Are Corgis Aggressive Dogs? The Truth About The Breed
When you hear a corgi bark, you may wonder whether they’re an aggressive breed.
After all, that bark sounds like it belongs to a much bigger, scarier dog!
But while corgis are sometimes a little stubborn by nature, they’re not inherently aggressive dogs. In fact, they’re quite the opposite. They’re very playful, loyal dogs that love nothing more than human companionship.
Of course, like any dog breed, if a corgi is poorly treated or not properly trained or socialized, they may display aggressive behavior.
Keep reading to find out why your corgi might be displaying signs of aggression and quick tips on how to nip behavioral problems in the bud.
Are corgis protective?
Unlike dog breeds such as German Shepherd, Dobermann, Rottweiler, and Giant Schnauzer, Corgis weren’t bred to be guard dogs. They were bred to be herding dogs.
Their small size makes them perfect for rounding up cattle without getting kicked in the head. It doesn’t make them ideal for intimidating strangers!
That being said, corgis are fiercely loyal and have an extremely loud bark. Those two qualities help to make them a protective breed and a great watchdog that will alert you to unusual sights, sounds and people.
Are corgis aggressive with other pets?
If corgis are socialized from an early age, they won’t be aggressive with other pets. In fact, corgis tend to get along really well with other animals in the household!
The best way to ensure a harmonious relationship between your corgi and other pets is to introduce them gradually and don’t make their first meeting in the home.
If you’re introducing your corgi to another dog, begin with a walk in neutral territory to allow them to sniff and greet each other. When it’s time to return home, keep the dogs separated to give them time to get used to each other—this is especially important during feeding times.
If you’re introducing your corgi to a cat, make sure they’re on the leash at first. Provide ample space and escape routes for your cat to flee if they’re feeling nervous, and make sure to reward your corgi with treats when they’re calm.
Are corgis safe around children?
Yes, corgis are safe around children. In fact, kids and corgis usually get along great thanks to their small size, high energy levels, and playful nature.
To ensure that your corgi is well behaved around little ones, make sure they’ve been socialized and properly trained from a young age. This will help them learn appropriate behavior and how to interact with children safely.
The only other thing to watch out for is ‘nipping’. Originally herding dogs, corgis sometimes still nip at the heels of their owners and family members in the same way that they did to cattle. This is usually very gentle (and doesn’t happen very often), but it’s something to be aware of.
Why is my corgi aggressive?
If your corgi is showing signs of aggression, there may be an underlying reason for this behavior.
Keep reading for 5 tips to manage corgi behavioral problems before they get out of hand.
5 quick tips to manage corgi behavioral problems
1. Provide consistent training
If your corgi is being aggressive, it may be because they haven’t been properly trained. Corgis are highly intelligent dogs that learn commands quickly and thrive on routine.
This makes them relatively easy to train—but it also means that without consistent training and obedience, they’ll run rings around you!
Make sure you start training your corgi as a puppy, but even if they’re a little bit older it’s not too late. You can implement a training program yourself or enlist the help of a professional trainer. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and discourage undesirable behavior.
2. Exercise them regularly
Don’t be deceived—corgis might be small but they need a lot of exercise! At least 60 minutes per day.
Without lots of physical exercise, they will become bored, frustrated and potentially aggressive, too.
I take Winston my corgi out twice a day for 30 minute walks to the park and play fetch with him in my apartment throughout the day. If you’re unable to commit to regular walks, consider hiring a dog walker or dropping your corgi off at doggy day care to burn off excess energy.
3. Start socialization from an early age
Proper socialization is important for all dogs, but particularly corgis, who can be timid around unfamiliar people or situations.
When I rehomed Winston at 12 months old, he’d only ever socialized with his brother. After lots of socialization he’s still quite scared around other dogs, but it’s something we’re constantly working on.
If you want your corgi to get along with all humans and four-legged friends alike, expose them to a variety of people, places and experiences early on. This will teach them to handle new situations with ease and reduce anxiety.
4. Provide mental stimulation
As mentioned above, corgis are highly intelligent dogs that need lots of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without this, they can get bored—and boredom sometimes leads to behavioral issues like aggression.
To avoid this, provide your corgi with a variety of puzzle toys to keep their mind active or consider teaching them a new command or trick.
5. Seek professional help
If you’ve tried the tips above and your corgi is still displaying signs of aggression, it might be time to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
They can provide you with a customized training plan and techniques to manage your corgi’s behavioral problems.
Related questions
Are corgis hard to own?
Compared to many other dog breeds, corgis are not a hard dog breed to own. They’re easy going dogs that are just as happy living in a small apartment as they are living in a house with a big garden. Just remember—corgis may be small, but they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
The cons of owning a corgi
Some of the ‘cons’ of owning a corgi include the fact that they shed every single day, they can have a tendency to bark and they need a fair amount of daily exercise. At least 60 minutes per day.
How to train a corgi not to bite
One way to train your corgi not to bite is to stop and wait. For example, if your corgi keeps biting your toes, don’t wander around the room in an effort to shake him off. Instead, stand still, avoid eye contact, and wait until your corgi gives up. This teaches your corgi that biting will lead to them being ignored.
