Good awareness to have early, Rachel — most owners don't learn this until something happens. For anyone considering a Corgi and wanting to talk to a breeder about the line's history with back issues: allinpets.com/pets/dogs/corgi

ngl this thread is making me paranoid for my friend's corgi too lol. didn't know this was a whole breed thing. thanks for the heads up Rachel

We don't have a Corgi but our vet told us something similar about Dachshunds at a checkup once — apparently it's the same body type issue. A baby gate at the bottom of stairs and a ramp for the couch solved most of it for friends of ours with a Dachshund. Cheap fixes, big difference long term.

Jasmine's list is the right one. Add: no being picked up under the front legs only — always support the full length of the spine when lifting, hand under the chest and hand under the rear. People don't think about this but it matters a lot for these builds.

You're not spiraling — IVDD risk in Corgis is real and well-documented, it's a known issue with chondrodystrophic breeds (short-legged, long-backed dogs). The good news is it's largely preventable through management. No jumping on/off furniture, ramps or stairs instead of leaps, controlled weight (extra weight on that spine structure compounds risk significantly), and avoiding rough play that involves twisting motions. Annual checks with a vet who knows the breed are worth it.