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Are Corgis Typically Aggressive? Breed Temperament Facts

Kit Copson

By Kit Copson

brindle cardigan welsh corgi dog sitting on a path in the park

If you’re considering opening your home up to a Corgi, you no doubt have a lot of questions about their personality and what they’re like to live with. One of the biggest questions prospective dog parents have is “are (insert breed)’s aggressive”? Corgis are not typically aggressive if they’ve been properly socialized and trained.

The truth is that any dog, regardless of breed, can become aggressive towards humans or other animals if they have been encouraged to be aggressive, have been poorly socialized, or are reacting to a threat. This is why socialization is so crucial for all dogs. Read on to find out more.

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Are Corgis Good Family Dogs?

Corgis are generally excellent family dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very “lovey-dovey” with family and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are slightly more independent but still very affectionate, though this depends on the individual dog. Both breeds also score highly on the AKC’s “good with young children” meter.

Temperament-wise, both the Pembroke and Cardigan are said to be friendly, good-natured, and very loyal to the people in their lives. They often love spending time with their humans, are eager to please, and are incredibly faithful.

These intelligent and energetic dogs need daily physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking and jogging, your Corgi will likely have no trouble keeping up with you.

girl playing with corgi dog at home
Image Credit: BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

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How Can I Socialize My Corgi

To make sure your Corgi gets along well with other people and animals, it’s important to socialize them. Some people think that socializing a dog is simply getting them used to other people and dogs—this is hugely important, of course, but it’s only a small part of the bigger picture.

In addition to getting a dog used to other dogs and people, socialization is getting your dog used to handling, new smells, sounds, and objects, and staying focused when there are distractions. In short, it’s about forming positive associations with the world around them so that they can feel safe and secure in this big and sometimes scary world.

Ideally, it’s best to start socializing dogs as puppies as early as possible but if you’ve adopted an adult Corgi, it’s never too late, so don’t worry! If you’re new to dog parenting and are looking for some advice, here are some tips on socializing your Corgi.

1. Get Your Corgi Used to Handling

Using physical touch to bond with your Corgi (i.e. petting and holding them) is a great way to get them used to the feeling of being handled. Start out handling your puppy in short bursts so as not to overwhelm them. If you have a nervous puppy, get them used to the feeling of being gently petted and touched in general before you start picking them up and cuddling them—always go at their pace.

You can also get your puppy used to the feeling of being groomed by touching their feet and toes (as their nails will need to be trimmed regularly) and gradually acquainting them with grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers.


2. Meet Other People & Dogs

It’s a great idea to expose your Corgi to people and other dogs so that they can form positive associations with them instead of feeling afraid. Invite people to meet and spend time with your Corgi and ask family members, friends, and neighbors with (vaccinated) dogs to interact with them, too. As with handling, be sure not to overwhelm your Corgi with too many people and dogs at once.

You can use rewards like treats to help create positive associations with the people and animals your Corgi is introduced to. Just remember to avoid public places with unknown dogs until your puppy has been fully vaccinated.

German shepherd and welsh corgi pembroke
Image Credit: Maria Ivanushkina, Shutterstock

3. Expose Your Corgi to New Sights, Smells & Sounds

Socialization isn’t only about getting to know other dogs and people—it’s also about getting your Corgi used to the sounds, sights, and smells that they’re likely to encounter throughout their life.

A few examples are getting used to the feel of a certain type of floor (i.e. carpets, hardwood, etc.), the sound of a vacuum cleaner, and all different kinds of people (i.e. men, women, children, babies, people with walking sticks, people on bikes, people in sunglasses, and so on).

One of the best ways to expose a dog to a wide variety of new sounds, sights, and smells is to walk them daily once they’ve received all their vaccinations and your vet has given you the green light.


4. Go To Socialization Classes

There are socialization and training classes for both puppies and adult dogs. Here, your puppy or adult Corgi will be able to interact with other dogs and people in a professional, controlled environment run by experts. You’ll also be able to pick up some useful tips.

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Final Thoughts

To recap, both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are not typically aggressive as they’re generally friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs. That said, socialization is key when it comes to preventing aggressive behavior in dogs, and this goes for all breeds. As long as your Corgi is being properly socialized and they’re getting all the love they deserve, you should be just fine!


Featured Image Credit: Liudmila Bohush, Shutterstock

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