I did not have my first dog until my junior year of high school. As long as I can remember, my house has been covered in cats, and every single one was adorable and cuddly. I remember always asking my parents if we could get a dog, and always being met with resistance and a firm "no".

Until my dad discovered the majestic creatures known as corgis.

Corgis are herding dogs, originally thought to be from Wales. They are the fluffiest little balls of cute you've ever seen, and ridiculously affectionate to boot. Ever since my dad learned of these little guys, he went on the hunt for one. Sure enough, a week later, we were blessed with the monster of cute seen in the above picture.

As a loyal servant to the adorable ruler of the house, I must tell you exactly why Corgis make the perfect first dog, and the perfect best friend.

1. Their disproportionate body parts

Just look at the size of those ears! Of course, they can't hear when you want to yell at them for knocking over a candle (yes, I know it was you), but they sure can hear when the can of food is being opened for dinner. Even better still, those little legs can carry them incredibly far in a matter of seconds.

2. They're astonishingly fluffy

I mean, look at that proud tuft. Petting a corgi is just losing yourself in a mass of soft fur and cuddles.

3. They are always down to cuddle

Whenever I've had a bad day, I can always count on my favorite corgi to climb on top of me and shower me in affection until the worst parts of my day are long forgotten. The best times are when I have to pick her up and put her on the couch because her legs are so short, she can't make the jump up to me. Epitome of cute.

4. They have permanent smiles

I have yet to ever see my dog without a smile on her face. I just take one look, and instantly I too am smiling, because she's always happy - and a happy dog equals a happy me.

You could say that this applies to all dogs, and sure, it could. However, there's something about corgis that no other dog possesses. The way they hop in snow because their legs are too short to walk through it, and the way they run behind you to make sure you're moving (per typical herding nature), are just some of the other qualities on a long list that make corgis a premiere choice for first time dog owners. You will not only have an adorable fluff ball to call your own, but you will have a life long best friend who loves you unconditionally.