Michael Bryan

Written by Michael Bryan

Modified & Updated: 06 Sep 2023

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

corgi facts, corgi

Known for their cute butts and pointy ears, corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds. True to their appearance, these fluffy dogs will shower your families with affection and adorable energy. Whether you already own one – or you’re planning to have one – it’s essential to know the ins and outs of this breed. Fall in love with this charming animal with these corgi facts.

  1. The first recorded lineage of corgis goes as far back as 1107 AD.
  2. The corgi’s lifespan lasts between 12 to 15 years.
  3. Both male and female corgis stand between 25–30 cm tall.
  4. Corgis can grow as long as 40 to 60 cm.
  5. Depending on the quality of the breed, corgis can cost around $600 to $1,000 or even up to $2,000.

 

  1. This breed originated from Wales.
  2. Corgi means “Dwarf Dog.
  3. Corgis are naturally intelligent, intuitive, and easy to train.
  4. Corgi’s correct plural form is ‘corgis.’
  5. Though smart, this breed can also be bossy, feisty, and stubborn.
  6. Corgis can reach sexual maturity as early as 8 months, although its full mental maturity starts at its 16th month.
  7. Much like a regular dog, the corgi’s pregnancy or gestation period lasts around 63 days.
  8. This breed is classified as achondroplastic, which prevents their bones from growing to the normal size of an average dog.
  9. One average, male corgis weigh 14 kg or (30 lbs), while females weigh around 13 kg (28 lbs).
  10. Corgis come in a variety of colors such as fawn, black & tan, black & white, sable, blue, and red.
  1. Naturally independent, corgis aren’t recommended for first-time pet owners.
  2. Corgis are herding dogs by nature.
  3. They enter adolescence between 5 to 6 months.
  4. Generally, Cardigan corgis cost more because of their rarity.
  5. This breed come in 2 main types: Pembroke corgis and Cardigan corgis.
Table of Contents

Corgi Facts Infographics

Corgi Facts Infographics

The corgi's common ancestor is the Swedish Vallhund.

While corgis have two different types, they both evolved from the Swedish Vallhund. Also called Västgötaspets, this herding breed has an insulated double coat and a short, stocky physique similar to corgis.

Corgis have evolved into two separate breeds of dogs.

Since 1934, the world has recognized two different corgi breeds. It’s generally believed that Flemish weavers introduced the Pembroke Corgi to Wales in 1107 AD. Eventually, the Cardigan corgi evolved as a rarer variant of the breed, which makes them more expensive to this day.

The Pembroke Welsh is more popular than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Though Cardigans are rarer, Pembroke corgis enjoy more of a celebrity status. For one, Queen Elizabeth II has been known to adore the Pembroke corgi breed. In fact, the queen had more than 30 Pembroke dogs in her lifetime. In terms of behavior, Pembroke corgis also tend to be more energetic and friendly. Meanwhile, Cardigans can be timid in new environments.

People associate Pembroke corgis with folklore.

Historically, many believe that the Vikings and Flemish people introduced corgis to the world. Furthermore, corgis play an important part in Welsh folklore. According to legends, these dogs would pull faeries’ carriages or carry them on their backs. If you examine a corgi in real life, you’d also notice a thicker layer of hair on their hinds, which references the saddle marks from the legend.

You can tell apart a Cardigan from a Pembroke through their tails.

While it can be confusing to differentiate them, it’s easier once you know where to look. Typically, Cardigan Welsh Corgis have thick, long tails that resemble those of foxes. Meanwhile, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have much shorter tails.

The early Romans believed that docking tails would remove the dog's rabies.

As cruel as it may sound, tail-docking continues to be a norm for corgis. This practice dates back to Ancient Rome, where people would cut off dogs’ tails to get rid of the virus that causes rabies.

Some countries still allow tail-docking for corgis.

Many corgi owners and enthusiasts believe that docking a corgi’s tail as early as 2 to 5 days old causes them no pain. However, some would argue that these young puppies can feel the pain as much as an adult corgi. For this reason, the UK has banned tail-docking since 2007. That said, many countries still practice tail docking for corgis, including the US.

Tail docking is banned in Australia.

The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 prohibits tail docking for all breeds, except for registered working dogs. This is why Australia and many countries in Europe ban casual tail-docking as a criminal offense.

