Corgis are adorable small dogs that can be great for apartments with certain stipulations. Even though they look cute and cuddly with their short legs and lush coats, Corgi dogs were bred to be working dogs. They have a lot of energy and won’t do well without proper exercise and attention from their owners.
If you’re in an apartment and thinking of getting a Corgi, or you already own one and are thinking of moving into an apartment unit somewhere, there are some things you should know.
Corgis can make great apartment dogs. Keep in mind that this breed can be stubborn and they need a lot of attention. With proper socialization and exercise both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis will adapt well to apartment life.
It can be too much for some owners in a small space because a Corgi is usually not a dog to go lay in the corner or keep themselves busy.
If you’re planning on having a Corgi in an apartment, here are some things to help you prepare. Done right, your Corgi will be healthy and happy, and you can have more freedom choosing where you want to live.
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Corgi Personality Traits
It’s important to understand Corgi’s personality traits before you decide you want to bring one into an apartment. Small dogs can have big personalities and vice versa. A dog you think will be fine left alone while you’re at work all day may end up tearing up the house out of frustration.
Corgis are incredibly trusting and affectionate. They create strong bonds with their owners.
Of course, personalities are going to vary in any dog breed, but for the most part, you can count on a Corgi to be fun, energetic, and loyal. They’re smart and eager to please.
With all of that intellect, though, comes a stubborn streak. When Corgis want to play, they want to play, and they won’t take a “Go Lay Down!” command easily when they want some human affection.
Without the proper training, you’re going to have your hands full. They can easily overwhelm a person in a small apartment by running around, playing with things they shouldn’t, and letting you know when they’re unhappy.
This independent streak also means that they aren’t shy about letting you know when they want something or if they notice something new in the apartment or close by.
Does that mean will Corgis bark a lot?
Typically, yes. Corgis can bark a lot. In apartment complexes where there are other dogs, strange smells and noises, and unknown humans, there is a lot to bark about.
Again, something to know before you bring a Corgi into an apartment.
Is There Any Difference for Welsh vs. Pembroke in an Apartment?
There are two types of Corgis, the Welsh and the Pembroke. They come from different ancestors but now have some similar personality traits due to crossbreeding.
The major difference is that the Welsh, or the Cardigan Welsh, has a long tail, and the Pembroke doesn’t.
Welsh Corgis tend to be more playful and trusting. They may take your leaving a bit harder, but there likely won’t be a major difference between breeds if you have to leave them alone in an apartment.
Leaving Your Corgi Alone in an Apartment
Can they be left home alone? If you’re living in an apartment, one thing you should know is that Corgis don’t like to be alone.
For people who need to be gone for 10 hours a day while they’re at work, it can be a major issue. They don’t have any problem letting you know that they want you home.
The past year has been great for Corgis because owners have been spending more time at home than ever. They’re in heaven, no doubt, with all that personal time and affection.
When things get back to the way they used to with people working in offices all day, it will be a big adjustment.
Left alone all day, Corgis can engage in bad behaviors like tearing up rooms and barking all day. That’s a nightmare for anyone living in an apartment building. In no time, you’ll be fielding complaints from neighbors and building management.
Keys to Keeping Corgis Happy in an Apartment
Most dogs aren’t ideal for small apartment living. They need space and regular exercise. A Corgi, given its usual personality traits, will need even more attention and training.
There are things you can do to help your Corgi thrive in an apartment and avoid some of the pitfalls common with the breed.
Exercise
Like most dogs, a good amount of exercise in the morning before you leave for work or to handle other obligations will go a long way.
Creating this ritual will give your Corgi something to look forward to and tire them out for a few hours after you’ve gone. Take them on a long walk or even a jog.
Know How Long Is Too Long
Part of keeping your dog happy and healthy is knowing how long you can leave them alone without pushing your luck. To avoid messes on your carpet and ripped-up pillows, don’t stretch things too far.
Generally, you can leave your dog alone for eight hours before things go south. If you’ve got a puppy at home, limit their alone time to hours corresponding to their age in months.
So, for example, if your dog is three months old, keep alone time to three hours.
Find a Way to Monitor Them
While you are away and leave your dog alone in the apartment, you should find a way to check in on them from time to time.
These days, there are some amazing pet cameras you can buy online that let you watch what they’re doing while they are alone. Some even let you talk to them through a built-in microphone or dispense treats from your phone when they’re being good. It can be a good way to keep up training even while you’re not at home.
Leave Activities for Them
While you’re gone, leave them some challenging toys to play with. You can find challenge toys like puzzles for dogs at your local pet store or online. It will give them something to do when they’re alone in the apartment.
Training Your Corgi to Handle Being Alone in an Apartment
If you’re a new dog owner, you shouldn’t just leave your dog in an apartment for hours and hope for the best.
Training can help your dog understand and process what’s happening when you walk out the door. There will be lower anxiety levels and the sense of abandonment won’t take over as easily.
One of the challenges with Corgis, however, is that training them can be quite a challenge. Their intelligent, stubborn streak makes it hard to develop command compliance. They want to be in charge.
Training a Corgi is best done at a young age, and you should create a good relationship with them that establishes you as the leader.
With the right patience, Corgis can become quite receptive to commands and even complex agility training.
The Final Word
In the end, Corgis may not be the best choice for apartment living. They’ll need more attention than your average dog, and could be barking all day while you’re gone.
If you’re dead-set on getting a Corgi, you’re going to need to put in a lot of hours training them, and, if necessary, hire someone to walk them and play for a bit if you’re gone all day.