All About The Corgi Exercise Needs

Editorial Team

Fitness & Exercise

31 December 2024

Don’t be deceived by their stubby legs, chubby build and awkward gait. Corgis are working farm dogs with plenty of stamina and high energy. As a herding breed, they can chase cattle all day long, and that’s why your they need a reasonable amount of activity to stay healthy.

On average, Corgis have moderate exercise needs and must get at least one hour of exercise per day. Ideally, you would give your furry pal a mix of both physical activity and mental stimulation. This is an intelligent breed that can benefit tremendously from getting its brain cells actively engaged.

You should strive to provide your corgi with daily walks as well as some playtime with interactive toys or obstacle courses. Every now and then, at least a week, if possible, try to take your corgi to new, exciting areas. This way you will keep both its senses sharp, and its mind will get stimulation.

How to determine your corgi’s exercise needs

To determine how much and for how long your corgi should be exercised every day, take into consideration the following two factors: their age and their health condition.

Your Corgi’s Age

Your corgi’s exercise needs change and evolve as your pooch grows older. Puppies seem to have inexhaustible energy, but you cannot exercise them forever – you must protect their growing bones and joints. On the other side, senior dogs tend to take it easy as they age, preferring more relaxed activities.

Your Corgi’s Health

Conditions like heart problems or arthritis might mean adjusting your corgi’s activity levels. And if your pup is carrying a few extra pounds, you can’t just throw them into a marathon—start slow and build up their fitness. Always check with your vet before starting a new exercise routine to make sure it’s the right fit for your corgi.

How much exercise does a corgi pup need?

Little corgi puppies might seem like they’re always ready to go, but they actually can’t keep up with the big dogs just yet. Despite their seemingly inexhaustible energy, pups need a moderate amount of exercise and activity. Around 12 to 18 months of age your corgis can be exercised more actively.

Here’s a fun trick to figure out how much exercise your little corgi buddy needs: multiply their age in months by 5. That’s the maximum number of minutes they should be active each day. So, if your corgi pup is 5 months old, 25 minutes of playtime is just about enough.

Short, lively bursts of play (around 10 minutes) are perfect for them! Think lots of short games and maybe a quick stroll around the block.

Be careful not to overdo it. Long runs or walks can be too hard on corgi puppies because their bones and muscles are still developing and growing. Save the big adventures for when they’re older and stronger.

Always play it safe. Puppies love to get into mischief, so don’t play too rough, and stick to toys that are safe for their age. Playing with household items or letting them nibble on you might seem cute now, but it can turn into a big no-no when they grow older. Always keep boundaries and rules in mind to avoid teaching your dog undesirable behaviours.

How much exercise does an adult corgi need?

Once your puppy grows up and reaches maturity, it acquires all the energy and ability to handle strenuous exercise. A working breed like the corgi needs a minimum of 1 hour of exercise per day, but if you can give it better, the corgi will be more than happy.

How much exercise does a senior corgi need?

As they start to grow older, corgis may begin to grow more lethargic. Health problems might interfere with their energy levels and mobility. Regular exercise is still vital for your corgi’s physical fitness as well as its mental well-being, but you’ll have to take extra care to manage that. Here’s what you can do to keep activities healthy and avoid accidental trauma:

• Keep exercise moderate – a daily walk, playing fetch or a bit of swimming are always a good idea.
• Avoid high-impact exercises.
• Avoid rough play and intense games.
• Avoid slippery or steep surfaces.
• Let your dog set the pace,
• Don’t force your corgi to exert itself if it’s tired.
• Take extra precautions in hot weather.

The problem with not getting enough exercise

Not getting enough exercise can cause your corgi way more trouble than just packing on a few extra pounds. Think about serious stuff like arthritis and heart issues – yes, exercise is vital to your dog’s well-being.

But hold up, it’s not just their body that’s at risk. Your furry friend’s mind needs a workout too!

When dogs don’t get their daily dose of activity, they become little stress balls. Anxious, bored, and looking for trouble, they might start chewing up your favourite shoes or digging through the trash just to burn off energy or get your attention.

Remember, it’s not just about the physical exercise—make sure to challenge their brains too. After all, a tired dog is a good dog!

The health risks of too much exercise

Unfortunately, too much exercise can be just as bad as not enough of it. And it’s not just little pups or elderly dogs with health issues that might get injured if you put too much strain on them. Even a fit, healthy adult corgi can get hurt if you push them too hard.

Over-exercising or playing too hard can lead to all sorts of problems, such as sore, stiff muscles, damaged paw pads, limping, a lack of energy, unnecessary weight loss, and even heatstroke.

If you notice that your corgi slows down or struggles, it’s time to hit the pause button. Pay attention to the signs they’re giving you and figure out what they need to get back to their happy, healthy selves.

Always be careful when exercising your corgi. The breed is prone to developing hip and spine problems. That’s why it’s best to avoid making your corgi jump or putting excessive strain on its joints and muscles.