There is no dog quite like the Welsh Corgi. With their long bodies, short little legs, and giant, foxy ears, they look like no other breed on Earth. And at the very end of this adorable package sits a superstar: the Corgi butt. It is fluffy, it is round, and it has become an internet legend. People from all over the world share pictures and videos of these famous derrières just to get a smile. But what makes a Corgi’s rear so special, and why does it do such strange and wonderful things?
To truly know the Corgi, you have to start from the back. This article will explore the unique science behind the bubble butt, the adorable sitting position known as the sploot, and the interesting history of their tails. We will also look at how long these loyal dogs live and if their unique chest shape matters for their health. Whether you are a new Corgi owner, a long-time fan, or just someone who needs a little cuteness in their day, get ready to learn all about the magnificent Corgi butt.
The Two Faces of Corgi
Before we look at the tail, we must look at the breed. There are actually two different types of Corgis:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. While they look similar, they have different histories. Cardigan Corgis are the older breed. Their ancestors came to Wales with Celtic tribes thousands of years ago, and they are actually descended from the same lineage as Dachshunds. Pembroke Corgis came later, brought to Wales by the Vikings around 1,000 years ago.
One of the biggest differences between the two is their tails. Cardigans always keep their long, beautiful, bushy tails that look like a fox’s brush. But the Pembroke is typically known for having a “nub.” However, this look is usually not natural. Most Pembrokes are actually born with tails. So, why do many lack them?
The Truth About the Tail
This leads us to the first of our frequently asked questions: Why do Corgis have their tails removed? The answer is a mix of history, tradition, and breed standards. Long ago, there was a tax or a fee on working dogs in some parts of Europe. People would cut off their dog's tail as a way to prove the dog was a working pet and not a luxury animal, so the owner did not have to pay the tax.
For Pembrokes, the tradition of tail docking (which is the medical term for cutting off part of the tail) continued for function. Corgis are herding dogs. They were bred to nip at the heels of cattle and sheep.
Today, the practice is very controversial. Many countries have banned tail docking because it is seen as cosmetic and unnecessary. It is important to know that some Pembrokes are actually born with a natural bobtail because of a specific gene. But these are much rarer. If you see a Pembroke with a fluffy, long tail, it is likely the owner chose to leave it natural. The genetic science is serious too: if two true bobtail dogs are bred together, the puppies can have severe birth defects and may not survive.
The Science of the Bubble Butt
Now that we know about the tail, let's talk about the rest of the hindquarters. Why is the Corgi butt so famously round and fluffy? Experts have a fascinating answer for this. A Corgi’s rear end is not just full of fluff; it is full of fat. Because of their genetic dwarfism (the reason for those short legs), their body weight is distributed uniquely. A large amount of their body mass is pushed toward their back end. Their butts are estimated to be made of nearly 80 percent fat instead of muscle.
This creates a very round, soft, and bubble-like shape that owners love to squeeze. But this fat content also does something magical: it makes the Corgi butt float! Have you ever seen a video of a Corgi swimming? The front of the dog is paddling, but the back end bobs on top of the water like a little buoy. Because fat is less dense than muscle or bone, the rear is naturally more buoyant. It acts like a personal flotation device. Their thick, double-layered coat also traps air, adding help them stay afloat. If you take your Corgi swimming, you might not need a life jacket for their back, but you should still watch them closely.
The Adorable Sploot
Another reason the Corgi butt is famous is because of how they sit. You have likely seen it: the dog lies flat on its belly with its front paws pointing forward and both back legs stretched out straight behind them, like a flying frog. This is called a sploot.
Why do Corgis like to sploot? It looks funny, but it is actually very practical. Short-legged dogs like Corgis have unique hip structures. For them, the sploot is simply a comfortable and relaxing way to lie down. It helps them stretch their hips, lower back, and hamstrings. It is like a dog’s version of doing yoga. There is also a practical reason for cooling down. A Corgi has a thick double coat to keep warm in cold weather, but this can make them hot in the summer. By lying flat on a cool floor, like tile or wood, with their belly exposed and legs spread out, they lower their body temperature quickly.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Corgi?
A happy Corgi is a healthy Corgi. On average, the life expectancy of a Corgi is excellent for a purebred dog. According to the American Kennel Club, most Corgis live between 12 and 13 years. With excellent veterinary care and lots of love, it is very common for them to reach 15 years, and some have even been known to live up to 17 years old.
Because of their unique long body shape, Corgis are prone to a few specific health issues. The most common is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is a spinal condition that can cause back pain and even paralysis. Keeping your Corgi at a healthy, lean weight is the best way to prevent this, as extra pounds put huge pressure on their long spine. They are also prone to obesity (because they love to eat), so owners need to be strict with treats.
Is Corgi Deep-Chested?
Finally, we come to the front of the body. Is Corgi deep-chested? The answer here is a bit technical but interesting. While many people think Corgis have deep chests because they look barrel-shaped, experts classify them differently. When you look at a Corgi from the front, their chest is round and wide, more like the shape of a circle or an egg. This is called a “barrel chest” or “round chest”. A true deep-chested dog (like a Great Dane or Doberman) has a chest that is narrow from side to side but extends very far down, often lower than the elbows.
Corgis do have wide, strong ribs that give them a sturdy look, but they are not considered a high-risk breed for the dangerous condition associated with deep chests, which is bloat (GDV). So, while their chests are big and powerful for their size, they are round, not deep.
Conclusion
The Corgi is more than just a cute face; it is a marvel of canine design. From the bubble butt that floats like a boat to the strange, funny sploot that keeps them cool, every part of this dog has a story. They are ancient herders with the heart of a lion, stuffed into the body of a very funny-looking fox.
Whether you prefer the tailless look of the Pembroke or the fluffy tail of the Cardigan, the one thing all Corgi owners agree on is that life is never boring with these dogs. They are loud, they are smart, and they will make you laugh every single day. Give your Corgi’s butt a pat today, and remember to appreciate the weird, wonderful science behind that fluffy wiggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do corgis have their tails removed?
Most often, it is for tradition. Pembroke Welsh Corgis had their tails docked (cut short) to prevent them from being stepped on by cattle while herding. Today, it is mostly done to meet a specific breed standard for dog shows, though the practice is becoming less common and is banned in many countries.
Why do corgis like to sploot?
Corgis sploot to stretch their hips, relieve tension in their lower back, and cool down on a hot day. Lying flat on a cool floor with their legs stretched out helps them regulate their body temperature quickly.
What is the life expectancy of a corgi?
The average life expectancy of a Corgi is 12 to 13 years. With good care, many live to be 15 years old, and some can even reach 17 years.
Is a corgi deep-chested?
No, most Corgis are barrel-chested (or round-chested). This means their chest is wide and round when viewed from the front, rather than being narrow and extremely deep like a Greyhound or Great Dane.