Are corgis cuddly? The truth about this popular breed

Corgis are small dogs with big personalities. They have a lot of love to give.
 
However, there is a fierce debate among owners and fans about whether or not corgis are truly cuddly.
 
Some claim corgis are too energetic to be cuddly, while others argue they are just as cuddly as any other tiny fluffy dog.
 
My opinion – due to their small size, affectionate nature, and furry coat – yes, corgis are a cuddly dog breed that are perfect for families.

Do corgis like to cuddle? 

Yes, corgis like to cuddle. They are affectionate and loyal dogs, and many corgi owners (like myself) report that corgis enjoy cuddling.
 
Corgis are social creatures. They have a reputation for being playful, loving and loyal dogs.

That’s why they make great companion, especially for those of us who love a bit of physical affection from our pets. I love nothing more than picking up my corgi and giving them a great big hug.
 
So, here’s the truth. If you want a dog that’s affectionate and loves cuddles, exercise and playtime, a corgi is a great choice for you.

​But you do have to be aware that they are energetic dogs, and might not want to cuddle all the time.

Why do corgis like to cuddle?

Corgis like to cuddle because they are social dogs. They were first bred to herd livestock, and were selected because they had good social skills with humans and other animals.
 
Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle on Welsh farms.

Out on the farms, it was their job to watch over the cows and protect them from rats and thieves.
 
Farmers would breed their corgis based on the dogs that were the smartest and the most social, as these were useful traits for herding livestock.

​This sense of loyalty is still seen in modern corgi breeds today.

Do corgis like to be held?

Yes, corgis like to be held. Corgis love physical affection, but, as an energetic breed, you do need to limit the amount you hold them.

Corgis are a small bred that love affection and are ok with being held.

Corgis are small enough to be easily held and carried around, with most adults weighing under 30 pounds and standing between 10 to 12 inches tall.

When you hold your corgi, you need to be careful. Support their bodies and keep them balanced to avoid injury and accidents.

I also recommend you don’t hold them too frequently, as they can get restless in your arms. This can be dangerous for them if they wriggle too much.

How to hold a corgi?

If you want to pick up your corgi, you need to be supportive of their long body. To hold a corgi, pick them up with a hand at both the front and back.
 
To pick up your corgi safely, bend down and position one arm under their front legs and the other arm under their hind end. Lift up, supporting their body evenly with both arms.

​This technique is recommended by veterinarians because corgis (with their long backs) are prone to injuries in their spine, hips, and joints.

​By supporting both ends of their body when you pick them up, you will prevent these types of injuries.
 
With practice, you’ll find your corgi becomes more accustom to getting picked up – and the process will be easier.

How to cuddle your corgi?

To cuddle your corgi, sit them evenly in your cradled arms with their spine straight. You can also sit next to them as the nuzzle into you, or hold them gently in your lap.

Corgis are affectionate, but it is important to be mindful of how you cuddle with them.

When you want to cuddle your corgi, make sure you get them into a comfortable position.

​As you pick them up, their body should be level at both the front and back, and held evenly. Support their body throughout and ensure their spine is straight.

​Avoid forcing your corgi to cuddle with you if they do not want to. It may scare them and make them less likely to cuddle in the future.

I know my corgi occasionally has bouts where they don’t want to be cuddled.

And that’s ok. I know they will in the future. Let them approach you and cuddle on their own terms.

You can also show affection by petting your corgi. Good spots for petting include under the chin, the top of their bottom, the back of their neck, and their belly.

Be sure to avoid sensitive areas like the top of their head (when they are uncomfortable), their ears, and their legs, paws, or tail.

6 great reasons why you should cuddle your corgi

​Cuddling your corgi improves your mood, makes you less stressed, improves your connectedness and strengthens the bond between you are your dog.
 
Yes, there’s nothing better than spending a night by the fire with a corgi by your side.

​There are many benefits to cuddling with loveable furry friend. Here are five reasons why you should cuddle with your corgi.

1. Cuddling your corgi makes you happier

​Cuddling with your corgi makes you happier, as it releases happy chemicals in the brain
 
When you cuddle with your corgi, your brain releases chemicals which reduce anxiety and increase happiness.
 
