Bruce

[bmacq43]

I am in the market for a Corgi but am getting conflicting opinions on the dogs from various people. One states the Pembroke is more active and territorial and the other sources state the Cardigan is. Any help? We live in Arizona and would like the Corgi for a pet for my daughter. We do not plan to show or breed the dog. We have a 3 year old yellow lab now so want a dog that will get along with her. Thanks for your help!

[glencorgi]

Sorry to add to your confusion but ... both breeds are active and both breeds can be territorial. Having lived with corgis (and this is the inclusive corgis encompassing both breeds) for going on about 15 years now, I've seen both in both breeds. A lot depends on genetic temperament and what you as an owner allow to be gotten away with.

One thing to keep in the back of your mind when looking at both corgi breeds is that these dogs averaging about 25 pounds in days of yore were bred to move cattle and the dogs won. That gives you a little insight into their temperaments, personalities, and character.

Pembrokes tend to be a little more outgoing and readily introduce themselves to anyone passing by. Cardigans tend to be a little more reserved (not the same thing as shy) and see passers by as someone they should be introduced to. Pembrokes will run with scissors, Cardigans usually won't. Cardigans tend to look before they leap, a Pembroke jumps off the cliff and then figures out a way to get out its predicament. The two breeds are similar, yet night and day in differences. For more breed differences (and there are a lot more than just the tail) this is a good site to check out:
<http://www.c-myste.com/corgidif.html>

Since your Lab is a female, my recommendation would be to get a male corgi should you decide to get one. Boys tend to have just a higher nuance of sweetness about them and since this one is for your daughter, they so enjoy being "mama's boys."

This is a good article to help you in deciding whether a corgi will be right for your family and includes pros and cons on the breeds.
<http://corgifinderhelp.corgi-l.org/is_a_corgi_for_me.htm>

Most importantly is to work a good breeder, one who is reputable and responsible. They will ask lots of questions (may feel like you are getting the 3rd degree ), but this is all to make sure they get the right match for your home, family, lifestyle and current dog. When purchasing a puppy, you'll want to see health clearances on the parents for:
Hip Dysplasia either OFA or Penn-Hip certificates
and Eyes - a CERF certificate.
These are the minimum testings responsible breeders do.

And believe it or not, there are a number of corgis that become available via rescue, so that is an option for you to consider as well. Reputable, responsible rescues will take the same care and precaution in placing one of their fosters in a new home as a reputable breeder will.

Debbie

[corgimom]

Deb,

I agree with what you said in regards to male Corgis enjoying being mamas
boys.

Linda

[PocketsMom]

Go Debbie. We do love your advice I also had 2 older girls and also opted for a male corgi because of what I had read on here and I am glad I did. I wouldn't trade my boy for anything! Good luck

[Chip's Mom]

Debbie:

You are so right - male corgis do like to be mama's boy and I wouldn't trade mine either. Chip is just now becoming territorial and he is going to make an excellent watch dog although he loves everyone.

[Michael Romanos]

I have quite a lot of experience with two or more male Corgis co-existing and there has been no problem that I could attribute to the fact that they were the same sex. None of my own boys were ever neutered but one of the Pems who frequented my house and teamed up with one of my past Corgi fellows (named Troy) was a neutered male. Just lately, Taylor has had to put up with a seven month old male pup and they were fine together. In fact I called on the owner of Taffy and with my wife, son and Taylor, we all went for a two hour walk-about in a park and bush track. Taffy,for those who may have been reading about him - is really a lovely Pem - full of spirit. He is a real dog in the sense he is not the gentleman that Taylor is. He believes in getting muddy, ploughing through puddles, jumping hedges and such, and going for broke. Boy, would he make a great agility competitor. Taffy was thrilled to see me and Taylor again and looked so forlorn when we finally left him with his owner after we had coffee and a chat. His owner, Jack still hasn't got things right - he's just not on the button as far as Taffy goes. And never will be. But Taffy is still much better off after I had him for two weeks and managed to get a few points across to the owner. I must also confess that Taylor is not enamoured with every male puppy or adult dog he comes in contact with. With Taffy around - just like last Sunday on our run around together - Taylor certainly becomes more perky. So that's a little plug for dogs being good company for each other.

Getting back to the first point raised, I accept though that male-female is a better combination to have. But just that I would not hesitate to have two males or two females in my household.

[CorgiMum]

bmacq43 Welcome to GoCorgi, its great that you are doing lots of research into Corgis before you make your decision.

And you have been given excellent advise from Debbie!

I have to comment on these two statements, so true and really made smile.

Originally Posted by glencorgi

Pembrokes will run with scissors,

a Pembroke jumps off the cliff and then figures out a way to get out its predicament.
Debbie

I have Montrose, an 11 year old female, she is daddy's little girl, and Dylan who is 8 years old, and he is most certainly his momma's boy.

[Lady's Daddy]

I haven't seen any territorial behavior in my girl PWC, but what everyone says about PWC's is true. I've never had a Cardi, but I recommend PWC's because I got one and mine is a perfect dogs. Aren't all PWC's perfect? Lady loves everyone and she wants to go up to everyone. It's not always a good thing, but most people respond to this love and curiousity with open arms.

