If you love dogs, there is nothing better than having a furry roommate. A dog will undoubtedly fill both your home and your heart with love!
What if you live in an apartment? Should you reconsider your decision to adopt a puppy if you live in a limited space and have no yard? Can you and your four-legged friend both be happy in an apartment?
There are a million questions you can ask yourself. Doubts often swarm like bees. However, our advice is to wave your worries goodbye and get a dog anyway. Why? Because we are sure of one thing: Welcoming a dog into your apartment will make it feel even cozier and bring you a burst of joy every time you get through your front door. Once your dog starts jumping with joy, you will forget about all the stress and problems.
Of course, you should not get just any pooch. In order to make sure both you and your new furry friend will be content living in your home, you should best choose a breed that does well in apartments.
Small dogs are a logical choice. Yet, not all small dogs are the same.
What About Corgis? Are Corgis Good Apartment Dogs? Do Corgis Do Well In Apartments?
Corgis are definitely small, but they are also energetic herding dogs. The question of the day is: Are they too energetic to live in an apartment?
Luckily for all the Corgi lovers that live in limited space, the short-legged Corgis are highly adaptable. As a result, adorable Corgis can handle almost any living situation.
In this article, we will help you create the best living conditions for you and your Corgi. With a little bit of effort on your part, your Corgi will be perfectly happy in your apartment. Let’s see what you can do for your furry friend!
What Do You Need To Consider Before You Bring Your New Best Friend Corgi Into Your Apartment?
Before we answer the question can Corgis live in apartments, we need to make sure you are ready to house a furry roommate in the first place. You need to be prepared to live by specific rules and make some compromises.
First of all, every apartment building has a set of rules the tenants have to live by. Some of these rules have to do with pets, so make sure you get well-informed.
Some buildings limit the owners in terms of dogs’ size and weight or even offer a list of breeds that are allowed or banned. Believe it or not, temperament restrictions are possible as well. You cannot overlook these specific guidelines, so make sure your apartment is dog friendly. Check with your neighbors, whether they will accept your Corgi friend as well.
Even when you make sure no one will have a problem with your dog, there are still some critical questions you should carefully think about before bringing a furry, short-legged friend home with you:
- Will a Corgi fit into your lifestyle?
- Do you have enough patience to train your dog?
- What if your Corgi barks too much? Will that disturb your neighbors too much? Will you be able to deal with that problem properly?
- Do you have enough time to regularly walk your Corgi and make sure he or she gets enough exercise? Are you physically fit enough to handle it all?
- Will shedding season be too much for you?
- Are there any other people living in your apartment? If yes, are you 100% sure they are ready for a dog too? Will they treat your dog with love and care?
- Do you have any allergies or health conditions that could prevent you from taking care of your dog in the future?
As you can see, there are quite a few considerations. Many people love Corgis but do not manage to take good care of them. Some imagine how their Corgi pup will always be up for a couch rest, TV, and cuddles. Once the reality hits them, and they have to wake up well before their work-time to take their dog out no matter the weather, or they have to clean Corgi’s hairs from their pillow before they go to sleep, they realize that having a dog in an apartment might not have been their best idea.
So let’s get back to you. The listed considerations are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many others. Your lifestyle will dictate how important they are in your case.
Not all Corgis are the same either – some are more energetic or temperamental than others. All Corgis have a stubborn streak, though, and you need to assert yourself as a leader early on. Only in this way will you be able to “mold” your Corgi to your specific needs. For this reason, the Corgis might not be the best choice for first-time owners.
The good news is that Corgis are relatively easy to train once you assert your authority. They are brilliant and eager to please – a win-win combination, don’t you think so?
There is more good news. Namely, these 25-pounders are great with almost all people, kids, dogs, and other pets. Being personable and friendly, Corgis are an excellent choice for those of you who enjoy entertaining guests. They are rarely aggressive and won’t mind constant visitors.
Having roommates or family members that live in the apartment can be beneficial for both you and your Corgi, especially if you work long hours or spend a lot of time away from home. Having varying schedules, your roomies or family members can help out by feeding and taking out your dog. You will have more time for yourself, and your Corgi will have all its needs met on time – a perfect setup!
Inevitably, having a Corgi for a roommate will change you and your lifestyle too. Do not worry, though; it is usually for the better. Let’s now go back to answering the question of the day: Are Corgis good apartment pets?