They can give birth up to 8 puppies.

Usually, corgis give birth to a litter of 6 to 8 puppies. After just a few weeks, they can already play with their owners or family members. Moreover, young corgis tend to follow their owners around the house in any given opportunity.

corgi facts, puppy
Source: Pixabay

The Corgi-Husky mix is a unique crossbreed.

Also known as “Horgi” or “Siborgi,” the corgi-husky mix is a unique crossbreed between two ancient dogs. Sharing the same wolf ancestors from the North, this hybrid usually combines the features of a husky with the stocky physique of a corgi.

Corman shepherds exist.

Affectionately dubbed Corman Shepherds, the German Shepherd Corgi mix combines two beloved family breeds. Typically, the Corman Shepherd takes after the coat of a German Shepherd with the features and physique of a corgi.

The Golden Retriever Corgi mix is suitable for larger homes.

Due to the rambunctious nature of both parent breeds, the Golden Retriever Corgi mix best suits larger homes with yards for it to play in. This hybrid typically lives up to 13 years. Appearance-wise, it takes after the features and coat of a golden retriever with the shortness of a corgi.

The beagi is one of the smallest hybrids

The Corgi Beagle Mix can only grow up to 16 inches tall. Aesthetically, it has the coat and features of a beagle with the size of a corgi’s legs and torso.

A corgi and Dalmatian mix also exists.

The Corgi Dalmatian Mix combines the energetic and affectionate Corgi and Dalmatian for a lovable dog. Appearance-wise, the hybrid has the white, spotted coat of a Dalmatian with the body and features of a corgi.

A breeder can crossbreed corgis with over 20 different dog breeds.

Compared to other dogs, corgis have a flexible gene that can successfully breed with other dog breeds. Most of these hybrids inherit the corgi’s short, stocky body above all else.

corgi shih tzu hybrid, corgi facts
Source: Ltshears on Wikimedia Commons

They can learn tricks as fast as 10 minutes.

Smarter than the average dog, you can teach your corgi a trick in as little as 10 minutes. Many owners have vouched for their corgis learning basic commands like sit, jump, fetch, and shake in 10-15 minutes.

Corgis are extremely sociable.

As herder dogs, corgis have an innate trait of getting along well with other animals. You probably wouldn’t have to worry about your corgi fighting anyone or anything unprovoked.

Corgis are best kept busy.

Since these dogs were bred to herd sheep, they are capable of an ample amount of analytical work. Pet owners need to keep this trait in check by providing them with enough activities to keep them from acting out.

Corgis have a double coat.

These fluffy corgis have a very thick coat made of two layers. Their double-coat serves as a way to stay warm during winter and cool during the summer.

Corgis' fluffiness comes with a catch.

As adorable as corgis look with their thick fur, it makes them a bad choice for people with allergies. Especially during springtime, corgis can shed a mountain of fur and dander that can trigger allergies.

corgi facts
Source: Unsplash

Corgis usually excel in dog competitions.

Because of their herder instincts and fast learning time, corgis usually win competitions that involve obedience and agility.

The Amazon logo used to feature a corgi.

Today, the half-dimpled smile and upturned arrow on Amazon’s logo comes from its mascot and cultural ambassador, Peccy. However, the first Amazon mascot came in the form of a Welsh corgi named Rufus. Amazon’s first unofficial mascot was based on a real dog owned by one of Amazon’s employees that would often roam around the workplace.

Registering your corgi is important.

If you are in the United States and may want to own a corgi, it is recommended to register your dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Currently the only purebred dog registry in the country, the AKC provides regular inspections that can help you monitor your dog’s overall welfare.

You can register your corgi online.

If you want to register your corgi, it’s as easy as a click of a button. You only need to sign up at the American Kennel Club‘s website, where you’ll get an official AKC certificate via mail. Once you register your dog, some of the benefits are a 30-day pet insurance, a free vet check (for the first visit), and qualification for AKC events.

The Kennel Club originally combined the breeds of the Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh.

In 1925, the AKC classified these two separate breeds of corgis as one entity. Most of the time, a judge would choose and prefer one breed than the other. This normally led to disagreements and controversies at dog shows. Finally, the AKC settled the conflict by separating them officially in 1934.

