This year, the AKC reported that Pembroke Welsh Corgis have soared into the 10th position for most popular dog breed in the United States.

This sudden uptick in popularity is largely attributed to their growing fame on social media, TV, and some even speculate that Queen Elizabeth has also played a part in this “corgi movement”.

While many PWC fans have rejoiced with this news, others fear what the future holds as the breed’s popularity continues to grow.

The unfortunate reality is that PWCs are not the right companion dog for most families.

It is suspected that many of these newly acquired corgis will end up in shelters across the country in masses far greater than local rescues are able to handle.

To make matters worse, we are also seeing a huge surge in backyard bred corgis as irresponsible dog owners are trying to capitalize on this “corgi frenzy”.

With a lack of genetic testing and health clearances being performed by these breeders, we suspect that the breed’s overall health will substantially decline as common, preventable, genetic disorders — such as DM — are passed onto the next generation of corgis.

The internet depicts corgis as being easy-going, personality-filled, couch potatoes, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a highly driven herding breed that require hours of mental and physical stimulation as well as a structured, experienced, and confident owner.

As responsible corgi owners and passionate advocates for the breed, it is our duty to break these stereotypes and educate future corgi owners about the breed: their strengths, their weaknesses, and prepare them for what is to come.

So, this is why you shouldn’t get a Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

Don't Get A Corgi

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Get A Corgi

1. Corgis are prone to health problems

Corgis are not known for being a “healthy breed”. From spine problems to skin allergies, corgis are prone to a variety of health problems.

Although most of their common health problems are manageable and non-life-threatening, they can be difficult for some corgi owners to manage if they are not financially well-off.

Just to give you an example, hip dysplasia is a very common condition that many corgis develop.

In severe cases of hip dysplasia, complete hip reconstructions can cost some corgi owners upwards of $10,000. This is one of the many reasons why I recommend that corgi owners invest in some form of pet health insurance as soon as possible.

2. They are vocal and bark

These aren’t the best apartment dogs for many reasons, but one reason, in particular, is their “eardrum piercing” barks.

Corgis are known for being highly communicative, so they bark at just about everything.

If you live next to noise-sensitive neighbors and you have a “talkative” corgi, it can certainly lead to trouble if you aren’t careful.

Genetically, corgis are herding dogs, and barking is an important part of monitoring and moving animals.

Although barking is a trainable behavior, even training has its limitations.

When it comes to corgis, you will never be able to out-train genetics.

Therefore, owning a corgi means owning a dog that barks (a lot).

3. They aren’t couch potatoes

The internet does a good job of depicting these dogs as lazy couch potatoes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Going back to genetics, corgis were bred to work fields all day long, herding livestock.

Therefore, they have a relatively high energy level and some can be (almost) impossible to tire out.

A dog with pent up energy tends to develop destructive tendencies, bark, and be downright disobedient. 

That is why it is so important to manage your dog’s energy level.

A tired corgi is a well-behaved corgi.

Because corgis require a lot of dedicated mental and physical stimulation every day, it is important that their owners understand this and are able to fulfill their daily requirements.

Corgis enjoy hiking, long walks, and playing fetch and they thrive in sporting events such as lure coursing, herding, and agility.

The specific daily requirements vary from corgi to corgi.

Some are more high-energy than others, but they all need their fair share of daily exercise.

On average, they require at least 1-hour per day.

Wouldn't Get A Corgi

4. Corgis are incredibly smart

Most corgis learn new behaviors easily, which means it won’t be hard to teach them to sit, stay, and come when called. 

Unfortunately, they will also learn bad habits equally as quickly.

For example, they will learn to walk on a leash quickly, but they will also learn that you can’t catch them if they are not on a leash and will dart the other way to avoid being caught.

Corgis are very independent dogs and they think for themselves. Just because they understand what you want them to do, that doesn’t mean that they will be obedient and do it.

Because of this, they require consistent training and strict discipline from an experienced owner.

Generally speaking, they are not good dogs for first-time dog owners.

