reminds me of a cat. She doesn’t cuddle and will move away if you try to pet her when she is sleeping. But she does love her belly rubs. Watching her grow from a six week old pup has been a real learning process for me. Be prepared, they will take up all your time unless they are asleep.
Alex
6 years ago AUTHOROh yes… I’ve had a headache all week from the lack of sleep — lol!
Deb
5 years agoYou’re wrong about Corgis…. mine was a dream to teach potty training.. Yes they are stubborn but not in a bad way. My boy ” Boz ” never chewed house stuff ,only sticks outside , he loves our llamas…they let him herd them around , he’s always happy & loving. He’s slowing down now ,he’s 12 years old but is as bright & loving as he’s always been.
Alex
5 years ago AUTHORAw! every dog is different. If you read our recent posts you’d see we just got a little boy corgi and he’s already potty trained in just a few weeks.
Karen
5 years agoOur 1.5 year old rescue corgi Winter was very much like Navy, loud barker and excessive chewer and I am a first time dog owner. We live in a divided house with a baby gate down the middle to separate our two 5+ year old cats who only get free reign once Winter goes to bed in the enclosed kitchen. It has been 6 months and they are less excited when seeing each other. Hopefully in an another month the gate can come down for good! A dog owner told me that having a Corgi is like having a 2 year old, so she must be taught and everything that is chewable placed out of her reach. Buying lots of chewing and puzzle toys helps. It is a learning process for me, especially in the patience department. Thankfully I am retired and can take up the challenge. So do it if you can do it right and you will be rewarded in time.
Amy
5 years agoYeah…I think all dogs are different, and there are traits common to a particular breed. I have a 2 year old Corgi…best dog I’ve ever known. Smart as the day is long…very easy to train. Stubborn for sure in way that typically amuses me. I adore his active spirit and little bit of bossiness. What a great dog! Blue’s my second Corgi. Similar in a few ways to my previous PWC, very different in others…