Why Corgis Are Smarter Than You Think

Corgis are sweet and adorable dogs — and make for great cuddle companions — but they often get an undeserved reputation for being less intelligent. People see cute little dogs and assume they are dumb, but they are actually much smarter than you might think. This dog breed, which was beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, has a rich history of being bred to herd cattle and sheep. They are smart, active, friendly, and wonderful dogs. In honor of International Corgi Day on June 4, we are busting some common myths about corgis’ brainpower and natural instincts.

Corgis Are Herding Dogs

Corgis aren’t just a cute face. The short-legged dogs have ancestry that is believed to date back to the 10^th century. There are two different kinds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which range in size from 20-30 pounds. Both types of corgis were bred to herd cattle and to guard chickens and eggs from predators. They herd all kinds of livestock, including ducks, sheep, pigs, geese, and cattle, by nipping at their heels—a behavior that has earned them the nickname “heelers.”

Their short legs give them the ability to avoid kicks from the animals they are herding. Corgis are attentive and have quick reflexes, which help them maneuver around livestock and guide the animals to where they need to go. They are quick-witted and eager to learn, which means corgis can quickly pick up commands. Of course, their loud bark also helps them in herding to get the attention of bigger animals like cows.

According to the Welsh Corgi League, these dogs adapted to the rough Welsh terrain, serving as guard dogs to protect cattle from thieves. They were able to recognize their own livestock by scent, understand the boundaries of the farm, and then return home to be sweet companions for their families. These energetic, hardy, and friendly farm dogs are as far from their “dumb” stereotype as can be.

Smart Dog

In fact, in a study by neuropsychology professor Stanley Coren, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was identified as the 11^th most intelligent dog breed, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi ranked 26th. Border Collies hold the top spot, followed by breeds like poodles, German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Doberman pinschers. The criteria for this intelligence test included the ability to consistently follow commands, understand instructions, handle challenging tasks, and more.

Corgis are versatile in their abilities; they can serve as guard dogs to protect their owners and animals, learn tricks, complete agility courses, and even train as service dogs to assist people with mental or physical disabilities. They have also been used as therapy dogs.

Some trainers and owners believe female corgis are even smarter than males, which can also make females a bit more stubborn and independent. They can display dominance issues, sometimes only listening to commands when they feel like it, and may even purposely ignore household rules. In contrast, male corgis tend to mark their territory, which can be bothersome. Both of these behaviors can be addressed with proper training.

Train Your Corgi

Want to put your corgi’s agility skills to the test? Several organizations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), and North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), offer agility training for dogs and their handlers. Once your dog knows basic obedience skills (like sit and stay), they can participate in a beginner agility class, where they will navigate obstacle courses with jumps, tunnels, and more. Owners will also learn hand signals and verbal commands to assist their dogs, according to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc. This can be a fun way to help your corgi tap into their natural instincts and keep their brain sharp.

“Modern-day Corgis are rarely asked to herd cattle, but their intelligence and high energy help them excel in many canine events, including agility, obedience, tracking, herding, and conformation,” Anne Bowes, Corgi breeder, AKC judge, and corresponding secretary of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, previously told the American Kennel Club. “The fact that Corgis are extremely intelligent and responsive to their owners also makes them very popular as family pets.”

Corgis are naturally intelligent, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Dogs can be both cute and friendly as well as intelligent herding animals, and corgis are a perfect example of this combination. It’s no wonder they were the late Queen’s favorite!