Dorgi is a charming cross between the Dachshund (hunting dog) and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (herding dog). The unique personality of a Dorgi will rely on their parent’s leverage because the Corgi comes in two types: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and the Dachshund in several varieties. Their coats may be long, short, wiry, or coarse. They might be more diminutive than the average Dorgi if the parent is a Miniature Dachshund. However, the Dorgi will be a miniature dog with large ears, short legs, a long tail, and a great disposition. They effortlessly get along with kids and other pets, but small kids must be supervised. They adore interacting with people, mainly if it involves games or sports. Dorgis are brilliant, hard-working, goofy, and are easy to train, but they might be stubborn, so be persistent.
Dorgis are exceptional family pets, walking companions but do not prefer staying alone. Unfortunately, they might exhibit signs of separation anxiety when they are left alone. Sadly, they are predisposed to health issues like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disorder. However, a Dorgi can live for 12 – 15 years with appropriate supervision and regular health check-ups.
Dorgis are incredibly adorable and are recognized among royal families. The Queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II, is a great dog lover, and her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi was named Dookie. Over the years, the Queen also owned at least ten Dorgis, called Candy, Berry, Vulcan, Brandy, Harris, Pickles, Chipper, Piper, Tinker, and Cider. Queen Elizabeth II did not start this mixed breed despite a common belief, but she did play a significant part in popularizing it.
Breed Recognition: ACHC – American Canine Hybrid Club, DDKC – Designer Dogs Kennel Club, DBR – Designer Breed Registry, DRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc., IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry
Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs. Dachshund: A Comparison
Features
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Dachshund
Image
Origin
United Kingdom
Germany
Height
12 inches
8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
Weight
28 inches
16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)
Size
Small
Small
Group
Herding
Hound
Family-friendly
Medium to high
High
Kid-friendly
High
With Supervision
Pet-friendly
Medium
High
Barking level
High
High
Shedding level
High
Low
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming needs
Medium to high
Easy to groom
Overall health
Medium
High
Energy
Medium to high
Medium
Exercise needs
Medium to high
Medium
Trainability
Medium to high
Medium
Activities
Herding, Tracking, Agility
Agility Training, Hide and Seek, and Chase
Complications in breeding
No
No
Litter size
5 puppies on average
4-8 puppies
Life span
12 – 14 years
12-16 years
Other names
Pembrokes, Corgis
Wiener dog, Badger dog, and sausage dog
DorgiPersonality
Both the Corgi and the Dachshunds are small breed dogs. Dorgi is a small-sized cute dog with very short stature. They have an infectious lively streak, but definitely, there is a possibility of some stubbornness going on. Dorgis always strive for companionship; still, the downside is they may undergo loneliness if they are left alone for long periods.
Dorgi obtains their genes from two of the most recognizable canine breeds. Even though compact, Dachshunds have an equivalent body shape to their corgi mates. Dachshunds have smooth, long, or wire hair with floppy ears. Pembroke Welsh corgis have furry coats, fox-like faces, upright ears, and short legs.
It is challenging to generalize the breed’s characteristics due to the wide range of possible varieties. Dorgi is a small dog (9–12 inches tall and 15–28 pounds) with a lovely sausage-like body. They have long, smooth, even slightly wiry coats and erected or floppy ears.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
Medium to high
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Pet-friendly
Medium to high
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
Medium to high
Sensitivity level
Medium
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Medium to high
Heat tolerance
Medium
Dorgi Temperament
Dorgi is an incredibly affectionate, loving, energetic, courageous, loyal, and intelligent breed. They tend to be quite curious, like their Dachshund parents. However, they can be very stubborn, and it will be a challenge to train for a master with less knowledge and experience. Still, Dorgis are friendly walking companions, enjoy cuddles, attention, and enjoy meeting new people and pets.
Dorgi barks a lot, so it is not recommended if you prefer a quieter companion. They bark to warn you of an outsider’s presence and exhibit boredom or to communicate with you. Dorgis are ideal for an active family, enjoy spending time outdoors, require lots of mental activity and human interaction.
