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am seriously interested in learning about Corgis. I am a long time dog owner--up until the past 2 years always with 2-4 (we didn't add a second when we lost our male to bone cancer 2 years ago). What you will find surprising is that I'm a Standard Poodle person interested in a Corgi. So---I should explain why.

I know our next dog will go into my 80's with me (with luck LOL). We are very active (still working as free lancers which we've always been), live on 20 acres but know we won't always. I'll soon be 68, am a photographer, spend time outdoors and will until I can't. We've had Standards for a number of years (Kate is our 5th)--we refer to them as 'farm poodles' LOL. We've had other breeds too. But--what we are looking for in the next dog is a smaller dog with no clipping (grooming is fine--but I've always clipped my own and its a chore even with well behaved dogs) but one that thinks its a big dog. I am used to a dog that bonds and is responsive to their 'human'--is a constant companion with no barking issues, relatively quiet in the house but loves being outdoors and taking long leashed walks on the property or elsewhere though we have several acres fenced.

Temperament/intelligence is all for me (well, almost--soundness/health are strong issues)--we always have chosen dogs that have strong breed characteristics but we neuter and spay. The Corgi seems to fit most of the above--though I have not had the opportunity to spend time with one--no one we know has a Corgi.

So--what I am asking and why I am here is to find out if this is the breed I should be leaning toward. Are they a breed that wants to be with their owner (as in following even into the bathroom LOL) but is not neurotic about it, smart and and responsive, not a barker (generally as a breed--I realize that there are always problem dogs within a breed), generally healthy (they appear not to be a popular dog so less inclined to overbreeding and more problems) and a dog that one would just say about then---delightful (what a question to ask here LOL).

Knowing they are herders do they need 'work' to keep them happy? What else do I need to know about them?

Thanks for any information--Kate is getting up there though still very healthy but I figure we have 2-4 years to choose though we may add the new dog sooner. I really do miss 2 dogs in the house.

Thanks,
Diane