How Long do Corgis Live?

How Long do Corgis Live?

Introduction: 

Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds and are known for their short legs and adorable faces. But how long do these pups actually live? 

On average, corgis live between 12 and 15 years.

 However, there are some things that can impact a corgi’s lifespan, such as common health problems and whether or not they receive regular exercise and proper nutrition.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the average lifespan of a corgi and some of the common health problems that can shorten their life expectancy. 

We’ll also provide some tips on how you can help your corgi live a long and healthy life.

How Long do Corgis Live?

Corgis are a breed of dog that typically lives for around 12-15 years. 

However, there is some variation in lifespan among individual dogs of this breed. Some corgis may live for as little as 10 years, while others may live for 18 years.

The average lifespan of a corgi is thus somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

There are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of a corgi. 

  • One important factor is genetics. Dogs that come from lines of corgis with long lifespans are more likely to have longer lifespans themselves.
  • Another important factor is the environment. Dogs that are well-cared-for and live in good conditions are more likely to live longer than those that do not.
  • Finally, lifestyle choices can also affect lifespan. For example, obese dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than those at a healthy weight.

Thus, there is some variability in how long corgis live, but on average, they can be expected to live for around 12-15 years.

Lifespan of Different Corgi Breeds

There are two main types of corgis – Pembroke Welsh corgis and Cardigan Welsh corgis – and these two breeds have slightly different lifespans.

 Pembroke Welsh corgis tend to live slightly longer than Cardigan Welsh corgis, with an average lifespan of around 12-15 years compared to 10-12 years for Cardigans. 

However, both breeds can potentially reach 15 years or more with proper care from their owners.

While 12-15 years is the typical lifespan for a healthy corgi, there are several factors that can affect how long your individual dog will live.

 Some of these factors include diet, exercise, genetics, and environment. Corgis that are well-cared for and have no underlying health conditions tend to live the longest.

Different Stages of a Corgi’s Life

Corgis go through different life stages, each with its own distinct set of characteristics and challenges.

Puppies 

 From birth to about 6 months old, puppies are growing and learning at an incredible pace. They’re full of energy and need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

Junior

From 6 months to about 2 years old, corgis are considered juniors.

 During this stage, they’re still growing and learning, but not as quickly as they did as puppies. They need plenty of exercise and training to help them mature into well-behaved adults.

Adults

From 2 years old until around 7 or 8 years old, corgis are considered adults. 

They’re usually fully grown by this point and have settled into their adult personalities. They still need regular exercise and training, but not as much as younger dogs.

Seniors

From 7 or 8 years old until the end of their lives, corgis are considered seniors.

 At this stage in their lives, they may start to slow down and become less active than they were in their younger years.

 They may also develop health problems that require special care from their owners.

What are the Common Health Problems Caused in Corgis?

Intervertebral disc disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common health problem in corgis. It occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine deteriorate or rupture. This can cause pain, paralysis, and even death. 

Symptoms of IVDD include:

  • Sudden onset of pain
  • Lameness
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of appetite

Treatment for IVDD includes:

  • Surgery to remove the damaged disc(s)
  • Rest and confinement
  • Pain medication
  • Physical therapy

Prevention of IVDD includes:

  • Regular exercise
  • Proper nutrition

Obesity

Obesity is a common health problem in corgis. It occurs when a dog is overweight or obese.

 Symptoms of obesity include:

  • Excessive eating
  • Lack of energy
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Joint pain

Treatment for obesity includes:

  • Weight loss program
  • Diet and exercise
  • Surgery (for severe cases)

Prevention of obesity includes:

  • Proper nutrition
  • Regular exercise

Canine hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that results when the head of the thigh bone does not fit snugly into the “cup” (acetabulum) of the pelvis.

 The loose fit allows the joint to slip or pop in and out of place, which can damage the cartilage and bone and lead to arthritis. Dogs with CHD may be born with it, or it may develop as they grow.

