Do Corgis Like To Cuddle? [What About Being Held?]

Taking care a shorter, medium sized breed of dog like a corgi comes with a range of additional considerations for an owner. One of which is whether they like being cuddled and held. Of course, the general temperament of a dog breed plays a big role in their response to this kind of attention. So what are corgis like in this respect? Intrigued, I decided to conduct some research. I would like to present to you my findings here today.

So, do corgis like to be cuddled? Corgis are a notoriously affectionate and loving breed, known to enjoy a cuddle with their owners. With that said, all dogs have their unique likes and dislikes; some Corgis like to cuddle more than others.

If you want an affectionate pet, getting a Corgi is a good idea. If you bring them into your home as a puppy, you’ll find that they are likely to want to cuddle.

Holding them is easy too; as they are relatively small and not overly heavy during this stage of life.

While this initial thirst for cuddles/holding will diminish somewhat as they mature, age and grow larger, this is breed of dog that will always love the attention of their owners.

Let us now take a closer look at the topic to answer any outstanding questions that you may have. Be sure to read to the end as there is a lot of information you will not want to miss!

Do Corgis Like To Be Held?

You bet, most Corgis love to be held.

It all starts from the moment you bring them into your home as a young puppy, but they will continue to enjoy being held into their adult life (just somewhat less frequently).

With a thick fur coat and compact size, they’re relatively easier to hold too. The average Corgi stands between 10 to 12 inches and weighs under 30 pounds (13 kilograms) as adults.

The small stature of these dogs makes it easy to pick them up and carry them around with you. Failing this you can always place them onto your lap whilst you sit.

Keep in mind that you must handle your Corgi with care. Due to being playful, you need to ensure you are holding them in a supportive and balanced way. You wouldn’t want to drop them!

While Corgis do generally enjoy being held, it is recommended not to hold these dogs too often, as tempting as it is.

They need exercise and have a tendency to put on weight easily.

Make sure that your Corgi is getting plenty of exercise, and walks. If you have an open garden/backyard this will give them plenty of space to run around freely.

If you struggle to play with your dog or keep up with their high energy, you can get a great device known as a Chuckit from Amazon.

It’s cheap, you can take it with you on walks, and enables you to play fetch whilst protecting your arm from strain and repetitive injury. A Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster is also an option too.

You must pay special attention to corgis, as they struggle to go up and down the stairs due to their short legs – you must teach them to do so.

Stairs are even more problematic for puppies – so this is something to take into consideration.

In many ways, it is no surprise that the word Corgi translates to mean “dwarf dog” in Welsh.

Also you need to consider that each dog has their own preferences. What one dog may like may be drastically different from another.

This is true even for the same breeds, ages and from dogs of the same litter. Therefore, not all Corgis will like to be held.

That is just the way it is. You should therefore observe your Corgi for signs of stress or discomfort whilst you hold them. Never force them up and do so against their will.

This is something that you will need to check with your own dog. Additionally, they may lose the interest of being held over time, or at certain periods or phases of their life holding may feel like less of a ‘treat’ for them.

How To Hold A Corgi

If you do decide to pick your Corgi up, it is important to know how to do so properly and safely.

Below is a technique used by may Corgi owners and comes recommended by pet experts and veterinarians:

When picking up your corgi, try to make sure that you support both the front and back end of your dog.

Bend down, position one arm under the front legs and the other arm under their bottom area and lift up.

Essentially you want to pick them up with equal weighting across their bodies.

Corgis, with long-backs, need to be picked up in a way that supports both ends to prevent injuries to their backs, hips and joints.

Use this technique regularly and it will keep your Corgi calm as you attempt to do so. You’ll also likely find that in time your dog will even get into a suitable position in readiness to be picked up. They’ll learn what to do.

Sometimes, your dog will roll on their back and nudge you to indicate that they want to be picked up.

Equally, your Corgi may even act similarly when they want to be put down. Fidgeting and nudging their nose into you are clear signs of this.

Why Do Corgis Not Like To Cuddle?

