No matter if you’re looking at Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgis, you’d want to know about their temperament and behavior. Any future owner has to know are corgis aggressive and other facts about the breed’s temperament.
This is primarily a concern if you have a big family or other pets. Even if you don’t, you’d still want to find out more about the breed you plan on adopting.
So, are corgis aggressive, and what is their overall temperament?
Below you can find answers to many burning questions about these cute but stubborn little canines.
Are Corgis Aggressive?
Corgis are a bossy and feisty breed that can be aggressive. While they are not vicious, they can show signs of aggression, especially if you didn’t train them on time.
Their behavior is a result of their past. People bred them to herd cattle, so they had to be the backyard’s alpha dogs. This also causes them to nip at heels, which can extend to aggression.
That being said, corgis are also very loyal and protective dogs that love their owners with all their little beings.
However, due to their little sides, many people don’t understand are corgis aggressive and how that can be true. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to behavior.
Still, as time passes, corgis are more and more domesticated. They are getting used to living inside the house instead of at the farm.
Corgis are less and less farm dogs and more and more beloved pets. However, you can still witness corgis attack other pets or humans, even though rare.
Let’s look closer at why these incidents happen.
Corgis’ Temperament
Any corgi owner will confirm that these dogs are rather temperamental. While they aren’t ill-mannered, they are stubborn, bossy, and love to do things their own way.
This makes them somewhat problematic for inexperienced owners.
Simultaneously, corgis are loyal to their owners and will do anything to please them.
They are energetic, trustworthy, and playful, and they’ll be a constant source of laughter in your house. Corgis will have to be a part of every activity you do, whether you like it or not.
Despite them having an aggressive streak, they aren’t likely to bite anyone. They are a loving breed that loves showing affection.
Still, because of their over-protective nature, corgis can show signs of aggression in many situations.
In fact, they are more likely to behave aggressively compared to many other breeds. So, if you wonder are corgis naturally aggressive, the answer would be ‘to an extend.’
While they can nip at heels and bark frequently, they aren’t dangerous. Still, their herding nature makes them prone to nipping heels, mostly of little children.
Because of this, most people won’t recommend them to people with small kids.
This hostility usually begins when corgis are as young as 6 months.
To avoid incidents, it’s essential to train your corgi from puppyhood. This is also a great time to begin with socialization.
A corgi used to other animals and people is less likely to show any signs of aggression. Also, this way, they’ll learn the difference between chewing and biting.
A corgi mustn’t apprehend that he is the alpha male in the pack. Once he starts believing in this, you will have huge problems with making him listen to you.
All herding dogs are prone to having an alpha complex. You have to teach them who’s in charge on time.
Luckily for all owners, corgis are very intelligent. They are easy to train and eager to learn new tricks.
This is an excellent way to eliminate aggressive behavior and also support positive acts. [source]
Suppose you teach them how to kill boredom in a fun, non-aggressive method. In that case, they won’t have to show any negative behaviors.
Differences between Males and Females
With most canines, males are typically considered more aggressive, but is this really the truth? Are females more aggressive when it comes to the corgi breed?
While males are usually more likely to show who’s the alpha male, with corgis, this is quite the opposite.
Believe it or not, female corgis are more prone to mischievous behaviors. They are more stubborn and more protective than their male counterparts.
You can trigger them quickly, and most changes in the environment can cause aggression or a need for dominance.
On the contrary, male corgis are calmer and very laid back. They need less activity daily, and they have lower energy levels.
Most of the time, they’ll prefer to be alone, and you don’t need to give them as much attention. However, this can be a boomer for those wanting to have a loving lap dog.
They aren’t as prone to showing affection as females. Still, both genders are prone to showing aggression if you fail to socialize them on time.
Once again, it is imperative to start with obedience training on time. No matter if your corgi is female or male, you don’t want to have an aggressive dog.
However, as females are more territorial, socializing them is extremely important.
Why Are Corgis Aggressive?
Even non-aggressive dogs have some triggers that can cause aggressive moments.
If you notice any sudden strange behavior in your dog, you have to look at its surroundings.
Did something make them behave in such a fashion? Has something changed around them, causing them panic?
If you don’t notice anything but the behavior continues, you might want to take a visit to the vet. Specific health issues can cause aggression as a result of pain or fear.
Now that you know are corgis aggressive, it’s time to learn what can cause such behavior. Some of the common causes of aggression are:
- Herding instincts
- Territorial behavior
- Fear
- Frustration
- Dominance
- Illness
Let’s look a bit deeper.
