Should I Wait?

[ColColt]

I was wondering if I could get some advice. I don't know if I'd be better suited with a Pem or a Cardigan. I know they're similar but from all I've read, they have somewhat a different personality and I don't know enough to know the difference. I like the looks of the Pem but I know from having Katie that they can be somewhat hyper, especially when young. I don't know that at this age (61 soon) I'd be able to keep up with a puppy so; I've pretty much ruled that out. I hope to retire by the end of this year and have more time to devote to their care and needs. Getting any right now wouldn't be fair to them as I work 4/10 hour days but I'm off Fri-Sun. I have a large deck they could remain on but in the winter, that would get pretty cold and I would be too concerned while away how they were doing. Ideally, it would be best to have someone home to help but, that's not the case.

I'd like to have a pet right now, but; I must take into consideration how they would feel being left alone for ten hours a day. I just don't believe that would be good for any pet whether they are six months old or five years old. Moreover, I wouldn't want one so badly I'd have to confine him/her to the backyard that long or have to tie it to a tree. I'd rather not have one as to subject him to that lifestyle. I think the only time they need to be outside is for potty, play and walks and indoors with you the rest of the time...especially at nights.Nevertheless, it's hard being single with no one to help while I work to feed/walk/play with him and yet on the same hand, desiring the companionship of a pet. It's a catch-22 situation for me. I suppose it may be best in their interest if I just wait until I can retire in order to devote more time and energy to it. What do you think?

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by ColColt

I was wondering if I could get some advice. I don't know if I'd be better suited with a Pem or a Cardigan. I know they're similar but from all I've read, they have somewhat a different personality and I don't know enough to know the difference. I like the looks of the Pem but I know from having Katie that they can be somewhat hyper, especially when young. I don't know that at this age (61 soon) I'd be able to keep up with a puppy so; I've pretty much ruled that out. I hope to retire by the end of this year and have more time to devote to their care and needs. Getting any right now wouldn't be fair to them as I work 4/10 hour days but I'm off Fri-Sun. I have a large deck they could remain on but in the winter, that would get pretty cold and I would be too concerned while away how they were doing. Ideally, it would be best to have someone home to help but, that's not the case.

I'd like to have a pet right now, but; I must take into consideration how they would feel being left alone for ten hours a day. I just don't believe that would be good for any pet whether they are six months old or five years old. Moreover, I wouldn't want one so badly I'd have to confine him/her to the backyard that long or have to tie it to a tree. I'd rather not have one as to subject him to that lifestyle. I think the only time they need to be outside is for potty, play and walks and indoors with you the rest of the time...especially at nights.Nevertheless, it's hard being single with no one to help while I work to feed/walk/play with him and yet on the same hand, desiring the companionship of a pet. It's a catch-22 situation for me. I suppose it may be best in their interest if I just wait until I can retire in order to devote more time and energy to it. What do you think?

ColColt,

I think you pretty much answered your own question. Are you thinking about getting a rescue adult Corgi since you mentioned that a puppy this time might not be suitable for you?

Lots of people on here work and manage to have their dogs - some have dog walkers come in and some don't, but it sounds like you don't want to have your dog home for 10 hours a day and that it would be better to wait until you retire which may be best for the both of you; and it would make you feel better if that were the situation. I am not one who believes in tying a dog up outside while away at work. You mention your deck - I take it that it is not enclosed. I would not want to leave my dog out there all day either nor would I want to leave them all day in the back yard by themselves even if it was fenced in.

I can understand your wanting a furry companion and with the recent loss of your Katie that would be hard. I honestly don't know what to advise you, but I think what you wrote tells me that you feel it is best to wait given your situation. Until that time, have you thought of volunteering some of your time at your local humane society on one of your days off. It would give you a chance to be with animals and maybe make a difference in their life, as well as yours and give you some companionship until you retire and decided to bring a new pet into your life. Who knows, you may end up finding the unexpected and perfect pet for you there.

And I will add, that my boy is a Pem and my last Corgi was a Pem also; I consider my boy to have a more mellow disposition. I have not owned a Cardigan so really can't advise you there.

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[Jane Austen]

Going on sixty one? You are nearly a "spring chicken". As a senior myself I adopted my Duchess when she was seven. I did not at all miss having a puppy to train and clean up after. Those of us who opt to rehome a dog can reap the benifits of previous training. Hopefully, getting a well adjusted friend for ourselves. Duchess is a jewel. a car buddy who also forces me to go for the walks that are good for me.