Corgis have been in Wales for over 3000 years now.

Around 1,200 BC, the Celts brought the first corgis to Cardiganshire, Wales. This makes them one of the oldest dog breeds in the land.

Corgis are prone to have a spinal cord disease when they get older.

Although they are commonly healthy dogs, they are vulnerable to degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive disease in the spinal cord. The onset of this disease usually occurs around 8 to 14 years of age. Dogs affected by this disease will slowly experience paralysis until the dog cannot walk without assistance.

There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy.

Although there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy or the progressive disease of the corgi’s spinal cord, your pet can undergo treatment. Moreover, a rigorous rehabilitation and treatment program can extend the corgi’s survival by 2 to 3 years, compared to 6 months to a year with no proper therapy.

Jerry Brown owned a Welsh corgi.

Former Governor of California, Jerry Brown (1975 – 1983; 2011-2019) had a Welsh corgi named “Sutter Brown.” In early 2011, Sutter Brown became famous in the press due to Anne Gust Brown claiming that the dog would “herd the budget vote” in an event at California State Capitol.

Sutter Brown was adopted after the Browns' family dog died.

The Brown family adopted Sutter after Dharma, their black Labrador, died in 2010. Since then, Sutter Brown had been often seen along with Governor Brown until Sutter’s death in 2016.

sutter brown, corgi facts
Source: Neon Tommy on Wikimedia Commons

Sutter Brown had a Facebook and Twitter account.

Sutter Brown died on December 30th, 2016, at the age of 13 due to cancer. Although Sutter Brown received the best treatment possible at an animal hospital in Sacramento, it was not enough to save him. During Sutter’s lifetime, he had a Twitter account and a Facebook page with more than 15,000 fans.

 

Walt Disney helped corgis gain popularity.

Mass media and entertainment conglomerate founder Walt Disney first showed a corgi on the animated feature Little Dog Lost in the ’60s. First aired by NBC on January 13th, 1963, the telefilm sparked the popularity of corgis in the United States.

Corgi dogs tried to predict the name of Princess Charlotte.

As the royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton expected their second child in 2015, The gambling company Ladbrokes attempted to predict the baby’s name through corgis. They released an advertisement with corgis wearing vests with different names. In the advertisement, a corgi named Alexandra won the race. However, on the 2nd of May 2015, the royal baby was born under the name Princess Charlotte instead of Alexandra.

The corgi's butt is often compared to a loaf of bread.

Part of the corgi’s appeal comes from their butts that often resemble a loaf of bread. How’s that for adorable corgi facts?

Thousands of corgis gather each year in Southern California.

In 2012, the first Southern California Corgi Beach Day in Huntington Beach only had 15 corgi attendees. Fast-forward to the present, and over 1,000 corgis attended the most recent event.

Currently, Huntington Beach is the biggest host of corgi meet-ups.

The organization plans to set a new record of corgi attendees on October 24th, 2020, at Huntington Dog Beach.

Corgis bark a lot.

If you value your peace and quiet, one of the disadvantages of these dogs is they bark too much. On the other hand, it can become an advantage if you need someone to monitor your territory.

Corgis aren't born with pointy ears.

Aside from their loaf butts, corgis are best identified with their big pointy ears and chubby paws. However, corgi puppies have droopy ears at birth, only turning upright as they grow.

Corgis can run very fast.

Despite their short and little legs, corgis are relatively fast runners. In fact, some organizations hold professional corgi racing events each year.

Corgis need moderate temperatures to survive.

On average, corgis can withstand low temperatures down to 10ºC or 50ºF. Meanwhile, corgis can stay comfortable in warm temperatures up to 30ºC or 86ºF. Beyond these ranges, corgis will start to feel uncomfortable.

Corgis are expressive.

Among other dog breeds, corgis are known to be very expressive with their facial expressions. Whether they’re happy, scared, surprised, or sad, their owners will always have a clue.

No one can resist the corgi sploot!

The internet has branded the corgi’s trademark pose as the “sploot.” For this display, corgis usually lay flat on their belly with their paws spread out. This pose further emphasizes their loaf butts and drumstick legs.

corgi facts, sploot, puppy
Source: Pixabay

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.