The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Happy, Healthy Pet)
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Corgis are potentially fine little companion dogs, as well as excellent working dogs, but they are very high in the list of breeds likely to be euthanased for behavioural problems. Why is this? They were bred to herd cattle, and as such have a tendency to nip, hard. Teaching bite inhibition is extremely important with pups of this breed. Corgis that have been trained not to bite people when they are pups make good companions for children, so long as the children don't roughhouse them, but treat them with respect.
Pembroke Corgis are also a very vocal breed, which can be a disadvantage, though they do make good watchdogs. They aren't especially sociable with other dogs, though they can get on well with dogs in the same household, so long as they are well matched. They can perform well as obedience dogs, and are excellent agility performers, often the best in groups of small dogs. They have also been used as tracker dogs. They love attention, and can get up to mischief if left to their own devices for too long. Like all herding dogs, they need an owner with commitment. Common health problems include a tendency towards obesity, and they should be kept slim as pups, since fat pups are more likely to have problems in later life.
Deborah Harper's introduction to the breed gives new owners a very good idea of what to expect, and the illustrations are good. There is also a lot of help with training, which is especially important with this breed.
