There are a lot of factors to consider when you are choosing your first dog. Due to their bold personalities and high-energy levels, many first-time dog owners question if Corgis will be the right fit for their family.
So, should a new dog owner get a Corgi? This article will break down all of the considerations you need to make.
Are Corgis Good For A First-Time Dog Owner?
While Corgis are affectionate, intelligent, and friendly dogs, they are not the ideal breed for first-time dog owners because Corgis require a lot of exercise and training due to their herding history and stubborn nature.
If you are not prepared to put in the time and effort to understand and train this breed, a Corgi may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
However, if you are dedicated to providing your Corgi with everything it needs, they can make an excellent pet for first-time owners.
Reasons a Corgi Would Not Make A Good First Dog
Corgis are a unique breed that are not suitable for all families.
Here are a few things you should consider before adding a Corgi to your home if you are a first-time dog owner.
Training Requirements
One of the main reasons Corgis are not the ideal pet for a new dog owner is because they need a lot of training and are quite stubborn.
Corgis require puppy classes and obedience training from a young age. This training also helps stimulate their minds since they are quite an intelligent breed, and it teaches them to listen and respond to their owner.
Due to their herding nature, Corgis are also a very protective breed.
To prevent them from becoming too aggressive or spooky, they need a lot of socialization and training when they are young to be comfortable and trusting around other people and animals.
Exercise Requirements
Corgis are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied and healthy.
This breed, at a minimum, needs an hour of exercise each day and needs an active owner to help keep them mentally stimulated.
Corgis love to play fetch, hike, swim, walk daily and do great at dog sports like agility. If you don’t have enough time to walk your dog or play with them, a Corgi may not be the right pet for you.
Nipping
Corgis are known to nip, particularly as puppies, and this behavior can be a problem for first-time dog owners.
Corgis tend to bite because of their herding history, where they would herd livestock by nipping at their ankles.
This natural instinct makes this breed prone to nipping at other animals and even children when they are moving because Corgis can quickly get overstimulated.
Due to this nature, Corgis should not live in homes with small children or with owners that do not have enough time and patience to train them out of this behavior.
Velcro Dogs
Corgis are known to be velcro dogs, meaning they are very attached to their owners and want to be around them constantly.
This breed also can be prone to separation anxiety and, therefore, may require counterconditioning and desensitization training from a professional dog trainer.
If you are not home often and work a lot, a Corgi may not be a good fit for you.
Barking
One of the trademark characteristics of Corgis is that they are known for having a loudmouth.
While the amount a Corgi barks is based on the individual dog, on average, they tend to bark excessively and have quite a loud bark.
For these reasons, this breed does not make the best apartment dog and should not be left alone for long periods of time.
Shedding
If you get a Corgi, you better be ready for your home and yourself to be covered in dog hair!
Corgis are known to be heavy shedders due to their double coats and mainly shed a lot when they blow their coats when the seasons change.
If anyone in your home is sensitive to dog allergens or you do not want to be constantly vacuuming, then you may want to choose a different breed.
Bossiness
Corgis have a pretty bossy attitude and are known to have a mind of their own.
While Corgi’s antics can be amusing, this personality can be challenging to handle for new owners, especially if their pup does not have proper obedience training.
If you do not have a lot of patience and want a dog with a more docile temperament, then you should probably not get a Corgi.
Reasons Why A Corgi Could Be A Good First Dog
While Corgis can be quite a handful, there are many wonderful traits about this sweet and lovable breed that make them great first pets.
Affectionate
While Corgis have bold personalities, they are also very sweet and known to have affectionate temperaments.
They are very attached to their family and would be happy to cuddle on the couch with their owners and follow them around all day.
If you are a first-time owner that is retired, a stay-at-home parent, works remotely, or spends a lot of time at home, then a Corgi would be a great first dog.
Grooming
Though Corgis are known to shed quite a lot, they actually are a relatively low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming.
Corgis require minimal coat trimming and only need bath and nail trimmings once a month. To help with shedding, you should also try and brush your Corgi daily.
Good with Older Children and Other Pets
With proper training, Corgis do great with older children and get along well with other household pets. This breed’s boundless energy makes them great playmates for older children.
Since they are a herding breed that was bred to be around different types of animals, they also tend to be compatible with lots of different pets.
Tips For Owning A Corgi As A First Dog
Owning a Corgi as your first dog can be a great experience, but there are some things you need to keep in mind.
First and foremost, socialize your Corgi from a young age, so they get used to their environment and are comfortable around strangers. Corgis can be wary of people they do not know and protective of their family.
It is also vital to start potty training your Corgi puppy as soon as possible, as this breed is known to be notoriously difficult to potty train.
You also want to keep your Corgi occupied and ensure they get at least an hour of exercise each day, as Corgis can be prone to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging if they are not mentally stimulated.
How To Evaluate If A Corgi Is Right For You
When considering adding a Corgi to your family, there are several factors you’ll want to take into account to ensure that both you and your new pup are happy and healthy.
First, think about whether or not you have the time to commit to training and socializing a young dog.
Corgis are intelligent and eager to please, but like all dogs, they require time, patience, and consistency when learning new things. They do best with owners that have an active lifestyle.
It is also essential to consider if you can handle a high-energy dog. Corgis are notorious for their boundless energy and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
If you live in a small space or do not have a fenced-in yard, a Corgi may not be the right dog for you.
Since Corgis are very attached to their owners and family, they are best suited in a home where there is always at least one person present.
Finally, think about your budget. Corgis are prone to a number of health problems, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and progressive retinal atrophy. All of these conditions can require expensive veterinary care.
If you cannot afford regular check-ups and treatment for your Corgi, it is best to consider another breed.
However, despite their health risks, Corgis are loyal, loving dogs that make great family pets for the right person.
Conclusion
Corgis are a sweet and devoted breed, but they are not ideal for all first-time dog owners. Corgis require owners who have patience and time to train them and ensure they get the proper amount of exercise to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated.
By following these tips, you can determine if a Corgi is the right dog for you and your family.