Disclosure: This review is based on a product provided to me by a representative of the SturdiBag company.
One of the biggest challenges of having corgis is how long they are. Sure, they are short dogs, usually only about 12 inches in height, and they often weight in the 25lb or under range, but they have long backs and generally will not fit in a soft sided carrier. When I considered flying with Eve to the Blogpaws Conference, I took her to a local store and stood her next to the largest under-seat carrier they had and there was no way she would fit in it! So, off I went to the conference by myself where, lo and behold, I learned that the SturdiBag company made a carrier especially for corgis! Obviously, I asked to try one out.
The Sturdi Products Inc. designed the XXL SturdiBag™ specifically with corgis in mind. The XXL SturdiBag™ Pet Carrier has dimensions of 15 H x 15 W x 23 D inches. It is that 23 figure that is key. Normally, pet airline carriers end at around 18 inches. This is not to say you can get away with carrying it on an airplane though. The answer to that is maybe. More on that in a bit.
“Like all members of our families, we want our pets to have a safe and comfortable experience while on the road,” says Penny Johnson, CEO of Sturdi Products Inc.,“Whether by car, plane, train or bus, the XXL SturdiBag has been specifically designed for Corgi’s unique length, weight and size. It’s truly the perfect carrier for traveling Corgis everywhere!”
The product features include:
- Designed to hold up to 50 poundsD
- Durable 600 denier polyester, feather light construction.
- Adjustable 4-point padded shoulder strap
- Retractable privacy flaps on all mesh windows
- Seat belt safety straps
- Interior fleece pad (included)
- Ring inside SturdiBag for tether attachment (tether included
- Base board to prevent sagging
- Rear storage pocket
- Top opening for easy access.
I was quite impressed with the bag. First off, it is indeed long enough. Both of my dogs can stand up and turn around in the bag and ft comfortably all the way inside.
Turning around and entering and exiting was no problem for either dog.
Construction of the bag is quite good. It is very durable and comes with a nice floor pad that has a stiff underside to keep the bag in shape. It also has extra features, such as a tether ring and tether. The handles are very adjustable and the bag is easy to carry. There is a back pocket for storage.
Something I really like is the top opening. This can be closed fully, or it can be partially opened so that the mesh covers the top. Or you can open it all the way. Of course, if you do that, a head will likely pop out, possibly to be followed by the entire dog, so I wouldn’t go opening this in a busy airport or train station without already having the dog tethered.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the bag. It is high quality and it fits corgis perfectly. So, now the big question is whether it will work in a commercial airplane cabin. I’m told that there are reports of people using it to take corgis in the cabin under the seat, but I have my doubts about that. Most airline seats have as low as 7 inches and as high as perhaps 12 inches of height, but I am not aware of any that would meet the bag’s 15 inch size. The top is flexible though, so it could fit, but would get smashed down some. Most airline seats also range in the 15 to 17 inch range for depth (see dog jaunt for various measurements). So, I just don’t see how this bag would fit under an airline seat without sticking way out into the footing area. It also looks quite large in person, so I don’t think slipping it by the gate agents would be very likely. Thus, I don’t plan to try it. But I do think it is a great bag as a general carrier and it would be great for other forms of transportation where it might fit but requires a bag, such as on trains or buses that allow restrained pets.
Eve disapproves that we will be going to Aruba without her this winter.
Learn more about the StudiBag XXL Corgi Carrier.
You can also follow the brand here:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.
Twitter: @sturdiproducts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.
Nichole says
We don’t use carriers (the Lapdogs are a bit too large, BOL) but this one looks fantastic! It looks stylish, but is very functional too – best of both worlds.
Sherri Telenko says
I haven’t put my schnoodle in a carrier either, but if I ever have to this might work in one size bigger (if there is one). He’s about 27 pounds – still small enough for me to lift easily.
Valerie says
Corgis are just so adorable!! These seem like great carriers! Very functional. I usually can’t take my dogs on airplane trips because they are too big and it’s just too much fuss for a short term period!
Rochelle says
What cuties!!! Henry is about 21 pounds, so he JUST fits in the Sherpa large size. What a great idea to design a product with long dogs like Corgis in mind! So great!
Lola The Rescued Cat says
We’ve been wanting to try a sturdi bag for a while. Thanks for the review and info.
Talent Hounds says
I’d love to try one of these bags for Kilo the Pug. He is under 20lbs but quite long and stocky. They look great.
Ruth Epstein says
I have a carrier but hardly use it plus not really happy with it, so will for definite look into these
Sweet Purrfections says
Glad you found a carrier Eve can fit in, but sad you can’t fly with it.
Sadie says
BOL, the second last photo could be captioned ‘where are we going.’ Prior to the disapproving face. I love that the carrier lets in so much light!
Maureen says
My dogs are too big for a carrier but these look wonderfully comfortable! BTW your pictures are adorable and capture the moments beautifully!
Beth Patterson says
This looks like a great carrier. I don’t blame for disapproving of your vacation without her!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
I didn’t know they made that size specifically for Corgis. Luckily, Mr. N isn’t too hard to fit in that regard.
Cathy Armato says
This looks like a great bag! My little Havanese mix, Phoebe is rather long considering her small size. I had some trouble finding the right carrier to fit on a plane. I did a lot of research in that area and I agree that this bag probably won’t fit under the seat; the height of the bag may be ok but the length is an issue – it has to get completely under the seat to be accepted. every airline is different with Jet Blue having the smallest requirements and usually Delta having the most generous size requirements. It’s still great for road travel and other uses though.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Gone to the Snow Dogs says
Adorable. . . but I don’t think huskies will fit inside! 😛
DIY Dog Mom says
I’ve been looking for a good bag for my little one so I will look into this, thanks for the review on it!
RascalandRocco says
Looks like a cozy way to travel! Your Corgi’s seem to like it!
Dianna C. Lincoln says
That seems a good product. I have not ever used carrier before but this one look quite useful for dog owner. Thank you for review.
Rachel says
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Lindsay Makowski says
Do you still use this carrier? Do you still feel it’s worth the money? I live on a second floor apartment with no elevator and I need something to carry my senior Corgi up and down. He’s 28 lbs. I’m desperate to find something to make his life easier. Thanks in advance!
Carleen says
Hi! Yes, I still recommend this carrier. It is well made and the longer length makes it good for fitting a corgi. My only issue with it for carrying up stairs is that the longer length also makes it a bit more bulky, but then all carriers will be bulky to some extent and you do want your dog to be comfortable in it.