Purchasing a Corgi

[fogebotom]

Here's a really quick idea that we use when planning a breeding - it also works when trying to make any sort of decision.

Make two columns. Name them pros and cons. List things you like about the breed or what you want out of a breed. Then on the other side of the paper, list the things you don't want in a dog, or things that you have learned about the breed that you don't like. And every breed has things you don't like--like shedding or barking or high energy or nipping-all things corgis can and will do.

See how a corgi will fit into those limitations you set for your wants and dislikes.

Oh and did anyone mention the shedding? Two times a year - January to June and July to December. Yeapers, corgis are year round shedders with major molting at least twice a year. I think most of us learned to color coordinate our furniture and clothing to the color of our dogs as well as investing in a really good vacuum and lots of Swiffer sweeper cloths.

Lots of sporting dogs do make good pets. I agree that brittany's are high energy-used to work for a gal who raised them. But some of the other spaniels are wonderful companions. Sussex or how about the humble clumber? What ever the breed you decide on, make sure to do your homework on the breeder and the pedigree behind the dog. In my other breed, collies, there are many many hidden problems that breeders don't talk about, but if you look at the pedigrees and know more about the bloodlines, you can find the issues and avoid those dogs.

Good luck,
Cindy and the crew at Foggy Bottom
www.foggybottomusa.com

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by fogebotom

Oh and did anyone mention the shedding? Two times a year - January to June and July to December.

LOL. How true! My pets and my furnishings are all color-coordinated. Three orange/white cats and red/white Corgi. And of course, I never leave the house without taking a little part of my pets along with me (fur all over my clothes)!

[Rinaldo]

Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie

Can you be a little more specific in what role your dog will play in your life? Are you wanting a house dog which does not require much outdoor time except for going out to pee/poop?

If so, I think you might want to look at some other breeds. This link How to choose the best breed for you and your apartment article recommends low energy dogs: the basset hound, beagle, bulldog and French bulldog, dachshund, Norwegian elkhound, most spaniels and terriers, and even the whippet. Also recommended are any of the high-energy toy breed dogs which are small enough to get enough exercise running around indoors.

Your Corgi will need a minimum of two - 30 minute walks a day for exercise and to keep it from getting obese (and from being destructive). At 5 months, Charlie and I take two - 20 minute walks plus play soccer, and throw/chase toys an additional total of 2-3 hours a day in the back yard. Charlie is then content to sit on my recliner and nap or chew on toys when we are in the house.

With your 6 year old, will you be able to go out and walk with the dog a couple times a day? Do you have the hour a day to spare?

When you talk about eventually moving to a ranch farm, do you mean in 6 months or "someday" maybe in a few years?

Also, is there anything preventing you from fencing in the yard at your 1200sq ft house, or installing a very large dog run where you can throw a ball?

I think a Corgi is a fine choice if you can provide the mimimum outdoor exercise and time for obedience training. Lots of Corgis are great city house or apartment dogs...but they do need to get out everyday.

There's a huge difference between a Beagle and a basset hound energy wise. But I get what you're getting at. The dog is intended to be a family dog. The one hour of walking a day is not what I consider a lot of outdoor time. I will want to play fetch and run with the dog rather than walk anyways. I just don't have 4 acres in the back for a Vizsla to run around on. I'm going to take your advice and go see breeders in person and speak with them about the pros and cons. I have land that I'm purchasing within the year. Perhaps it would be best to wait until then.

[MyPemCharlie]

One hour walking I'd consider a mimimum. If you're able to spend time playing fetch and running with the dog every day, then I'd say "Go Corgi"! Your daughter at 6 should be old enough to understand how to "help" train the dog. You'll just need to supervise to train for puppy biting, heel nipping, jumping up...which is likely the case with most any breed (escept the heel nipping - which is a herding breed thing).

[Rinaldo]

Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie

One hour walking I'd consider a mimimum. If you're able to spend time playing fetch and running with the dog every day, then I'd say "Go Corgi"! Your daughter at 6 should be old enough to understand how to "help" train the dog. You'll just need to supervise to train for puppy biting, heel nipping, jumping up...which is likely the case with most any breed (escept the heel nipping - which is a herding breed thing).

My daughter can run around all day and exercise will not be a problem with our active lifestyle.
Thank you everyone I'll keep you posted !

[glencorgi]

My daughter can run around all day and exercise will not be a problem with our active lifestyle.

You are just asking for trouble on levels that haven't even dawned on you. My youngest nephew was about your daughter's age when we got him his Cardigan boy. Adam, my nephew, was Jesse's boy - period. He was loyal and protective. When Adam's friends would come over and play in the manner you are suggesting, Jesse would try to put order into the play and he'd put the kids in their place. A few nips happened as well. Fortunately, there were understanding parents in most cases, however, it came to the point Jesse was put away whenever the running around began as there were also parents not so understanding. Legal actions have been brought for less.

