So should we get a Corgi?

[Satori]

Now that we actually OWN a house and don't have the no-pets restriction in a lease, we need a dog. We've both had great dogs in the past, so we're going to be picky. I always see all of you rave about corgi's, and in fact, we did an online questionaire that asked all of the traits we're looking for and Corgi came up on top. I don't know if I can get over those stubby little legs though! j/k!

One thought - Our female Siamese is fat, lazy, and accepting of nearly any treatment as long as she has a lap --- UNTIL --- a small dog enters the room. The reason we have her is because our friends (her previous owners) got a chihuaha, and she 'pret 'near 'kilt him. For whatever reason, she goes insane around small dogs. One time there was a pomeranian at the back door with huge dough-eyes looking hungry and depraved. We brought it in for a snack and some 'pettins. Before the dog hit the floor, Molly was wrapped around it in the worst claws-in bear hug you can picture from a bacon-fed, 50lb cat. (we don't feed her bacon, and she's more like 10lbs, but you get the point)

We can train her / restrain her until she tolerates a dog. Would a Corgi kill her back, or are they kinda forgiving?

[jenn_jeffery]

Go through a rescue and get an adult corgi--that way he's bigger than the cat off the bat, and you save a dog! :-)

http://www.azcorgirescue.com/

[Satori]

Thanks for the link. We are certainly leaning more towards an adult or young adult dog. There only seems to be one on the link, though.

[Nina51]

mike, i know some people. let me see what's available in your area.

[dinoman]

I bet the cat is going to be in for a wake up call when the corgi rolls out of the way then turns back on her to start heeling her . Corgi's are herding dogs, specifically they're great at herding COWS so they're made for their share of abuse. If you have a cat that'll interact with dogs its great - Monster isn't exactly the friendliest cat out there (except he isn't friendly to anyone or anything!). And there are times the dogs will chase him down the hallway and 30 seconds later you'll see him chasing the dogs the other way, and little bit later the dogs will chase him back down the hallway. Its a never ending cycle with my 3

[Satori]

Gives a whole new meaning to that old saying "It's like herding cats."

[jgoodrich71]

One thing to think about, is do you have, or could you in the future have small children. Most small dogs I have ever had experience with have what I like to refer to as small dog complex. They feel like they have something to prove. And they show that by aggression. I have experience with 2 Corgies. One has attacked my dog, the other I will not even go near. I remember Travis having a Corgi that he had to find a new home for.

Living in apartments most of my life, I have lived around many small breed dogs, and they all seem to be much more aggressive than large to medium breeds. You have a home and a yard now, so you are not limited to small dogs.

I know there are many small dog owners here, especially Corgi owners. I did not want to offend anyone. Does anyone else here see the same behavior trends like this? I am basing my judgement on just personal experience. To me, small dogs come with a chip on their shoulder, whereas most medium to large dogs are much more laid back. I will never trust small dogs around children.

[Satori]

We do have a six year old, so that is a consideration. He doesn't live with us so as far as a dog is concerned, he would be considered more of a visitor. We are leaning towards a medium dog, but corgi just keeps popping up.

[dinoman]

A corgi isn't really a "small" dog, more like a big dog with short legs!

[dc]

No matter what I plan on getting as far as a dog goes, I end up with something else. Rusty has been such a great dog I can't even fathom why someone would give him away. Still hasn't barked. Look around and see what 'calls' you. How about a Doxie, they're kind of corgi like, don't shed as much either.

[jenn_jeffery]

I just googled for rescues in the Tucson area, pasted the link and went to bed!! :-D I'm sure there are more, possibly up here in the Phx area. Keep an eye on craigslist as well, I've seen some listed on there.

The only corgi's I've ever run into are real sweethearts, the only one we've had a problem with was our neighbors in NC that wanted to 'herd' our bikes as we were riding them!! Thankfully she was well trained and would stop when we or her owner told her to!

[Nina51]

debi, he's just adorable!

my 2 corgis came to us as adults. both were raised in the same place and the woman ran a day care center. obviously, i can't take credit for them being great dogs around children, and even though i closely supervise them when kids are around, they have never given me cause to worry. the only annoying thing they do is that when there is a whole group of little kids playing, they try to keep them herded into a bunch. kids don't have a snowball's chance in hell of playing a football game out here if the lollipop kids are with them because they think they have to keep them in one BIG team.

jgood, if i recall, the corgi that travis had came from an abusive situation. i think that's right...anyway, ANY rescue/shelter dog comes with a whole other set of issues and if there are children around, that most definitely has to be considered.

and, if you don't like dealing with shedding dogs, go right on by a corgi. they are projectile shedders, 24/7/365.

[Snook65]

We have a seven year old Pembroke Corgi female that we got as a pup. Very loving, although the first year she drove me crazy as she liked to nip at my heals as I was walking. I guess she was herding me. She was an only dog until we got our English Bulldog male around 1-1/2 years ago. My wife had this great idea that the corgi would love company. The corgi now sleeps under the bed all day when we are gone and has little or nothing to do with the bulldog.

[Random Aquarist]

We've had up to 6 corgis at a time(parents + 4 pups) and we've never experienced any nipping from any of them. I guess our two parent corgis never got the herding instinct and , thus, never spread it to their puppies.

[FloatingFish]

If you know that your cat does not like small dogs, dont get a Corgi. Just find a larger breed that you both enjoy. My choice would be a Doberman or a Rott. Short hair very family friendly and no tails.

[JJ21]

i say, get a corgi

[crp]

Want a BIG dog, get a Bernese Mountain Dog. Females go about 90 pounds, males 120. Tri-color like the corgis but with real legs (sorry Nina). Callie is 10 months old now and we haven't a had a bit of trouble with her with our cat or our kids. She does chew things up when she can sneak them out back but that's teaching my kids to keep their stuff picked up so I consider it a good thing

[JJ21]

St. Bernard?


I'm sorry but i just love the big brutes