Everything you need to know about Corgi puppies

Corgi puppies: the royalty of the dog world. Famously popular with none other than Queen Elizabeth II, their demand from the rest of us has been on the rise since Her Majesty took a liking. 

Formerly herding dogs, Welsh Corgis are full of energy, affectionate, and endearingly stubborn. These stout canine cuties take a little patience, a smidge of exercise, and a lot of love. In return you’ll receive a wonderful family pet or brilliant company on your pet sitting adventure. 

So, whether you’re a soon-to-be pet parent or prospective Corgi pup sitter, stay with us for a complete guide to these fluffy barrels of energy. Learn the differences between Pembrooke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies, their eating habits, exercise needs, temperament, training methods, energy levels, and more. 

Facts about Corgi puppies

Find a few quick-fire facts about Corgis - super helpful if you’re thinking about bringing a Corgi pup home or have the pleasure of sitting one.

• Size: Small! Perfect if you’ve got a small to medium space, Corgi pups grow up to 30cm in height and reach between 22 and 30 pounds.
• Breed characteristics: Corgi pups are stocky with short legs, wide eyes and large ears that love to stand on end. Their mass of fur can range from red and fawn to sable, black, and tan, sometimes with cute white markings.
• Character: Corgi pups are stocky with short legs, wide eyes and large ears that love to stand on end. Their mass of fur can range from red and fawn to sable, black, and tan, sometimes with cute white markings.
• Health needs & grooming: This double coated pooch takes a little grooming - we’d advise daily combing and brushing to help with shedding (and to reduce the amount you find around the house). Their peak time for shedding is just before the summer (good thinking, Corgis), so give them a bath and a little massage to loosen up the hair that’s ready to leave their stocky exterior. Be sure to get their nails trimmed as and when needed. One way to avoid any ear infections is to keep them clean and to get them checked regularly. And finally, a few things to keep an eye on: elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, eye problems, cardiac issues, and Willebrand’s disease.
• Training: To channel their energetic, playful and sometimes stubborn nature, it’s important to slowly socialise Corgi puppies and get them into a regular training routine (check out these yummy puppy training treats to help you on your reward-based training journey). As a sensitive breed, it’s important to go gently and reward heavily (when they’re doing the right thing, of course). They’re quite easy to train and love learning new tricks, so with a dose of patience and dedication, Corgis can make fabulous family pets.
• Energy levels: If you’re looking for a pooch to take on short walks or for company around town, welcoming a Corgi pup could be ideal. While they enjoy daily activity and a game of fetch as much as the next ex-working dog, they’re not built for long runs, and certainly won’t appreciate lengthy bike rides  - now we can see why they’re perfect for Queen Elizabeth! Because of their ability to learn and preference for shorter bursts of exercise, they’re perfect for herding, tracking and agility-themed tasks.
• Life span: Corgis are typically at their full height by around the age of one, and are considered adult between the age of one and four, living between 12-15 years.

What’s the best home for a Corgi puppy?

Despite their popularity with Queen Elizabeth II, Corgi puppies don’t need a palace or silver trays to live a happy life. They’re the perfect family pet and love affection, attention and play time. And you never know, if your children need a little herding to get to the dinner table, maybe your new Corgi pup will dig out their herding instincts to lend you a hand. And the same can be said for their mixed offspring, Cowboy Corgis.

While they love to stay active, they prefer short bouts and don’t need a large space to get the movement they need. And if you have any other pets, not to worry. Corgi pups tend to get along just fine with other dogs and even cats as long as they’re given equal attention.

Getting a Corgi puppy

While becoming a pet parent is one of the most rewarding choices you’ll ever make, it’s not for everyone, no matter how much you love these bundles of fluff. One of the best ways you can decide if getting a puppy is right for you is to pet sit in your local area. 

If you can, find a family looking for a loving pet sitter who needs somebody to look after the breed you’re dreaming of. That way, you’ll know if the temperament, activity level and energy is right for you and your lifestyle, and if you can maintain the proper care they need, long term. If you’ve researched to your heart’s content and you’re set to bring a Corgi puppy home, make sure you get your new family member by adopting or seek only a vetted breeder that offers healthy pups. 

And finally, filling that final place in your family with a cute Corgi pup might just be one of the best choices you ever make - so, prepare yourself for fluffy snuggles, energetic greetings, and lots (and lots) of love.

Adopting Corgi puppies

When you’re looking to bring a new furry family member into your home, adopting is the perfect way to give a home to an animal who needs it most. While many go for breeders, there are thousands of adorable animals in shelters waiting for their new pet parent. What they’re after is simple: the companionship, consistency and of course FUN of a new, loving home.

There are a variety of charities and associations that’ll help you find a furry friend that’s right for you, so here are a few that might be handy just to get you started.

• AKC: The American Kennel Club is a US-based association with a rescue network that fosters and rehabilitates our four-legged friends before finding them a forever home. 
• ASPCA: If you live in the US, it’s likely you’ve heard of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Based in New York City but functioning across the United States, they work to rescue animals and get them adopted, pass laws, and share resources with shelters across the country. 
• The Kennel Club: Much like its American cousin, The Kennel Club is a UK-based association that oversees a variety of canine activities including dog agility and shows. Part of their work involves rehoming around 10,000 dogs a year - ideal if you’re in the UK and want to rehome a previously abandoned pooch.
• RSPCA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is one of the most prominent animal charities working in England and Wales, UK. Their rescue centres are dotted around each country, so find your local one to start your adoption journey.
•  The Dog’s Trust: A well-known charity within the UK, The Dog’s Trust has our canine pal’s welfare at the forefront of their mission. With a rescue service that helps new owners foster and adopt new fluffy friends, you can rest assured that you’ll be supported through the process in finding the right pooch for you.
  
