Why You Should Think Twice Before Adopting A Corgi

The corgi is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States. In fact, the Pembroke Welsh corgi wobbled its way onto the American Kennel Club's (AKC) top 10 breeds list for the first time in 2019. Chances are, you've spotted one of these short-legged charmers in a pet product advertisement or product label, like a bag of dog food. Or perhaps you've interacted with one at your friend's house and decided you want one of your own. The breed certainly comes with many lovable qualities, but there are a couple potentially problematic factors to consider before following our step-by-step guide to adopting a dog. These include their higher barking level and increased risk of certain health issues, compared to other breeds.

Every dog breed has its pros and cons. Some are very friendly, but they shed like it's their job. Others are great with other dogs (a plus if you already have a dog in your family), but they're stubborn and hard to train. While these corgi quirks aren't necessarily deal-breakers, being aware of them in advance can help you make a more informed and confident decision. On the other hand, if you're only loosely considering adopting a corgi, these factors might tip the scale toward another breed.

We all know dogs bark to communicate, but let's be honest: Too much barking can get a little irritating after a while. Some breeds bark more than others, so if you're looking for a dog that doesn't vocalize very much, you probably won't want a corgi. The AKC ranks the bark level a 4 out of 5, and owners have confirmed this on social media. One Quora user said they had one that "barked at anything and everything," even just air. They also commented on the volume, calling it "eardrum shattering." If you live very close to your neighbors, this could become a nuisance.

Originally bred as cattle-herding dogs, the first corgis used their bark to protect livestock and warn their owners of potential dangers. This instinct remains today, even for the dogs that don't live on farms, and their sharp, high-pitched bark is louder than you'd expect for their size. If you don't have neighbors close by, you might consider the volume a positive trait; a dog that barks at outside noises could make great watchdogs by alerting you that someone is approaching your home.

Do all corgis bark a lot? No. You might get lucky and find a quiet one or one that barks mostly at appropriate times. Plus, corgis can stop barking so much if trained correctly. Early socialization can also play a key role in managing a corgi's barking habits.

Corgis have become a popular dog breed due to their adorable stubby legs that look too short to support their long bodies. Unfortunately, the factors that cause these physical traits also make the breed more susceptible to certain genetic health issues. Corgis are among the many dog breeds with dwarfism, which is different than just being a small dog; it's a hereditary condition caused by genetic mutations that affect bone growth. The result is disproportionate body parts and an unusually short height.

One of the most common health issues corgis face due to their dwarfism is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which affects their spine. Their long backs and short legs make them more inclined to back problems, and frequently jumping from high surfaces or carrying extra weight can increase this risk. Early signs of IVDD include back pain or stiffness, weakness in the back legs, and unsteady walking. In the most severe stage, complete paralysis can occur.

Corgis are also susceptible to hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint, resulting in hind-end lameness and stiffness, among other symptoms. Over time, it can lead to arthritis. Meanwhile, degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that impacts the spinal cord. Because of this, gradual muscle weakness and coordination issues can follow. Treating these conditions could cost thousands of dollars. While there's always a chance you'll adopt a corgi that experiences none of these issues, if you'd rather not take a chance, choose another breed.