It can be quite challenging to pick between male vs. female Corgis. Fortunately, there are ways to narrow down and pinpoint which one suits you better.
Just like any other breed, neither gender is superior to the other. But each has its own set of perks and quirks that you should consider when deciding which one is compatible with you.
While they’re known to be an outgoing and playful breed, female Corgis are generally more independent and calm than male ones. Male Corgis can be more energetic and playful, making them suitable for active singles and families with children.
To help you decide, I’ll discuss the health concerns, physical differences, temperaments, and trainability of both sexes in this guide.
By understanding their dissimilarities, you’ll be able to choose which is more in line with your preferences. So, gather up your notes, and let’s get started!
Physical Differences
Male Corgis
Generally, most male dogs are taller than their female counterparts, but Corgis are an exception to this rule. With their naturally long, low-slung bodies, it may be hard to identify their sex at first glance.
The male Corgi can stand at a height ranging between 10 and 12 inches and weigh around 30 to 38 pounds, about four pounds heavier than the female Corgi. This is because the former is more prone to muscle mass than the latter.
Tiny but robust, the male Welsh Corgi makes a wonderful pet for families that live in small spaces or apartments. However, to maintain their health and fitness, it is necessary to provide them with a regular exercise routine.
In some cases, if both of its parents carry the dwarfism gene, or if one parent is the runt of the litter, the offspring may be so small that it resembles a teacup.
Female Corgis
Meanwhile, female Corgis are lighter and can weigh from 25 to 34 pounds. They tend to have a less bulky and slimmer body type than males.
Still, you may have to closely examine and hold them shoulder-to-shoulder to see their incredibly subtle differences. They may also look less muscular and more rounded than male Corgis, but they share an equally broad, sturdy build.
As a breeder of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, their long and rounded body allows them to support their pups more comfortably when they are pregnant, especially since they are capable of carrying about 8 to 11 pups in a litter.
After whelping, they need to be supported with a high-protein diet so that they can easily transition back to their pre-pregnancy builds. This becomes even more important during the period of lactation.
Both genders may exhibit short to long lengths of coat, which can appear wavy, fluffy, wiry, straight, or thin depending on their breeding parents. They also share the same coat colors.
Unfortunately, based on the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC), they only allow the registration of Corgis with straight or slightly wavy, medium-length fur.
Overall, you may notice that female Corgis can be considerably more delicate and elegant than male Corgis when it comes to their gait and movement.
Temperamental Differences
Male Corgis
It might be hard to believe that Corgis display dissimilar temperaments based on their sexes, but that’s the truth. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that dogs exhibit gender-related behavioral differences.
Male Corgis are typically more outgoing and friendlier than females. Because they are playful by nature, males can sometimes be a little aggressive, which can result in bad habits if not trained appropriately.
Furthermore, their affectionate demeanor can cause them to become distressed when left alone for long periods, and they may develop separation anxiety. Nonetheless, with proper mental stimulation, there’s no need to worry.
They are also eager to please their owners, which means that if you’ve trained them to follow commands and do tricks, male Welsh Corgis will be happy to showcase their talents.
Female Corgis
On the other hand, female Corgis pride themselves on their calmer and strong-willed demeanor. They’re usually more dominant than their male counterparts, which can lead to some conflict between the two genders.
In addition to this, females can be left alone and are less likely to seek attention from their fur parents as they mature faster compared to male Corgis.
That’s part of what makes them great companions for people who appreciate an independent spirit.
Moreover, female Corgis are more earnest and focused as they grow, so they’re perfect for owners who want a pet that’s ready to work hard and play hard.
However, they tend to be less energetic than males once they reach adulthood.
When your female is in heat or menstruating, expect to deal with their irritability, moodiness, and lack of cooperation.
Watch this video to see how temperaments differ between male and female Corgis:
Behavior and Training
Male Corgis
As a general rule, Corgis can be trained efficiently and are known for their intelligence and hardworking nature as shepherd dogs.
Males Corgis, however, may find training more challenging than females because of their shorter attention span.
On top of that, male Corgis can be stubborn at times, but with the help of positive reinforcement, you’ll be able to get them to obey your commands. The secret to training your pup is to make it fun for them.
Although they are extremely friendly and playful, males are territorial and can get aggressive when threatened or challenged. As a result, it may take them a long time to warm up to other canines of the same sex.
They also have a habit of marking their possessions by peeing on them. Male Corgis display this behavior to warn other canines to stay away from the area they believe belongs to them.
Appropriate socialization or neutering can prevent this behavior.
Female Corgis
Although female Corgis tend to be easier to train than males due to their maturity and alertness, this does not mean that females will not also show stubbornness.
