The offspring of one Corgi parent and one Dachshund parent is often called a Dorgi. Sometimes this is spelled “Dorgie.”
A Corgi Dachshund mix combines the best features of two unique breeds into one adorable dog. This designer breed has only recently become popular, thanks in part to the Queen of England. However, the Dorgi is more than just a royal pooch. These happy pups are bundles of energy who are fiercely loyal to their owners. They’re excellent family dogs that love children, but they’re just as affectionate as adults.
Of course, no dog breed is perfect, and there are a few special considerations to keep in mind when thinking about adopting a Dorgi. Both the Dachshund and Corgi breeds have a tendency toward back problems, especially as they age, so the Dorgi does, as well. Additionally, though they are intelligent, they can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to training, and they love treats so much that obesity can become a problem. However, with a bit of planning and patience, the Dorgi just might be a great addition to your family.
Quick Comparison: Dachshund vs Corgi vs Dorgi
| Items | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Dachshund | Corgi Dachshund Mix |
| Type | Herding dog | Hound dog | Designer dog |
| Origins | 10th century | 15th century | 20th century |
| Country of Origin | Wales | Germany | United States |
| Size | Medium | Small | Small to medium |
| Height | 10” to 12” | 8” to 9” | 9” to 12” |
| Weight | 24 to 30 lbs. | 16 to 32 lbs. (standard) or 11 lbs. max (miniature) | 15 to 28 lbs. |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Double coat | Smooth, wirehaired, or long | Medium to dense |
| Coloring | Red, sable, fawn, bi-colored (black and tan) with white markings | Any solid color except white, bi-color, dappled, brindle, piebald | Brown, black, chocolate, and red with/without white markings |
| Shedding | Heavy and seasonal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Brushing | 1-3 times a week, daily during shedding season | 1-3 times a week (dependent on coat length) | 2 times a week |
| Grooming | Moderate | Minimal to moderate | Minimal to moderate |
| Temperament | Happy, loving, sociable, independent | Clever, stubborn, mischievous, playful | Intelligent, stubborn, playful, loyal |
| Trainability | Easy | Hard | Moderate |
| Kid-friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dog friendly? | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Family-friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Good with other pets? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Good for new owners? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchiness | High | High | High |
| Tolerance to solitude | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Tolerance to heat | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Tolerance to cold | Moderate to high | Low | Moderate |
| Barking | Very high | Very high | Very high |
| Exercise needs | 60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day | 60 minutes per day |
| Tendency to gain weight | High | High | High |
READ MORE: Dachshund Vs Corgi: Complete Comparison
History and Original Purpose of Dorgi
Any history of the Dorgi will inevitably mention Queen Elizabeth II of England. She is a well-known Corgi lover, having bred and raised over 30 of the short-legged dogs over a span of decades. Sometimes the UK’s royal family is even credited with the creation of the Dorgi, thanks to the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret. One of her purebred Dachshunds mated with one of the Queen’s Pembroke Welsh Corgis, creating a litter of Dorgis. While this was probably not the first time in history the two breeds had mated, it was certainly the most famous litter of this designer dog.
There’s more history behind the Dorgi’s parent breeds. Like Queen Elizabeth herself, the Corgi originated in the United Kingdom, specifically in the country of Wales, as a herding dog. The origins of this working breed go back as far as the 1100s, though today they are nearly all companion dogs. There are actually two types of Welsh Corgi: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a little larger and a little more standoffish than their Pembroke cousins. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two, possibly thanks to the Queen, so that’s the breed you’re most likely to see combined with the Dachshund today.
The Dachshund, on the other hand, is a German breed created for hunting burrowing animals. Their long bodies and short legs allow them to follow these animals into their tunnels. Like the Corgi, however, they’re mostly bred and brought home for companionship these days. They typically fall into two size categories: miniature Dachshunds (up to 11 lbs.) and standard Dachshunds (16 to 30 lbs.). They may also be short-haired, long-haired, or wire-haired. When it comes to Dorgis, the Dachshund parent’s size and fur type play a large role in those same characteristics in the offspring.
Pros and Cons of Getting Dorgi
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Adorable, distinctive appearance
- Intelligent and usually eager to please
- Does well in most climates and home sizes
Cons
- Prone to barking and separation anxiety
- Tendency toward back problems
- Some may be stubborn and thus difficult to train
Fun Facts about Dorgi
- Queen Elizabeth stopped breeding Corgis in 2012, and the last of her purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Willow, died in 2018. Willow was the last of the 14th generation descended from her first-ever Corgi, Susan, who she received as a birthday gift from her father in 1944.
- However, the Queen still has a Dorgi named Candy, and in March of 2021, she received two new pups. One is a Corgi named Muick, and the other is a Dorgi named Fergus.
- Dorgis can sometimes inherit saddle-shaped markings on their backs from their Corgi parents. According to Welsh legend, these “saddles” meant that fairy folk used to ride Corgis like horses. In fact, the first Corgis were supposedly gifts from the fairies to two children who stumbled across their lair.
- The Dachshund and the Corgi both have short legs for a purpose. For the Dachshund, this feature allows them to follow tunneling animals into their burrows. For the Corgi, their short stature allows them to move quickly underneath and through herds of cattle without getting stepped on.
