What to Expect from the Internet’s Trendiest Dog

For as long as the internet has been around, funny pet videos have existed. From YouTube to TikTok, Instagram, and even tv shows like “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” hilarious dog and cat videos have been making people laugh. In the last 6 years, corgis have become the stars of these videos. These short goofy dogs have been circulating the internet becoming memes, pets of influencers, and themed merchandise. They have become so relevant that people have been considering adding a corgi to their family.

The following content will help you go in prepared and confident rather than surprised, by setting clear expectations about a corgi’s personality, energy level, grooming needs, and training challenges to make the early transition period go much smoother.

What is a Corgi?

Corgis are small herding dogs originally bred to work with cattle, especially in Wales. Despite their short legs, they’re surprisingly athletic and hardworking. There are two main types: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• The most common type and what people usually picture.
• Short or no tail.
• Fox-like face and upright ears.
• Very friendly, outgoing, and energetic
• Associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who famously owned many.

2. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

• Slightly larger than the Pembroke.
• Long tail.
• Larger rounded ears.
• More varied coat colors.
• A bit more reserved but still affectionate.
• Historically older of the two breeds.

What to Expect from this Breed

Personality & Temperament

• High intelligence. They are very easy to train but can be stubborn. Corgis know that you find them adorable, so they use that to their advantage to get what they want.
• Lots of energy. Corgis were bred to be herding dogs so they will naturally chase other animals and children.
• Big personalities and dramatic.
• Vocal tendencies. Corgis may be small, but they have the bark of a big dog. Get ready to hear them bark at every sound they hear.

Exercise & Activity Needs

• Need daily exercise. Corgis can easily become overweight if they are not active enough.
• Love games, agility, and learning tricks.
• Without activity, they can become bored and destructive.
• Maintain a healthy weight to protect their long spine.

Health Considerations & Grooming

• Hip dysplasia.
• Degenerative myelopathy (a spinal disease).
• Back problems due to their long body.
• Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy).
• Heavy shedders. Corgis have an undercoat of fur similar to huskies.
• Trim nails and clean ears regularly.

Things to Consider When Adopting a Corgi

Lifestyle, Schedule, & Living Situation

• Daily routine: Can you commit to walks, feeding, training, and playtime every day?
• Work hours: Will the dog be alone a lot? Some dogs struggle with separation.
• Space: Are you living in an apartment or a house with a backyard?
• Landlord rules: Many apartments require deposits or have breed/size restrictions.
• Other pets or kids: Corgis aren’t always compatible with others in the home.

Training, Behavior, & Health

• Are you ready to invest time in training or pay for classes?
• Possible behavioral challenges or health issues.
• Pet insurance is worth considering.

Long-Term Commitment & Costs

• Future plans: Are you plan on moving or traveling?
• Who will care for the dog if you’re away?
• Are you ready for aging-related care later?
• Adoption fees.
• Food and treats.
• Vet care, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention.
• Grooming and supplies.

Advice From an Owner

Meet Ramsay!

Ramsay is my Cardigan Welsh Corgi of 6 years. I was also intrigued by the silly dog videos on the internet and searched for a breeder in my state. A few months later, I brought home Ramsay. She is a hilarious and wild menace who always keeps me on my toes. Although I have zero regrets, there are many things I wish I had known before adopting her. My advice to anyone adopting a corgi is as follows:

• Start training right away. Looking back, I knew corgis were smart, so I figured she’d just catch on by herself. Boy was I wrong. Make sure you train your dog using positive reinforcement. If you don’t know what you are doing, spend a little more to have your corgi join a training program from a professional. Focus on not nipping heels, reducing excessive barking, and basic commands. This will help your dog to be obedient and avoid any situations later on.
• Be persistent. Corgis are manipulative and will give you a sad look to get what they want. Don’t fall for it. Stand your ground and be consistent. Don’t let them “get away with things sometimes.”
• Stay active. It can be tricky to take your dog out for a walk every day. Even if it’s a short walk or a game of fetch in the yard, keep up on it. It is a lot harder to get your corgi active again after period of laziness.
• Keep their brain busy. Just like children, when corgis get bored, they get into stuff. Corgis love having a job to do. Keep them busy with puzzle toys, learning new tricks, agility, or obedience activities.

Conclusion

Adopting a corgi is equal parts joy, chaos, and companionship. These clever and big personality dogs will keep you on your toes with their energy, intelligence, and occasional stubbornness. They will also reward you with loyalty, laughter, and a strong bond. If you’re ready to invest time in training, embrace a bit of shedding, and keep up with their active minds and bodies, a corgi will be the perfect addition to your home. Go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and plenty of patience, and you’ll find that life with a corgi is as heartwarming as it is entertaining.

Finally, knowing all this information can help strengthen the long-term relationship between you and your future corgi. When expectations match reality, people are more patient, consistent, and more successful in creating a happy and healthy home for their pet. On top of that, it helps make better decisions. Realizing you can’t commit to the time or energy a corgi needs or feeling ready will insure you go in more committed and informed.