Mabel the Rescue Dog

4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Corgis have risen in popularity over the past few years. Nearly every human I know adores them, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I NEED a Corgi!” Sadly, this causes many humans to buy Corgis without doing their research first. While many humans consider them to be adorable little dogs, they’re generally not the best breed for inexperienced dog parents.

Why are Corgis so Popular?

As a dog, I don’t see the appeal, but Molly says Corgis are adorable. Most humans seem to think that their cute faces and stubby legs are all they need to know about the breed. The reason they’re so beloved is solely because they’re cute. But aren’t all dogs cute?

Many humans will want a Corgi simply because of the photos and videos they’ve seen of them. In fact, many people don’t even know that there are two different Corgi breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Of course, both breeds are adorable, but a dog should be so much more than just a cute face. I have no problem with humans adoring a cute dog, but when it comes to choosing your new companion, you need to think about so much more than just appearance.

What Many Humans Don’t Consider About Corgis

Like every dog breed, every individual Corgi is unique. But humans often assume that all Corgis are perfect companions, even though this is not always the case. In fact, there are a few general things about these dogs that many humans don’t even know.

They’re a Herding Breed

Corgis might be on the small side, but they’re not couch potatoes. They were bred to herd animals, which means they have high energy. If they don’t get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day, they could develop destructive behaviors to keep themselves busy. Herding breeds also have a tendency to nip and “herd” humans and animals, especially small children. Humans assume this is just a bad behavior, but it’s an instinct that is near impossible to correct. So, Corgis require a lot of time and attention, but they’re not always the best family dogs.

They Shed a Lot

Surprisingly, both Corgi breeds are listed as one of the highest shedding breeds. They shed year-round, so frequent brushing, cleaning, and vacuuming is needed. This is because they have a thick double coat that should never be shaved.

They’re Prone to Many Health Problems

A lot of the most popular dog breeds also have a lot of health problems. A Corgi’s body is shaped irregularly, similarly to a Dachshund’s. Spine problems, joint problems, and skin allergies are all common for Corgis. These conditions aren’t necessarily life-threatening, but they will become very expensive as your dog ages. So, Corgis certainly aren’t for families on a budget.

They’re Harder to Find as Rescues

Sadly, most humans go to a breeder to get a Corgi because they aren’t at shelters often. Corgi puppies are extremely expensive, and sadly, many of these puppies end up getting surrendered when they turn out to be more work than their families expected. So, if you’re patient, you can find one at a shelter or rescue, but they’ll likely get adopted quickly.

Do Your Research Before Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog is a decision that should never be taken lightly. If for some reason you’re looking for a specific breed, you should research their specific care requirements to make sure they’re the right for you. But what you shouldn’t do is pay attention to their general personality traits. Dogs of the same breed can act like complete opposites, so it you get a puppy from a breeder, you often have no idea what to expect. With a shelter dog, you’ll get to see more of what their personality is like, especially if they’re older.

I’m not saying that no one should ever adopt a Corgi. They can be great companions for the right people. But if humans keep breeding Corgis just because of their looks, then there will be lots of dogs getting abandoned when humans realize how hard these dogs are to care for. So, if you’re looking for a dog, please take your time and visit the ones at shelters and rescues. Choosing a dog should be mostly about personality, not looks.

Like my blog? Please follow me on Facebook!