They’re known for valuing their personal space, so expect to deal with their feisty attitude when you try to force them into doing anything they don’t want to do. Moreover, Female Corgis can be as territorial as male Corgis.
Female Corgis are calmer and less energetic than their male counterparts. Consequently, you’ll need to find ways to get them excited about training sessions by using rewards and praises.
Furthermore, they are protective of their family and can become vocal when they sense that something is wrong or different from their surroundings.
Nonetheless, females can be trained to become more approachable and comfortable around people, especially with children and other pets.
Health Differences
Male Corgis
On average, the lifespan of a Corgi can range from 12 to 15 years. They are considered healthy pooches, yet they are susceptible to vital health problems.
It includes elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), obesity, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
In addition to the increased risk of disease, male Corgis that are unneutered can develop prostate problems and testosterone-related cancers later in life.
Unaltered male Corgis will more likely display aggressive behavior toward other people, animals, and even their owners.
Such unwanted traits may include marking their territory by urinating on anything in their sight and may even hump other dogs or objects.
By getting their male Corgi neutered early on, bad habits can be prevented from developing, and their canine’s life expectancy can also be increased.
Female Corgis
As with the males, female Corgis can also exhibit aggression and irritability when they’re unspayed. They experience heat and period pains twice a year, making them more likely to show behavioral problems.
Typically, having your female altered within its 6th to 9th month can prevent this from happening in the future.
Spaying is the process of removing all of its reproductive organs, which will help to reduce hormone production.
Additionally, this process is beneficial for many other reasons, including unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risk of developing breast cancer, uterine infections, and pyometra.
Getting a Corgi spayed or neutered can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on where you live and which vet you choose. Setting aside some extra money just in case is always a wise idea.
Spaying or neutering Corgis can vastly enhance their quality of life. With fewer hormones and testosterone floating around their body, they’ll be less likely to bite or pee on everything they see.
Further, to ensure that you secure a healthy puppy regardless of gender, it would be best to only deal with reputable breeders who do health testing and provide health guarantees and certificates.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Corgis
Despite the easygoing and friendly nature of the male Corgi, they can be territorial around other canines, especially those of the same gender.
If you already have a male dog and plan to get another one, you may need to neuter them both to prevent sibling rivalry from arising. Two unneutered males will usually fight for dominance.
Some pet owners also believe that if you have a pooch at home, you should get a second dog of the opposite gender to avoid possible territorial issues later on.
As mentioned, the most effective way to stop this unwanted character from developing is through early socialization and exposing them to other animals.
Once they’re accustomed to interacting and playing with them, you will have no problem accepting a new pet into the family.
Female Corgis
When it comes to female Corgis, they can be sassy to other pets in your household, so be sure to acquaint them with many kinds of animals while they’re young.
Occasionally, you’ll notice that they may distance themselves from others as they grow older. This behavior is common among females because of their maturity and independent streak.
For that reason, a female Corgi is typically busy minding its own business, and most of the time, they don’t engage in fights with other dogs unless they are provoked.
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort needed for training and socialization at an early age, you might find that they can be sweet to other dogs and even cats.
With Children
Male Corgis
Welsh Corgis are among the most dependable, loyal companions you could ever hope to own. Consequently, you may be interested to learn more about whether they make good pets around children.
With their high spirit and lively temperament combined with appropriate socialization, male Corgis are more likely to get along with kids than their female counterparts.
Although your male may be an affectionate canine and enjoys being around people, there’ll be times when they’ll nip or bite out of excitement if not taught how to behave properly around small children.
In addition to that, kids can get a little aggressive when bonding with a dog, so to avoid such accidents happening in the future, make sure to supervise them closely when they’re playing together.
By teaching your kids how to approach a Corgi in a non-threatening way, you’re helping them build a connection with the pup and earn its trust.
Female Corgis
On the contrary, if you want a canine that’s careful around children, then the female Welsh Corgi would be the better choice.
As mentioned in the previous sections, they’re more serious and protective than male ones, and they will rarely cause trouble in your house.
Moreover, most female pooches tend to have their own safe space, and they will often try to avoid interactions with other family members — except for their favorite person.
Nevertheless, you can help them become more friendly with children by training and engaging them in fun activities together.
You can also encourage them to play with toys and balls specifically designed for puppies or small breeds like the Corgi.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Corgis
Male Corgis
Owning a canine is one of the heaviest responsibilities any person can take on. Before you commit to bringing home a male Corgi, it’s best to consider the benefits and drawbacks of such a decision.
First, let’s talk about their advantages. Male Corgis are typically more energetic, approachable, and easygoing than females. Most of the time, they will do their best to gain their fur parent’s attention and affection.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a playmate for your kids, males can match them with their playful and lively temperament. This spirit makes them perfect for people who love exercising outdoors or playing sports.