Do Corgis Make Good Apartment Dogs?
The Queen of England’s Corgis may have an opportunity to enjoy the luxury of the castle, but your Corgi can be perfectly content in your apartment too.
Corgis were not born and bred to become royals. They are herding dogs by blood and are thus happiest when they have a job to do.
Unfortunately, since you live in an apartment, you are highly unlikely to put your Corgi’s herding ability to any use. Alternatively, you can satisfy your dog’s instinct to keep a watchful eye on the surroundings. It would be best to find your Corgi a safe place next to the window so that he or she can enjoy a view. Being watchful dogs, Corgis enjoy watching the street whenever they have an opportunity. It is sort of a dream come true for these short-legged bundles of joy.
Of course, watching will not be enough for your Corgi; you need to take him or her for a daily walk too. At least one long walk per day is necessary to keep your Corgi happy and healthy.
Ideally, your apartment should be near a dog park. In this way, your Corgi can socialize with other dogs, which is highly beneficial.
Are Corgis Good Dogs For Apartments When You Are Away?
You will have to leave your Corgi alone in your apartment, and that will not make him or her very happy, but you can cushion the negative emotions by making your home super-comfy for your dog. First of all, you need to set up a small area of your apartment that will belong only to your beloved pet. It is like making a home within a home.
A small blanket or a soft bed for dogs will do just fine. It will work just like comfort-blanket works for kids – your Corgi can cuddle up and feel warm and safe even when you are not around.
Next, get a few enrichment toys for your dog. Corgis are playful dogs with a good sense of humor, and playing with toys makes them very happy. Even though they prefer running and playing outside, toys can provide tons of fun for apartment Corgis while you are at work or away from home for any other reason.
Learn all about choosing safe dog toys and treats!
So, can Corgis live in apartments?
Yes.
Are Corgis okay in apartments?
Yes, especially when you make an effort to make your apartment feel like a home for them. In fact, their small size and cuddly nature make Corgis one of the best breeds for apartment living.
We do not claim that it will be easy for you to get used to living with a Corgi or the other way around. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment that requires a lot of your time, energy, and effort.
If you want to raise a healthy and happy Corgi, you will have to take care of all his or her needs in a timely manner. We will tell you more about that in the following section, so stick around for a little bit longer.
What Do Apartment Corgis Need To Be Happy And Healthy Dogs?
We have already answered two essential questions:
- Are Corgis apartment dogs?
- Are corgis good apartment dogs?
The question that remains to be answered is whether you are 100% sure that Corgi is the right dog for you. In order to be able to answer this question, you have to remember all the considerations we have mentioned earlier and learn everything there is about Corgis’ needs.
Corgis are highly intelligent pups, and they are happiest when you give them a job to do. Since living in an apartment limits you in that regard, the alternative solution is to provide your Corgi with moderate physical and mental exercise.
Another need you have to take care of when you have a Corgi is regular brushing and combing their short, plush coat. In this way, not only will your stout Corgi look its best, but you will also prevent dead hairs from flying all over your furniture and carpets.
Let’s discuss this in more detail.
Read Also: How Much Space Do Corgis Need?
Taking Care Of Your Corgi’s Physical And Mental Activity Needs
It is a common deception that small dogs have little exercise needs. Do not let the Corgis’ small bodies and short legs fool you – these dogs are full of energy that has to be spent, or it can become destructive.
Your Corgi requires regular exercise to burn his or her energy, stay fit and healthy, and be adequately mentally stimulated. If you do not give your dog an opportunity for enough physical and mental activity, he or she will get bored quickly.
Why Is It Dangerous To Have A Bored Corgi In Your Apartment?
When you are bored, you find different ways to entertain yourself. Your Corgi will do the same. Let us warn you right away – you will not like it! Namely, most Corgis direct their energy mostly into some kind of negative behavior. It is usually an activity that includes chewing (most probably your footwear or furniture), barking, or howling.
When you are at home, you will easily distract your dog and stop the negative behavior. Unfortunately, your Corgi will most probably do it when you are not around. The chances are that your neighbors will not like the noise, and they will hold you responsible for it. Therefore, if you hope to get along with your neighborhood, make sure your dog burns all the excess energy. Plan daily exercise and playtime, and you won’t have to worry about negative behavior.
Learn how to stop aggression in Corgis too!
How Much Exercise Does Your Corgi Need?
