To be honest– Corgis are overrated.
Why Fort Collins’ craze for these loaf-of-bread-shaped dogs is undeserved and problematic.
I know what you might be thinking — "how could someone hate Corgis?"
Please, let me explain myself.
First off, I don't hate Corgis, or as they are sometimes referred to more properly as Pembroke Welsh Corgis. In fact, I have no strong distaste for these stubby-legged dogs. However, with Fort Collin’s upcoming annual Tour de Corgi, I think it's important to explore the idea that perhaps Corgis do not deserve to be the face of a celebratory event.
Over recent years, Corgis have gained more popularity as they have been featured on social media and in the Netflix series “The Crown.” I cannot open Instagram or TikTok without seeing a small Corgi running through a field or shaking its behind.
Their notoriety in the media is not surprising, as I will be the first to admit that these dogs are pretty darn cute. Their small, rectangular bodies, big ears and nubby tail make them prime targets for videos and pictures that can spread like wildfire.
Corgis’ prevalence on our phone screens is not where I am concerned. Instead, it is the manifestation of people’s desire to show off their pooch and create events to promote this breed that bothers me — like Tour de Corgi.
Next Saturday, October 2, Corgi owners from across Fort Collins will bring their pooch dressed in its best costume and parade through Old Town for Tour De Corgi. In 2019, Tour de Corgi was estimated to have had around 400 Corgi attendees. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Tour De Corgi was canceled.
Now that it is returning in 2021, I anticipate a big turnout.
Tour de Corgi, purposefully or not, promotes Corgis as “the perfect dog” and to be desired by Fort Collins Residents. This event, and similar Corgi-festivals across the United States, contribute to more and more people purchasing this dog breed to be a part of the Corgi community.
The problem is Corgis are far from the ideal dog.
To keep things simple, here is a list of just a few reasons for Fort Collins residents to avoid this breed:
- Health Conditions — Corgis are prone to severe health conditions such as intervertebral disc disease and canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Medical treatment for helping these diseases on average adds up to $10,000. With an average yearly income of around $40,000, most Fort Collins residents, could not afford to properly take care of these dogs.
- Improper Breeding — Corgis are costly as most people spend between $400 to $4,000 just on purchasing the dog. Those who find “cheap” Corgis likely purchased them from poor breeding facilities. The risen popularity of Corgis has increased unethical breeding. Fort Collins loves its dogs and its people should likewise stay away from contributing to the ongoing overbreeding of Corgis.
- Not the most’ Family Friendly’ — Corgis were initially bred to herd livestock. I suspect most Fort Collins residents do not have sheep or cows in their apartments or roaming around in their tiny, suburban backyards. But many Fort Collins inhabitants have young siblings or small children in their homes. Corgis are known for following their instincts and commonly “herd” children by biting at their ankles making them dogs to avoid for families.
I want to recognize the upsides of the Tour de Corgi and other Corgi-related attractions. These celebrations bring together communities and raise a substantial amount of money for dog rescues and services.
Nevertheless, I think the issues surrounding Corgis outway the positive impacts of these events. I only provided a handful of the numerous reasons why Corgis should not be anyone’s first choice in choosing a dog.
With these faults in mind, I think the Tour de Corgi should be replaced by another dog charity and community event that promotes a healthier breed.
Ashley Pieske, a Fort Collins resident and prospective Corgi owner disagreed with my proposal.
“I think Corgis are unique, people always want to approach them, they make everyone happy and I love that they become a part of the identity of the people who own them. I don’t think any other breed could replace the Corgi culture,” Pieske said.
Is maintaining what's popular in culture worth the harm of elevating Corgis?
If you see my side, do not attend Tour de Corgi.
Instead, donate to local Fort Collins dog charities on your own terms and walk in confidence knowing that you are not furthering the propaganda of Corgi ownership.
Here are some Fort Collins dog charities and causes you can donate to:
