An utterly charming cross, the corgi dachshund mix takes the Queen of England’s favourite dog, the corgi, and combines it with one of the most popular breeds, the dachshund! Dorgi, the result of this fascinating mix, is a visually stunning dog, which is undeniably one of the most adorable designer dogs found in the dog world.
This article looks at the Dorgi in more detail, highlighting its overall appearance, temperament, personality, activity levels, and health. It also considers whether the corgi dachshund mix is the perfect choice for you.
What Is a Dorgi?
A corgi dachshund mix is simply the result of the breeding of a corgi and a dachshund together. However, the parents have to be purebred, with both the corgi and the dachshund being pedigrees.
This crossbreed is sometimes called Dorgi.
The corgi and dachshund mix came to light recently. The crossbreed has gained more attention over the last decade due to the increase of the designer dogs breeding. The result is, as we can see, a first-generation cross, a designer breed named Dorgi.
The concept of this particular pairing is to combine all the fantastic traits of the corgi, along with all the excellent characteristics of the dachshund. Furthermore, this crossbreed widens the gene pool and forms a new breed which may be more suitable for those looking for the absolute best of both of these dog breeds.
We can trace the history of the corgis back as far as to the 10th century. Bred initially for herding purposes, they were also chosen as guardians on the farms, keeping away unwanted guests. Corgis were therefore perfect as practical working dogs.
Dachshunds also have a colourful history, and we can also trace their lineage back to over 600 years ago. Initially bred for hunting purposes, these badger dogs were widely utilized for their exceptional skills at locating and hunting down the prey. Therefore, they too, were considered amongst some of the best working dog breeds.
However, both the corgi and dachshund breeds were also explicitly bred to work alongside humans. Therefore the breeding of both dog kinds together indeed results in a hardworking, loyal crossbreed.
Corgi Dachshund Mix Physical Appearance
As with all crossbreeds, you will more than likely see an array of unpredictable outcomes when breeding corgi and dachshund. Therefore, when it comes to pinpointing their exact type and colour of fur, it will vary considerably!
First of all, the most secure way of predicting the look of the offsprings is to view the parents. A visual scan of the parents and indeed, the information in their pedigrees will be the most significant indicator of what your corgi dachshund mix will look like when it’s fully grown.
Anything is possible in this breed, including:
- Short hair
- Long hair
- A wiry coat
- A soft coat
- White, tan, red, brown and black colouring
The grooming routine of a corgi and dachshund mix will thoroughly depend on their coat type. However, corgis are renowned for their thicker overall coat and their ability to shed a lot. Therefore, it’s a good idea to brush your Dorgi daily, taking time to double-check the overall coat appearance, nails, ears, eyes, and teeth.
There are a couple of descriptions about this mix that will most certainly describe the common physical characteristics of a corgi dachshund mix, including:
- Stubby legs
- Low height – Usually around 15 inches or so
- Lighter in weight – Possibly weighing around 15 to 30 Ibs
- Elongated body – This mix will most likely be long-bodied
Corgi Dachshund Mix Personality and Temperament
Perhaps one of the best concepts about mixing both a corgi and a dachshund is the undeniably near-perfect temperament of this crossbreed.
Let’s have a brief look into its parental breeds origins. Both corgis and dachshunds were favoured not just because of their ability to perform as working dogs, but likewise for their fantastic companionship qualities. Both dogs have a long history of working side by side with humans. Therefore, a corgi dachshund mix is one of the best choices as a faithful companion!
Instinctively loyal, they will quickly familiarise themselves with their owner and form strong bonds with the whole family. However, this will mean ensuring that they’re kept entertained whenever you are away because Dorgis can suffer from separation anxiety.
A very receptive crossbreed, Dorgis are generally on alert when they are around you and other family members and trying hard protecting their pack. However, this guarding behaviour can become problematic, especially when it comes to interaction with other people and dogs! That’s why it is essential to train and socialise your Dorgi at a very early age.