Dorgi Training
Training Dorgis is a challenging process because of their stubbornness. So, you must be consistent and patient enough to train them. Remember that they are a little more sensitive than other canine breeds, so punishment or criticism can affect them emotionally. However, they respond well to positive reinforcement and commands. Early socialization, proper training, and crate training can help with their housebreaking and behavioral problems. Here are some training activities for your Dorgi:
Even though Dorgi is a small-sized dog, they need a relatively high amount of exercise daily. They may need around an hour of exercise like walking, playing games, fetch, etc. They will excel at a bit of herding and agility challenges as well. Dorgi has a high wanderlust potential because of its herding and hunting ancestry. They love to chase squirrels and rabbits when you take them to the park or zoo. Be cautious about letting them off the leash. If you have a fenced yard, you can let them roam and play around without any issues.
Exercise Overview
Energy level
Medium to high
Intensity
Medium to high
Exercise needs
Medium to high
Potential for playfulness
High
DorgiGrooming
The Dorgi has a medium-length coat and is usually dense and slightly wiry. They are moderate shedders, so weekly twice brushing sessions should be sufficient to keep their coats healthy and clean. Regular baths also should be a part of your grooming routine. Ear cleaning with a veterinarian-approved liquid will benefit in avoiding ear infections. Regular teeth brushing and nail trimming are essential, and ensure to gently wipe their eyes to prevent the formation of black discharge at the inner corners.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to high
Drooling tendency
Low
Shedding amount
Low
DorgiHealth
Dorgis are healthy breeds if you take proper care of them. But they can predispose to some of the same disorders that Corgi and Dachshund face. So, it’s essential to schedule routine health check-ups and visits to the veterinarian.
Health Overview
General health
Medium to high
Weight gain possibilities
Medium to high
Size
Small
Major Health Concerns
Acanthosis Nigricans: A skin disease that causes a dark discoloration in the dog’s body folds and wrinkles. It commonly affects the groin, armpits, and neck.
Intervertebral disc disease: Both Dachshunds and Corgis (short canines with a long body) are at threat for IVDD. One or more jelly-like discs between a dog’s vertebrae rupture or slip. IVDD is caused because the lengthy body sometimes fails to support the spine.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both dachshunds and corgis are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a developmental disorder where the joints are loose and distorted, causing pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis.
Achondroplasia is a condition commonly found in smaller breed dogs with stumpy legs like Corgis and Dachshunds—the condition where the dog suffers from hip or elbow dysplasia.
Deafness: Dogs, like people, can develop hearing loss as they age. Because this is usually a slow process, it might be challenging to observe. The eardrums become less flexible, and sounds are less efficiently transferred. Chronic ear infections cause some dogs to lose their hearing.
Degenerative Myelopathy: Pembroke Welsh corgis are exposed to degenerative myelopathy, an advanced, incurable spinal cord disease equivalent to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in humans. This is a chronic condition that causes paralysis over time. It starts in the hind limbs, but it can also extend to the front legs.
Patellar Luxation: This painful condition is falling of the knee cap from its spot in the legs. Signs are dogs feel uncomfortable while hiking or running and kick their leg to set the knee cap in its position.
Glaucoma: A prevailing condition in both dogs and humans. This eye infection can even result in blindness. In affected dogs, symptoms such as watery eyes, pain, squinting, and redness can be noticeable.
Cataracts: An affected eye will look clouded due to the formation of a white film-like layer over the eye lens. This illness should not be left untreated as it can lead to blindness.
Cancers: A leading health disease affecting Dorgis. The most standard ones are:
Hemangiosarcoma: A risky type of cancer occurring in the skin, liver, blood, and spleen.
Lymphoma: A severe illness that affects lymphocyte cells.
Dorgi Diet and Nutrition
Dorgis are voracious eaters. Depending on their age, size, and activity level, they only need a few cups of high-quality dry dog food. Consult with your vet and develop an appropriate diet plan based on the dog’s particular requirements. You must closely watch their calories and treat consumption because Dorgis can quickly become obese.
Dorgi Living Conditions
Dorgis can adapt and flourish in any environment. They thrive for the companionship of kids and adults who can relish and meet the necessities of these loyal, caring, high-energy breeds. Bored, lonely Dorgis may find an undesirable outlet to keep themselves active, such as barking or chewing. Dorgis should never be left alone for long periods, mainly without toys to keep them engaged.
Adding a Dorgi to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Dorgi
It would be best if you get a Dorgi pup from a reputed and reliable breeder who can provide you the certificates of health, vaccination, and gene testing. Also, it is advised to meet the purebred Dachshund and the purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Cost of a Dorgi puppy
On average, a Dorgi puppy may cost around $200 to $700, not including miscellaneous costs.
