How Long Do Corgis Live? How To Extend Their Lifespan?

Corgis, known for their playful and outgoing nature, is a beloved breed of dog. With their distinct body shape of long bodies and short legs, they are easily recognizable and stand out among other breeds. As a popular pet choice for many families, corgis bring joy and companionship to their homes. Owners always wonder how long Corgis live.

Corgis live for about 12 to 15 years but proper care, a healthy lifestyle, and veterinary care can add up to their lifespan and well-being. Understanding the lifespan of corgis is important for those considering them as a part of their family but like any other breed the lifespan of corgis can vary.

As per owners, before getting one they are always curious about how long Corgis live, which might also lead them to think, “Are Corgis good for first-time owners,” “Do Corgis bark a lot,” “Do Corgis like to cuddle,” “Do Corgis get along with other dogs,” “Do Corgis like to swim.”

How Long Do Corgis Live?

Corgis, known for their charming appearance and affectionate nature, have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. This impressive longevity surpasses that of many other purebred dogs, whose average lifespan is around eleven years.

Interestingly, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger ones, and this holds true for Corgis as well. It has been observed that female Corgis often outlive their male counterparts by one or two years, highlighting the importance of gender in their lifespan.

Welsh corgis, a delightful breed, are further classified into two distinct types: Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Both breeds share a relatively similar average lifespan, with Cardigans averaging 12 years and 2 months of life, while Pembrokes typically live for 12 years and 3 months. This close range demonstrates the overall consistent lifespan between these two breeds.

However, it is essential to note that Corgis, like any other living beings, are susceptible to health issues. Cancer and kidney failure are among the common causes of mortality in Corgis. Therefore, providing proper care and attention to their well-being becomes crucial in ensuring a long and healthy life for these beloved companions.

Average Corgi Life Cycle

Let’s explore the Corgi life cycle and how they grow.

Newborn Puppies 

Newborn puppies, such as Corgis, are a fascinating part of the dog breed’s life cycle. During the first four weeks of their lives, Corgis are considered newborns, relying heavily on their mother for nourishment and warmth.

These adorable Corgi puppies are born blind, deaf, and unable to regulate their own body temperature. It is truly remarkable to witness how they gradually develop and grow during this crucial period.

As the weeks’ progress, a significant milestone occurs at around the two-week mark. Corgis begin to open their eyes, gradually gaining the ability to see the world around them. It is a heartwarming sight to witness their eyes slowly unveil, allowing them to observe their surroundings for the first time.

Puppies 

Corgi puppies, at about one-month-old, exhibit remarkable energy and curiosity as they begin to interact with their environment. Their surroundings become a playground for their playful nature, as they eagerly explore and learn.

During this stage, the mothers gradually reduce nursing their puppies due to the emergence of their tiny teeth, which may cause slight nipping. However, these newborn Corgis are now capable of being cared for without their mother’s assistance.

As the puppies reach approximately two months old, their interest in socializing with both humans and other dogs becomes evident.

They start to seek out opportunities to connect and engage with their surroundings, displaying a friendly and sociable demeanor. This crucial period is when Corgis develop essential social skills that will shape their interactions in the future.

Young Adults

When it comes to young adult Corgis, reaching the age of one year marks an important milestone in their maturity. While their bodies may have fully developed, their behavior may still require attention and training.

It is essential to recognize that male Corgis might display mounting behaviors towards female Corgis, which can be addressed through proper training techniques and redirection.

In some instances, male Corgis may also exhibit increased aggression and territorial tendencies as they navigate this stage of their lives. This behavior should be managed through positive reinforcement and consistent training methods, ensuring a safe and harmonious environment for both Corgi and its owners.

On the other hand, female Corgis may begin to urinate around the house on a frequent basis, a behavior motivated by their instinct to attract possible mates. This can be addressed through consistent house training and providing appropriate outlets for their reproductive instincts. 

Adult 

Adult Corgis go through a remarkable transformation in terms of their physical size. By the age of 4, they have reached their largest size, indicating the end of their growth phase.

This stage of their life cycle is crucial, as it requires special attention to their training and behavior. While adult Corgis may pose more challenges in terms of training, it is important to approach this aspect with patience and consistency.

By understanding their fixed behavior patterns, owners can tailor training methods that are effective and appropriate for adult Corgis.

During the adult stage, taking care of Corgi’s health becomes paramount. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive measures can help ensure their overall well-being. Adequate exercise is also crucial for adult Corgis, as it helps maintain their physical fitness and mental stimulation.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Corgi 

The Corgi, known for its relatively long lifespan compared to other dog breeds, is a beloved pet for many. As a responsible Corgi owner, you can ensure that your furry friend lives a healthy and happy life. Maintaining the average Corgi’s well-being is crucial, as they are generally healthy dogs.