[ColColt]

I think you pretty much answered your own question. Are you thinking about getting a rescue adult Corgi since you mentioned that a puppy this time might not be suitable for you?

Most likely, as I think a rescue would benefit more from having a good, loving home since there are so many puppies out there for families...a man, woman, and perhaps a couple of kids. This is my conception of where puppies benefit the most. There's just too many in shelters/rescue conditions that are begging for a home for their final years...be it three years or ten. On the other hand, if I were to get say a three month old puppy, most likely it would outlast me! It's a difficult decision since it's been many years since I had a pup but, I know the time involved in training. It's a 24/7 situation.

Going on sixty one? You are nearly a "spring chicken". As a senior myself I adopted my Duchess when she was seven. I did not at all miss having a puppy to train and clean up after. Those of us who opt to rehome a dog can reap the benifits of previous training. Hopefully, getting a well adjusted friend for ourselves. Duchess is a jewel. a car buddy who also forces me to go for the walks that are good for me.

Spring chicken? I wish! Although I must admit, I'm looking like Tom Seleck everyday!!

[Dillydoodle]

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[ColColt]

As much as I hate to admit it, I think it may be better for not only the pet, but for me as well. I couldn't be away that long and be wondering how she was doing...is she going stir crazy being alone, barking, chewing up things out of frustration. Thats not the best situation for any pet. I guess I'm a bit selfish wanting one to care for but, I have to look reality in the eye and think about how they would feel with me being away that long. I wouldn't want to create behavioral problems in what might otherwise be a great pet because of my long absence. It's difficult to know that you have the right mindset to love and care for a pet and yet, knowing you're doing them a disservice by choosing for them a lifestyle they may not be use to and forcing them into a situation that neither of you may be able to undertake.

I work too far away to come home for lunch and I don't know anyone I would trust to be a sitter or walker. Sort of puts you between the proverbial rock and a hard spot. Perhaps waiting is the only answer. In retrospect, it makes one feel like an outcast in that many already have these pets and some several all because you don't have a mate to aid in the care of your pet.

[Dillydoodle]

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[Michael Romanos]

I think the main difference between Cardis and Pems is the extra bounce and energy level of Pems over Cardis as a general rule. Anne Aitken who is a member of the Wellington Welsh Corgi Walking Club went from Pems to Cardis because a 'crew' of Cardis is easier to manage than a 'crew' of Pems. (Do you like the term 'crew').

[tandemgal]

This was orginally written by our Debbie Glencorgi and I think this will help in your Cardi/Pem decission :


Okay Cardigans compared to Pembrokes in personality:

Similar, but night and day and keep in mind these are in broad generalities. I know Pembrokes which fit more in the Cardigan description and Cardigans which fit more into the Pembroke descriptions.

Pembrokes are the 3 Stooges and Robin Williams rolled into one; Cardigans are the Marx Brothers.

Pembrokes believe the world is a party just for them; Cardigans wait for the invitation to a great party.

Cardigans look before they leap; Pembrokes run off a cliff and then figure a way to get out of it.

Pembrokes will run with scissors; Cardigans don't.

I wouldn't say that marking after getting excited about a perceived insult from a passing dog is a true trait of Pembroke males, I know Cardigan males that might do the same, especially intact ones; but don't see that much in either breed really.

Pembrokes rarely meet a stranger - they're just friends they haven't met yet and might go home with anyone who has the treats; Cardigans tend to wait to be introduced before they have a new friend and will accept "candy from a stranger" usually after owners give an okay; but they're going home with "mom or dad."

Both breeds can be territorial, but I believe what Cardiguy is seeing in Ruby is the owner loyality that shows a little more in Cardis, than in Pems.

I'd trust my well being and safety more with my Cardigans than with most of my Pems. IF my Pems react negatively to someone, then I really take that as a serious character assessment.

Personality and temperaments can even be related to structural differences -
Pembrokes have a little "sharper edge - their ears are "triangular" and their bone is oval. Cardigans have "oval" ears and their bone is round. (Or supposed to be.) Pems come from a Spitz background, Cardis from a Teckel or hound (Doxie/Bassett) background and it shows in their looks and personalities and barks.

I saw a good example of the differences between the two breeds today at a corgi gathering today. There was a puppy of each breed inside a fence watching people milling and cleaning up. Neither one of them was missing a trick or a movement. The Pembroke was up on all fours, standing alert and at attention watching so as to not miss a thing. The Cardigan was lying on its tummy, nose pressed up against the fence exposing its teeth as if making a face and just taking all the activity in. A Cardi and a Pem can be doing the same activity, there will just be a different nuance to the way they do it.

