Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds around. Almost every dog lover has watched a video of their cute little walk and rump-shaking maneuvers. Dorgis aren’t as well-known but should be. They are a mixed breed born of the Corgi and Dachshund and are intelligent, loving, and energetic. But what if you had to choose between a Dorgi and a Corgi? How could you make the choice? That’s why we’re here. Let’s take an in-depth look at these 2 dog breeds so you can decide which one is right for you.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
Dorgi Overview
Dorgis are the cute hybrid of Welsh Corgis and Dachshunds first bred in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. Dorgis are a bit smaller than the Corgi thanks to the addition of the Dachshund in their breeding. These dogs can come in multiple colors with delicate coats. The appearance of the Dorgi can vary between the two parent breeds. In most cases, their bodies are slightly long, thanks to the Dachshund, and their legs are fairly short. As a mixed breed, and the fact their traits are not consistent, these dogs aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Personality / Character
The Dorgi loves to be around people, is intelligent, and is full of energy. These little dogs prefer having something to do thanks to their parent breeds being hunters and herding dogs that enjoyed their work. While Dorgis are small dogs, that doesn’t mean they don’t have big needs. They want to interact with their owners and enjoy a bit of activity. While they are small and ideal for apartment life, being outside occasionally is a must. When the Dorgi can’t be outdoors or playing, games that stimulate their high intelligence are a great way of letting them pass the time.
Exercise
While Dorgis are energetic little dogs, they can get tired if they overdo it. When exercising these dogs, keep an eye out for exhaustion. Long walks, fetch, and other games are great ways to ensure your Dorgi gets the hour of exercise they need a day. However, with their high levels of intelligence, they also need mental stimulation to keep them happy when they are lounging around the house.
Training
Like most dogs, Dorgis need to start training early in life. This will keep them from being rambunctious as they mature. Dorgis do well with training and pick up on things easily. You’ll find that they do best with treats and positive reinforcement as rewards. As the mix of working dogs, Dorgis enjoy feeling like they have a sense of purpose. Stimulating games are ideal to promote this.
Unfortunately, Dorgis are a bit reactive and are prone to barking. If you’re in a situation where this isn’t ideal, they may not be a good fit. However, working with them when they are young is a good way to socialize them and attempt to work through this behavior.
Health & Care
Dorgis are a fairly healthy dog breed but they are susceptible to certain hereditary conditions due to their parent breeds. Back issues, due to their long backs, weight troubles, eye issues, and skin allergies are among the most common ailments these little dogs face. A well-balanced diet can help avoid several of these issues.
Grooming for the Dorgi is relatively easy. They don’t tend to shed a ton but should still be brushed several times a week to rid them of loose hair. You’ll also want to bathe your Dorgi once a month or when they get smelly or dirty. Clipping their nails once a month, keeping their ears clean, and brushing their teeth daily will help them stay happy and healthy.
Suitable for: Patient Dog Owners with Experience
While Dorgis are easy to train, their tendency to bark and act up means they need a patient dog owner who has experience with dogs. They’ll also need owners with enough time on their hands to ensure they get the exercise and interaction they need to be happy and avoid being bored.
Corgi Overview
Corgis originated in Wales and are known for their antics and love of showing off. These dogs make great family pets, are extremely loyal, and are highly intelligent. These active little dogs enjoy spending time with their owners. Corgis are short-legged with long bodies and come in a variety of colors. You’ll find that their coats are a double coat that is thick and lush. This means they need a bit more grooming than their Dorgi counterpart.
Personality / Character
Corgis are one of the comedians of the dog world. These little dogs love showing off and providing their owners with hours of entertaining antics. They are loving dogs that are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with them. That doesn’t mean Corgis can’t be mischievous from time to time, however. They do have easygoing personalities which help them get along well with other animals and fit into most situations.
Exercise
Although they are small, Corgis are born working dogs. This means they need exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Considering they enjoy time with their owners, walks and play are ideal ways to burn off energy. These little dogs are also active and enjoy agility training. A few small hurdles, runs, and jumps are great to keep these dogs motivated and stimulated.
Training
Corgis are very intelligent and pick up on most commands easily. They do well with positive reinforcement as they want to please their owners more than anything. It is best to start their training at a young age so they can get a head start. They can be a bit stubborn so make training enjoyable while you make your commands clear and concise.
Health & Care
Corgis are prone to certain hereditary issues like most dogs. Routine veterinarian visits can help you stay on top of potential issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, heart problems, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
With a double coat, Corgis will shed quite a bit at least twice throughout the year. More grooming is required for this breed in comparison to the Dorgi. You’ll need to use proper shedding tools to keep your Corgi free of mats and debris. Brushing them daily is also recommended to keep their coats looking great and free of loose hair.
Like Dorgis, Corgis can become overweight so make sure you feed them a balanced diet and ensure they get enough exercise. They’ll need baths once or twice a month, routine nail trims, and their teeth brushed each day with dog-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Suitable for: Families with Consistent Training Routines
Corgis are ideal for families with children of all sizes. They even do great with other animals. However, they can be a bit stubborn and tend to get into things. To avoid this, their families also need to be consistent with their training routines and provide plenty of exercise for these high-energy little dogs.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Both Dorgis and Corgis are amazing medium-sized dogs to have in your home. The main difference between the two is that Dorgis are more prone to loud and reactive behavior. If you’re in a home where this isn’t an issue, they will do amazing. Corgis do well in any home where they can spend time with their humans and show off what they know. No matter which of these dogs you choose, you’re sure to have a best friend that loves spending time with you, is loyal, and will learn plenty of tricks and commands to make you happy.
Featured Image Credit: Top – Dorgi (Christel Cooper, Shutterstock) | Bottom – Corgi (Y Tsui, Unsplash)
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