5. They will nip and herd

In case you missed my previous mentions of genetics, these dogs were bred to herd livestock.

The act of “herding” involves barking, chasing, and nipping.

The nipping tendencies of corgis make them less than suitable companion dogs around small children, specifically toddlers.

They will “herd” small children around and nip at their ankles.

This behavior is hard to avoid, but It may be possible to suppress this instinct with the proper obedience training and socialization.

Keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to completely out-train this instinct entirely.

6. They shed… a lot

Words cannot describe the amount of hair that comes off of these dogs.

Unlike some dog breeds, corgis shed year-round.

Their shedding tends to increase during seasonal changes but they have a hefty amount of hair output all year long.

Their double coat comes in handy for keeping their skin protected and helping them manage their body temperature, but it is constantly adjusting its thickness to adapt to their environment.

This poses a huge problem for people that wear uniforms to work as well as individuals who suffer from dog allergies.

They are anything but hypoallergenic.

I would not recommend corgis for people who aren’t prepared for the constant vacuuming, lint rolling, and brushing that is required to maintain a clean home.

7. They require a strict diet

If given the opportunity, corgis will literally eat themselves to death. Therefore, they should never be free-fed. They are HIGHLY prone to becoming overweight.

Due to their genetic tendencies for bad backs, managing your corgi’s weight is extremely important.

Overweight corgis are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic back, joint, and hip problems that already prevalent in the breed.

Their food intake should always remain under a watchful eye to prevent injury.

Don't Get A Corgi

8. They are expensive

Purebred corgis are expensive.  

Corgi prices usually range from $400 to $4,000 depending on the quality of the dog.

Due to the rising demand, breeders are charging more and more for their dogs.

If you look hard enough, you might be able to find a corgi at a bargain price, but this can be dangerous.

Like I said before, corgis are prone to several genetic problems, some of which are life-altering.

Reputable breeders will test their dogs for these genetic dispositions, to ensure their puppies will not develop these problems.

These tests are costly and contribute to the overall cost of the dog.

If these tests are not conducted, the treatment for things like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

If $4,000 for a corgi is too expensive, save yourself the heartache and hardship and wait until you can afford an appropriately bred, health tested dog.

9. They are not good dogs for 2-story homes

Their short legs and vulnerable backs pose some unique challenges for two-story homes.

It might be tempting to throw a ball up or down some stairs to help exercise your corgi, but this might actually be doing more harm than good.

Even jumping off of low furniture like a couch or a bed could cause your corgi to become seriously injured.

Even the fittest, healthiest corgis are susceptible to joint problems, and living in a home with stairs only makes those odds worse.

No matter how hard you try, you will eventually find your corgi running up and down your stairs and jumping on or off furniture, inevitably leading to some form of hip, back, or joint injury.

10. Corgis are bossy

Bossy is honestly an understatement.

Corgis are stubborn and smart.

They are incessant boundary-pushers who will work to get exactly what they want.

This means that if you are eating your dinner, they will stare at you endlessly and even bump your legs or bark to try and get some food.

If they want your attention, they will force their way onto your lap and roll around, demanding that you pet them or give them the attention that they desire.

If given the opportunity, they will use their cuteness to their benefit and take advantage of you.

In general, if you are doing something they don’t like, or have something they want, they will let you know.

Final Thoughts

The internet has gone absolutely crazy for corgis, but they have not been represented accurately.

What appears to be an easy-going couch-potato is actually an energy-filled herding-machine with one heck of an attitude.

Along with their underlying health problems, corgis are also extreme shedders that catch most first-time corgi owners off guard.

If you are seriously considering purchasing a corgi, make sure that you know what you are getting into.

These are expensive dogs that can have expensive problems if not properly fed, trained, exercised, and health tested.

Their bossy attitudes and herding tendencies can wreak havoc on a household.

These are not family dogs or fit for a first-time dog owner.

Do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into before you make the 10-15+ year commitment to owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.