Get ready to dive into a world of lovable stubby legs, unusually large ears, and a splendid variety of coat colors like red, sable, and tri-color. No, we’re not talking about a rare, magical creature from a mystical forest. We’re talking about an adorable breed of dogs, known as Cardigan Welsh Corgis. But here’s the twist: Corgis, in spite of their quirky and endearing appearance, have got a reputation. They’re often deemed a ‘difficult’ dog breed. Well, that calls for some exploration, doesn’t it? Let’s find out if there’s any truth to that claim.
Ever heard of a royal dog breed? That’s right! Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a royal connection. Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has owned more than 30 Corgis during her reign. Her very first Corgi, Susan, was a gift on her 18th birthday. Now that’s a furry fact to share at your next dinner party!
Back at the question in hand, is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi a difficult dog breed? If you’re expecting a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’, you may be left a little disappointed. The answer, rather, is ‘it depends’. We need to assess the breed’s temperament, trainability, and adaptability to day-to-day situations. Of course, each Corgi is unique and may not fit these molds exactly.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are well known for their intelligence and alertness. They’re initially bred to herd cattle and protect farms; both tasks require high levels of intelligence, alertness, and a certain level of independence.
Now, you might be thinking, “Great! An intelligent dog must be easy to train!” Unfortunately, intelligence in dogs is a double-edged sword. While an intelligent dog will pick up commands quickly, they may also get bored quickly. To keep them engaged, training sessions need to be sharp, quick, and exciting. Oops! Forgot to mention, they’re bit of a ‘stubborn streak.’ But don’t let that discourage you. Make your training sessions fun and use positive reinforcement techniques, and you’ll start noticing their progress.
Corgis are an energetic breed. They’ll need regular exercises to stay healthy and out of mischief. They can adapt to apartment living, but they require at least an hour of exercise daily. Remember the herding duties? That’s where their love for exercise stems from.
Let’s talk about their ‘difficult-ish’ behavior. Corgis are known to have a strong ‘prey drive.’ This means, moving objects often catch their attention. They may tend to chase after squirrels, cars and even, your neighbor’s cat, if not adequately trained.
Corgis, being a herding dog breed, are also naturally protective. On one hand, this means they’ll always have your back. On the other hand, this protective nature may turn into bossiness or aggression if not managed properly. Socializing your corgi from a young age helps in keeping this trait under control.
So, now, when we come back to the question, ‘Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi a difficult dog breed?’ The answer is: they can be, if their needs for mental stimulation and physical exercise are not met. However, if you’re willing to invest time in their training and are able to provide an active lifestyle, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be a lovable, lively, and fiercely loyal companion.
Whether you’re smitten by its royal connection or charmed by its enchanting appearance, remember, owning a Corgi is a serious commitment. But if you’re undeterred by the challenges, go ahead and welcome one of these low-to-the-ground, large-eared wonders into your life. And yes, don’t forget to share their royal lineage when they’re inevitably admired on the street walks!
