ASK THE DOG EXPERT

Farmer and founder of The Animal Behaviour Centre, Dr Roger Mugford is a leading animal psychologist and counts the Queen and her corgis among his many clients

Q Do little dogs need less exercise than bigger ones?

A Actually, no. Breed and temperament are much better indicators of how often to walk a dog. Jack Russells, for example, tend to have boundless energy while greyhounds can have less stamina than people expect. It often comes down to the dog’s personality. I had a German shorthaired pointer who would follow me on my tractor all day.

Q Surely small dogs eat less?

A Yes, they do need less food. Pet food usually carries advice (based on research) about the calorific needs of different sizes of dog. But the portion recommendations can be excessive. Obesity is public enemy number one for dog health. Watch your pet’s weight and restrict their food if necessary.

Q Corgis shed lots of hair. Any tips for managing that?

A I’ve had three corgis, so I know they’re hairy dogs. They’re also seasonal shedders. In spring and autumn, their hair gets everywhere. I used to pluck or ‘hand strip’ them, pulling out loose hairs by hand. I’d do it outside: it’s a messy job.

Q You trained the Queen’s corgis. Were they well-behaved?

A When I visited her, the Queen had nine dogs and they were well managed and obedient. I was only brought in because one of them, a corgi called Chippy, had started picking fights with the pack. It was a pleasure to work with the Queen because she’s so knowledgeable and caring. She’s spent her whole life around dogs, so she’s a fantastic trainer herself. But she’s also just a hands-on, ‘ordinary’ pet owner. When she used to travel from Windsor to Buckingham Palace, she’d load the dogs into an anonymous-looking Vauxhall and drive them there herself!