Can Corgis Hike? Breed Facts, FAQ & Advice

Corgis have short little legs, so it’s common to assume that they cannot handle long walks or do much hiking. After all, children can barely handle such things. However, the truth is that both types of Corgis — the Cardigan Welsh and the Pembroke — make awesome hiking companions. These are athletic dogs that were literally born to work herding cattle on mountainous terrain, so it’s no wonder that they can keep up on the average hiking trail. Here’s what you should know about hiking with Corgis.

Why Are Corgis Considered Good Hiking Dogs?

Corgis were bred to be athletic, and their bodies were designed to traverse trails, mountainous ranges, and uneven pathways. They have small legs that can be deceiving because those legs are strong and agile. Their long bodies make it easy for them to travel when the ground is not level. These are extremely active dogs, so they require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives, and hiking is a great way to provide them with that exercise.

Can Corgis Hike on Harsh Terrain?

Corgis can hike on trails that are not completely flat, as their bodies are excellent at traversing naturally sloping land and uneven surfaces. They can also scale mountains with small natural inclines. However, their small legs do make it hard for them to traverse rocky areas where they must climb straight up or jump high to reach new surfaces.

How Far Can Corgis Hike?

Corgis have a large amount of energy and should get at least 1 hour of exercise each day, but they can typically go longer when permitted to. Therefore, you can expect an adult Corgi in good health to keep up on a hike for a good 3 miles, if not farther. Some athletic Corgis that are in good shape can hike up to 8 miles at a time! The distance that this breed can hike will depend on the terrain, the outdoor temperature, and the age and health of the specific dog.

Tips for Ensuring Successful Hikes With Your Corgi

Corgis are great hikers, but that doesn’t mean they are always safe on the hiking trail. Dangerous snakes and ledges where they can fall from are just two examples of dangers that you might face while hiking with your dog. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these dangers and ensure a successful hiking experience every time you head out with your Corgi:

• Always Keep Your Dog Leashed — Corgis are naturally curious dogs and can easily stray off the trail during a hike due to distractions. You never know what’s off the trail, and you can’t protect your pup when they go places where you’re not. Therefore, it’s important to keep your dog leashed while on hikes. A leashed dog is less likely to combat a snake or fall off a ledge too.
• Choose Trails With Plenty of Flat Terrain — Although Corgis are athletic, hiking (especially on rough terrain) is harsh on the joints. Regular hiking on inconsistent terrain can contribute to the development of health problems in the long term, such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Therefore, it's a good idea to pick hiking trails that offer plenty of flat terrain between inconsistent terrain, so your dog’s joints have a chance to rest and don’t get too overburdened.
• Bring Along Water and Shade If Necessary — Corgis can overheat on the hiking trail if they get dehydrated or too hot. So, it’s important to bring along at least half as much water for your Corgi as you do for yourself. If there will not be trees or other sources of shade on the hiking trail, consider bringing along a small umbrella for relief when necessary.

Bottom Line

Corgis are great hikers and make for adventurous companions on the hiking trail. Puppies and older dogs can’t go as far as healthy young and middle-aged adults, but all Corgis can do some form of hiking if they can get around on their own. Hiking with your Corgi is a great way to bond with each other and develop a lifelong relationship that’s positive and healthy.

Featured Image Credit: ElfinFox, Pixabay