IF you want more, I'll keep going.

Debbie

[ColColt]

Pembrokes are the 3 Stooges and Robin Williams rolled into one;

Pembrokes believe the world is a party just for them

Pembrokes rarely meet a stranger

That sure described Katie's personality...loving and playful all the time. The only time I heard her bark was at another dog through the fence (a Basset Hound) and when she was playing.

I had went to Border's the other day and picked up a few books, two of which were about Corgis but there was little info on the Cardigan in either. I suppose they aren't as popular as the Pems. I don't think you cold go wrong with either. I did read that they were a bit more layed back and loyal to their owner than the Pems are. But, who could resist that sweet face of a Pem!! I recently saw a tri-color Pem downtown where I work with a girl in her 20's but, both were to quick for me to be able to get to so I could see her and I lost sight of them. Maybe I'll see them again, hopefully. They're a rare sighting downtown...or anywhere around here for that matter.

Thanks for that info and whenever you get time, do post a bit more if you will.

BTW, emilie, that waiting game is going to be tough on me as it's difficult now. Nevertheless, in the best interest of the pet, I can't justify my wants/desires at the expense of her needs. That's not fair to her and borders on complete selfishness and I can't subject a loving pet nor consign her to the backyard or confines of a bathroom while I work...just isn't fair. I guess I'm going to have to "bite the bullet" and wait till a better time. Meanwhile, I guess I can look at you guys picture/videos of your pets and picture myself there before too long.

[Jespah]

I think you'll find the right dog at the right time for you. You obviously have thought a lot about the pros and cons of owning one now and one in a little while. As to Pem or Cardi, another thought might be size. Although I have 1 hefty Pem at 36 pounds, you may need to carry or lift the full grown dog at some point. When my Corgi, Riley was ill this past summer, I had to carry her up and down 3 flights of stairs, 5 times a day, with the other one on a leash at my side. She was 35 pounds and lost a lot of weight as she got sicker, but it still was difficult. My youngest now is 21ish pounds, which is nothing to lift and carry when needed. I took this into consideration in choosing Pembrokes, because as they age I'm aging too! Just didn't count on Rupert being a Goliath! (He's down 8 pounds now from the summer!).

Would you consider doing some volunteer work at the local shelter, a rescue group or at a breeders so you can have a regular dog fix???

[ColColt]

Would you consider doing some volunteer work at the local shelter, a rescue group or at a breeders so you can have a regular dog fix???

That's a great suggestion but, I think that would probably be a job better suited to a younger person..perhaps in their 20's or 30's. I'm not that dog savvy.

[Cardiguy]

I will only speak on my perceived differences in the look of the Cardi vs. the Pem as Glencorgi has covered all the bases on the personality differences.

I have always thought that the Cardigan has more of the "Corgi" look that I like. Bigger ears, a little more solid and longer than the Pem, and a big bushy expressive tail which is a joy to watch as a barometer of the dog's feelings.

Both me and my wife work 10 hrs a day and we have a dog walker who comes on daily. We are lucky that our Cardigan, Ruby, has a full time job that keeps her busy for 10 hrs-that job is looking out the window and guarding the house. The mailman's arrival with mail is also a big event as she literally grabs the mail from the slot in the door. I spoke with the mailman and he is really into it also as he tries to slip the mail into the slot so Ruby can't get it.

Since the Cardi is a little more laid back you might want to consider that if the dog is home for 10 hrs. If you get an older dog who is laid back and can get a dog walker, it might be doable with the right dog.

[our2boys]

We have two cardigans and think they are the greatest thing. They are so responsive to feelings of the owner. If you are up and excited, they are up and excited. If you want to relax and read, they will relax and lay by you. As far as being gone 10 hours a day, we are gone 9 -11 hrs/day. When we got our first one as a puppy, we left him with toys and a pillow in the laundry room which is about 8X8 and he did very well. When our second one came along, we left him in the laundry room and the older one out on the patio in a 10X10 pen. Now they are both house trained and stay in the house while we are gone. We had a few potty mishaps and some chewing issues at first, but now they seem to be adjusted properly. I think if you have a place to keep a dog or puppy, then leaving them alone for the day is OK as they usually sleep anyway. You could get a large portable pen for a puppy so they could have a corner to go potty.

[Michael Romanos]

Corgis will sleep or rest simply because there is nothing else to do or occupy their minds. I am home on most days with Taylor and he is up (ready) for anything at any time.