Do corgis really have that many health problems?
I know they should be tested for a few things genetically, but I have seen a lot of posts on here about health issues. I understand the potential issues with dwarfed legs and joints. And the possibly genetic items, but I'm starting to feel the breed isn't for me if so many are suffering or otherwise have bigger health issues a lot of the time. When I decide to get a dog I will be financially able to take care of most things, but if I need to keep emptying my emergency funds because the breed is constantly in the vet's office or under the knife it may be something I don't want to get into.
Is it just because many are looking for advice and support for their particular dog's ailments, so there are many posts about just that? Or is the breed really that bad?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jane on
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What issues are you referring to? Just looking at the most recent posts in the health forum, many of those issues can happen to any breed. And many people just want a second opinion before rushing their dog to the vet for every little thing.
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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Corgis are a relatively healthy, sturdy breed and not especially prone to most health problems except IVDD. DM is also a concern, but impacts only a tiny few percent of Corgis. Obese Corgis can be prone to hip dysplasia.
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I just looked through the health forum and most of the stuff posted is just every day stuff any dog can have. Poor Winston had Parvo when he was six months old, based on what I read, so that probably has a lot to do with his unusual and severe health problems. Are there any particular posts that have you spooked?
Corgis tend to play VERY hard (Jack routinely crashes into walls on purpose by doing a hand-break skid while chasing toys, for instance; and both of mine run at 100% maximum speed EVERY time they chase a ball or frisbee, the only dogs I've ever seen who run like their tails are on fire when playing), so minor soft-tissue injuries that cause a day or two of limping are not uncommon.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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Agree with Beth...mine have a had a few minor injuries due to overdoing things but never any expensive problems...you can pick any breed and something may happen. You might also just hear about problems as we discuss things and ask for insight on this sight but that doesn't mean other dog owners have less problems. When you look at how many Corgi owners are members my opinion is that other breeds with this amount of people on a sight would probably have as many health issues as this one...or more.
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Permalink Reply by Linda on
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I also agree with Beth. I had more health problems with my Irish Wolfhounds and a rott/shep mix than I ever had with my 3 corgis. Max does have a calcification in his neck but I had much worse with a rear end giving out on my mutt....he got the wrong parts of the rott and shep that caused him big problems. Max's pain is managed by acupuncuture and his last treatment was just over a year ago...Max is 11. Katie is 9 and she has never had any kind of health problems. We did lose Arnie to cancer at age 9 but that can happen to any dog.
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Permalink Reply by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on
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In my opinion any dog you get, can occur unexpected expenses over the years. There just is no telling what could happen, I think its part of having a dog no matter what the breed is.
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Permalink Reply by Sidney and Angie on
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Corgis are not prone to any common health problems although in rare cases they can have back issues but this is only if they aren't kept active or if they are confined in a cramped area. Another thing is corgis are "food drivin" so you have to be careful that they don't get overweight. Corgis are hardcore players so they might run into things but normally they're careful. Overall corgis are a very healthy breed.
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Permalink Reply by Brian D Graham on
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I was amazed to read this my Grand parents being English bred Corgi's from the 1950's till the early 80's when they passed away I grew up with Corgi's my entire life on the farm we found them to be a sturdy hardy breed and they all lived long lives!. The reason they picked the breed was they had the least hereditary health issue's of all pedigree dogs!. they were keep on strict diets to keep their weight down as they always say a fat Corgi is not a healthy Corgi so having said this Oscar has only had 1 operation in his 10 years 9 months early this year he had a tooth extraction. My vet has always stated that Oscar is the healthiest dog she has ever known in her 30 years as a vet so it comes down to good healthy lifestyle on the owners part plus a good healthy bloodline. Having said this I have had relatives also with Corgi's that have had health issue's so I'm no expert but I have always found pedigree dogs seem to be more susceptible to health issue's than mixed breeds??.
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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Keep in mind when you are on a forum like this that people will be more apt to ask for advice and info. on problems than on how great things are. I don't find corgis any more unhealthy than any other breed I have had experience with but all breeds have some challenges. Corgis are a "dwarf" breed so their weight needs to be monitored and jumping on and off high surfaces should be curtailed. I have had three corgis and do think you have a better chance of having a healthy dog if you go to a reputable breeder but there are many rescue groups out there that can help with finding a healthy dog. I would guess that is true of most breeds.
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I have to agree that making sure they maintain a healthy weight is one of the top things towards keeping your corgi healthy. With their long backs any extra weight puts stress on that as well as their legs and hips. A fat dog of any kind is going to have health issues.
If you are getting your dog from a breeder then do your research on the breeder and their line. Make sure the dog is tested for...crap...can't remember what it's called and there is also an eye problem that should be tested for. Someone here will know what they are off the top of their heads. The 2 I have now came from their original breeder, one as a rescue and one as a retired breeder so I know their backgrounds. My first corgi I didn't know, he was also a rescue but he was healthy.
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They should be tested for von Willebrand's disease; that's probably the one you are thinking of. It's recessive, so if one parent is clear, technically the other needn't be tested.
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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on
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If you don't want to deal with health problems then a dog probably isn't for you. I think many are on here posting for advice and support and if you went to any breed forum you would see similar issues with different breed related problems. Overall I think corgis tend to be a healthy breed. Its worth the extra money to buy a pup from a reputable breeder to decrease the risk of breed related health problems.
Keep in mind with dogs if it can happen, it likely will happen. Be prepared for $1000 ER visits and for some minor health problems. Any breed can get torn toe nails, broken toes/legs, torn ACL, ear infections, skin issues, allergies, etc. These ailments can add up so be prepared for them before you bring the new dog home.
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