To extend the life of your Corgi, it is essential to prioritize their health and provide proper care. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive measures are vital to keep your Corgi in optimal condition. By staying proactive and addressing any health concerns early on, you can significantly enhance their longevity.

Adequate Amounts of Exercise

Adequate amounts of exercise are essential for Corgis, especially considering their nature as a herding breed. Despite being small in size, Corgis have longer backs, which can make them prone to weight gain and related issues. Without regular physical activity, Corgis may experience back pain and other back-related problems.

To ensure the well-being of your Corgi, incorporating daily walks into their routine is crucial. Aim for a duration of 30 minutes to an hour for these walks, as it provides the necessary exercise they need. Daily walks not only help in keeping their weight in check but also contribute to their overall physical and mental health.

Keep them Mentally Stimulated

Corgis, known for their intelligence and herding instincts, require adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and restlessness.

Engaging these intelligent animals in various games and dog training activities is crucial to keeping their minds active and entertained. Regular play sessions and socializing with other dogs also contribute to their mental well-being.

To keep your Corgi mentally stimulated, it is essential to incorporate games and interactive exercises into their daily routine. These activities should challenge their intellect and tap into their herding instincts.

Feed them a Healthy Diet

Feeding your Corgi a healthy diet is crucial for their overall health and weight management. The proper balance of meat protein, fat, and carbs in their diet plays a significant role in ensuring their well-being. By understanding certain things about their nutritional needs, you can make informed choices to support their longevity.

A Corgi’s diet should consist of approximately 50 to 75 percent meat protein, providing them with essential amino acids and promoting muscle development.

About 15 to 18 percent of the remaining portion should come from healthy fats, which are important for energy and nutrient absorption. Additionally, around 25 percent of their diet should be derived from carbohydrates, supplying them with the necessary energy for their active lifestyle.

Take Grooming Seriously

Taking grooming seriously is crucial for extending the lifespan of your beloved Corgis. The coat of a Corgi plays a significant role in their overall health and well-being.

With its medium-density double coat, regular brushing becomes essential to remove dead hair and maintain a healthy coat. By diligently brushing your Corgi’s coat at least once a day, you not only prevent matting but also contribute to the reduction of shedding, which can improve their comfort and cleanliness.

During the hot summer months, it is advisable to trim your Corgi’s hair shorter. This practice serves a dual purpose: ensuring your Corgi stays cool and minimizing the risk of overheating.

Why Do Some Corgis Live Longer Than Others?

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall health of your Corgi. To ensure their well-being, it is important to provide them with protein-packed food containing high-quality ingredients.

When choosing food for your Corgi, pay attention to the packaging and make sure the listed ingredients are recognizable and familiar to you.

If you are unsure about determining your dog’s daily dietary needs, consult your vet who can guide you on the appropriate amount to feed your dog at each meal.

Considering the life stage of your Corgi is crucial when it comes to nutrition. Puppies have specific dietary requirements that differ from those of adult dogs.

Similarly, the dietary needs of senior dogs vary from adult dogs. The food label usually indicates the appropriate life stage for your dog’s age, helping you make the right choice.

While treats can be a part of your Corgi’s diet, moderation is key. Treats contribute to added calories, and excessive consumption can lead to obesity.

To avoid this, consider incorporating the number of calories per treat into your dog’s daily caloric intake, ensuring it does not exceed the recommended limit.

Living Conditions

Living conditions play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and longevity of Corgis. Proper shelter, including an enclosed area within a climate-controlled environment, provides the necessary protection against cold and wet weather conditions.

This helps prevent illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia, ensuring that Corgis remain healthy and comfortable throughout their lives.

Creating safe and secure spaces within the home is essential to alleviate any fears, anxieties, or depression that Corgis may experience.

Nervous dogs particularly benefit from having designated safe places where they can retreat and find solace. These safe havens contribute to a positive living environment and positively impact Corgi’s overall mental well-being and lifespan.

Size

Corgis, known for being small to medium-sized dogs, has managed to defy expectations when it comes to their life expectancy. Despite their size, Corgis often outlive larger breeds due to their relatively lower susceptibility to health issues commonly faced by big dogs.

This remarkable longevity is attributed to their smaller stature and the corresponding reduction in associated health complications. It is fascinating to observe how size plays a significant role in determining the lifespan of dogs.

However, it is not just Corgis that benefit from their compact size; even toy poodles, though larger than Corgis, boast an impressive life expectancy of up to 18 years. Size, in the context of dog breeds, seems to be a factor that influences the overall health and longevity of our beloved furry companions.