These chemicals include serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is the chemical that helps regulate emotions and dopamine gives you that little hit of pleasure.
 
It is through these that cuddling your corgi improves your mood and makes you happier

2. Cuddling your corgi helps manage depression

Cuddling your corgi helps to manage and prevent depression, by improving your mood and increasing your social connection.
​
When you cuddle with your corgi, it affects your serotonin levels, making it easier for you to balance your negative emotions.
 
Corgis can sense your mood and offer cuddles without hesitation, making them a comforting companion during difficult times.
 
For people who feel alone, cuddling gives you the connection you need to feel less depressed. While it’s not a perfect solution (and cannot, by itself, stave of the impact of clinical depression), it can help you feel better in the moment.
 
So, next time you're feeling down, consider cuddling with your corgi for a boost of happiness.

3. Cuddling your corgi reduces stress

Cuddling your corgi is a great way to reduce stress and make you calm.
 
Hugs provide comfort when we need it most.
 
By taking time to hug your corgi, you are forced to slow down and relax. This makes you more calm and reduces your risk of heart problems and stroke.
 
You should also note that your stress levels have a direct impact on your dog’s stress levels. If you are stressed, they will be stressed. A nice cuddle will help make you both feel a little better about the day.
 
Take some time to indulge in the cuteness of your corgi and enjoy the special bond you share with your furry friend.

4. Cuddling your corgi builds connection

Cuddling with your corgi strengthens the bond between you and your pet
 
When you cuddle with your corgi, your body releases the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin plays a role in building connections – helping create feelings of stability and security.
 
Corgis, like humans, are social animals and crave physical contact.

​By cuddling your corgi, you give them the love they need, along with you feeling more connected to them and the world.

5. ​Cuddling your corgi makes you feel less alone

Cuddling with your dog reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, and gives you a sense of companionship, even in hard times.

Dogs give emotional support. Cuddling with your corgi makes you feel less alone and more connected to others.
 
In fact, research has shown the presence of a pet has a number of positive effects on mental health, including reduced feelings of loneliness.
 
I know first-hand the benefits of cuddling with my dog when it comes to reducing feelings of loneliness. As someone who often works from home, I sometimes feel disconnected from others.
 
My dog is always there for me, no matter what. Even when I'm feeling down or lonely, cuddling with my dog always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel less alone.

6. Cuddling your corgi demonstrates care to your kids

Cuddling your corgi is a great way to demonstrate affection to your children, and grows the bond between your family and your pet.
 
Dogs and humans have had a special relationship for thousands of years.
 
Corgis in particular are known for their friendly personalities, and are often popular choices as pets for families with children.
 
By cuddling with your corgi, you teach your children about the importance of caring for others and building strong relationships.
 
I have friends with kids who have found cuddling with their corgi is a great way to bond with their children.
 
Their kids love snuggling up with their corgi and giving her hugs, and it's a wonderful way for them to spend quality time together as a family.

How not to cuddle your corgi?

Do not cuddle your corgi by squeezing or wrapping your arms tightly around them. You should also not lift them up from the middle of their belly, as this is bad for their backs.
 
Dogs may experience stress, discomfort, or even pain when subjected to prolonged squeezing or hugging.
 
While a quick embrace may be acceptable (especially if your corgi is initiating contact) it is important to respect their boundaries. If you sense they are uncomfortable, place them back on the ground gently and quickly.

What are the signs your corgi does not want to cuddle?

Common signs your corgi does not want to be cuddled include turning away, growling, scratching, nipping, and lying flat on the ground.
 
Based on my experiences, here are some signs your corgi may not be comfortable with being cuddled:

  • Twisting and turning away from you
  • Whines or crying out
  • Freezing in place
  • Bites, nips, scratches, and growls
  • Sticking out their tongue and licking their nose
  • Lying flat on the ground
  • Urinating

If your corgi is showing any of the above behaviours, they may be indicating discomfort or pain.
 
Not all dogs enjoy being cuddled in the same way that humans do. They may feel trapped or uncomfortable in certain embraces. You need to notice if this is the case, and fix the situation immediately.

