The happy-go-lucky nature of the Corgi makes it an agreeable companion. Despite their original role as herding dogs, Corgis are now being bred to be house pets, and their natural temperament makes them well suited to the role. Corgis are intelligent and sensitive dogs who tend to be affectionate and playful with their humans.

As a herding dog, the Corgi has to be agile and courageous as it must handle animals many times its size. They have to be self-sufficient and possess strong problem-solving skills, which may make some Corgis stubborn or independent. However, a well-trained Corgi pays back the effort put into them ten times over, as they can offer love and loyalty in spades.

Corgis can tend to be protective of their families, so early socialization will be necessary if the Corgi will be interacting with other dogs. They don’t tend to be aggressive, but they can be very vocal. 

Their natural herding instinct may make them bark or nip at young children running around, so training them to play properly is important if the household has small children. However, despite this tendency, they make great house pets even for novice owners.

Corgi puppies are little balls of energy, with seemingly boundless stamina for walks and play sessions. While they may begin to relax and calm down as they transition into adult dogs, some Corgis retain this playful nature. 

Most Corgis will require at least an hour of exercise per day. They don’t run too quickly, but they are agile and athletic. While they may not be able to keep up with fast runners or bicycles, they can do a relatively quick jog for long enough to tire themselves out. They are also adept at swimming, and enjoy playing in the water. 

They love having tasks to perform, due to their history as working dogs. Agility and other dog sports can be great ways of expending a Corgi’s energy, even if you aren’t planning on competing.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a thick double coat that makes them resemble a teddy bear or stuffed animal. The top coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is short and light. Most Corgis will end up looking very fluffy after grooming. 

They do tend to shed a moderate amount throughout the year. Like other double-coated breeds, they can blow coat a couple of times when the seasons change, typically before the summer and the winter. 

Grooming your Corgi at home isn’t too difficult, and can be accomplished with only a couple of simple, affordable tools. They need regular brushing to keep the undercoat healthy, with ideal frequency being every day or every other day. You can use a slicker brush to reach the short undercoat, and a soft-bristled brush for the top coat. 

During the times when they blow coat, it may be beneficial to deshed your Corgi, whether by a professional or on your own at home.

While dogs’ nails can grow at different rates depending on the dog, a Corgi’s nails should generally be trimmed once or twice a month. Tooth brushing should be done at least two to three times a week to prevent tooth and gum diseases, which may be debilitating and painful. 

Corgis need a significant amount of mental and physical stimulation for their overall health and well-being, and training is a great way to provide it. While Corgis are eager to please, they also possess an independent streak that may make some Corgis stubborn. 

While Corgis are strong-willed and self-assured, they are also sensitive to their owner’s moods and do not appreciate harsh rebukes or punishments. Praise and other forms of positive reinforcement will be the best way to motivate your Corgi to follow your commands.

Some Corgis enjoy biting or mouthing all sorts of objects, as they explore with their mouths. Training them to drop or leave your belongings may be important early on, as it is harder to train out this type of behavior later on in life. 

Corgis have an average lifespan for small- to medium-sized dogs, and can live for 12 to 14 years. Corgis may be prone to:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD – a condition where the disc that sits between vertebrae ruptures, causing pain and lack of mobility 
• Cataracts – an eye condition where the lens of the eye gradually becomes opaque, leading to poor vision
• Von Willebrand’s Disease – an inherited condition where the dog is prone to bleeding due to a defect in platelet function
• Hip dysplasia – a condition where the socket and ball of the hip joint are not perfectly formed, causing pain, lameness, or weakness of the rear legs

Corgis are classified as a small- to medium-sized dog breed. Most Corgis will stand between 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder, with bodies longer than they are tall. Male Corgis can weigh between 25 and 30 pounds, while females will generally be 22 to 28 pounds. 

Due to their smaller size, they can be fine apartment dogs. However, a potential owner must be aware of their significant exercise requirements and provide ample outdoor exercise. They are adaptable enough to be kept in most living environments, whether urban or rural.

The Corgi’s prey drive isn’t as high as other hunting or working breeds, but there is still a danger of the dog running off after smaller animals. A secure, fenced outdoor space is a good place for a Corgi to be allowed to run off-leash. They aren’t prone to digging, so a yard or garden is generally safe enough for their play sessions.