Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is a Corgi More Aggressive Than the Average Dog Breed? The Surprising Answer!

red dog welsh corgi pembroke howling on a grass field

Corgis are not known to be overly aggressive dogs, but their breeding as heelers, which are herding dogs that nip at the heels of cattle, can lead some owners to mistake their actions for aggression. The Corgi is, in fact, considered to have low levels of aggression compared to other breeds, and they’re one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

Read on for more information about Corgis, whether they’re aggressive, and what can be done to reduce their nipping behavior.

divider dog faces oct 2024

About The Corgi

There are two types of Corgi: the Cardigan Welsh and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are similar breeds, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not as popular outside their home country of Wales. Therefore, when talking about Corgis, people usually refer to the more popular and widespread Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was bred as a barnyard or farm dog. They fulfilled several roles, including rodent catching, guarding livestock, and protecting the family. They were also used for herding. Their size and and breeding made them successful heelers. Heelers are herding dogs that nip at the heels of large livestock, not to hurt them but to encourage them to walk in the appropriate direction.

Today’s Corgi is more likely to be found on a sofa than on a farm, but they retain some of their original herding characteristics.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Image Credit: ElfinFox, Pixabay

Corgi Aggression

Corgis are friendly, loyal, and loving dogs. They were bred to be companions and guardians to their human family, so breeding aggression into the Corgi wouldn’t have made sense. Despite being just outside the top 10 most popular breeds in the U.S., the Corgis aren’t mentioned in most dog-bite lists, which means that they are less aggressive than the average dog.

However, dogs of any breed have the potential to be aggressive under certain circumstances. If they feel threatened, or if they have been abused or mistreated, dogs are more likely to be aggressive. In those cases, aggression is a defense technique to look after their welfare.

Because Corgis are heeling herders, it is in their nature to nip at the heels of their livestock. If your Corgi views you, or your children, as needing to be herded and looked after, they may nip to encourage you to move.

Nipping

In most cases, nipping is not aggressive, and there is no intention to hurt, but it can be alarming, and accidents can lead to injury or bites. Similarly, puppies and young dogs may also nip when playing and developing.

Welsh corgi Pembroke sable dog on the rocks at the seaside
Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock

divider dog faces oct 2024

How To Combat Corgi Nipping

Nipping can become a problem if it isn’t addressed at an early age. As the dog ages and the nips get stronger, they can cause injury, and if the dog believes that nipping gets the desired results, the problem may progress.

  • Redirection – This is especially effective if your puppy likes grabbing things with their mouth and refusing to let go. Use a small treat or a piece of kibble. Place it in front of your dog’s nose, and when they let go of your pants, finger, or whatever else they are chewing on, praise them and give them the reward. Eventually, they will associate letting go with being rewarded.
  • Interruption – Interrupt the behavior with a surprised noise. This doesn’t mean shouting at or yelling at your dog but instead making a shriek or an ouch noise. This will teach your puppy that they’re biting too hard and that you don’t like the action. It is basically teaching appropriate boundaries.
  • Ignorance – When we hear the word punishment, many dog owners are put off because it sounds harsh and negative. However, ignoring your dog for an action that you want to discourage is a form of negative punishment. If nipping typically occurs during playtime, remove the toy and stop playing.
  • Time Out – Sometimes, puppies can start nipping because they’re too overstimulated or over-excited, which is a good sign that they need rest. Put your puppy in their bed or a quiet area designated especially for them, and stop your interaction with them.
  • Stimulation – Nipping may be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough stimulation, whether it is physical or mental. Provide regular exercise, try to incorporate mental activities into the exercise, and ensure they have plenty of chew toys.
  • TrainingTeach your puppy the “leave” and “drop” commands. Use positive reinforcement, which means rewarding your dog when they perform a desired action. Be consistent with your training efforts and conduct a few minutes of training every day to ensure the best results. You can also always talk to a vet if you need some training advice.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider dog faces oct 2024

In Conclusion

Corgis are very popular dogs, loved for their looks as well as for their loving and fun nature. They are not considered an aggressive breed and might be considered less aggressive than the average dog. However, some individual Corgis may nip and bite under certain circumstances, and many puppies go through a nipping stage.

