Is a Corgi a Good Apartment Dog? Breed Facts & FAQ
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View 1 More +Generally, smaller breeds are a better option for apartment living, but that is not always the case. The Corgi is known to be a big dog in a small dog’s body, so do they still fall into the stereotypical small dog category? They are cuddly but active little dogs, and you will be relieved to know they can be good apartment dogs. However, that is the short answer, and there are some aspects of the breed you’ll need to consider. So, let’s dive right in!
Apartment Living and Corgis
Corgis are playful, intelligent, and loyal dogs that make great companions, and they’re known for their wiggling butts, big personalities, and short legs. And if you live in an apartment, you might wonder if bringing one of these fun dogs home is feasible. To help, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider before you take the leap and adopt a Corgi.
Temperament
Corgis are intelligent and can be pretty stubborn. They like to be in on the action and will try to stay wherever you are. They have herding tendencies, so you’ll need to take time to train the behavior out of them, or they might start herding you and your guests around the apartment. Most Corgis are well-behaved around children and other pets if raised with them. Thanks to the herding instinct, they might nip at the heels of running children and chase them, but you can work on that with training.
Size
Although there are smaller breeds than the Corgi, it’s certainly a small animal that does not require much space to stretch out. They’re active little pups, but they’re an ideal size for apartment dwellers.
Exercise 🐕
Corgis are energetic and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to ensure they don't get bored and destructive. You’ll need to invest in games and toys to keep them entertained, and Corgis often demand that their owners participate in some of the games.
Noise Level
Corgis are known for being vocal and prone to excessive alarm barking, especially if they haven’t exercised enough. Their noise can be an issue in an apartment, so you’ll need to consider this. However, you can teach them to minimize the noise with thorough training.
Tips for Corgis Living in Apartments
Apartment living can sometimes be tricky with a pet; there’s less room for them to burn off energy, and you can't as easily let them outside like you can in a house with a yard. Because they may be unable to run around your apartment, depending on the design, you’ll have to take them outside frequently.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is vital, especially when your dog is living in an apartment. Ensuring your Corgi gets enough exercise will mean they are less likely to show undesirable or destructive behaviors because they’re bored. You might also consider doing something fun while you’re outside, like taking them for a run or playing catch. Exercising your pet for at least an hour a day will ensure it does not become anxious while living in an apartment.
Groom Them Often
There’s nothing worse than dog hair clinging to your clothes and furniture. The Corgi has a medium to dense coat, and they’ll need to be groomed every 4–8 weeks. During spring and fall shedding seasons, they will require more frequent grooming when they change coats.
Training 🎾
Early socialization and regular exercise are essential for your Corgi, but so is training. Corgis are talented watchdogs and love keeping you updated about what’s happening around them. They have been known to bark during playtime and because they’re bored. While you might not mind them barking every so often, your neighbors probably will mind. Thankfully, they are an intelligent breed, which makes them excellent training buddies. If training them yourself isn’t something you’re comfortable doing, it might be a good idea to call in a professional.
Final Thoughts
Corgis are an excellent choice for apartment living because they’re small, social, and relatively easy to train. However, they can be noisy, and living in an apartment makes it slightly more challenging to get your dog outside for potty breaks and exercise. This means you will need to put more effort in than if you lived in a house with a yard. However, as long as your Corgi gets to run around outside every day and play with you, it can adapt to living in a small apartment.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn't raining, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
