Does a Female Welsh Corgi Make a Better Pet Than a Male?

Does a female welsh corgi make a better pet than a male? Surprisingly, female corgis tend to be more dominant than males, so if you are getting a dog for the first time and have decided upon a corgi, a male is probably a better idea. Many corgis are unfortunately put down because owners could not control them. Although they are small in size, corgis were bred as herding dogs and are not the type to ride around in purses.

Another advantage in getting a male is that female corgis who have not been spayed have to be protected from male dogs twice a year, on average, for about three weeks. Protective pads are available to keep your home clean. Having her spayed will avoid the problem.

Of course, each dog is unique and there are more individual variations than there are variations between the genders, so if you are buying from a reputable breeder or a rescue group, explain what you are looking for. If you have small children or have never trained a dog, then ask for one who is unlikely to bite when you ask him or her to get off the couch. If you are buying a puppy, watch the litter while they play. A dog who runs up to you, pushing the other puppies out of the way, might be flattering, but it could grow up to have a dominant personality. Watch for pups who play happily but do not act aggressive with their littermates or hang back.

If you do get a corgi and it proves aggressive, see your veterinarian or a trainer to help you solve the problem with your beloved pet. Dogs become aggressive when they believe that they are pack leaders, so it is wise to convince the dog that you are the pack leader. The earliest time to start is the day you bring home your corgi. Puppies are cute and fun to pick up, but do not carry the corgi around like a baby at all times. This will convince your pup that it is in a high position on the organizational chart. Let it walk around on the floor as much as possible.

Teaching your new corgi obedience and tricks is not only fun and good exercise for you both, but it helps to establish order of dominance. Puppies as young as 10 to 12 weeks can learn to sit and shake. Gently push down on the corgi's hips until he or she is sitting and say, "Sit," while giving a treat. Repeat a few times and let the pup rest, then schedule another lesson for the next day. When your corgi can sit on command, begin gently lifting one paw while saying, "Shake." Reward the pup with a treat, and he or she will learn to put the command, the lifted paw, and the treat together. At 6 months, your puppy is old enough to learn commands such as "off," "stand, and "heal."

The earlier the better, take you corgi pup to obedience school. If you are unfamiliar with training techniques, this will be an education for you both and it will help to socialize your puppy to other dogs and strange people. This will help nip aggression in the bud.

In short, male corgis can make better pets in general for those unused to handling a dog, but some females can be less aggressive than some males, so choose an individual carefully and get sound advice from a veterinarian or professional dog breeder. If you are able to get the Animal Channel, watch Victoria Stillwell's dog training show to get helpful tips on training. Enjoy your new pet.