Interestingly enough I have two cousin-in-laws who have been puppy raisers for a service organization and Viszla's were one of the breeds they had. They still have one, now an adult and they live in a community neighborhood much like Rinaldo describes. He is a well adjusted, mentally healthy (as well as physically) all around great dog for them and no, he doesn't go hunting. I have known some Viszla breeders from the show world as well, and there are several on the internationally based Showdogs list and the descriptions given here don't match up. Some of the field line dogs, perhaps, but with any breed and any breeder; there needs to be a solid match in terms of lifestyle of the family. I strongly believe still that the corgi breed is being highly underestimated and the sporting/gun dog breeds are being over estimated. Some of the laziest dogs I have ever met have been from the breeds Rinaldo has mentioned.

Debbie

[Rinaldo]

Originally Posted by glencorgi

You are just asking for trouble on levels that haven't even dawned on you. My youngest nephew was about your daughter's age when we got him his Cardigan boy. Adam, my nephew, was Jesse's boy - period. He was loyal and protective. When Adam's friends would come over and play in the manner you are suggesting, Jesse would try to put order into the play and he'd put the kids in their place. A few nips happened as well. Fortunately, there were understanding parents in most cases, however, it came to the point Jesse was put away whenever the running around began as there were also parents not so understanding. Legal actions have been brought for less.

Interestingly enough I have two cousin-in-laws who have been puppy raisers for a service organization and Viszla's were one of the breeds they had. They still have one, now an adult and they live in a community neighborhood much like Rinaldo describes. He is a well adjusted, mentally healthy (as well as physically) all around great dog for them and no, he doesn't go hunting. I have known some Viszla breeders from the show world as well, and there are several on the internationally based Showdogs list and the descriptions given here don't match up. Some of the field line dogs, perhaps, but with any breed and any breeder; there needs to be a solid match in terms of lifestyle of the family. I strongly believe still that the corgi breed is being highly underestimated and the sporting/gun dog breeds are being over estimated. Some of the laziest dogs I have ever met have been from the breeds Rinaldo has mentioned.

Debbie

Debbie,
It seems you're really trying to talk me out of a Corgi.
I'd like to agree with you on the GunDog front. I've only lived with Gundogs and so they are the only dogs I can be opinionated on. I have never owned a Corgi so I do not know their habits as well as you might. My Labs have always been tolerant of playing and kicking and pulling and they were never aggressive nor protective. I can not remember a single instance where I even saw my Lab's Teeth. I'd prefer a lab to be honest I'm just unsure of the weight restrictions policy for my complex. I've already asked the Housing association for some leniency to allow a Lab.
I'll reconsider the Gundogs and I will look much closer at my beloved Lab Breed and take some time to weigh the pros and cons as others have suggested.
Thanks for the insight and the support.

Rinaldo

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by glencorgi

there were understanding parents in most cases, however, it came to the point Jesse was put away whenever the running around began as there were also parents not so understanding.

Cindy pretty much said the same thing about raising her children with Corgis. They put the dog in a separate area when the kids wanted to run about and play.

I'd say that the herding, nipping, and possessiveness (of the child) is definitely something to consider and be aware of, but not necessarily a reason not to choose a Corgi. Seems like several people on this forum have kids and Corgis living happily together. The child and the dog have to be taught mutual respect...and the child must be seen (by the dog) as higher-ranked in pack order over the dog.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Rinaldo

Debbie,
It seems you're really trying to talk me out of a Corgi.

Not really trying to talk you out of one, but as a breeder and a rescue person who places puppies and dogs; I do talk with a lot of folks just like yourself. You are not convincing me that you really want a corgi. I'm getting more of the impression it is a breed you are choosing by default, your heart isn't in this.

My Labs have always been tolerant of playing and kicking and pulling and they were never aggressive nor protective. I can not remember a single instance where I even saw my Lab's Teeth.

VERY few corgis are going to allow or tolerate that kind of treatment from anyone. They're going to come back and it is a reason we see so many in rescue for nipping incidents with children.

I'd prefer a lab to be honest

That was fairly obvious to me and one factor in why I don't think you'll be happy with a corgi.

I'm just unsure of the weight restrictions policy for my complex. I've already asked the Housing association for some leniency to allow a Lab.
I'll reconsider the Gundogs and I will look much closer at my beloved Lab Breed and take some time to weigh the pros and cons as others have suggested.

Good plan and good luck with the HOA and in your search.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

Maybe too many Corgis in the USA are trending towards the Italian Corgis where they are considered a dangerous breed.
I can say that of the 40 Pems and Cardis in the Wellington Welsh Corgi Walking Club, only one (a real scruffy Cardi who I havn't seen for nearly 2 years) is not to be trusted among dogs or children. The other 39 are a great example of the breed - and these are all ordinary Corgis owned by ordinary people.

[MyPemCharlie]

Rinaldo,

This may sound like it's coming out of left field, but you have mentioned your obvious love for Labs, but also mentioned Poodles having the lower energy level you now seek. Have you considered a Labradoodle? It's not a "real" breed, e.g. non AKC recognized, but they've grown in popularity since someone in Australia started breeding them in 1989.