Through redirection, interruption, and training, you can stop your Corgi puppy from displaying this unwanted behavior and raise a friendly, well-mannered dog.


Featured Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Dogs Get Headaches? Vet-Approved Signs & FAQ

Headaches are a common ailment for humans, and with no external signs, one that is difficult to measure or quantify. Headaches can happen...

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Smell Worse Than Most Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Hygiene Tips

Does your Bernese Mountain Dog always smell, or did someone tell you they’re just a stinky breed? The truth is that a healthy...

Why Do Dogs Lick the Floor? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons & When to Be Concerned

Once we learn their unique tendencies, a dog’s habits generally become easy to identify as normal or concerning. We pick up on their...

10 Best Mobility Service Dogs (With Info & Pictures)

Dogs are capable of helping humans in a wide variety of ways. One of the ways service dogs can help people is by...

More related

10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the right dog food is essential and can also be frustrating. You have to work through reviews and clever marketing strategies to...

Can Dogs Feel Depressed or Sad? Vet Approved Facts & What to Do

If something significant has changed in your home recently, you may have noticed a change in behavior in your dog. Maybe they seem...

10 Tips on How to Train a Doberman: Easy Proven Methods

Dobermans are loyal, fearless dogs with a vigilant watchdog nature. They are affectionate companions and playful, energetic dogs with a lot of love...

Nite Ize NiteDog® LED Collar Cover Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

What Is the NiteDog® LED Collar Cover? How Does It Work? Made with your four-legged bestie’s safety in mind, the NiteDog® LED Collar...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Sage? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Sage is a commonly used herb in the kitchen that flavors foods and is also used in essential oils, creams, ointments, and medicines. If you cook with sage or have it growing abundantly in your garden, you may wonder if...

Can Dogs Eat Sage

Can Dog Food Cause Seizures? Vet-Approved Facts & Info

Seizures are often a scary experience for both dogs and dog owners. They can be particularly challenging to address because they appear suddenly, and it is often difficult to determine what caused them. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can...

Golden Retriever dog eating

10 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop in 2025 – Reviews and Top Picks

If it feels like you’re going through an excessive amount of poop bags, you might wonder if there is a way to decrease the amount of waste your dog creates. Sometimes, your dog may be dealing with a medical issue...

yorkie dog pooping on the grass

Can Dogs Eat Acorns? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety Guide

Dogs love exploring their surroundings and trying new things. So, it’s not uncommon for them to become curious about natural snacks like acorns and the nuts of oak trees (Quercus species). But as pet owners, it’s important to understand the...

Can Dogs Eat Acorns

What Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: 6 Vet-Verified Additives to Keep Away

Pet owners are putting more effort into their pets, including choosing high-quality pet foods to help them live long and happy lives. With many dog foods on the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Fortunately, just a little...

dog not eating its food

9 Best Dog Food Mats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

While we all love our furry pets, every pet parent knows that when dogs eat and drink, they tend to get food and water all over your lovely clean kitchen floor. Luckily, dog food mats stop that from happening and...

dog food bowl in a food mat

Small Breed Dog Food vs Regular vs Large Breed: Main Differences, Pros & Cons

Each dog needs something different from their food, and it isn’t just about their size but also their age and breed. Their dietary needs go beyond how much kibble you put in the bowl. It sounds complicated, especially when you...

Small Breed vs Regular Breed vs Large Breed - ft

KetoNatural Dog Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

As dog owners, we all want what’s best for our pets. That includes feeding them only the best, high-quality food. But with so many different dog foods out there, how do we know which one is best? The best and...

Dogster_KetoNatural Dog Food Review