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Are Corgis Smart or Just Really Good Actors?

Are Corgis Smart or Just Really Good Actors?

smart corgis with glasses

Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by May Jones

Are corgis smart? Ah, the age-old question: are corgis smart or just really good at being cute? Well, it turns out they’re actually pretty smart!

First things first, let’s talk about the study that ranked dog breeds by their intelligence. Yes, there was actually a study done on this (and no, it wasn’t conducted by corgis themselves).

The study looked at several factors to determine intelligence, such as obedience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. And you know what? Corgis ranked 11th out of 138 breeds. Boom, take that skeptics! But what does this really mean? Are corgis smart or just really good at following orders? Let’s explore further, shall we?

corgi looking at camera
Image: Canva Pro

Now, as a proud corgi owner myself, I can attest to their intelligence. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Yes, corgis are intelligent dogs, but just like with humans, intelligence can manifest in different ways.

Some corgis may excel at obedience and following commands, while others may be more independent thinkers and problem solvers. It’s all about their individual personality and training. So, while corgis may not be winning any Nobel Prizes (yet), they definitely have the brains to make great companions and work dogs.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the corgi’s intelligence, explore what makes them unique, and give you some tips on how to bring out the best in your furry friend. So, grab a snack and get ready to learn whether or not your corgi is the next Einstein (or at least smarter than your neighbor’s cat).

What is the IQ of a Corgi?

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s define what we mean by “IQ” in dogs. In 1994, psychologist Stanley Coren published a book called “The Intelligence of Dogs,” in which he ranks dog breeds based on their ability to learn and follow commands. He used three criteria to determine a dog’s intelligence: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence.

So, where do corgis fall on this intelligence scale? According to Coren’s study, corgis rank 11th out of 138 dog breeds in terms of working and obedience intelligence. That’s right, corgis are in the top 10% of the smartest dog breeds!

But what does that mean in terms of IQ? Well, it’s tough to translate working and obedience intelligence into a numerical value, but Coren did his best to estimate. He found that the average dog can learn a new command in about 25-40 repetitions, while the average corgi can learn a new command in just 5-15 repetitions.

Of course, IQ isn’t the only measure of intelligence, and some people might argue that corgis are smarter than other breeds in different ways. But if we’re talking about learning and following commands, corgis are definitely up there with the best of them.

smart corgi with book
Image: Canva Pro

Are Corgis smarter than Labs?

According to the Stanley Coren’s study on dog intelligence, Labs outrank corgis in terms of trainability and obedience. So the answer is no, corgis are not smarter than labs. But before you get too upset, let’s take a closer look at what this study really means and why Labs are considered smarter than our beloved corgis.

The study tested 138 dog breeds based on their working and obedience intelligence, which are the two types of intelligence that are most important for dogs to possess. Labs ranked number 7 on the list, while corgis ranked at number 11. This means that Labs have a higher ability to learn and follow commands compared to corgis. But does that mean corgis are not smart at all? Definitely not.

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corgi trying to catch a ball

Corgis may not have the same level of obedience intelligence as Labs, but they are known for their problem-solving skills and independent thinking. Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, which required them to make quick decisions and use their instincts to control cattle. This type of intelligence is known as adaptive intelligence, and corgis definitely have it in spades. Plus, who can deny the cuteness of a corgi butt wiggling around while they’re thinking of how to solve a problem?

So while Labs may be the top dogs in terms of obedience and trainability, corgis still have plenty of smarts to offer. And let’s be real, who needs obedience when you have a corgi who can make you laugh with just one wiggle of their butt?

Other dog breeds that rank higher than Corgis

While corgis are definitely clever little pups, there are other breeds that rank higher in intelligence

For example, Border Collies are often considered the smartest breed, with their incredible herding abilities and quick thinking. Poodles are another breed that often tops the list, thanks to their trainability and problem-solving skills. And let’s not forget about the German Shepherd, a breed that is often used in police work due to their intelligence and loyalty.

Here’s the full list of dog breeds that have ranked higher in intelligence than the corgi in various studies and assessments:

  • Border Collie
  • Poodle
  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Papillon
  • Rottweiler
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Schipperke

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other dog breeds that have ranked higher in intelligence in different studies or assessments. Additionally, it’s important to remember that intelligence can manifest in many different ways and just because a dog breed may not rank as highly in intelligence doesn’t mean they are any less wonderful or capable as a companion.

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