[Jeni D]

Well, of course, I have to put in a plug for the cardigan My cardi, Dudley, is great. Although, I'm not sure the reserved part fits him--loves meeting new strangers, sitting in their laps, etc. He is a velcro dog and incredibly mellow, but this could be a personality thing--besides, who would want one of those yappy pembrokes (just kidding guys, don't send me hate mail).

Anyways, whatever type of dog you choose is sure to be a great pet with lots of love and patience. I do agree with Deb though. Finding a good breeder is the most important part. The more questions he or she asks about you and your lifestyle, the better. When we got Dudley, I was asked a barage of questions, which at the time, I felt was like an interrogation, but in the end, we got a pet that matched our personality and life style perfectly. Hopefully you'll have the same luck!

Good luck
Jeni

[glencorgi]

Getting back to the first point raised, I accept though that male-female is a better combination to have. But just that I would not hesitate to have two males or two females in my household.

Likewise, I've had intact males that did fine together (still do), intact girls that do fine together. I also currently have 2 spayed females that cannot be in the company of any other dog, male or female. I have one female that is fine with her father, but no other dogs (male or female), one intact male that is fine with females, but no other males. Multiple dogs make a big difference in the dynamics of how things can go as do temperaments, and human pack leaders.

This will be a first time corgi owner, whichever breed he chooses. In order for him to have best chance for success there are a few general dog world truths that need to be taken into consideration.

Corgis tend to want to be the boss of all other dogs in a household. This holds true from everything from Irish Wolfhounds on down in size.
Females are generally the alphas (true alphas - mind you) in pack situations.
Males tend to defer to the females - "okay, I get it you're the boss, now let's play."
Since the current dog in the home is a female of another breed, the new dog a corgi, which will tend to want to be "boss," the best combination for compatibility will be a male corgi which will recognize the current female as being in charge and roll with things.

What personal combinations I might choose would likely be for reasons beyond adding another pet. In Michael's case, he might be looking for a new agility prospect, which brings in other motivations in selecting a second dog.

One of our forum members in now having her heart broken. If this advice can prevent a second type incident, then I believe that will be a good thing.

Debbie

[Fluffypants]

Originally Posted by CorgiMum

bmacq43 Welcome to GoCorgi, its great that you are doing lots of research into Corgis before you make your decision.

And you have been given excellent advise from Debbie!

I have to comment on these two statements, so true and really made smile.




I have Montrose, an 11 year old female, she is daddy's little girl, and Dylan who is 8 years old, and he is most certainly his momma's boy.

Those made me smile, too. Jackie is definitely that type of pem. She also subscribes to the theory that she is the alpha. She is absolutely convinced that the world revolves around her . . . and is none too pleased when I tell her different!!!

Bruce - good luck with whatever you decide. Corgis are wonderful little dogs, but they are not easy. If you are willing to put in the time, you will have a great pet that you will love to pieces (you can check any of the forums here for more evidence of that!!!). Welcome to the boards. I look forward to hearing more from you.

PS - to the rest of you - STOP talking about momma's boys! You are making me want a boy of my own now!! In the past few months I have had to turn down 2 separate breeders who offered me male pem puppies. It was hard enough before you all started talking about how great the boys are!!! My resolve is weakening!!!!!

[glencorgi]

OH LADY!!!! Have you done a job on your Dad! Aren't all PWC's perfect? Perfect stubby little tyrants!

That is one of my all time favorite descriptions. A Pem breeder was talking with a potential home once, telling him about the breed their tendency to be stubborn, bossy, willful and other qualities that are a part of what they need to move things like cattle. After listening, he came back with - "Well, I'm not sure I could live with one of those stubby little tyrants." That description has become my ultimate term of endearment, even though it wasn't originally meant complimentary at all.

In Pembrokes (and in some Cardigans) I've noticed a couple of distinct forms of this "tyranny." Some are overtly "bossy." Food not being fixed quickly enough - you get a woof to hurry up. They're a little pushier about things and you see up front what you're dealing with. Now, the other form is the "manipulators." These are the very sweet, loving, "good" all the time (on the surface ). They'll sit looking up at the treat jar so patiently - just a precious site and what do we humans do? Give them a treat. <LOL> My Fiddle is one of these (and she's a mama's girl). One day she had spent a great deal of time hiding toys in one corner of the couch. Hubby came home and sat down on that corner. Fiddle got on his lap, put a paw on each shoulder and began staring at him - giving him the "eye." It went on and on, until hubby asks - "what does she want." I looked over, saw what was going on and said, "you're in her spot, that's where she's been nesting toys and she wants you to move." She continued giving him the eye, and then finally glanced over to me with a "MOM!!!! make him move look (she knows who the head alpha is <G>). He finally scooted down and she was once again happy. Now, who is really in charge here?

Debbie

[Fluffypants]

Great corgi story Debbie!

[bmacq43]

Thanks for all the replies and advice/experiences we have received. We are on the waiting list for a male Cardigan and the puppies are due any day. There are others ahead of us but, hopefully, the litter will be a big one.

[CorgiMum]

Fingers crossed for you that this litter has your pup.

I remember too well being 'on the waiting list'.