Do Corgis Bark a Lot? Facts, Care Tips & FAQ

If bringing a Corgi into your household has been on your mind lately, you have undoubtedly been looking into the breed more and more. You may have stumbled across a Corgi owner complaining about how much their dog barks and other Corgi owners agreeing with them. You may be wondering if there is any truth to these anecdotes, and the answer is yes, Corgis tend to bark more than the average dog.

But why? Is there a difference in the amount of barking between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi? How can you manage your dog’s barking? If you want to learn more about Corgis, barking, and how to handle it, keep reading below.

Why Do Corgis Bark So Much?

Why do Corgis bark more than the average dog? The answer is tied back to their breeding.

Both the Pembroke Corgi and the Cardigan Corgi were bred with the purpose of herding livestock. For this task, the Corgi needed to be able to assert authority. Part of the Corgi’s ability to assert authority comes from their spunky attitude, but a lot of it comes from their bark.

The Corgi has a loud, powerful bark designed to direct livestock back to the herd and alert their owners of predators. Although the Corgi is rarely used for herding, their powerful bark remains.

Pembroke Corgi vs Cardigan Corgi Bark

Since the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Corgi are two separate breeds, you may wonder if one barks less than the other. While there is a slight difference, neither Corgi is a quiet option.

The American Kennel Club states that the Cardigan Corgi is very vocal. While the Pembroke Corgi barks somewhat less, it is not by much.

In short, if either of these dogs is on your radar, you will need to anticipate a lot of barking.

What Makes a Dog Bark?

Although it may seem that dogs bark for no reason, the truth is that there is a cause for their behavior. If you currently have a dog who barks often or may get a vocal dog (such as a Corgi), you will want to be familiar with the reasons that may cause your dog to disturb the peace.

Your dog may be barking to get your attention, especially if they feel neglected or lonely. They also may bark due to anxiety, frustration, or boredom.

Defensiveness may be another reason for a dog to bark. If your dog is feeling threatened or they feel that you are being threatened, they will bark. If there is a dangerous situation occurring, your dog may bark to alert you of what is happening.

This type of barking is relatively normal, but when the barking becomes excessive, there may be a problem. Constant barking could signify that your dog is stressed, their needs are not being met, or they are otherwise unwell. If excessive barking persists, you should consult your vet to ensure that there is no underlying medical reason.

How To Manage Your Dog’s Barking

Even if some level of barking is normal, that does not mean it is easy to deal with. If your dog’s barking is becoming difficult to manage, there are some ways to limit it.

Minimize Distractions

Often, dogs bark because they spot something and are trying to bring your attention to it. Whether cars, strangers, or squirrels, the best way to prevent your dog from barking at everything they see is to keep them from noticing it. For instance, if your dog barks at every passing car outside the window, closing the blinds is an excellent way to reduce that barking. Whatever the distraction is, do your best to remove it from your dog’s environment.

Train Alternative Behaviors

If your dog barks every time there is a knock at the door, a good way to prevent this is to teach different behaviors in place of barking. Many dog owners teach their dogs to go to a specific room instead of barking and use treats and extensive training to instill this new behavior. Alternative actions allow your dog to alert you of a knock at the door without having to bark. This helps your dog feel calm and gives you more peace and quiet.

Increase Activity

Constant barking may be a sign that your dog is feeling under-stimulated. If that is the case, the easiest way to remedy it is to include more activity in your daily schedule. More walks, training sessions, and games may be the solution to lower the excessive barking.

Reward Peace

When your dog is constantly barking, it can be tempting to do whatever they want to get the barking to stop. However, this reinforces the behavior you do not want. Instead of giving your dog what they want when they start barking, wait until they are quiet to reward them. The more this is repeated, the more your dog will learn that their silence is more rewarding than their barking.

Do Not Punish Your Dog for Barking

Punishing your dog is never the correct answer to reduce barking. Yelling at your dog or punishing them with a shock collar may keep them momentarily quiet, but it does not address the reason for their barking. This can be especially problematic if your dog is barking due to a medical issue.

Solving the root issue is more effective than punishing the behavior you do not like because barking is often your dog’s way of communicating a problem. If you ignore your dog’s communication and do not solve the problem, the urge to bark will never leave. Instead, you will grow frustrated, and your dog will grow fearful. Nothing will be solved that way.

Conclusion

Corgis are known to bark often, but there are ways to minimize constant vocalizations. While excessive barking can be frustrating, it is crucial to avoid punishing your dog for barking. In moments of high stress, remind yourself that your dog is just doing their best to communicate with you. The sooner you can learn what your dog is trying to say, the better off everyone in the household will be.

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Featured Image Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pexels