The corgi dachshund mix can also prove itself to be a very loud barker. It may well get into a little bit of mischief from time to time. Don’t forget that barking is in its blood!
Both corgis and dachshunds are well known for their intellect. The corgi dachshund mix is one of the smartest and unusual dog breeds to have in the family!
Corgi Dachshund Mix Health Issues
As with all crossbreeds, there are possible health complications when it comes to the corgi dachshund mix.
First of all, you should keep in mind the health conditions that are associated with each of the parental breeds.
Both corgis and dachshunds are undoubtedly prone to back problems due to their small size and elongated body structure. All chondrodystrophic (dwarf) breeds can develop intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). That is why you’ll need to ensure your Dorgi doesn’t put on too much weight, as it increases the pressure on the spine.
It’s also essential to restrict your Dorgi from climbing the stairs and jumping on the sofas. You should also be aware of how you pick up your pet and place him down in the right way.
If you would like to find out more about Dorgi health issues, that can be passed on from the dachshund side, read our article about Dachshund Health here.
Corgi Dachshund Mix lifespan
The average lifespan of the corgi dachshund crossbreed is around 12 to 15 years. It can be prolonged until 16-17 years with the right care and a high-quality diet.
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
Corgi Dachshund Mix Exercise and Activity Requirements
In terms of training, this Dorgi is undoubtedly an intelligent dog which will pick up things very quickly with the correct training.
Make sure then that you begin the training early, at the puppy stage when possible.
The basic training steps include:
Socialization training. Work to expose your dog to as many typical life situations as you can early on. It includes traffic, other people, other dogs, and noise in general. It will gradually eliminate any anxiety and therefore, ongoing bad behaviour.
Obedience training. Make sure that when you call your Dorgi, he will come back to you. Begin teaching him this command in secure areas such as the yard or garden, and then extend to bigger spaces.
When letting your dachshund corgi mix off the lead, bear in mind, that both corgis and dachshunds have the instinct in hunting. Therefore, your Dorgi may very well be continually looking out for something to chase. It’s important to remember that when your dog off lead and something catches his attention, he might ignore your commands and run away from you.
For this reason, we cannot stress enough the importance of giving your Dorgi the basic obedience training, so he listens to your commands and gets back to you.
Dorgi activity requirements
Dorgis may be small in size, but they will still need to be exercised and indeed offered ongoing stimulation. Despite their stubby little legs, they are very active dogs with the natural hunting impulse. It means you will need to provide entertainment for them throughout the day continually. Because of their practical nature, this mix will be looking for things to keep itself occupied.
Therefore the more energy they can burn off daily, the better they will behave in and around the house. So, ensure they get their daily walks and where it’s safe and possible to do so, get them off the lead for a free run.
Is Dorgi a Right Dog for You?
If you’re thinking of getting the corgi dachshund mix but are wondering whether it’s the right type of dog for you, then there are a few things for you to consider beforehand:
Although this crossbreed is affectionate and loyal and makes a great four-legged companion, it will need quite a lot of attention throughout the day. As with most moderate to high energy dog breeds, the corgi dachshund mix does not like to be left alone for long periods. Dorgis are indeed ones of the most lively and curious dogs, and they can be quite disobedient and destructive sometimes. You should regularly offer them the opportunity to burn off energy by providing them with stimulating games and activities.
While this mix is excellent for those looking for a smaller sized dog, they will still need to regular exercise. This energetic and enthusiastic crossbreed requires daily walks plus other activity games.
Finally, this mix will most certainly need some proper training both at the puppy stage and throughout their life. It is because they have that stubborn streak in their nature, and sometimes do naughty things without glancing back at their owner!
Overall, in case you can offer your Dorgi a great deal of your time, get him involved in as much mental and physical stimulation as possible, and work hard to train him, then the corgi dachshund mix may well be just the perfect choice for you.