Whether you choose a Pembroke, a Cardigan, or a mix, there’s no such thing as a bad Welsh Corgi. There are, however, bad owners and corgis who are not in ideal health because of improper breeding or abuse.

If you’re looking for a pet corgi instead of a show dog, consider adopting one through a corgi rescue organization or your local animal kill shelter. Don’t be concerned about bloodlines. A corgi mix will be as good for you as a purebred.

Consider adopting an older corgi that is available through a kill shelter. If you don’t, chances are the dog will be put to sleep. While a puppy is cute, there is more competition for them when rescuing a corgi. Yes, you can save a life in the process of adopting the newest four-legged member into your family.

It isn’t difficult to pick a corgi that you want to bring home except you may want to adopt every one that you meet. You’ll know when you spot the right one(s) for you. There’s a certain instant bonding between you…from the first time you meet, you’ll know.

In addition to being filled with unconditional love and affection, corgis are bundles of energy. This means that you’ll want to choose a corgi that fits your exercise patterns. If you’re not willing to take at least a daily walk with your corgi, visit a local dog park regularly, or have an exercise yard in which to play, you should consider adopting an older corgi that has a less active lifestyle. Puppies and young corgis need regular exercise in order to avoid obesity and the related health conditions that come with being overweight.

Once you make the decision, remember to spay or neuter your corgi. Although a world filled with corgis would be one filled with unconditional love, sadly there are many dogs that are never purchased or adopted that end up being put to sleep because supply outstrips demand. Getting your corgi fixed won’t make it less of a dog. It will, however, make you more humane because you’re sparing future litters from death.

Remember that a corgi, like all dogs, is a commitment for life — not something to discard when it is inconvenient to have one. A new love interest, spouse, newborn, allergies, relocation, etc. is not a reason to abandon your corgi. Let’s face it. The person who dumps a dog for any of these excuses isn’t fit to be a pet owner or a good spouse or parent for that matter.

If you want a show dog, there will be other articles posted on this site that will provide you with the key characteristics you’re looking for both in your prospective corgi and in the breeder. Unless you absolutely must have a purebred for competition purposes, consider rescuing a corgi or corgi mix instead.

In the end, remember that you should choose what’s best for the corgi in addition to what’s best for you — both in the short-term and for the next 10+ years that you can expect to share with your corgi. You don’t have to be the perfect owner or compete with the Joneses in how you spend time with your dog. You do, however, need to commit to making a loving home for your corgi. That’s what makes a “good corgi” and you a better person in the process.