Not all Corgis are the same, and thus their exercise needs often vary from one dog to another. There is a general rule, though, that walks need to belong and regular; this means that two or three daily walks under 20 minutes are not enough.
Corgis are an active working breed, so you’ll need to sweat before you get them tired. To cover their activities needs, you’ll have to take Corgis out at least two times a day for no less than 45 minutes. Ideally, one walk in the morning and one in the late afternoon. A few short outings in between will probably be necessary to take care of their physiological needs.
Slow walking will not cut it either. You need serious playtime that includes energetic and exhausting exercise. We suggest brisk jogging and off-leash running time. Playing fetch will be particularly fun for Corgis as well. They like to interact and play with other dogs too. Of course, make sure you train your dog well before taking him or her off the leash.
Young Corgis (between 6 and 18 months) need more activity since they have far more energy to burn than the older dogs. Do mind that Corgi puppies younger than six months should be spared from excessive activity, especially when they are not interested in it. Playing with your puppy at home provides enough exercise at such a young age.
For example, you can organize one or two training sessions for your puppy at the comfort of your apartment. These sessions should not be longer than 10 minutes. In this way, you’ll keep your pooch physically and mentally active.
You can also get some food-dispensing toys as they help keep dogs mentally stimulated too. Do not be afraid that such toys will frustrate your Corgi. Corgis like to work for their food. You can use Kong filled with food to keep your Corgi entertained and stimulated for hours.
See Also: Are Corgis Good House Dogs?
Taking Care Of Your Corgi During The Shedding Season
Unfortunately, Corgis shed a lot. In fact, they are one of the breeds that shed the most. The Corgi shedding is not limited only to a shedding season – they shed all year round only less.
If you bring a Corgi to your apartment, you have to prepare yourself for finding his or her hairs all over your furniture and carpets, even on your clothes. It makes you revisit the question: is Corgi good for apartments, doesn’t it?
The good news is that you can somewhat control your pet’s shedding by brushing him or her every day. You can further help yourself by bathing your Corgi once a week. Warm baths will help loosen the dead hair, and it will be easier to remove them during your daily brushing routine. A lot of the unwanted dead hairs will come off when you brush your dog immediately after bathing too.
You can also consult your vet so that he or she can recommend a proper nutrition plan that will help keep excessive shedding under control.
Dealing With The Barking Issue
You might ask yourself, how do we even know you’ll have a problem with your Corgi barking. Well, most of the owners do. It is one of the main concerns of living with a Corgi in an apartment.
Corgis generally bark a lot. What is worse, they bark very loud and often for quite a long time. You would be surprised how big of a bark these small dogs have. After all, Corgis are watchdogs, and it is normal for them to stay alert and warn you of everything that happens in the environment.
Even if you do not mind your dog barking from time to time, we are pretty confident your neighbors will. In an apartment, sounds travel through walls as if they were made of paper.
Besides barking at all the sounds and movements they consider unusual, your Corgi will most probably bark when he is bored too. We have already warned you about that. Barking during playing is a common occurrence as well.
You can never expect the barking to disappear completely, but you can reduce it to a great extent with proper training. Regular exercise and early socialization will help too. In fact, early socialization is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It helps teach your dog to trust people and other animals. In this way, your dog will learn not to bark at anyone who approaches. In time, your Corgi should realize which things are worth barking.
See Also: Are Corgis Good Dogs For Seniors?
Final Thoughts
You might love Corgis (who doesn’t?), but that is not a reason enough to make one your roommate.
Are Corgis ok in apartments? Yes, they are, but the main question is if this particular dog breed best suits your lifestyle.
If you have carefully read this text, you can now make an informed decision. If you decide to adopt a Corgi and share your apartment with him or her, you are about to get a lot of joy and love. Corgis have a great personality, which makes them great and loyal, companions.
Don’t forget to start training and socialization early on, or you’ll have trouble controlling your Corgi’s natural barking instinct later on. Remember their high need for activity and shedding issues, too, and think twice whether or not you can handle them once you bring the puppy into your apartment.
Corgis are ideal apartment dogs as long as their owners are willing to dedicate the necessary energy, time, and effort to cover all their needs. Once your dog’s physical and mental activity needs are covered, you and your Corgi will live happily and healthily in your apartment.
See Also: Are Corgis Inside Or Outside Dogs?
