corgi dog sitting outdoor

As a parent, whether it’s a cat, dog, or even a reptile, you want to know that it’s a good family pet when you’re bringing a new pet into the house.

The Corgi breed of dog is no different. If you’re considering adopting or purchasing a Corgi and have children, you need to know ahead of time if the Corgi makes a good family dog. The answer is yes; they make great family dogs for some families.

This article will answer the question of whether Corgis are good family dogs and give you a little information on what type of family the Corgi is best suited for.

Are Corgis Good with Kids?

While Corgis make great family pets, it’s best for them to live with a family where the kids are over five years old. However, if you’re willing to put in the time to train and socialize your Corgi as a puppy, you’ll have good results with kids under five as well.

While Corgis are small, energetic, and non-aggressive, it’s important to know that the breed was developed to be a herding dog. This means that the Corgi may try to herd small children, which means that injuries could occur.

Once the kids reach the age of five or older, these playful, loyal dogs make great pets. However, you need to teach your children from an early age how to take care of dogs and how to treat them.

Even after your children turn five, make sure to supervise playtime between your Corgi and your children to be on the safe side, as you wouldn’t want your child or your pet to end up accidentally injured from rough play.

Are Corgis Good with Other Pets?

While Corgis are normally good with other pets, remember they were bred to be herding dogs, so they may try to herd any pet that is smaller than them. They can also be territorial and even a bit standoffish with dogs and cats they don’t know.

However, once they get to know the other pets, they can be playful and loving. Because of their herding nature, Corgis will get along with sheep, cows, horses, or any other type of livestock you have on your property.

welsh corgi
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Other Things to Know About the Corgi Breed

Now that you know how our little Corgi will do with kids and other pets, there are a few other things you should know as well.

First, the Corgi breed can suffer from separation anxiety, so you don’t need to adopt or purchase a Corgi if you’re going to be gone most of the time. It’s best to have at least someone with your furry friend most of the time.

As with any dog that suffers from separation anxiety, your Corgi might become whiny or destructive if it feels abandoned or is left alone for too long. Corgis are big on family time, and since they are herding dogs, they tend to get upset when their family members are in other rooms instead of all being together.

When it comes to training, it’s important to handle your Corgi’s extensive training early on in their lives. This training can discourage your little pup from trying to herd your family and becoming extremely anxious when it doesn’t get the attention it thinks it needs.

Although the Corgi doesn’t need as much physical exercise as some breeds, they need quite a bit of mental stimulation and family togetherness time to be happy and healthy.

If you don’t have the patience for a dog that is demanding, then the Corgi might not be the best choice for you or your family. The breed can be stubborn and hardheaded and needs to be trained and socialized early on in their young lives for the best results.

That’s why it’s vital to take your time deciding if this is the right dog breed for you. A dog is a huge responsibility, so make sure you’re ready for the task.

Final Thoughts

So, are Corgis good family dogs? The answer is yes, they are, but with some conditions. If you decide to adopt or purchase a Corgi, it’s essential to remember that they are herding dogs, and they need mental stimulation and a lot of family interaction.

Take your time, do your research, and then decide if you want to give this energetic, small, but loving Corgi a forever home with you and your family. You’ll have a loyal, loving companion for many, many years to come if you do.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay