How do I know if a corgi is the right choice for me?  A corgi is a compact dog, but every bit a working dog.  They need exercise, a solid routine, good training and socialization to be a good companion.

Do corgis shed?  Twice a year corgis shed copious amounts.  Generally they shed some daily.  Frequent grooming and a good diet help keep this to a minimum.  Frequent bathing is not necessary if groomed 2 to 3 times weekly.  Please do not shave your corgi.  This takes away the coats natural defenses of protection from the sun.  Shaving a small area around the anus may be helpful for some dogs.

What is involved in corgi grooming and corgi care?  Other grooming necessities would include keeping their toe nails trimmed, making sure their ears are clean and trimming the hair around their foot pads, to help them have better traction on smooth surfaces.  It is good to make a general practice of handling your dog all over so he is comfortable with it.  This will help you notice any physical changes your dog may have as well as make him more comfortable at the veterinarian.

Do corgis get along with other dogs?  Some do much better than others.  Much depends on continued socialization during their lifetime.  Isolated dogs are sometimes not very accepting of other dogs.  Generally, all corgis will fight over food.  Corgis should be fed in a contained area where no other animal has access.  Corgis are typically fine with their people around food.

Do corgis get along with cats?  We have found that corgis receive pure joy in chasing them.  If the resident cat is dog savvy, they generally work out an amicable relationship quickly. We often suggest that when a dog is introduced to the home a cat has a safe place where he can stay away from the dog until they become comfortable with one another.

Are corgis good with children?  Corgis do well with “respectful” children.  Most are not going to be as tolerant with being grabbed or pulled as some other breeds are.  Some corgis are more comfortable with toddlers then others.  Supervision is most important as some corgis delight in chasing running and screaming children.

Are corgis barkers?  Many corgis are quite vocal, but this can be controlled with consistent training.  They do make good alert systems if someone comes to your door, which most people hope for.

Are corgis easy to train?  They are very smart dogs and thrive on being trained.  They do best with frequent, short training sessions.  They can become bored easily with repetitious training.  Teaching good obedience and adding some tricks/games along the way will really increase your enjoyment and bond with your dog. Remember to use kind corrections.  Corgis are bold but can also be quite sensitive.  It is most important that your corgi know YOU are in charge.

Can I show my dog in obedience and agility?  The AKC does provide a registration process for dogs that have no papers.  It is called the PAL or Purebred Alternative Listing.  This would allow you to show your dog in any AKC venue except conformation.  Information is available on the AKC website.

I see many fat corgis.  Should they look this way?  No!  Many people over feed their dogs and do not provide enough exercise.  Most adult corgis stay at a nice weight being fed 1/3 to ½ cup of quality dog food twice daily.  Watching their weight is imperative.  We receive many obese dogs in our program.  This extra weight leads to many health issues down the road.  Never free feed corgis.  Always feed them in a contained area away from other animals and remove food bowls immediately. Dogs which are tolerant of feeding together should be separated by several feet when feeding, preferably in different corners of the room and never facing each other. 

What health issues can I expect with a corgi?  Corgis are generally robust and healthy dogs.  They can have hip dysplasia, which typically does not affect them dramatically, unless they are overweight.  Some female corgis do get urinary tract infections.  It is imperative to monitor these, as chronic infections can lead to serious problems. Other health problems can occur, but most are not specific to the corgi breed.

I live in an apartment – could I still consider a corgi?  Much depends on your lifestyle and your ability to spend sufficient time with your dog.  Obviously, you must have time to walk your dog several times daily.  You must also be able to provide and outlet for energy release – perhaps with play dates with other dogs.  

Why is it good to crate train my dog?  We find crate training offers a dog their very own personal space.  Many dogs do enjoy the den-like feeling of a crate.  We feed our dogs in crates.  Crate training is also helpful if your dog gets injured or ill and has to be confined.  Crate training is helpful if you have large gatherings which may stress some dogs.  Crate trained dogs are welcome in many places if you travel.  A crate trained dog would be a great asset should you ever have to evacuate for a hurricane.

Do corgis need much exercise?  This greatly depends on the particular dog.  Having a safely fenced yard is ideal.  Make sure the fence is in good repair and there are no little spaces that a corgi could escape.  Invisible fences are not recommended.  You may have luck keeping your dog inside but you have no way to prevent other animals from entering your yard.  We do not encourage outdoor kennels or tie outs.  Corgis like to be with their people and may develop anxious behaviors if housed this way.  Tie outs also do not protect a dog from other dogs or unkind neighbors.

I want a dog that is mellow and easy to live with.  Would a corgi fit this lifestyle?  Our mature corgis fit the bill quite well.  Many miss out on the most exceptional dogs, as they focus on age far more then a specific dog.  Mature dogs do seem to make wonderful companions but are generally up for a game of fetch or an active walk.  They are a joy and so easy to have.

I would like to get a corgi puppy.  Do you have puppies?  It is rare that we get young pups into the program.  Most dogs we receive are between the ages of 2 and 6 though we occasionally get some younger or older.  We would be happy to refer you to reputable breeders if you have your heart set on a pup.

Do you adopt your dogs out of state?  No.  We do in state adoptions only.  We find that we can be more supportive of our dogs and adopters if they remain in the state of Florida.

What information do you have about your dogs before you put them up for adoption?  Our dogs come from many sources including shelters, found as strays and people that can no longer keep them.  We do collect as much information as we are able when taking them in to our program.  All dogs will be spayed or neutered, will be current on vaccinations, heartworm tested and microchipped before placement.  Dogs that have evident health issues will be evaluated by a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.  Some dogs may require medical maintenance such as prescription foods, medications or special shampoos.  We consider these as our special needs dogs.  Adoption fees will be adjusted to help maintain these dogs.  We do provide any and all information we have regarding each dog.  We do not provide names of former owners nor do disclose your information to former owners.  Privacy is respected.

What are your adoption fees?  Our fees are based on each specific adoption.  Typically, our young dogs with no special needs are $300.00.  Our more mature dogs or those that need special maintenance are less.

How do I adopt a corgi?  On our web site is an application form.  You may download that and complete the information requested.  You may send it via e-mail to  corgi111@aol.com.  The more information you can provide the more suitable match we are able to make.

Can I pick a dog from the site or visit your kennel?  Dogs are placed using the information provided from your application.  Frequently, a dog that one chooses from a picture would not make a suitable match for that family.  Our dogs do not stay in a centralized location in kennels.  All dogs are in foster homes that may be anywhere in the state of Florida but most are located in central Florida.

Do I receive any paperwork when I adopt?  All dogs adopted will be placed with an adoption contract.  The base information includes that you are willing to make the long term commitment to keep the dog for the rest of his life; you will provide appropriate food, shelter and veterinary care.  If at any time or any reason you are unable to keep the adopted dog, it shall be returned to our organization.

What if I have challenges with adding a new dog to my home?  Our organization is willing to help you in any way we can.  We will offer advice regarding food choices, training ideas, how to deal with transitional behaviors.  All one needs to do is contact us.  Contact information for all board members is found on our Website;  http://www.sunshinecorgirescue.org/board-of-directors/.

Our organization is available to offer advice for the lifetime of your dog.  We have many knowledgeable volunteers who have owned corgis for many years.  It is our goal that each adoption is a good match for both dog and owner.