Corgi Dog Breed: Size, Personality and More

Corgi has two recognised breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is believed to have descended from dogs brought to Pembrokeshire by Vikings or Flemish weavers between the 10th and 12th centuries. In contrast, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is thought to have originated from dogs brought to Wales by Norse settlers and may share a common ancestor with the Swedish Vallhund.

The name “Corgi” is thought to have come from the Welsh phrase ci corrach, which means “dwarf dog”.

Welsh farmers valued these dogs’ intelligence and skills, using them to herd cattle and guard them at night. 

Corgis were common on Welsh farms in the 1850s, but their numbers began to decline in the early 1900s. In the 20th century, the breed’s popularity increased when Queen Elizabeth II owned several Corgis.

The Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are ancient breeds that were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club and the English Kennel Club in 1934. They are currently ranked as the 11th most popular breed in the U.S.

Corgis are affectionate, intelligent, and recognized for their friendly and playful nature. They usually get along well with children and other pets, although their herding instincts may cause them to try to “herd” people or animals.

They require high-quality food, appropriate to their age, weight and size. Get advice from your veterinary surgeon, and read more about what to feed your Corgis on our best foods for Corgis page, collated by our expert team.

General Characteristics: 

• Origin: Wales
• Size: Small to medium breed
• Height: Between 10 and 12.5 inches
• Weight: Between 22 and 30 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: Thick, straight hair that is double-layered and weather resistant.
• Colors: They can be red, sable, fawn black or tan.
• Build: Short but powerful legs with muscular thighs and a deep chest.

Corgi Temperament: 

• High energy: They were bred to herd and have high energy levels.
• Energetic: An affectionate companion without being needy.
• Alert: Corgis are vigilant watchdogs with excellent hearing and a loud bark.
  

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: An intelligent and eager dog so training can be relatively easy.
• Exercise: Ideally, one hour of moderate exercise per day is recommended. They are energetic; however, they should avoid activities that strain their backs due to their long bodies and short legs.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: Corgis shed daily so it is recommended to comb over once a day.

Interesting Facts:  

• Corgis have a “bubble butt” because their back end is mostly hollow, which gives them built-in flotation devices.
• SoCal Corgi Beach Day, an annual event in Southern California celebrates the breed’s unique body type with races, costume contests, and more. 
• Corgis have been part of the English monarchy for more than 70 years. Queen Elizabeth II had over 30 corgis since childhood.
• Some popular folklore stories tell of fairies giving corgi puppies to two children after they stumbled upon a fairy funeral.
• They are one of the world’s most popular herding breeds.
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically do not have tails, but Cardigan Welsh Corgis do.

Corgi Price:

The average cost of a Corgi in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Corgi:

Price Range: Between $1,000 to $2,200

If buying a Corgi puppy or specific breeds of Corgi, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $200 and $600

A Corgi adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.