Breeding History

Reputable breeders play a crucial role in ensuring the overall health and well-being of dogs. By conducting thorough health checks before breeding, they significantly reduce the chances of puppies inheriting genetic conditions and diseases. This careful approach in breeding helps to safeguard the lifespans of Corgis and prevents the occurrence of illnesses.

In the context of breeding history, it is important to consider the impact of heavy breeding on Corgis. Overbreeding can lead to increased stress on female Corgis, resulting in health issues that may cut short their lifespans. Repeated pregnancies and deliveries can take a toll on their bodies, further contributing to shortened lifespans.

The genetic factors associated with breeding history also influence a Corgi’s lifespan. Puppies born from parents with poor health can inherit genetic conditions and diseases, which can have a negative impact on their longevity.

It is crucial to understand the breeding history of a Corgi to identify any potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Healthcare

Regular vet checkups are an essential aspect of healthcare for Corgis, ensuring their overall well-being and longevity. By monitoring the health of these dogs, veterinarians can effectively identify and address any developing health issues, promoting healthy and illness-free life.

Dental care, including keeping a pup’s teeth clean and healthy, is an integral part of maintaining their overall health. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to rotten teeth, causing infections, abscesses, and pain.

Moreover, such infections can result in an overgrowth of bacteria, which can spread from the dog’s mouth into its bloodstream. This can have severe consequences, including kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and even jaw fractures.

It is crucial to recognize that white blood cells play a crucial role in combating these mouth infections but can unintentionally erode the supportive structures of the jaw.

Thus, paying attention to the dental health of Corgis is a simple yet often overlooked approach to supporting their overall health and promoting longevity.

Sex

One interesting observation is that female Corgis tend to outlive their male counterparts by one or two years. This longevity difference could be attributed to various factors, including certain health conditions associated with their sex.

For instance, male Corgis face a greater risk of becoming obese during their senior years. However, female Corgis, if not spayed, are more prone to developing mammary or ovarian cancer. These health conditions emphasize the importance of considering the sex of Corgis when it comes to their overall well-being.

The susceptibility to different health issues and illnesses in Corgis can be influenced by factors such as their sex and genes. While both male and female Corgis can face various health challenges, understanding the specific risks associated with each sex allows for better preventive measures. Spaying female Corgis can help reduce the chances of them developing mammary or ovarian cancer.

Genes

Genes play a pivotal role in determining the quality of life and life expectancy of Corgis. These adorable dogs, known for their long and low body, can be more susceptible to back issues due to their genetic makeup.

However, understanding the genetic factors associated with Corgis can help in identifying and managing potential health conditions.

Serious conditions that Corgis may be genetically predisposed to include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand’s disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

These conditions, although concerning, can be better addressed through genetic testing, which allows for a deeper understanding of an individual Corgi’s unique needs.

In addition to these major health concerns, there are also minor genetic issues that are important to consider. Canine cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia, obesity, Cutaneous Asthenia, and Cystinuria are among the minor issues that can impact a Corgi’s well-being.

Understanding the genetic basis of these conditions empowers owners to provide the necessary care and preventive measures for their beloved Corgis.

How to Tell How Old Your Corgi is?

Determining the age of your beloved corgi can be accomplished through various methods, considering key aspects such as size, teeth condition, and reproductive readiness. By observing these factors, along with seeking guidance from a knowledgeable veterinarian, you can confidently gauge your corgi’s age.

One significant indicator is the corgi’s size. If your furry companion is still growing, it suggests that they are under three years old. Typically, corgis cease to grow in height around this age, reaching an approximate stature of 36cm in height and 60cm in length, weighing around 12kg.

In case your corgi appears considerably smaller than these measurements, it is highly likely that they are still in their developmental stage, indicating an age under three years.

The next aspect to consider is their reproductive readiness. Male corgis under two years old and female corgis under 18 months usually lack the signs of being able to breed.

These signs encompass mounting behavior in males and a swollen vulva in females. If your corgi displays these signs, it suggests they have not yet reached the appropriate age for breeding.

Examining your corgi’s teeth can also provide valuable insights into their age. If your corgi has not yet developed all their teeth, it is likely that they are under six months old.

Conversely, if their teeth showcase minimal tartar buildup, this commonly indicates a younger corgi, potentially only a few years old. On the other hand, a significant amount of tartar suggests an older corgi.

Furthermore, similar to humans, older dogs often exhibit specific physical changes. These may include greying hair, cloudy eyes, increased fat deposition, and diminished muscle mass. Monitoring these transformations can aid in estimating your corgi’s age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Corgis, beloved family companions known for their affectionate nature, have an average lifespan of up to 15 years. They are cherished additions to any household, bringing joy and warmth to their owners’ lives.

Despite uncertainties surrounding their background, these loving and loyal companions have the potential to lead long and happy lives when given the attention and care they deserve.