  One more thing to note - when it comes to adopting a dog, we’re sure you know that it’s a big responsibility. But so that the organisation helping you through the process knows that too, they’re likely to ask you a few questions along the way. Make sure you’re ready to talk about your home situation, experience with animals, and of course, the safety of your outdoor space.

Corgi puppy FAQs

Got a burning question about Corgi puppies? You may just find what you’re looking for in our Corgi puppies FAQs…

How much are Corgi puppies?

A Corgi puppy’s price really depends on whether you choose to adopt; we’d highly recommend giving an abandoned pup a loving home (and it’s much cheaper than buying from a breeder). It’s worth noting that because of the Welsh Corgi puppies’ association with Queen Elizabeth II, the breed has become super popular in the US and elsewhere, which can of course affect the price.

How many puppies can a Corgi have?

On average, Corgis will give birth to between six and eight adorable pups.

How big do Corgi puppies get?

Corgi puppies can grow to around 12 inches across their shoulders and can weigh between 26 and 38 pounds. They’re known for their stout stature and short, muscular legs. If you’re looking for a smaller addition to your home, Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies grow to around 10 inches across the shoulders and can weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. For an even smaller pooch, find out if any Teacup Corgi Puppies need rescuing in your local area. 

When do Corgi puppies calm down?

Knowing how to calm your adorable Corgi puppy down really is the bread and butter of the first few months of puppy home life, and is especially important if you’re sitting one! Some Corgi pups mature as they get older, and some begin to calm in adulthood at around the age of 1-2 years. Temperament is about more than just age, though. It depends on their level of training, activity levels, and stimulation, too.

How much do Corgi puppies sleep?

All of that energy has to come from somewhere! Corgi puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours per day and it’s nothing to worry about! Once they reach adulthood, their sleeping time will reduce to about 14 hours per day.

How much should Corgi puppies eat?

It depends on their age of course! We’d advise following the portion sizes on the food you choose, as it can vary depending on whether you go for wet, dry or fresh dog food. For Corgi puppies up to two months old, go for four meals per day; for two to four months go for three to four meals per day; for four to six months go for three meals; for seven to eight months go for two to three; and finally for nine to twelve month pups, go for one to two meals per day. 

Are Corgis a good house dog?

Corgi puppies and adults alike fit in well with the family home - if trained well, they’re great with children and get on well with other pets. Like Golden Retrievers, Labs and Boxers, they’re playful, love activity (but not TOO much), and attention - no wonder Queen Elizabeth II is so fond of them!  

Do Corgis shed?

Yes. Like Golden Retrievers, Huskies and other double-coated dogs, fluffy Corgi puppies and adults shed their hair all year round. They’re heavy shedders, especially in late spring as they prepare for the warmer months. To reduce the amount of Corgi fluff around your pad, try to comb their coat every day. 

Are Corgis good with kids?

Yes, but it depends on the age of your kids. Despite being friendly, playful and loyal to their pack, Corgis are working dogs. As they were once bred to herd, they can still display those bossy traits that were once vital to their working roles. That’s why we’d recommend you consider Corgi puppies for adoption once your children are walking, talking, and taller than your pup.

What are the different types of Corgi puppies?

If you’re thinking about bringing adorable Corgi puppies into your life or you’re about to sit one, it’s worth knowing the types out there! Firstly, we have the beyond cute Teacup Corgi puppies: otherwise known as the miniature Corgi, they only weigh in at five pounds! Then we have Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies, shorter in body with smaller ears and straighter front legs than the Cardigan Corgi puppy, popular pup of Queen Elizabeth II (and before that, King George VI). Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies are the larger variety, with longer bodies and slightly bowed front legs. You might have also heard about Cowboy Corgi puppies - they’re a cross between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog. 

Are Corgis easy to house train?

As ex-working dogs, Corgi puppies are very trainable; they’re intelligent, energetic, and playful! From Golden Retrievers and Black Labs to Jack Russels and Corgis, all dogs need a consistent and regular training routine. So, with the right rewards and a touch of patience, your adorable Corgi puppy will be in sync with your house rules in no time.

Corgi useful information

Looking into pet sitting a Corgi pup, or taking the plunge and welcoming a fluffy Corgi puppy into your home? Here are a few resources we think might ease the transition…

• New puppy checklist - for all of you first-time pet parents.
• The ultimate puppy names list - got your adorable Corgi puppy with no name? Look no further. Or, if you want a name to make your new pup feel regal, be sure to check out our list of royal dog names.
• Beginner’s guide to puppy training - Corgi pups may be cute but they need consistent training! Check out this list of training classes in the UK to get you started, or start early with these basic puppy cues and tips.
• How to toilet train a puppy - maybe one of THE most important things to know before getting a cute Corgi puppy of your own.
• How much exercise does my new puppy need? A question that must be asked as a soon-to-be pet parent.
• 24/7 vet advice line - get advice from the experts any time, anywhere.
  

If you’re welcoming an adorable Corgi puppy into your home, make sure you’re all set with a verified pet sitter to take care of your new buddy while you’re away - simply become a member of our pet-loving community to start your journey. Visit our Community Forum for tips and advice, or get in touch with our Membership Services who are more than happy to help.

Fancy learning about an equally cute, equally stout puppy?

Big on naps, snacks and short-lived play times, these human-loving, spunky cuties might be all over your social media feed and your local dog park (unwillingly), but did you know that their popularity goes thousands of years back in history? Dive into our guide on Pug puppies to find out more or this guide to Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies if small dogs aren't your thing!