Are Corgis good farm dogs? While these short-legged pups are often associated with royalty and house pets, Welsh Corgis have deep roots as hardworking farm dogs. Known for their bold personality and surprising strength, both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis were bred for herding and guarding livestock. Whether you’re on a farm or just love working breeds, here are five things to know about these short but serious dogs.
1. Corgis Are Short, But Not Small
Corgis are short, of course, but it’s a little deceiving. Compared to typical dog breeds, Corgis have a shorter leg/body ratio. But otherwise, their bodies have the build of a larger dog. They have a deep, strong bark that sounds like it’s coming from a dog quite a bit larger (because in essence, it is). They have reasonably large heads for their height, and can easily weigh upwards of 30 pounds.
2. There Are Two Distinct Welsh Corgi Types
When talking about Welsh Corgis, most people probably think of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These are the more common Corgis, and the ones famous for living with U.K. royalty. They are short, robust dogs with a somewhat “square” build, with a typically short nub of a tail. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are the other variety; they’re slightly larger dogs, with a somewhat less “fox-like” appearance, and a long tail.
3. Corgis Were Bred to Be All-Purpose Farm Dogs
Today, Corgis are part of the AKC Herding Group. And they definitely have some fantastic herding abilities. But during the breed’s formative years, many family farms needed an all-purpose dog, and Corgis were bred to fill that role. Besides herding, Corgis are really quite excellent watchdogs, very much paying attention to their home and property, and always noticing something amiss. That loud bark helps with the watchdog role as well. They were also originally used to aid with critter control on farms.
4. Herding Is in a Corgi’s DNA
While it’s not terribly common, some farms today still do utilize Corgis for herding. And Corgis are good at it—they bring a kind of exuberance and determination to the job, as opposed to, say, Border Collies, who might herd with more precision and finesse. And then there is the matter of their height. Corgis have been purposely bred over the years to select for the genes that cause their short legs. This was often seen as a benefit in herding cattle, to help prevent the Corgi from being kicked by an argumentative cow. If you own a Corgi today, regardless of your home setting, you will find that the herding personality still shines through, and in the absence of livestock, they may try to boss people around instead!
5. Corgis Are Loyal Pets Who Thrive on Purpose & Attention
Corgis are often devoted to their families and have a lot of love to give. They do need plenty of exercise and mental activity if they don’t have a “real” farm job. Those wonderful coats do shed quite a bit, and their natural watchdog personality can lead to some barking. But these are fantastic, intelligent dogs with a lot to offer.
Are Corgis Good Farm Dogs? Final Thoughts
So, are Corgis good farm dogs? Absolutely. These compact canines combine intelligence, agility, and loyalty in a way that’s made them useful on farms for generations. Whether they’re herding livestock or guarding the homestead, Corgis are proof that good things really do come in small packages.
This article about are Corgis good farm dogs was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