Why doesn’t my corgi want to cuddle? 8 reasons why!

The top reasons your corgi may not want to cuddle include stress or anxiety, sickness or injury, or old age.
 
If your corgi doesn’t seem to enjoy cuddling, you may be wondering – what’s going on?
 
There are a number of reasons your corgi may not want to cuddle.
 
I’ll cover them below, but before I start, one of the most important ones to highlight is pain. This can be either physical (such as injury) or emotional (such as anxiety).
 
If your corgi is showing any signs of pain, you need to be very careful if you plan on hugging them. You don’t want to hurt them or injure them further.

1. Your corgi may have anxiety 

If your corgi does not like being cuddled, it may be a form of anxiety. This happens when your dog is cooped up in the house all day and don’t have a chance to exercise.
 
One common cause of stress in dogs is canine claustrophobia – a fear of being confined.
 
Corgis have a natural instinct to run and explore. If they are not able exercise or are kept shut inside in a small house for too long, they may become anxious.
 
To reduce anxiety in your corgi, you need to give them opportunities to exercise. The backyard is great for this, but so are long walks and your local park. My corgi loves going for trips out to our local beach and taking in the smells and scenery.
 
The less anxious they feel, the more likely they are to cuddle you.

2. Your corgi may be stressed by noise

Your corgi may not want to be cuddled because they are unsettled by loud noises. These are stressful for corgis because they have better hearing than humans.
 
Loud noises stress out corgis. If you’ve ever tried to sleep in a hotel facing a train line, you know how rough they can be.
​
That’s why, where possible, you should reduce loud noises in your home. This is especially important in the city where noise levels are higher.
 
Sound sources to look out for include power tools, kitchen appliances, and gardening equipment.
 
I recommend heavy duty curtains to help block out the noise from outside, and being mindful of where your corgi is before using loud equipment indoors.
 
If you can’t completely eliminate these sources of noise (and in the big city, you can’t), you should take your corgi to less noisy environments when the option arises. Hiking is a great option to get you back to the great silent outdoors.
 
By reducing sound stress, your corgi will be calming and more likely to cuddle you.

3. Your corgi may have been abused

​Your corgi may not want to cuddle if they have a history of abuse. This is why I recommend you buy from a reputable breeder to ensure your corgi is taken care of from the start.
 
A good breeder will treat your corgi with kindness. They will socialise your corgi (make them happy around humans) and this will make them more likely to cuddle.
 
When adopting a corgi from an animal shelter, you need to account for their past. I’ve seen shelter dogs in the past that were very skittish around humans. A clear history of abuse certainly makes them less likely to want to cuddle.
 
Some rescue dogs have come from abusive households and have had little kindness in their lives. These dogs may sensitive to smells and sensations that remind them of their past abuse.
 
If you are considering adopting an abused dog, be prepared to work with a professional trainer who can help your dog to trust again.

4. Your corgi may be sick

Your corgi may not want to cuddle if they are sick. Sick animals are far less likely to play, exercise and seek affection. You may need to take them to a vet to get them checked.
 
If your cuddly corgi suddenly stops wanting to cuddle, they may be feeling unwell.
 
If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on them and monitor for symptoms. Signs to watch out for include a lack of balance, unprompted barking, vomiting, diarrhoea, or yelps of pain.
 
If you discover they are sick, you need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will get them back on the road to recovery, and move them towards being their happy cuddly self.

5. Your corgi may be injured

Your corgi may not want to cuddle if they have an injury. Injuries make cuddling difficult, as it hurts your corgi in the process.
 
If your corgi seems unwilling to be touched, or becomes aggressive when touched, it may be because they are in pain from an injury.
 
Corgis love playing, but sometimes this playfulness leads to injuries.
 
To determine where the injury is located, pay attention to the areas that your dog reacts to when touched. I’ve found that they will pull back if you lightly touch the pained area.
 
If the injury is minor, it may heal on its own with some rest at home. However, if the injury is more serious, it is important to check in with your vet so your corgi gets the proper treatment they need.

