Are Corgis Hunting Dogs? Facts & Breed Info

Corgis are intelligent little dogs with big personalities. Their long bodies and short legs make them unique in that they can herd cattle like nobody’s business. Their short height keeps them safe from a kick, and they know how to nip and bark for herding.

That said, the AKC places Corgis in the Herding group. These dogs were bred for herding, but are they hunters? The answer is yes and no. As far as hunting, they are capable of hunting vermin, particularly if used as farm dogs, but that’s about as far as it goes.

Let’s explore Corgis and discover information about these fascinating little dogs and their capabilities.

The Two Corgi Breeds

That’s right, there are two Corgi breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both are placed under the Herding Group, with some similarities but also a few differences. They both average between 10–12 inches in height and are smart, affectionate, and loyal.

One way to tell these two breeds apart is by the tail. Cardigan Welsh have tails, whereas the Pembroke Welsh does not. Known as dwarf breeds, these dogs have big, erect ears with long bodies—it’s as if they haven’t grown into their bodies yet. But their short height and short stubby legs allow them to move effortlessly when herding cattle, pigs, and even poultry.

Another slight difference between the two is the Pembroke Welsh averages up to 30 pounds and the Cardigan Welsh averages between 25–38 pounds. Both love their humans and enjoy playtime, but the Cardigan is more laid back than the Pembroke.

Both the Pembroke and Cardigan make excellent watchdogs with “big dog” barks, and both are extremely athletic. The Cardigan loves adventures but is okay with hanging out with you doing nothing, whereas the Pembroke loves adventures and is happiest with a job to do.

Can Corgis Be Aggressive?

Yes, some Corgis can be aggressive. They were bred for herding, which can make them feisty and somewhat stubborn. They are not vicious breeds by any means, and with proper training, they can become excellent family dogs, all while being outstanding herding dogs.

They are playful, energetic, and love to please their owners. Bear in mind that they might try to herd small children, though.

A Breed Fit for Royalty

These dogs hail from Wales and are considered British Royalty. The late Queen Elizabeth adored her Pembroke Welsh Corgis. In fact, she is regarded as the most famous Pembroke Welsh Corgi owner in history. She acquired her first Corgi in the 1930s and owned this breed until her death in 2022.

Tips for Keeping Your Corgi Safe

Corgis have thick, coarse coats, and they may overheat in the summer months. Bring your Corgi inside for a break if you notice excessive panting after herding. Be sure to keep clean water around at all times, and exercise when it’s cool—either early morning or late evening.

Keep the coat clean and remove dead hair with a slicker brush daily. In the shedding months, bathe them to remove more dead hair, but don’t brush them until their coat is completely dry.

We know Corgis have short legs, so take heed to not let them jump off beds or other high surfaces too often. Jumping off high surfaces can lead to spinal damage later in life.

Conclusion

 Both Corgi breeds are affectionate, loyal, and make excellent herding dogs. As far as hunting, they are capable of killing vermin, especially if used as farm dogs.

Don’t let their small size fool you, as they are energetic, playful, and love to please their humans. If you’re looking for a small herding dog, either Corgi breed will make an excellent one. If you’re strictly looking for a hunting dog, you’ll want to look elsewhere unless you have a vermin problem.

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Featured Image Credit: ElfinFox, Pixabay