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Corgis have been used to herd a variety of animals, including sheep and cattle. Their intelligence, agility, and strong herding instinct make them well-suited for this task.
In fact, corgis have been used to herd sheep for centuries in Wales, where they were bred to help farmers manage their flocks. Their short stature and keen eyesight allow them to navigate tight spaces and spot potential threats.
Corgis are also skilled at herding cattle, particularly in Wales and other parts of the UK. They have a strong prey drive and can work effectively in a team to move large groups of animals.
Their herding ability is not limited to just sheep and cattle, however - corgis have also been known to herd other animals, including horses and even geese.
Related reading: Herd of Corgis
Can Corgis Herd?
Corgis have a natural herding instinct that's been around for thousands of years, dating back to 800 AD. They were initially bred to herd sheep and cows, but their herding instinct is not limited to these animals.
Corgis can herd a variety of species, including goats, ducks, geese, llamas, deer, buffalo, and more. They'll even herd children, cats, and other dogs if they get bored.
Their small size and agility make them well-suited for herding, and they can move with ease to avoid an animal's kick. Corgis are particularly effective at herding cattle due to their low center of gravity and confident personality.
With training, you can influence the direction your Corgi moves, which can affect where the animals move. However, their herding instinct won't go away completely, and you may need to train them to reduce their tendency to herd.
Some Corgis may not have a strong herding instinct, and it's essential to consider an individual dog's response around livestock before training them to herd. You can take your Corgi to a herding instinct test to see if they have a natural instinct for herding.
Corgi Herding Instincts
Corgis have been herding cattle, sheep, and other animals since around 800 AD, and their herding instinct has only gotten stronger over time.
Their small size, agility, and confident nature make them well-suited for herding large cattle, which they do by moving close to the cattle's heels and nipping on them to keep them under control.
Corgis can also herd sheep, although they tend to be more naturally inclined towards herding cattle. They can take part in a herding instinct test to see if they have a natural instinct for herding.
With training, it's possible to influence the direction your Corgi moves and affect where the sheep move. However, it's essential to note that not all Corgis have a strong herding instinct, and some may even resist herding.
Corgis can herd a wide variety of animals, including goats, ducks, geese, llamas, deer, buffalo, and more, as long as they stick together in large groups.
Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two separate breeds of Corgi, each with unique physical characteristics.
Both breeds have a double coat perfect for herding in cold weather. They were developed to move cattle by barking and nipping at the lower part of their legs and heel.
The Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi is often more outgoing than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which might give them an advantage when herding.
However, Cardigan Welsh Corgis may be less outgoing at first but become more confident quickly.
Intriguing read: Tricolor Cardigan Corgi
Big Brain, Little Legs
Corgis are very intelligent dogs, which is essential for their original purpose of herding animals.
National Welsh Corgi Council secretary Sadie Podger said that corgis were found to be quite smart by farmers years ago.
Corgis are known as herd heelers because they can nip the rear legs of livestock to guide and direct the animal.
They can roll from one side of the cattle to the other side with this technique, directing the cattle to where they want it.
Cattle can be quite stubborn, which is why corgis' intelligence and herding skills are so valuable.
Their low-to-the-ground stature allows them to drop their head and avoid getting hit by a livestock hoof.
A taller dog could get hit in the head in this situation, but corgis are able to dodge it easily.
Sources
- https://teenydoggy.com/what-do-corgis-herd/
- https://www.hepper.com/are-corgis-good-herding-dogs/
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-09-22/corgis-bred-herding-livestock-before-queen-elizabeth-made-famous/101461686
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/is-a-corgi-a-good-herding-dog
- https://pwccgs.org/herding-instinct/
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