Corgis are a stocky and sturdy breed that hails from Wales. They have lush double coats that help provide resistance to cold and insulation in cold weather; they can have fun in the cold. However, they can still get too cold. All dogs have their limits.
While some may think Corgis won’t like the cold because they’re closer to the ground than other breeds due to their short legs, this isn’t the case. Corgis will enjoy the cold, but they can get wet more easily because of their height. Wet fur stays cold, meaning you’ll need to look out for your corgi in bitter temperatures or snow.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
Corgis can manage reasonably well in colder temperatures, but they will need monitoring in temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Walks should be shorter and around 30 minutes, if possible. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur at lower temperatures. A corgi’s pads aren’t adapted to walking on icy ground. Most importantly, check for signs of injury or frostbite, which include:
- Discolored skin, such as reddened skin, white blanching, or in severe cases, black.
- Cracks or lesions in the pads.
- Pain and reluctance to walk.
If you notice any of the above signs when out in the cold, get your corgi into the warm and contact your vet, as frostbite can lead to dead tissue and necrosis in extreme cases.
Can The Weather Change How Much Cold a Corgi Can Manage?
The weather affects how much cold your corgi will be able to manage when out and about. A corgi can manage well in the cold in sunny, calm weather. However, if the wind chill (or, more importantly, rain) and the temperature is low, keep your corgi’s time outside limited.
It’ll be tough for them to get warm when their fur is wet since it can’t insulate them against the cold as well. This means they’re more at risk of hypothermia, so preventing them from getting wet with a jacket can help if you’re venturing out.
Do Corgis Like Snow?
Because corgis are hardy and have thick double coats, they can enjoy their time out in the snow. Snow is a novel experience for them most of the time, so if they’re kept warm, they’ll likely love frolicking in it.
It’s best to keep your corgi inside if it’s freezing, as they can handle short periods in the snow but can quickly get too cold because of their height. Also, while their short statures won’t usually hold them back, their undercarriage can become wet in deep snow.
How Do I Know If My Corgi Is Too Cold?
If you’re going out in the cold with your corgi, it’s a good idea to watch for signs of hypothermia. Some signs appear before others, and others are quite subtle.
- Shivering (to generate) body heat.
- Whimpering or crying, indicating discomfort or pain.
- Scratch a door (if close to home) to go back inside.
- Curling up—dogs curl up when cold to conserve body heat.
- Limping or changes in gait (indicating that pads are sore).
- Lethargy or unconsciousness. If your corgi loses consciousness, they’re dangerously cold, and hypothermia has set in. You must get them into a warm place as soon as possible and call the vet.
Conclusion
If they’re walking in the cold, the walk should be kept to 30 minutes or less if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should check the weather before leaving to make sure your corgi is well-equipped. A sunny, dry day with snow on the ground will allow your dog to have a lot of fun. However, your corgi may become uncomfortable more quickly if it’s raining or bitterly cold. A coat can keep them warm if you wish to take them out, but the best thing to do is to stay close to home and let them have fun while keeping an eye on them.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
