Trying to decide whether to get a Corgi
Hi, I have a tough decision and hope you can help. We have a family of four: Two senior citizens, and a single mother with a 5-yr old. The environment is not conducive to a lot of activity in the home due to the setup, other than going up and down stairs. Outside there are wild animals (we're in the country) and we care for many wild cats (they stay outdoors but we feed them on the back porch). We also own a business which is attached to the home (living quarters are upstairs). Strangers are in and out of the parking lot and a dog will know they are in the building. I've read about the Corgi's nature to be around a few familiar people and bark at strangers. I read about the nipping behaviors and some aggressive tendencies with younger children. Also, given the business we don't have a regular schedule to be with the dog, so there would be periods of time where the Corgi would be alone (perhaps a few hours a night, other than 1-2 days off). Do they bark a lot? Are they okay being alone for a few hours a day? I read they need a lot of exercise but with two senior parents and a busy mom, I'm not sure how much running there would be, especially in the winter. Would anyone advice against us getting a Cardigan Welsh Corgi? Thank you for your help and insights. Lori
Comment
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Comment by Nancy Geddes on October 9, 2008 at 7:04pm
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Lori: My corgis require a full hour every day of leashed walking (for movement and weight control) and at least one more thirty minute session playing ball, agility or chasing a frisbee every day. My corgis have also needed classes in obedience, have their AKC Canine Good Citizen titles and therapy dogs international designations. Please understand, that YOU have to spend time with them and while corgis are fabulous companions, THEY ARE NOT COMPANION DOGS. These are really utilitarian farm dogs that will become broken hearted (and then destructive) if you cannot meet their genetic demands. I understand your attraction to the corgi breed but truthfully tell me that you could carve out ninety minutes every day to raise and interact with the dog. IT IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT. Sincerely, Nancy
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Comment by Lori on October 9, 2008 at 2:53pm
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Thank you for all the feedback and suggestions! The comments are helpful. I was wondering if anyone can quantify the amount of exercise Corgi's need and what kind. The idea was to get a companion dog for my mom who is ill, and to teach my daughter about caring for a pet (building empathy, teaching to follow through, etc). As much as I love cats, the ones we provide food for are not pets - they live in the wild and are not domesticated. Also, we want a dog for other reasons - for my child to play with and to alert us of anything (sort of protection, which cats don't provide). Thanks again! Lori
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Comment by Lisa on October 8, 2008 at 8:54am
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So sorry, I'm with Nancy and Lou Ann. Corgis are very intelligent and sometimes stubborn dogs that need a great deal of exercise and activity to be happy. The herding instinct can make them unsuitable for small children and older folks unless you are willing to take the EXTRA time to exercise and train them. If you dont have any extra time, keep looking for a different breed. Maybe a lap dog that doesn't require much exercise.
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A corgi will not, unfortunately, work for you. Your life circumstances, lack of space available for this herding breed dog to exercise, lack of available time for training, obedience, etc. will not give any beloved corgi the opportunities it needs to be balanced and active. If you need an animal, make it maintenance free (i.e., cat) for your sake. All the best...Nan
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Comment by Lou Ann Lemaster on October 8, 2008 at 6:47am
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Corgis can be good with little ones, if both the corgi and child are shown proper behavoir for each other. They can be trained not to nip, although, the if the herding instinct is strong, they will do that while the child is running.
Corgi do need a lot of exercise and attention at times, or they will become destructive. The saying is, if you don't find something for a corgi to do, it will find something itself. Being alone for a few hours while yound wouldn't hurt, but for long periods, not good.
My opinion, at this time, a corgi would not be the best breed for your family. I commend you on asking whether or not a corgi would be a good pet for your family, and not just run out and get one. That is how so many end up in pounds, shelters and rescues. People fall in love with the fuzzy teddy bear puppy, and not consider the breed traits.
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Comment by Sarah C. on October 7, 2008 at 10:48pm
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I live in a home with an older person with alzheimers. Basically he doesn't really understand that you shouldn't fondle a dog like a stuffed animal, so you could say he represents both an elderly person (fragile, intolerant) and a child (clumsy, pushy). We have a pembroke and have had her since a puppy and while she was very nippy when she was teething with mom and me, she's never bit my dad and has always been very tolerant. She barks at strangers, but in a low woof that's neither irritating nor disruptive.She gets a lot of exercise though.
I'd say wait until you have a few months to spend training a puppy, or a dog. If you don't have time to exercise a corgi everyday, I can't imagine that you have the time to give a puppy (or a dog) all the time, energy, and exercise it needs and deserves.
In short, adopt another cat.
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