Pet insurance for Welsh Corgi

Welsh Corgi breeds are one of the most beloved and iconic purebred dog breeds worldwide, a small yet sturdy herding dog known for its large, expressive eyes and distinctive short legs. There are two distinct types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, each with subtle differences in appearance, but both share an outgoing and friendly personality.¹ Corgis are known for being even-tempered, highly intelligent, alert, adaptable and active, making them excellent family pets as well as efficient working dogs.

Corgis have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.² They come in a variety of colours, including black and tan, black and white markings, fawn, red, blue merle, brindle, grey, red merle, white merle, and sable. Their playful, loyal nature makes them a popular dog breed among pet owners. They tend to form strong bonds with their families, often seeking attention and affection, and they generally get along well with children and other pets.

Welsh Corgis have high energy levels and are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their fitness and overall health.^3, Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through training are essential to keep them happy and healthy. Corgis are intelligent dogs that thrive in environments that mentally challenge them. Providing them with puzzle toys or engaging in obedience training can be great ways to prevent boredom. As a herding breed, they are easy to train and make good family dogs and watchdogs.

Corgis are known for shedding heavily, so brushing their thick double coats a few times a week helps manage shedding and keeps their coat shiny and healthy.⁴ Otherwise, they have relatively low grooming needs, if their coat is regularly maintained.

Corgis love food and tend to gain weight easily, so be sure to feed them only the recommended amount of food and treats daily. As corgis have long backs and short legs, they may develop joint or back problems as they age.⁶ Therefore, pet owners can consider adding health supplements to their food or feeding them high-quality dog food specially formulated to address these issues.

While Welsh Corgis are generally healthy, certain health conditions can lead to costly veterinary bills if not properly managed.

Before bringing a corgi into your home, research potential breeders to ensure that the breeder you choose follows ethical practices and raises puppies that meet the breed standard. By selecting a breeder who meets these criteria, you increase the chances of getting a healthy, well-socialised corgi that will thrive in your home.

Some of the most common health concerns in Welsh Corgis that corgi owners should know about include:

• Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. This genetic condition, where the elbow or hip joint doesn’t develop properly, can lead to pain and arthritis.⁶ It’s more common in larger dog breeds, but Corgis are also susceptible despite their smaller size, due to their long bodies and short legs.
• Von Willebrand’s disease. Von Willebrand’s disease is a genetic condition that affects blood clotting, and corgis are especially prone to it.⁵ It can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury, which can cause blood loss and anaemia.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). DM is a neurological condition that is caused by a genetic mutation that is commonly found in corgis.⁵ It’s a slow-progressing disease that commonly affects the hind legs, causing weakness and may eventually lead to complete paralysis of the back legs.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD). Due to their long spines and short legs, Corgis are at a high risk of developing IVDD, a condition in which the discs between the spinal cord vertebrae deteriorate or slip out of place.⁷ This can cause severe pain, loss of mobility or even paralysis.
• Obesity. Corgis love food, so they require proper portion control to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint and spinal problems.
• Eye problems. Some Welsh Corgis are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, which can affect their vision and lead to blindness.⁵

Regular check-ups with a vet and a focus on healthy lifestyle choices are crucial to managing these health risks and ensuring that your corgi has the best quality of life.

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