Not All Herding Dogs Are The Same...............

After the death of my trusted Sheltie (Tigger) I tried unsuccessfully to find a "replacement". Then I saw "Joey" on a rescue site. He was labeled "Sheltie" but after several emails I found that the rescue group had mis-identified Joey as a Sheltie!!! Nonetheless I thought he was cute, darling, perfect. The description sounded too good to be true.
According to the foster Mom Joey spent the first 5 years of his life with a family that did not abuse him but neglected him. Their medical problems made Joey "expendable". He spent the next two years with a foster Mom who had to give him up when she planned a trip to China.
Right now I"m learning a lot about Pembroke Corgis. Several MyCorgi participants have commented upon the independence and aloofness of their Corgis. I thought there was something wrong with me..........maybe there is but it seems that Joey's distance and isolation is not that unusual in Corgis. I've had two Shelties in a row and am accustomed to "velcro dogs"....Joey is the ultimate "anti-velcro" dog. When I join him on the deck he moves to the lawn............when I come inside he goes outside. I'm trying hard not to take this personally!!!
Corgi owners have written and told me to be patient (which I am) and that he'll adjust in his own sweet time. Unlike my Shelties Joey won't sleep on the bed............prefers to sleep on the floor.....or better yet.......outside. The foxes in my neighborhood make this unsafe.
Wanting to be a good Dad I took Joey on twice/thrice a day walks only to have his foot pads break out in bleeding lesions.........before long he was hopping around on three legs! Dr. has him on steroids and suggests boots for his little feet. Right now I"m trying to find the ideal boots.....HA!
More later..........

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Comment by Ziska Childs on November 28, 2008 at 6:55pm
I've had Shelties and Corgis both. This sounds much more like nurture than nature to me. My first Sheltie was glued to me (except when fetching a stick) my second (a rescue 2 years old) had spent so much time in a cage all he could do was circle and was ultra shy. My first corgi (rescue- w months old) was both independent and fearless in devotion. My second (rescue 6 years old)- a cuddler and as sweet as sweet could be. I think the major breed difference I've seen between the two is that there are more shy "one person" Shelties than there are "one person" Corgis. That said- you've got a herder which means you've got a thinker- and the hair may be shorter- but it will pile just about as high- oh and the Corgi will definitely bark less and in a lower register ;-)
Comment by Gail's Lil' Gizmo on October 18, 2008 at 10:02pm
John.. Joey is a beautiful dog. The Gizmo was my first Corgi. We have had him since he was a pup. Although he is loveable.. he is NOT a cuddly dog. He likes to be on the bed and will let me snuggle with him for all of about two minutes and then goes to the foot of the bed. he loves his crate and many times during the day goes and gets into it to have HIS time. I think with time.. Joey and you will reach your understanding. I have found that Gizmo is very loyal though in his own way. He is a great watch dog.. and although he is not a velcro dog (love that expression) I know he loves me. Hope to see more pictures and hear from you on how he is doing.. Welcome to the site.. there are people on here with a wealth of information..
Comment by Carly & Libby on October 18, 2008 at 8:04pm
My corgi was much more independent when she was younger, but still liked sleeping with me and being on the couch with us. But this might have been more of a dominance than companion thing. Now that she is older, and the fact that we have moved, she follows me everywhere and always wants lots of pets.
Comment by Winnie on June 6, 2008 at 10:38am
Maria,
Thank you for your insights into Sheltie v Corgi behavior! Neither is superior but I needed to think about them as individuals not one big bunch of herding dogs.
I'll save the foot pad remedies!
Your Corgis and Sheltie are beautiful!
j
Comment by Maria Pitpit on June 6, 2008 at 5:02am
Hi John,

I have a Corgi and a Sheltie. I love them both, but my Sheltie (Chewie), despite his epilepsy, would take a bullet for me or anyone in his pac/family. He's tried to keep a Pitbull from attacking us, took an attack from a Jack Russell to keep it off of my Corgi, allows my 2 year old son to use him as a backrest and tickle his paws..........they are so loyal and incredibly obedient.

My Corgi on the other hand is stubborn and very fickle. Don't take it personally.....they are incredibly intelligent and I'm sure Joey will eventually start craving your attention and companionship.

I bought my Corgi a pair of Goobys when we vacationed in Palm Desert to keep her feet from blistering in the 104 temperature. They were great, but they were way over priced at $60. Try Target's dog section for boots.

When my Sheltie's paws are rough or blistered, I spray them with a water and tea tree oil solution (1 tsp of tea tree oil to 8-10 ounces of water) and then I baby wipe it off. I moisturize the paws with a Vaseline and tea tree oil salve (small jar of Vaseline mixed up with 1 tsp tea tree oil) Tea Tree Oil is a natural anti-microbial so it helps soothe, cleanse, prevent bacteria and aid in healing. The water spray followed by the salve also works on hot spots/skin irritations. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you
Comment by Sam on June 2, 2008 at 6:39pm
I have to say I do not find corgis aloof at all. Yes, they can be independent especially if they have been left to their own "devices" for several years. Give him time, make all interactions good ones and spend lots of time with him. It is a rare corgi that doesnt soon wish to attach himself to his human.
Comment by mikonami on June 2, 2008 at 12:44pm
awww...poor baby. I didn't know their foot pads could break! I actually used to take care of my friend's Sheltie along with my Corgi. It was really different. The Sheltie followed me EVERYWHERE whereas my Corgi won't even sleep with me at night...a lot of the time. She likes to sleep on the bed when I'm not on it though. I miss my friend's Sheltie. The Corgi/Sheltie duo was pretty cool.
Comment by Sam Tsang on June 2, 2008 at 8:47am
Hey John, it is awesome that you rescue him, as far as the walking thing goes, it happened to me too years ago, so don't beat yourself too hard, just like us dogs need to build up their walking distance, gradually increase your intensity and he'll be fine. My corgis do not hop on the sofa or bed, that is just the way how I've raised them, so may be that was how joey was raised as well? you can always bribe a corgi with yummy food, with time I'm sure he will come around.
Comment by James on June 2, 2008 at 4:03am
My pup is 14 weeks or so, and occasionally he will come to me and show me some love and attention, but then I realise that his nose is in my pocket. (where I keep treats).
Comment by Kitty's Corner on June 2, 2008 at 1:40am
My thoughts on this,is that this dog has spent the early formative 5 years of his life being neglected aand probably by himself,therefore he is not used to being with someone and it will take him some time to bond to anyone. I find that my Corgi is nothing like my Lab mix,who is really needy. Kitty the Corgi is very independant and not needy at all and sometimes I feel like she is ignoring me.But, she can be very sweet and loving ,too.

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