Breed All About It !
Spotlight on :
The Corgi
Description : The word " Corgi " literally means dog dwarf in Welsh . Corgis come in two varieties - Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh . Both breeds have similar intelligence , herding abilities , and physical characteristics , but the Cardigan is slightly larger and heavier . People also tend to dock Pembrokes ' tails , while Cardigans ' tails remain long . Pembrokes are the smallest of the AKC ' s Herding Group . Their ears are generally pointed , while Cardigans ' ears are rounded . Corgis ' coats come in red , sable , fawn , or tri-colored ( red , black , and tan ).
Temperament : Corgis are good family dogs , happy , playful , loyal , and smart , but they are often independent and stubborn , too . Bold and tenacious , they have a strong herding instinct , as they were bred to herd sheep . Very intelligent , they are easy to train , but don ' t expect your Corgi to be subservient . While they aim to please much of the time , they also like to think for themselves . Corgis make good watchdogs . They can be suspicious of strangers , and are quick to be protective of their owners if they feel that something or someone is threatening their home and family . This breed can be very vocal , and they definitely like to bark ! Corgis are enjoying a tremendous surge in popularity in recent years . Owners say they are among the most agreeable of small housedogs and are notoriously cuddly . They are very sociable and get along well with children and other animals , especially other dogs .
Average Height / Weight : Corgis are approximately 10 inches to 12 inches tall , and weigh between 22 - 31 pounds .
Health Issues : Corgis can be prone to cataracts , obesity , intervertebral disc disease , canine hip dysplasia , epilepsy , and degenerative myelopathy .
Life Expectancy : 12 -14 years . Exercise : Corgis have a lot of energy and need a fair
amount of exercise on a daily basis , especially since they have a tendency to overeat . Keeping their minds active with training and challenges can help keep them from being destructive when they ' re bored .
Grooming : Corgis are easy to groom . They only shed
heavily twice a year , and their medium-length coat only requires a weekly brushing . Be careful not to over-bathe , as that can cause the oils in their hair to break down . They typically only need a bath every 3 or 4 months . Corgis ' ears , however , should be checked on a regular basis for wax buildup , irritation , or infection .
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Pawsitively Pets -- March