American Corgi mixes the two recognized types of Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi. American Corgis are bred in the desire to get Merle Pembroke. Any club does not recognize them due to the lack of support from Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club and Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club.
Table of Contents
American Corgi Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Low Maintenance
Back Problems
Family Dogs
Excessive Barking
Excellent Watch Dogs
Prone to obesity
American Corgi Basic Information
Name: American Corgi
Height: 9 to 14 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Size: Small
Color: Red, sable, fawn, black and tan with or without white markings
The temperament, personality, merle coat, size can be a combination of Pembroke and Welsh, or any parent gene can dominate. Generally, American Corgis are short, intelligent, and active. They will have a long body with short legs. The tail can either be long or docked, depending on paternal genetics.
Friendliness Overview
Affection Level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
High
Pet-Friendly
Medium to High
Strangers-Friendly
High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium to High
Good for Apartment Living
Medium
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates Being Alone
Medium
Cold Tolerance
High
Heat Tolerance
Medium
American Corgi Temperament
American Corgi has a protective, affectionate nature. He will always be alert and outgoing. Certain American Corgis that inherit from their cardigan parent might be a little laid back. They are an adventure-loving, independent breed. At the same time, they will be content to stay next to you indoors. They tend to lead large herd groups of cattle and protect them. They are good at guarding and will alert you by barking.
American Corgi Training
American Corgis are easy to train, but they do not like to be submissive. They are smart and learn quickly. You should train them to stop barking on command. Socialization is essential for them since puppyhood to get along well with children and other pets. You can introduce American Corgis to canine sports such as obedience training, rally, and agility.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
High
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium
Tendency to Bark or Howl
High
Wanderlust Ability
Low
Attention/Social Needs
Medium
American Corgi Exercise Needs
Walking an American Corgi is enjoyable, and he will stay right with you throughout your walk. Highly energetic American Corgis require everyday exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. As they belong to the herding group, regular exercise sessions are necessary to maintain their fitness and agility.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
Medium
American Corgi Grooming
American Corgi sheds every day, so you need to brush his coat daily. As the shedding will be more during shedding seasons, you might have to bathe him along with brushing his coat. Also, use wet wipes to clean his ears once every three weeks. Nail trimming and dental care are also essential grooming requirements.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
High
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low
Easy to Groom
High
American Corgi Health
Health conditions that run through the Pembroke and Cardigan family can affect an American Corgi. The breeder should run health tests and provide health clearance certificates to the buyers. In this way, the possible health conditions can be listed, and you can be cautious to prevent those. For example, American Corgis are more susceptible to back problems which can be cured through proper medication.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium to High
Size
Small
American Corgis are susceptible to the following diseases and disorders:
Cutaneous Asthenia: In Cutaneous Asthenia, the connective tissues of the skin will be defective, fragile, loose, and stretchy. This condition is also called Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome, or dominant collagen dysplasia, caused by a collagen protein defect that binds the skin cells together. Symptoms include excessive bruising and blood blisters.
Cystinuria: Cystinuria results from the excessive release of cystine through urination. This condition is more common in male American Corgis and can further lead to the formation of stones.
Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative Myelopathy is caused by the degeneration of supportive tissues in the spinal cord. The affected dog might experience lameness in the rear legs, which, if ignored, can lead to paralysis.
Intervertebral Disk Disease: Intervertebral Disk Disease is a rupture in the spinal disks that can cause weakness, paralysis, and instability.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia results from the hip joint’s improper fixing of thigh bones. American Corgi with hip dysplasia might limp or discomfort while walking and running. The veterinarian will perform an X-ray to diagnose the severity of the disease. As this condition is hereditary, responsible breeders should not breed dogs with hip dysplasia.
American Corgi Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet with all the vital nutrients, including fatty acids, protein, fiber, limited carbohydrates, is sufficient for an American Corgi. It is recommended to watch their calorie intake since American Corgis are prone to obesity.
American Corgi Living Condition
American Corgis can suit themselves to apartments and small living areas. A backyard is optional, but it must be adequately fenced if there is one. Their water-resistant coat helps them to adapt to any weather conditions. Though they like to be independent, American Corgi should not be left alone for long durations.
Things to Remember Before Breeding American Corgi
Dogs like American Corgis cross-bred for their appearance are often termed designer breeds. It is unethical to breed American Corgis. The breeders do not prove the structural integrity of American Corgis to reproduce. As a result, the puppy’s chances of being born with physical injuries are high. Health clearance is vital as American Corgis are susceptible to diseases affecting Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis.
Breeders must avoid breeding two Merle parents due to its risks on the litter. The double Merle gene is dangerous for the puppy, causing various health issues and physical deformities such as blindness, deafness, or both, while some puppies will be born with one or no eyes at all. The survival rate of Double Merle puppies is very low, and they usually end up in rescue organizations or euthanized by the breeders. A Merle-coated Pembroke Welsh Corgi will not be considered a pure-bred Corgi. On the other hand, pure-bred Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have merle coats.
Adding an American Corgi to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying an American Corgi
Breeders might not provide a structurally sound certificate for American Corgi. This is one of the reasons why American Corgis are still not recognized by any dog clubs. Even though backyard breeders and puppy mills sell puppies at low cost, the health condition will be very poor. Always go for reputable breeders who can provide health clearance documents to add a sound puppy to your family.
Cost of an American Corgi Puppy
An American Corgi puppy can cost anywhere between $650 to $1000. The prices might vary for different breeders in different locations.