Symptoms include:

There are several clinical signs that may indicate that a Corgi has CHD. These include:

  • Stiffness or lameness in the hind legs, especially after exercise;
  • A “bunny hop” gait.
  • Unwillingness to climb stairs or jump.
  • Pain when touching or moving the hips.
  • Decreased range of motion in the hips.
  • Swaying or “waddling” when walking.

Diagnosis of CHD usually begins with a physical examination by a veterinarian, followed by X-rays of the hips. In some cases, additional tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

 Treatments

Medical Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia

The medical treatment of canine hip dysplasia typically involves the use of:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation, as well as joint supplements to support joint health.
  • In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying deformity.
Surgical Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia

Surgical treatment of canine hip dysplasia is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to medical management, or for dogs that are young and active enough to benefit from the procedure.

 The most common surgical procedure used to treat canine hip dysplasia is :

  • A total hip replacement, which can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for affected dogs.

 Prevention

Genetic Prevention of Canine Hip Dysplasia

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent CHD genetically. 

  • The most important thing is to only breed dogs that have OFA or Penn HIP certification stating that they do not have the disease
  • It is also important to avoid inbreeding, as this can exacerbate the problem.

Environmental Prevention of Canine Hip Dysplasia

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent CHD environmentally, there are some things that may help.

  • Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important, as obesity can worsen the symptoms of CHD.
  • Avoiding too much exercise when your dog is young can also be helpful, as this can put too much strain on developing hips.

Tips to Extend your Corgis Life?

Regular Exercise

Corgis are a high energy breed and need at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day.

 This can be in the form of walks, runs, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets their heart rate up and keeps them active. 

Without regular exercise, Corgis are prone to obesity, which can shorten their lifespan.

Healthy Diet- High Proteins

A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but especially for Corgis who are prone to obesity and joint problems.

 A diet high in proteins and low in carbohydrates will help keep your Corgi at a healthy weight and improve their joint health.

Grooming

Regular grooming is important for all dogs, but especially for Corgis who have thick double coats.

 Brushing their coat regularly will help prevent mats and tangles from forming, which can lead to skin irritations and infections.

Regular checkups

Regular checkups with your veterinarian are important for all dogs, but especially for senior Corgis who are more susceptible to health problems as they age.

 During these checkups, your vet will be able to catch any potential health issues early and treat them accordingly.

Joint and Bone Supplements

Joint and bone supplements can be beneficial for all dogs, but especially for Corgis who are prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.

 These supplements can help improve joint health and slow the progression of degenerative diseases.

How to Determine the Age of Your Corgi?

Looking at your Corgi is the first step towards determining their age. 

Corgis grow to be 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 28 pounds 

Your Corgi is probably still a puppy if they are smaller than this. Corgis grow older and become wider as well as taller. 

They can continue to fill out the forms until they turn 3 years old.

By the time they reach the age of six months, corgi puppies will have all of their adult teeth. 

Their teeth can be used to estimate their age as puppies and early adults. 

It may get more difficult to determine as they age.

 Veterinarians can estimate a dog’s age based on the amount of tartar on its teeth, however some dogs develop tartar and dental problems sooner in life than others. 

Corgis, a small breed of dog, are more likely than large breeds to develop tartar buildup on their teeth. Generally speaking, a younger dog has clean, healthy teeth.

Over time, fat accumulation and muscle atrophy happen. A Corgi’s spine will become more noticeable on their back as they become older. 

Graying hair and clouded eyes are other characteristics of senior canines

Conclusion

Corgis have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, with proper care and attention, they can live even longer.

Common health problems in corgis include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, canine hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and degenerative myelopathy.

There are several things you can do to help your corgi live a long and healthy life. First, make sure they get plenty of exercise. 

Second, feed them a healthy diet high in proteins. Third, groom them regularly. Fourth, take them for regular checkups. And finally, give them joint and bone supplements to help prevent health problems later in life.

Your dog can still live a long and fulfilling life even if you don’t know anything about their past, such as how they were bred or what medical concerns their parents had.

 Giving them the highest caliber of care to keep them as healthy as possible will enable you to assist them in achieving this.

By following these simple tips, you can help your corgi enjoy a long and happy life.

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