Herding instincts
As we’ve mentioned before, people bred corgis to herd livestock, such as cattle. Their instincts tell them to nip the heels of farm animals to force them to move.
Corgis have to be ruthless to do their job the right way. This is also why they love being in charge.
It’s essential to make your corgi understand that you’re the alpha dog, not them. Otherwise, they will try herding you, just like they do with farm animals.
You have to take control of the situation. If you don’t, the situation can become nasty quickly.
Territorial Behavior
Corgis are possessive and overly protective of their owners and their pets. Anyone new who comes into your home is a threat to them.
You are their pack member – everyone else is an intruder, no matter if they are humans or other animals.
Whenever corgi suspects someone is dangerous, they’ll act aggressively. This is the only way they know how to show everyone they’re unwanted in your house.
Fear
Fear is another aggression trigger, as this is the only way a dog knows how to defend himself.
However, corgis aren’t a breed that quickly gets afraid, so this isn’t a common reason for aggression in this breed.
If you notice your corgi is skittish, something terrible probably happened in the past that caused trauma.
This is usually the case with dogs adopted from shelters or if you bought them from a bad breeder.
Frustration
Corgis get very frustrated when they don’t get what they want. They’ll react in the only way they can – by being aggressive.
This is called ‘redirected aggression.’ It isn’t rare for corgis to lash out at their owners, especially if you didn’t teach them you’re the boss.
As corgis are very independent and intelligent, you have to outsmart them every step of the way.
Dominance
Corgis are a dominant breed. If you get a new pet, your corgi likely won’t appreciate it. The same can happen if you get a new family member or a roommate.
Keep in mind that corgis don’t do this out of malice.
They just want to ensure everyone knows he’s in charge. To avoid this, socialize him as soon as possible. This way, they’ll learn that not everyone will threaten their position.
Illness
If there doesn’t seem to be a reason why your corgi is behaving aggressively, he might be in pain.
The same can be why your corgi is acting unusual and is not being his usual self.
Many underlying medical conditions cause discomfort, and they can be the reason behind such behavior. This is especially the case with arthritis or some injuries.
Other common causes of aggression are brain tumors that can change the behavior of canines.
Are Corgis Aggressive with Other Animals?
Now that you know this, you probably have a few other questions. Some of them include are corgis aggressive with other dogs, or are corgis good with cats?
Luckily, corgis aren’t naturally aggressive, but, as we’ve mentioned, they love to be in charge.
If they aren’t socialized, they won’t know how to behave around other animals. This can result in aggressive behaviors.
However, corgis are generally amiable animals. They aren’t prone to attacking other animals and pets.
In fact, they can be excellent friends with any other animal, especially cats and other dogs.
Common Signs of Aggression
How can we differentiate playful corgis from truly aggressive ones? There are a few easily noticeable signs of aggression.
These include:
- Barking
- Nipping
- Teeth showing
- Snarling
- Lunging
- Lips curling
- Growling
- Staring
- Dominant posture
It’s important to recognize these signs on time and to prevent the escalation of the situation.
When you don’t limit or rectify behavioral problems, you might end up with a dangerous dog. While corgis are a small breed, you still don’t want them to bite you or your family members.
What to Do with Your Aggressive Corgi?
There are some tactics you can implement when you have an aggressive corgi.
Even if your dog is usually very calm, it’s better to know what to do if aggression happens. Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Don’t shout or hit your corgi if he growls or shows teeth! You have to make him feel as comfortable as possible, so he calms down.
- Socialize your dog as soon as he completes his shots.
- Identify causes of aggression and find a way to deal with them.
- Train your dog on time. This will teach him to listen to you.
- Contact a behavioral specialist if nothing helps.
- Visit the vet if this aggression is out of the ordinary.
Read Also: How Much Do Corgis Shed
Bottom Line
Now you know are corgis aggressive dogs. While they are a dominant breed, they aren’t likely to bite anyone.
In other words, they are a lot of bark but no bite. However, it’s better not to risk it. Corgis are the breed that you need to pay extra attention to.
This shouldn’t make you opt not to take a corgi in – but you have to know what you’re up to.
With good training and socialization, corgis become lovely family pets that can coexist with other animals.
Just be persistent. Also, most of the time, aggression is a sign of fear or pain. Stay in touch with your veterinarian if your corgi’s behavior changed suddenly.
Read Next: Why Are Corgis So Expensive