6. Your corgi may not have a cuddly personality

Your corgi may simply not like to be cuddled due to their nature. For instance, some corgis prefer to be petted or rubbed rather than held.
 
You may find that if your corgi is more independent, they won’t be a big fan of hugs. You may also find your little bundle of energy prefers to be out adventuring, rather than cuddling.
 
Every dog is unique. It’s normal for different dogs to have varying levels of cuddliness.
 
As long as your corgi is healthy, they are still likely to show you affection. It just could be in others ways – such as playing, barking, nuzzling, and sleeping at your feet.

7. Your corgi may be too old

Your corgi may not want to cuddle as much as they age. Some owners note their older corgis are less inclined to want to be touched than when they were puppies.
 
This is a normal part of the aging process. It does not mean your older corgi no longer loves you.
 
As corgis age, they become more sensitive to being handled as their bodies ache more easily. This means they hurt more when they are cuddled.
 
If you have young kids, it’s important to let them know that your corgi can no longer handle the attention it once had. That way, you can work together to find new ways for them to bond with your aging dog.

8. Your corgi may not like your cuddling technique

Your corgi may not enjoy your current cuddling techniques. This could be particularly true if you are a heavy cuddler, or not evenly lifting them as you cuddle.
 
Ensure your corgi is supported through their joints and spine when you are giving them a big cuddle.
 
Many corgi owners wonder why their corgi doesn’t like hugs, and it’s all because they are not properly supporting their corgi’s spine when they do it.
 
It is important to pay attention to your corgi's body language when cuddling to determine if they are comfortable. Your corgi will communicate if they do not like the way they are being held. Pay attention for barks and twists in particular.

​3 alternative ways to show your corgi affection

If your corgi doesn't enjoy cuddling, there are still many ways for you to spend quality time together including training, exercise and games.
 
While cuddling may not be their preferred love language, there are many other activities you can do together that are just as fun.
 
Just because you and your corgi don't cuddle doesn't mean your relationship is any less meaningful.
 
Here are the top three strategies I recommend for showing your corgi you care.

1. Train your corgi

Training your corgi is a good alternative to cuddling. Training is a great way strengthen the bond between you and your corgi, as it makes it easier for them to trust you.
 
Training builds trust between you and your pet.
 
By taking the time to train your corgi and teach them new commands, you show them you value their intelligence and are willing to invest in their growth.
 
Training also establishes clear boundaries and expectations, which makes your corgi feel more secure in their role within the household.
 
There are many different types of training you can do with your corgi, including obedience training, agility training, and trick training. I’ve found that obedience training is the most important, but trick training is the most fun.
 
Whatever type of training you choose, it's important to be patient, consistent, and positive. Use rewards and praise to reinforce good behaviour, as training should be fun experience for you both. Especially if you’re using it as a replacement for cuddles.

2. Exercise your corgi

Exercising with your corgi is an effective alternative to cuddles. It shows them you care about their health and that you are looking out for them.
 
Corgis are an energetic breed that need regular exercise.
 
By taking the time to exercise with your corgi, you give them the physical activity they need and to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise also keeps your corgi's mind and body active.
 
There are many different ways for you to exercise with your corgi – going for walks, runs or even hiking.
 
Whatever type of exercise you choose, it's important choose activities appropriate for your corgi's age, size, and fitness level.
 
By taking the time to exercise with your corgi, you will keep them happy for years to come.

3. Play with your corgi

​Playing with your corgi is a great alternative to cuddling that is fun for you both.
 
Playtime strengthens the bond between you and provides your corgi the stimulation they need to stay healthy.
 
There are heaps of games you can play with your corgi. Some of the most popular ones are fetch, tug of war, and toys with treats. I know my corgi loves nothing more than pulling the limbs of a stuffed toy.
 
Whatever games you pick, make sure they are ones that you can enjoy too. It makes it far easier on the both of you.

Final thoughts on whether corgis are cuddly?

Corgis are affectionate, loyal, and energetic dogs that love to cuddle.
 
While originally bred to work on farms, corgis grew into an intelligent and affection modern breed that serve as great companions.
 
By watching out for warning signs, and holding them level, you can ensure your corgi loves cuddles just as much as you do.

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