While male Corgis tend to be more aggressive toward other male dogs, they often warm up more quickly to pets of the opposite sex than female Corgis do. Also, they’re friendlier and less cautious around strangers.
However, one drawback of having a male Corgi is their short attention span. When it comes to training them, they get distracted easily by many external stimuli, such as food and toys.
Moreover, male Corgis don’t respond well to heavy-handed tactics, so you’ll need to be patient and consistent when teaching them new commands.
The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of owning a male Corgi:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easygoing, friendly, and affectionate | Gets distracted easily |
| Eager to please their fur parents | Can display territorial behavior |
| More playful and lively | Clumsier around children |
| Sociable and less cautious around strangers | Prone to developing separation anxiety |
| Responsive and easier to train | Constant attention is required |
| Faster to reach physical maturity | Slower to reach mental maturity |
Female Corgis
Similarly, having a female Welsh Corgi has its own pros and cons. For some owners, their independent streak is one great advantage. Female Corgis are self-reliant and will understand if you need personal space.
Generally, female Welsh Corgis are more independent, gentle, and serious than their male counterparts. They are also less likely to show aggressive behavior, so it’s safe to say that they won’t engage in fighting with other pets.
They make excellent companions for people who work long hours throughout the day. When they’re trained to behave properly, they can be trusted to be left alone in the house.
Additionally, they are known for being incredibly sweet and cautious when it comes to interacting with children. They tend to show their maternal instincts and protectiveness when around kids.
However, their introverted trait can also become a disadvantage since you may often find them doing their own thing and not constantly needing your attention.
Moreover, you also need to adjust to sudden mood swings during their period. Despite being more intelligent than male Corgis, they can be sassy and stubborn when forced to do an activity that requires high energy.
Listed below are some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of owning a female Corgi:
| Pros | Cons |
| Independent, gentle, and serious | Dominant and wary of strangers |
| Less playful but sweet | Stubborn and harder to train |
| Less likely to show aggression | Get irritated easily |
| Faster to reach mental maturity | Slower to reach physical maturity |
| Respect personal space | Energy levels are low |
| More careful around children | Attached to one person only |
Should You Get a Male or Female Corgi?
Despite both genders being great and loyal furry companions, you have to reflect on your lifestyle when choosing between male and female Corgis.
If you’re the type of owner who’s always busy, a female Corgi is best suited for you. They’re content being left alone for long periods and won’t make a mess when unattended.
Still, make sure to monitor them from time to time, as they deserve to be given genuine love and attention as well. You’ll also want to capture the moment they learn how to sploot because it’s adorable.
However, if you’re an energetic and active person looking for a pet that can keep up with you in any adventure, then consider getting a male Corgi. They’ll surely match your personality with their playful temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Corgis Calmer?
Even though the female Corgi is calmer than its male counterpart, they can still show aggressiveness and mood swings when in heat. It’s advisable to get them spayed to avoid acquiring behavioral issues.
On the other hand, when given the right outlet for their high energy levels, males can be just as gentle as female Corgis.
I would recommend that you give them at least an hour of exercise each day. It will help them work out any pent-up aggression or frustration and allow them to settle down into a calmer demeanor.
Are Male or Female Corgis More Affectionate?
Male Corgis are more affectionate than females, but the latter tend to be more attached to their fur parent. As I’ve mentioned earlier, males are eager to please, and they require constant attention.
Meanwhile, female Corgis are more dominant and self-reliant. They’re cautious around strangers and are most likely to bond with one person only.
Are Male or Female Corgis Easier to Train?
According to The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are ranked 11th among clever breeds, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are ranked 31st.
Although they have this excellent trait, both sexes can be challenging to teach. Males are easily distracted, and females can be less responsive, so training them requires extra patience and consistency.
Regardless of the gender you choose, I’d suggest that you expose your puppy to a variety of stimuli in its first few months. Besides, it will help ensure that your furry friend grows into a well-behaved adult Corgi.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Corgi is widely regarded as one of the most popular herding dog breeds today. They are naturally affectionate, friendly, and fun-loving companions. Even Queen Elizabeth II of England is just as charmed by this dog’s antics as the rest of us.
Whether you choose to go for a male or female Corgi, its behavior will always rely on your patience, consistency, and commitment to providing proper care and training.
However, based on the differences I’ve listed in this article, you can see that no gender of a Corgi is perfect. The decision of which is better among the two depends on you and your lifestyle.
Are you already a Corgi owner, or are you just about to get one? Tell us in the comments section below if a male or female Corgi captured your heart!
