Adaptable and affectionate, the Corgi fits
almost every home, whether it's an apartment or a large house with a yard. You will be amazed
at how fast these short-legged pups can move! For those who can meet the needs of the breed,
the Corgi is an excellent family companion, even for the inexperienced pet parents. The Corgi has become increasingly popular with
pet owners in recent years due to its online celebrity status. There’s no doubt you’ve seen
many impressive videos of them while scrolling through social media. They have short, long bodies
and muscular thighs that resemble dachshunds. But like all dogs, it's important
to know everything about the Corgi before deciding if they’re the right
breed for you. One thing is for sure, they are much more than their small appearance. Hey Everyone! Welcome to Dog Joy! In today’s
video, we’re taking a deep dive into everything you need to know about the famous Corgi.
Stay tuned to the end because you might be surprised at what you learn. You just might
be getting one after watching this video! History Originally from Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Pembroke
Welsh Corgi is an incredible dog with a background infused with folklore. According to Welsh legend,
the Corgi emerged from a hideout for fairies and elves! The rest of the story is a bit unclear
but they sure have the look that fits the part. Corgi is a Welsh word that means "dwarf dog"
and it's a perfect name for these small dogs, which are known for their tiny legs and tails.
However there is a bit of controversy over the origin of the word Corgi. The word "dwarf" ("cor")
and "dog" ("ci", which changed to "gi" over time). Others say it is derived from another Welsh
word, curgi, which means "to watch over". The Corgi is one of the oldest dog breeds
in Britain dating back to the 10th century. There are two types of Corgi technically.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Cardigans are a little bigger than
the Pembroke, but a little shorter and heavier, so they both have similar shapes
but have different shaped tails. By the 1850s, the Corgi was
found on almost every farm in Wales. The Spitz-influenced Pembroke has a
naturally docked tail in the south of Wales, and the Teckel-influenced Cardigans
have a long tail in the north. The Pembroke has gradually gained popularity
in the United States and is now one of the top 50 most popular breeds for family pets. They are
also popular with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England, who obtained her first
Pembroke Welsh Corgi from her father. The Kennel Club of England
recognized Corgis in the 1920s. The Pembroke Corgi was then recognized
as a separate breed from its cousin, the Cardiganshire Corgi, in 1934. Because of the
Queen's love for the Welsh Corgi, the Royal Show of the West Australian Canine Association in
1954 featured a drastically increased number of Corgis. Since then, the royal Corgis are
well-known around the world and are tightly connected to the Queen’s image. She’s actually
owned more than 30 Welsh Corgis in her lifetime. Size & Appearance The standard Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands
14 to 17 inches tall, with a body length of 22 to 26 inches long. A typical Pembroke
Welsh Corgi weighs between 22 and 31 pounds. While the standard Cardigan Welsh
Corgi stands 10 to 12 inches high, with a body length of 24 to 29 inches
long, and weighs about 25 to 40 pounds. Their big ears easily characterize
them. They are strong and have short, muscular legs and thighs. They are low to
the ground and longer than your typical thick-coated dog and the lack of a
tail differentiates the two types. The Pembroke is slightly smaller in size and
has rounder ears. A Pembroke Welsh Corgi's coat comes in a variety of colors, ranging
from red, fawn, sable, black and brown. All of these coat colors can include white markings
throughout. This breed gives the image of a bold, but kind dog who is active, smart, and
highly interested in its surroundings. Temperament & Characteristics Corgis have personalities that are larger than
life despite their tiny appearance. While as with any dog, animal, or even human, their
personalities differ from one to another, but they are generally energetic happy animals. They enjoy
playing, and they are trusting and affectionate. Corgis are joyful, attentive dogs who enjoy
getting a lot of attention and always want to be a part of whatever you do. They have a strong
desire to please and have quite a lot of energy. Corgis are also known for doing silly things
that will keep you entertained all the time. Corgis are also incredibly intelligent and
self-sufficient. They will instead train you if they aren't given a proper training. Corgis
have been known to create their own set of rules and become stubborn if not properly cared
for. Some of them may appear bossy, but they surely aren't a nasty breed; rather, they are
strong-willed and want to do things their own way. And yes, Corgi’s are known to be excessive
barkers. Some might not bark as much as others but they will be excited to tell you about everything
that’s going on.. in and outside the house. Training & Intelligence Although there are many intelligent
dogs, Corgis are recognized by their exceptional herding intelligence. Only a
few breeds can match them in this category. They have a remarkable ability to adapt and
learn on their own. All of this contributes to the breed's ability to communicate and solve
problems, which is why the American Kennel Club praises their intelligence. They even compare
them as close to human intelligence in some ways. Corgi’s are social animals. They really enjoy
being around people, which is why it's important to them to get exposed and socialized early. You
should begin socializing your puppy with strangers at the age of eight weeks. Take them to a busy
area, such as a street corner or a park, and stand with them while cars, bicycles, and people
pass by so they can familiarize themselves with a busy area. This will also help them learn that
they don’t have to bark at everything they see. Exercise & Agility Daily walks with your Corgi is the standard.
But you should also consider other activities that will help them expend a lot of energy
in a short amount of time. These activities might range from high-intensity activities
to strength training routines designed to keep their bodies and muscles in good condition.
Anything to get them running will be a good one. Swimming is one of the most
complete forms of exercise. Because it is "joint-friendly,"it's especially
beneficial to Corgis. Swimming is a low-impact, non-weight-bearing activity.
This guarantees that your dog can enjoy all of the benefits without
causing any additional joint stress. You might not think that Corgi’s would be
good swimmers because of their small legs, but the truth is, Corgi’s can and
do enjoy swimming. It’s not their legs but their extra powerful thighs
that help them propel through water with relative ease. They are definitely
not considered water dogs by any means, but it’s their energetic temperament that gives
them endurance to swim for long durations. Corgis may not appear to be natural
athletes due to their tiny, stubby legs, but because of their ability to herd, they
are far faster and more agile than they seem. Shedding & Grooming The Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very
similar when it comes to their coats. They are smaller dogs, but their coats are thicker and
shorter. Corgis can have long hair as well. Their coats are double-coated, which means a thinner
layer of fur lies beneath their primary fur layer. Their natural length is ideal for
keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, because shedding
is a persistent concern in a corgi household, it is recommended that they
need to be brushed regularly. Brushing your Corgi on a regular basis is the
single most important thing you can do to reduce unwanted dog hair. You should get the appropriate
brush and brush them at least three times a week. Brushing your Corgi on a daily basis is
recommended during the shedding season. A bristle brush or a pin
type brush is recommended. Health & Lifespan Corgis, for the most part, are very healthy
dogs. However, like many other breeds, they are vulnerable to specific health issues such
as canine hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease, as well as degenerative myelopathy
and epilepsy. On rare occasions, this breed can be affected by von Willebrand's disease,
urinary stones and progressive retinal atrophy.
While their typical lifetime is 12–15 years, this might vary depending on their health, and
quality of life. Small dogs have a reputation for having longer lives, but every breed has its
own set of characteristics and potential issues. Ultimately it’s best to get them regular
check ups at the Vet. If there are any issues, your Vet will be able to treat them right
away and keep them healthy as can be. Corgis have certainly earned their
popularity! They're a family-friendly, intelligent, and affectionate pet. They
are perfect additions to any family and can live happily for
their whole life with you. So, would you consider having this cute
short-legged Corgi? Let us know in the comments below and share your experience with others.
We hope you enjoyed today’s video and learned a thing or two along the way. Before you go,
please be sure to like, subscribe and share this video with all your friends. Thank you so much
for watching and we’ll see you in the next one!