There is no greater joy than cuddling up with your dog – it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of pet ownership.

The act of petting or cuddling your pooch increases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine in dog and owner alike. Unsurprisingly, many dogs and humans love to cuddle.

Most Corgis love to be treated like a baby, even as adults, and love receiving cuddles.

If your Corgi is the non-cuddling type, try not to take it personally. Some Corgis prefer to be patted rather than picked up and cuddled.

Some like neither petting or cuddling, and it can feel like your dog is rejecting you.

If your pooch doesn’t like to cuddle, understandably, you must want to know if it is something innate or if it is an issue that can be rectified with the proper training.

To find out, you must identify the root of the behavior.

Let’s look at possible reasons why your Corgi hates to cuddle to gain better insight into these non-cuddlers.

1) Some Corgis Feel Claustrophobic

Claustrophobia is not just a human phenomenon; this phobia occurs in many mammals, including dogs.

Canines are cursorial animals (with limbs adapted for running), and it is in their instincts to run when they feel afraid.

Forcing your Corgi to cuddle when they do not want to, inhibits their ability to run, and raises their stress levels.

For dogs that suffer from canine claustrophobia, the issue is actually made worse by many seemingly harmless signs of affection expressed by humans to dogs. The most common include; patting their heads, smiling at them, letting them sniff our hands – this behavior can come across as threatening.

2) Your Corgi Is A Rescue Pet

If you rescued your Cogi from a shelter, you must consider that past abuse may have made them afraid of humans.

If your Corgi has experienced abuse or mistreatment, it may take time for them to adjust to you and their new environment.

You must consider how you approach them, is it possible that you come across as threatening, even unintentionally?

Most dogs hate to be petted on the top of their heads or their paws; it makes them feel stressed and increases their heart rate.

The last thing you want to do is come across as is threatening, especially if they are new to your home and are curious about you to begin with!

3) Your Corgi is Unwell

Your Corgi may have previously liked cuddles at one time but has taken a sudden disliking to them.

If this is the situation with your Corgi, they could perhaps be in pain because of an undiagnosed illness or injury.

If you suspect or identify a problem, you must take your Corgi to the Vet. They will be able to inspect your pet and may even provide treatments when and where required.

Potential issues and illnesses can range from fleas, to stomach upset all the way through to something more severe.

Canine Calming Signals

Did you know that dogs use calming signals to help them cope better under stressful situations?

If your Corgi is not fond of the way you cuddle them, they’ll may indicate to you they are comfortable through one or several of the following ways:

• Turning their whole body or their head away
• Quickly licking their nose, or they barely stick their tongue out of their mouth
• Putting their rear end in the air with their front legs in a bowing position
• Walking slowly
• Scratching like they are itchy
• Wagging their tail (in situations where you know that wagging is not a sign that your dog is happy )
• Urinating on themselves
• Shaking themselves off, as if they are shaking water off
• Lying down with their belly on the ground
• Showing a soft facial expression, but their ears are close to their head

Finally

Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi make fantastic pets. Both breeds have a slightly aggressive streak; however, with the right training, this personality trait can be easily rectified.

If you are looking to get a Corgi, or have recently adopted one into your home, then this book from Amazon is an absolute must buy.

These canines are herd dogs initially and used to being in charge; both breeds are highly intelligent and fiercely independent. Once you show them who’s in charge, you will earn their love and respect.

Nonetheless, Corgis love to be cuddled, generally speaking. If your Corgi doesn’t want to cuddle, it could be due to many factors and are not necessarily a reflection on you as an owner.

If you have a Corgi puppy in your care, training should help your pup become more loving and affectionate towards you.

If your Corgi doesn’t like to cuddle or to be petted, avoid making physical contact with them too regularly and do so carefully. If they wants to cuddle you, let them be the one to initiate it.

Refrain from invading your dog’s personal space, respect their boundaries.

If and when your dog approaches you, pat them gently on the chest or the base of their tail; never on their head.

Look out for signs of discomfort in your dog, let them approach you on his terms, and in time they will learn to trust you.