Worried if Corgis are the right breed for us!
Hi all - new to the board!
After living in a no-pets apartment for 5 years, we've finally moved...and are in the market for a dog. We have a friend (several states away) who has a Corgi. While visiting, we became enamored of "Blueberry" and are seriously considering Corgis as our breed of choice.
We've done research, and unfortunately there are several things that are giving me pause. So I'd love to get some input from experienced Corgi owners before taking the plunge...
Details about us: both experienced, dedicated dog owners - we've had both large and small. Our last one died of old age 5 years ago...and our landlord implemented a building wide no-pets policy. We live in NYC, in a 2 bedroom coop (1100 square feet.) We both work. I tend to have long hours, but my husband's work is flexible. Back when we had our older dogs, we always made a point of 3 walks a day. There's also a park, right near our home. (My husband is interested in the possibility of training our Corgi for agility, though it would be a new experience for us.) We can live with fur. That's not a problem.
We also have a 6 year old cat (he has his claws, and didn't seem bothered the one time had some pups over for a few hours, as part of a rescue transport.)
In researching, I've read that Corgis are intelligent, energetic - and can be really destructive when left alone. Our dogs are always members of our family - but I don't want to make the mistake of getting a dog that ends up destroying the house from boredom...or barking incessantly and bothering the neighbors. Is a Corgi a reasonable breed for our situation? Or do we need to rethink this, and consider other breeds?
**As a side item - my husband is insisting on a puppy, since he's afraid that an older dog might be a danger to the cat. But if that's not the case, we'd love to do rescue (older, though still young enough that we'll have several years with him/her and don't have to go through the heartbreak again, too soon.) Welcome anyone's thoughts on this!!
Thanks,
--Janet
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by GPN on
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I have to believe that there are Corgis to visit in NYC there must be a Corgi club of some sort. You might try the PWCCA. They won't let you join (you need to have owned a Corgi for five years) but they probably have breeder information and might help you meet a local Corgi.
This is a very had core Corgi group, however. They have opinions about all aspects of Corgi-dom.
There is a breeder about two hours N of NYC named Dawn Dujon dawndujon-at-yahoo.com (substitute @ for -at-) which is where I got Dipper. She has bred a wide range of dogs over the years I don't know if she's going to keep doing Corgis as the Dam that bred Dipper is now retired. A lot of people "in the biz" (breeders, rescue operations, etc.) have not been, when i was looking, very receptive to a "meet the dog to see what this breed is like" session.
It might not be very productive. Youtube is full of videos about loving Pit Bulls. But when you go to pounds Pits are the #1 breed that people leave at the pound. There's clearly something going on there. What I'm saying here is that your experience with one person's well behaved dog is an experience with that dog more than it is a representation of what that breed is which is a tendency not iron law.
Greg N
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Permalink Reply by Kristie Sarafoean on
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Corgis are no more destructive than another breed. They should be crate trained and kept in them while you are away for their own safety! I have known a case where the puppy electrocuted its self by chewing on a cord. THe crate keeps everybody safe and you happy!
THe tests you want to look for are hips and eyes for both and the PRA for Cardigans. DM is something to consider but the testing is not yet as difinitive as it is in the other tests but can be used as guidline. You just need to be mindful that corgis have a long back and they should not be jumping from extreme heights.
Also I have placed older dogs in homes with cats and they did just fine as do puppies. I think it just depends on the dog.
Good luck in your search. I think corgis are a wonderful choice!
Kristie
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Throneberry on
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I have just a half corgi. But I know lots of people with full breed corgi. They are really intelligent and were meant for herding back in the days and to this day. They are dogs that want to please. If you have small children the corgi will nip at there ankles to herd them to where they want them. Corgis are know to have the biggest personality and will try to talk to you and communicate in many ways. They do have weight problems but this is an easy fix and are known for hip displasia but do are many other dogs. If you want a dog with a huge personality and a fog that want to please then the corgi is a perfect dog. They can do amazing tricks and agility courses. As for crate training iv done it to every one of my dogs and have never had a problem. They sleep in there crate and are in there while I'm at work. I started by making it a friendly place with blankets and toys. Every time I put them in the crate I give them a treat. Now when they here me getting into the treats they run to the kennel. The corgi will be whatever you want from a dog as long as you work on making them that way. :)
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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Corgis make good Therapy dogs too:)
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Permalink Reply by Sarah C. on
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unless you have a bad back and plan to visit places where most of the people are bed ridden. ARGH SO MUCH LIFTING!
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We use a wagon on nursing homes...works great:)
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Permalink Reply by Chris, Kadi & Brodie on
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It sounds like you have had breeds that would prepare you well for a corgi. They shed a lot, but not more than German Shepherds. They can be hard headed and stubborn, but not more than terriers. They can have attitudes, but not more than chows. They are extremely intelligent, but not more than dobermans. Sounds to me like you've been properly prepared for the ride of your life now! LOL Be warned though--it's very hard to have only one! They are definitely like potato chips!
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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Funny we agree on everything but the part about the dobes...you haven't met mine! She was the "dumb blonde" of her obedience class. So sweet but not the brightest!
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Permalink Reply by Janet Goodman-Clarke on
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You have a dumb Dobe?? Goofy, I'll believe. But actually dumb? :P
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She just seems to have a major case of ADHD and she is 8 years old so probably not going to outgrow it. She learns very slowly and is like the dog in the movie UP... squirrel! Fortunately she is extremely sweet!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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Yep, that's Maddie: doggie ADD! I was getting ready to take them to the boarding kennel a few weeks ago. Jack was all "Oh my goodness, we are going on a trip! Let me out to the garage, and I'll wait patiently by my side of the car. Open the door, and I hop in and you buckle me up and off we go! Yay!"
Maddie: "I'M IN THE GARAGE! HERE'S SOME MULCH! I'M LICKING A SHOVEL!"
Ah, well.
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Permalink Reply by Laura and Tommy Jefferson on
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hahaha Beth, that made me laugh out loud. Maddie sounds like my kinda girl :)
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