Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis the Most Troublesome Dogs? 6 Common Complaints About Them 

Written by Amanda Martinotti
Published: October 21, 2023
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Pembroke Welsh corgis are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs that make great companions. Additionally, they are the perfect furry friend if you want an energetic dog that doesn’t take up a lot of space. However, as with any dog breed, there are some common complaints about Pembroke Welsh corgis. Read this article to discover the 6 common problems with corgis and how to address them.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are the perfect fluffy friend if you want an energetic dog that doesn’t take up a lot of space.

©Kristina Holovach/Shutterstock.com

5 Reasons Why a Corgi Is a Great Choice for a Dog

Before we look at the downsides of owning a corgi, let’s start by addressing some positives about this adorable breed.

They Are Energetic Yet Small

Corgis have surprisingly athletic bodies for such a compact build. Additionally, if you live in a small apartment or have a small amount of space for a dog, a Pembroke corgi may be a great choice for you. Plus, they love to work, which makes them ideal dogs for training to herd livestock.

They Love to Have Fun

These short and sweet corgis love to spend time around their owners as well as other people and animals. If you want a dog who isn’t a complete couch potato, a Pembroke corgi is a great option for a fun pet who will always be up for playtime.

They Love to Help People

If you are looking for a pup who can be trained as a therapy dog, a corgi may be an option. They are extremely smart and are willing to learn. 

They’re Masters of “Sporting”

If you have never heard of the term splooting, it is used to describe when they will lay on the ground with their paws sprawled out behind them. Additionally, this can be considered similar to a human planking, which is where a human lies down on a surface face down with their legs and arms folded under them. Also, splooting is a commonly used term mainly for corgis.

They Are Beachbums

Due to their muscular build, these pups love to spend a day at the beach. In addition, they are great for trying beach activities such as swimming or even surfing. However, you do need to take safety precautions, such as not swimming too far out into the sea.

They May Be Derived From Fairies

In Welsh folklore, fairies were said to ride on the backs of corgis for travel or to herd livestock. Additionally, this explains how the brown marking on the back of a corgi got the nickname “fairy saddle.”

Other myths explain that the Pembroke corgi was discovered by a couple of kids playing in a meadow. During their playtime, they befriended a couple of corgis. The next day, they brought their new furry pals home to their father, who let them keep them. In addition, their father suggested that the pups were a gift from the fairies by pointing at the brown “fairy saddles” on their back.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

In Welsh folklore, fairies were said to ride on the backs of corgis for travel or to herd livestock.

©T.Den_Team/Shutterstock.com

6 Common Complaints About Pembroke Welsh Corgis and How to Handle Them

1. They Can Shed Quite a Bit

Pembroke Welsh corgis have a long coat with a tougher coat underneath. With that being said, they do shed frequently. Plus, their shedding can get much heavier during seasons such as fall and winter.

If you are allergic to pet dandruff, a Pembroke corgi may not be a good choice of dog for you. Additionally, if you love a spotless home, a corgi may not be the best choice for you.

How to Handle Excessive Shedding

Many corgi owners and groomers have said that shedding can be controlled to a point. In addition, regular baths and brushing have been found to reduce shedding. Additionally, regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleanings can positively affect your bond with your pup.

2. They Frequently Bark

Pembroke corgis communicate through vocals. In addition, if you live in a complex or in an area where your neighbors aren’t so crazy about barking, you may want to consider a different dog breed. Plus, due to their herding heritage, they often will bark at anything that moves.

How to Handle Barking 

Unfortunately, while training can help eliminate some of the barking, it will not fully correct the problem. Furthermore, if barking is going to upset you or your neighbors, it may be time to research other dog breeds.

3. They Have Herding Instincts

Pembroke corgis have herding instincts in their blood. In addition, they will try to nip at the ankles of kids, adults, and even other animals in an attempt to herd them. With that being said, a corgi can be dangerous and should not be left with a child unsupervised. On the contrary, if you have livestock that need someone to keep them in line, a Pembroke corgi may be the doggie assistant of your dreams. 

How to Handle Herding

Luckily, you can train your corgi to correct this unwanted behavior. However, you should keep in mind that you will not be able to fully correct the issue due to herding being an instinct in your dog. Consequently, if you have kids or numerous children are living around your home, it may be best to keep them away from your pup to avoid any unwanted accidents.

4. They Are Foodies

Corgis love to eat the day away! However, this also means they are prone to obesity and even heart failure if they’re overweight. 

How to Minimalize Your Corgi Becoming a Foodie

The best way to prevent your dog from developing obesity or heart failure is to keep them on a strict diet. As always, it is best to consult with your veterinarian about how much food and what kind of diet is best for your dog. In addition, it is not suggested to provide free feeding for these little guys.

5. They Run the Show

While these pups have a sweet and friendly disposition, they like to run the show. A Pembroke corgi in charge can knock over your dinner, chew your phone cord, or tear the house up if you are not able to give them what they are demanding. In addition, they have no issue crawling over your spouse or kids to get to you for belly rubs and pets.

How to Handle Bossiness

There are many training techniques that help reduce bossiness in a corgi. However, if they don’t like something, they will not hesitate to let you know.

6. They Are Prone to Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a commonly found health disorder in corgis that causes the hip to fall out of alignment with the hip socket. This can be a genetic disease. In addition, hip dysplasia can occur from a lack of a healthy diet.

How to Handle Hip Dysplasia 

The best way to prevent hip dysplasia is through an adequate diet and exercise that will help them stretch and work these muscles. In addition, it is best to consult your veterinarian to test for hip dysplasia and to discover what diet and exercise are recommended.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

A Pembroke corgi in charge can knock over your dinner, chew your phone cord, or tear the house up if you are not able to give them what they are demanding.

©iStock.com/Tatomm

Recap: Common Complains About Pembroke Welsh Corgis Table

Pembroke corgis may not be the most troublesome dog. These 6 common complaints will help you understand the pros and cons of owning one.

ProblemSolution
BossinessTraining can help your dog respect you. In addition, you must learn their boundaries and respect them as well.
Hip DysplasiaTraining can help reduce the urge to herd people and animals. However, you must understand that.
HerdingTraining methods can help cut down on barking. In addition, it is important to remember corgis use barking to communicate and often.
BarkingA strict diet and adequate exercise can reduce your corgi’s chance of obesity.
OvereatingDevelop a regular grooming schedule. A grooming session can also enhance the bond between you and your pup.
Excessive SheddingDevelop a regular grooming schedule. Additionally, a grooming session can also enhance the bond between you and your pup.
A table of the 6 most common complaints about Pembroke Welsh corgis and how to address them.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Liudmila Bohush/Shutterstock.com

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