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If you’re considering getting a new furry family member, one breed that might have caught your eye is the Corgi.
With their goofy smiles, short legs, and enthusiastic personalities, Corgis have become a favorite among dog lovers.
But, before diving headfirst into owning one, it’s important to consider whether Corgis are good dogs, especially if you have children or are looking for a family dog.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of owning a Corgi, how well they do with kids and babies, and their training.
The first thing to understand is that a “corgi” is not actually a breed.
There are actually two unique breeds – Pembroke Welsh Corgis (PWC), and Cardigan Welsh Corgis (CWC). Each breed has its own unique characteristics and heritage.
So, before you decide to bring home a new dog, make sure to do some research and understand which breed is the best fit for you and your family.
Corgi Pro’s and Con’s
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis can make excellent family pets for many reasons.
First of all, their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions. They are also loyal, affectionate, and incredibly intelligent.
They are quick learners and generally eager to please, which makes them highly trainable dogs.
This is a huge plus for families who want a dog that can quickly adapt to rules and routines.
That said, Corgis do come with some cons that you should consider.
One of the most significant drawbacks to owning a Corgi is that they have a high energy level. This means they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
If your family is not physically active or doesn’t have a yard, you may struggle to meet their exercise needs.
Corgis, PWC’s especially, can also be stubborn and independent, which can make them more challenging to train than some other breeds.
They can also be vocal and have a tendency to bark, which may not be ideal if you live in an apartment or share walls with your neighbors.
Are Corgis Good with Kids?
Corgis are often touted as excellent family dogs.
When it comes to kids, Corgis can be fantastic companions, but it’s essential to supervise interactions between children and dogs.
Although Corgis are known for their friendly nature, they can become nippy or aggressive if they feel threatened or fearful.
Therefore, it’s crucial to teach children how to respect and interact with Corgis properly.
Ideally, they should have a designated space to retreat to when they need a break from the kids, like a crate or a dog bed.
It’s important to remember that both Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, like any other breed, should be trained early on how to behave around children.
Because they are herding dogs, they may have a tendency to nip at children’s heels, thinking of them as small animals to herd. This behavior can be curbed with proper training, but it is essential to be aware that it may happen.
This includes teaching them not to chase kids or nip at them during playtime.
Are Corgis Good with Babies?
If you have a baby or are planning to have one, you may wonder if a corgi is the right choice for your family.
Both breeds of corgi are very affectionate dogs and love their families.
They are very loyal and protective, but Corgis with babies can be tricky. It’s best to introduce your corgi to your baby (or another dog) gradually. Allowing them to get used to the baby’s smell and sounds before bringing them into the same room.
Like with kids, corgis may try to herd or nip at them, so it’s essential to supervise their interactions. Corgis can also become jealous or territorial, especially if they perceive the baby as a threat or competition for attention.
Training your corgi to behave appropriately around babies and rewarding good behavior will help them adjust to the new addition to your family.
Are Corgis Good for First-Time Owners?
While Corgis are great dogs, they require more effort to raise than some other breeds.
They are very intelligent and require a lot of exercise and training.
They shed A LOT and require regular grooming, so if you’re allergic to dog hair or don’t have the time/money to take care of their grooming needs, corgis might not be for you.
Also, the natural herding instincts of both Pembroke and Cardigan’s mean that corgis like to bark, chase, and nip at things, which can be a problem in apartments or shared living spaces.
Because of this, they are not generally recommended as a good breed for a first-time dog owner.
However, with proper training and socialization, you can teach your corgi to behave appropriately.
Remember, if you are a first-time owner, be prepared to spend some time training, caring for, and exercising your new pet.
Are Corgis Easy to Train?
Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are naturally intelligent dogs and a relatively easy pet to train.
They have an eager-to-please personality and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Training them with treats and praise is very effective.
However, because they are intelligent, they can become stubborn at times and may need the assistance of an experienced trainer.
As with any dog, it is important to start training them from a young age. It will be easier for them to learn and adapt to new environments.
Final Thoughts:
Pembroke and Cardigan’s can make great family dogs but require some careful consideration before bringing one home.
They are intelligent, affectionate, and friendly dogs, making them great companions for kids.
However, they have high energy levels, can be stubborn and independent, and require plenty of exercise.
When it comes to owning either breed of Corgi with kids or babies, it’s important to supervise interactions and ensure that they are trained, socialized, and have their own space.
With the right training and care, Corgis can be excellent family pets that bring joy and companionship for years to come.