They are supposed to be low-shedding, low allergen like Poodles and have the friendly disposition of Labs. My neighbors who work at a vet clinic were telling me about some Labradoodles who came in at their office, and now they want one for their next dog. My first instinct was "Oh no...human scientific experiments with perfectly good dog breeds.", but then again, all our purebred dogs started as experiments with breed mixes.

Anyway, they apparently come in three to four sizes with the miniatures being in the same weight range as Corgis. Just food for thought.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

Maybe too many Corgis in the USA are trending towards the Italian Corgis where they are considered a dangerous breed.
I can say that of the 40 Pems and Cardis in the Wellington Welsh Corgi Walking Club, only one (a real scruffy Cardi who I havn't seen for nearly 2 years) is not to be trusted among dogs or children. The other 39 are a great example of the breed - and these are all ordinary Corgis owned by ordinary people.

Michael, the majority of corgis in the US are just fine. However, we have a lot of corgis in the US. A LOT, and a lot of them are not bred by responsible, reputable breeders. We have many puppy mills, byb's, and other casual breeders.

The diversity of breeders and the number of corgis in the US make for a varitey of temperments and the larger possibility of poor temperments.

Not to mention owners who should not have corgis or don't train or disipline them. (Or some who don't disipline the children either.)

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

The guy who recently joined the WWCWC who is a Pem breeder in his late stage of life, will never be a 'reputable' breeder. But there is nothing amiss with the temperament of the Corgis he owns and has bred to date or their pedigrees.
By the way, this guy is a professional Santa Claus with a real long white beard and is tall and portly and has a gruffy voice and is a member of the American-based Real Bearded Father Christmas Association (or whatever it is called).

[glencorgi]

[quote=MyPemCharlie;34831
They are supposed to be low-shedding, low allergen like Poodles and have the friendly disposition of Labs. My neighbors who work at a vet clinic were telling me about some Labradoodles who came in at their office, and now they want one for their next dog. [/QUOTE]

"Supposed to be" being the operative words. They aren't breeding true to the hype they have been given. Just as with mix breed/mutt, there can be wonderful specimens, but there is no predictability to the outcome. You should hear groomers blast them. Coat is a major issue, might have a Lab type coat, might require as grooming as a poodle. The health issues in each breed are being dealt with. Many are over the top hyper active in temperament.

Debbie

[behinderhereyes]

Originally Posted by Rinaldo

Hello All,
I'm new to the Corgi species. I grew up with Labradors and always wanted one as an adult. I have been cursed with being employed in sunny South Florida where the housing market isn't so kind to us young adults. I live in a townhome and am forced to consider a less energetic breed.
The Corgi was a favorite of mine since childhood when I would walk Mrs. B's Corgi every afternoon for a quarter. The Corgi would nip my pant cuff and redirect me if I strayed from the routine path we would take. She was 86 years old when I started walking the Corgi and When I went away to college she was 96.
The Corgi was the pride of her life.

I have several questions which I have partially answered through the search function.
From reading I see that Corgis can be decent dogs for a respectful Child. My Daughter is 6 years old and she isn't into abusing dogs. She occasionally pics them up and pretends they're babies but I think everyone's guilty of that.
She has a habit of running around as all children do and I do not want her to be bitten hard by the dog. Am I stepping into a bad situation by purchasing a Corgi?
I initially wanted to stay within the hunting dog category. However their excercise requirements prohibit me from keeping one in a 1200 sq ft house without a fenced yard. I also have no real business purchasing a hunting dog in South Florida, I do not hunt here and would prefer a more mellow dog anyways.
How are Corgis with regards to discipline and obedience? I know that Border Collies and the majority of herding breeds are very dependable training wise as they need to be to work the field properly. How are Corgis?
Lastly does anyone have a reputable breeder I can contact to discuss options and how to proceed with the adoption/purchase process? I prefer to hear recommendations from this community rather than going by what the AKC lists. Any questions I should ask or traits to avoid?
I want to make the best decision as I intend to live with the animal for 14 + years and want to have a great experience.

Thank you,
Rinaldo

It is funny that you mentioned the baby thing. I hope Sophie like this all the time. She squirms a little but gets used to it. Corgis are EXCELENT with kids my dog gets along with every single walk of life. She does love to run around. If your thinking of getting a corgi and your daughter likes to run or chase it. Make sure you have a toy it can chase or it might nip her heals. Also in the case of intelligence, I alwas say Sophie is to smart for her own good. She is quite the escape artist. They destroy lots of toys when they are young. Makes sure you get lots of bones and maybe even some greenies. Getting nails clipped is kind of a fuss and same with bathing. You might want to take it to a groomer for those to things. My corgi loves having her teeth brushed. Also which corgi would you be getting? I have a Pembroke. Never had a Cardigan, but hope to some day. Warning on the ride home the puppy will most likely cry and cry and cry. The first few weeks when Sophie was home she followed me aroung like a she was my left foot. Make sure to set boundaries with your daughter and the family so they know whats ok and what is not. Wow this has gotten quiet long. They do love to run around and have free time. If you can give them this they will love you so much. Don't let others talk you out of it if you really want a corgi!!

-Tiffany