Corgis are one of the most beloved dog breeds in history. With their big ears, stubby legs, and wide bodies, corgis are irresistibly adorable. The breed’s history as herding and working dogs makes them an energetic, sweet family companion.
They also have a longstanding history as show dogs and carry the notoriety of being the chosen breed of the British royal family for decades. Corgis are trainable, sporty, and affectionate, which might explain why they have become so popular around the world over the last decade.
Despite their popularity, corgis are a breed disproportionately surrendered to shelters. This is a common plight for many purebreds, which can be prone to behavioral or health issues less common in mixed breeds, as well as for breeds with increased popularity.
Because of this, multiple breed-specific rescues exist that seek to rescue, rehabilitate, and place corgis in need in forever homes. These rescues choose to highlight and cater to the breed’s sporty, trainable nature with activities and shows aimed at raising awareness about the breed’s needs. Read on for 3 of the best corgi rescues serving the Ohio area.
1. Ohio Valley Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club
The Ohio Valley Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club was established in the early 1990s and is affiliated with the national Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.
The group is a multipurpose organization dedicated to the breed whose focus lay in its preservation and care. The OVPWCC is a proponent of safe breeding practices for the corgi breed, adhering to American Kennel Club standards and educating the public on proper care and training for the breed.
The OVPWCC is also involved in training the breed for competitions and shows. As an active breed with a history of herding and working outdoors, corgis are highly trainable. According to the group, competitive events are excellent outlets for the breed, allowing proper exercise while applying the dogs’ inherent skills.
Outside of their activism, the OVPWCC is heavily involved in rescue efforts. Their policy is to evaluate dogs for behavioral and medical issues before placing them with a suitable foster family while they await a permanent home.
To adopt, potential owners must fill out an extensive application with details regarding their home life, income, and prospective training and care methods. The $300 adoption fee goes directly to the group’s rescue efforts, ensuring that the adoption of one of the OVPWCC’s rescue dogs will benefit future corgis in need of rescue.
Corgi Rescue Information:
- Contact: Karen Strasser strasser@fuse.net or Kathy Shannon wyndfal@fuse.net
- Website: Ohio Valley Corgi Rescue
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
2. Howelling Kennels Corgi & Cattle Dog Rescue
Howelling Kennels is a unique rescue organization founded by a former breeder who shifted their focus to rescuing the breed they loved. The founder is also a professional trainer, able to evaluate and address behavioral issues in rescues before placing them with foster families.
Howelling Kennels is a 15-year-old organization that keeps a tight-knit roster of foster families and volunteers in order to efficiently help as many dogs as possible.
The organization’s mission is to rescue corgis and cattle dogs from situations in which owners cannot keep their dogs. They require an initial application with references, followed by a vet reference, interview, and home visit in order to be approved for adoption.
The rescue also requires that the adopter sign an adoption contract, binding the adopter to follow the rescue’s guidelines of care. As is the case with many breed-specific rescues, Howelling Kennels asks adopters who must later surrender their dogs to return them to the rescue rather than surrendering at a shelter.
Howelling Kennels relies on volunteers and donations to properly care for their dogs. In addition, they ask that friends of the rescue with means opt to sponsor one or more of their dogs to offset costs of medical care, food, and other expenses. Like most rescues, adoption fees are used for the care of other dogs in the rescue.
Corgi Rescue Information:
- Address: 207 Belleaire Ave, Springfield, OH 45503
- Phone number: Howelling Kennel Corgi Rescue Ohio
- Email: howellingcorgi@aol.com
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3. Corgi Rescue of Dayton
Corgi Rescue of Dayton is a 15-year-old rescue founded by a husband and wife team passionate about the breed. They retrieve dogs from shelters in and around Ohio in order to rehabilitate and rehome them. As a small rescue, Corgi Rescue of Dayton focuses much of its efforts on attending rescue events to raise awareness and connect with potential adopters.
The rescue prides itself on its commitment to protecting corgis. In their 15 years as an organization, Corgi Rescue of Dayton has saved over 450 dogs and placed them in loving permanent homes without any returns.
While their adoption process is expedited compared to some, the rescue takes the utmost care in finding appropriate homes for their dogs. The rescue is an extremely small organization, with little information available other than contact information, but its passion in its mission is clear.
Corgi Rescue Information:
- Address: 5006 Tewkesbury Drive, Huber Heights, OH 45424
- Email: cbrickner5006@gmail.com
- Website: Corgi Rescue of Dayton
Why Do People Surrender Corgis?
Though corgis are a beloved, highly trainable breed, here are some reasons why they may be put up for adoption:
Corgi’s are High Energy
Corgis are an energetic, loud breed. They bark at any and every unfamiliar thing, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those hoping for a nap partner.
They are also known for their boundless energy – today’s corgis are descended from working dogs who spent long days herding livestock, and their energy level remains the same. They might be portrayed in pop culture as couch potatoes, but corgis need lots of exercise and room to run off their energy or they can become destructive.
Corgi’s May have Aggressive Behavior
Corgis are working dogs, historically bred to herd livestock. This herding behavior will often show itself even in family pets, who will attempt to “herd” other pets or family. Herding behavior often involves light nipping, but sometimes nipping and “bossiness” can turn into aggression.
For these dogs, behavioral intervention should help; however, those who have gone without behavioral training and bitten family members may be surrendered to a shelter or rescue.
Corgi’s Shed a Lot
Corgis have thick, medium-to-long fur. They require regular professional grooming to prevent skin issues and fur mats. Corgis shed year-round, regardless of season, though shedding may increase in warmer months.
This is not ideal for those who can’t stand fur on clothing, furniture, or anywhere else in the home. In addition, their constant shedding makes them a bad match for those with severe allergies. Those who adopt a corgi may discover that they’re just not compatible with their allergies or home.
Corgi’s Have Medical Problems
Corgis are not known for being a hardy breed. They require specialized feeding schedules and food to avoid triggering allergies or becoming overweight. Regardless of their weight, corgis are at extremely high risk of developing back and spine issues due to their unconventional shape.
Related, corgis are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can be debilitating and expensive to remedy. Lesser issues include skin problems and allergies. For some, expensive veterinary bills, unfortunately, become the catalyst to surrendering their pet to a shelter or rescue.
Owners May have Health Issues or Passed Away
This is an unfortunate but not uncommon occurrence. Sometimes, a dog owner dies and there is no one to take in their beloved pet. In this instance, the dog must be surrendered to a shelter or rescue in the hopes that it will find a loving family.
Conclusion for Corgi Rescues in Ohio
Dogs are members of the family. They love and support us without question and rely on us for their care, for learning, entertainment, and companionship. When adopting a dog, a lifelong commitment is made to keep the animal safe and healthy. Surrendering a pet should be an absolute worst-case scenario, but it is a scenario that is unfortunately common – for the right and wrong reasons.
These rescues in Ohio are doing their part to better the lives of countless corgis. If you or someone you know is thinking about adopting a corgi, please consider rescuing rather than buying. By rescuing a dog from a shelter or rescue, breed-specific or not, we can make a difference or even save a life.
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