Dorgi Temperament
Although the parent breeds were originally working dogs, both Dachshunds and Corgis now mostly serve as pets, and their offspring might be the ideal companion dog. Affectionate and loyal, Dorgis are social little dogs who do especially well with children. They’re highly intelligent, though they may inherit some stubbornness from their Dachshund parent. They’re also fairly high-energy dogs, making them lively and playful companions.
In fact, they’re so social and people-oriented that they may experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. These dogs do best in families where there’s always someone around to give them attention, but they can be excellent pets for single people, too, with some careful planning. Your Dorgi is likely to want to go everywhere you do, and fortunately, they’re small enough that this may be possible.
Dorgi Coat, Color, and Grooming
Pembroke Welsh Corgis tend to be red, sable, fawn, or a bicolor combination of black and tan. They may or may not have white markings on their legs and neck. Dachshunds, on the other hand, can come in any solid color except white, and their coloring can also exhibit a variety of patterns. That means there’s a huge variety in Dorgi coloring. However, the most common colors are tan, red, brown, or black with or without white markings.
Likewise, there can be considerable variation in the length of a Dorgi’s coat. Much will depend on the length and texture of the Dachshund parent’s coat, which the Dorgi may inherit. As you may guess, a Corgi long-haired Dachshund mix is going to have the longest fur and thus require the most frequent grooming so that their fur doesn’t become tangled or matted. Corgis have thick double coats and shed heavily, including increased seasonal shedding, so the more your Dorgi takes after their Corgi parent, the more you’ll need to vacuum your house. A Dorgi should shed less than a purebred Corgi, but this is certainly not a hypoallergenic hybrid breed.
Dorgis don’t usually require much in the way of professional grooming unless you don’t want to bathe and brush your dog yourself. The more your Dorgi sheds, the more frequently you’ll need to brush them, anywhere between one and three times per week. If your Dorgi’s a seasonal shedder, you may need to brush them every day during this time. As with any dog, it’s important that you keep your Dorgi’s nails clipped and their ears cleaned. If you don’t feel prepared to do this yourself, your vet or a groomer can do it for you.
Dorgi Appearance
The Dachshund is considered a small dog and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is considered a medium dog, so the Dorgi will fall somewhere in between. As with most characteristics of hybrid breeds, there are no breed standards yet, so there’s likely to be quite a variation from Dorgi to Dorgi. However, since the Dachshund and Corgi are fairly similar in size and especially stature, you’re sure to have a hybrid with a long body and short legs. Their chest will be broader and deeper than most dogs of their size, as well.
Other aspects of the Dorgi’s appearance will depend on which parent breed they favor. The Corgi has a more fox-like face with upright, triangular, pointed ears. The Dachshund, on the other hand, has an elongated snout and floppy ears. The Dorgi’s facial features are likely to fall somewhere in between, though floppy ears seem to be more likely.
Dorgi Health Problem
One common reason for creating hybrid breeds with one Dachshund parent is to breed offspring that have fewer health problems than purebreds. Dachshunds and Corgis may have similar body shapes, but they come from completely different gene pools – one in Wales and the other in Germany – so there’s enough genetic variation that Dorgis tend to be very healthy dogs. However, since both breeds are prone to back problems, so are Dorgis.
The most common of these is called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which affects 25% of Dachshund and an unknown number of Dorgis. It causes a condition similar to herniated or slipped discs in humans. In some cases, this disease is genetic and can appear when your dog is as young as two. In other cases, usually in older dogs, it may be caused by spinal trauma from running or jumping. A responsible breeder will know how to pair dogs so that the chances of your Dorgi inheriting a genetic predisposition for IVDD is as low as possible. Regardless, it’s important to protect your Dorgi’s back by always supporting both ends of them when you pick them up. You should also limit their jumping – for example, you can purchase a small set of stairs to help them get up on the couch or bed with you.
Both Dachshunds and Corgis are also somewhat prone to eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Like most small dogs, Dorgis are prone to patellar luxation, which is a dislocation of the knee cap. Finally, some Dorgi puppies may develop Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, a condition where the top of the thigh bone stops growing, leading to osteoarthritis and limited mobility. This is a genetic condition, which again highlights the importance of responsible breeding.
Dorgi Care and Feeding
How much and what to feed your Dorgi will depend on their weight, metabolism, and activity level. You’ll want to pick a dog food for small breeds, one that is also consistent with their age (puppy, adult, or senior). Once you’ve picked your dog food, start with the recommended amount given on the package and adjust from there. Typically, this is between 1/3 and ¾ cup of dry food twice a day, one meal in the morning and another at night. In general, Dorgis don’t need any particular nutrient supplements, but as your dog ages, you may want to look into joint chews to help make movement a little easier.
One word of caution: Dachshunds and Corgis are both breeds that are food-driven. This means treats are a vital training tool, but it also means that both breeds have a tendency to gain weight. Dorgis display this trait as well. This is especially problematic for dogs that are already prone to back problems since obesity puts more stress on the spine and other joints. You’ll need to watch your Dorgi’s weight very closely and adjust their food and treat intake as necessary. This will help keep them healthy and pain-free into their senior years.
Finally, as with all dogs, regular teeth cleaning is important. As odd as it may sound, dental health is strongly associated with heart health, so brushing your Dorgi’s teeth also helps keep their heart working well. As already mentioned, you’ll also need to check their ears regularly for mites, debris, or signs of infection. A gentle swab with a cotton ball once a week should be sufficient for this purpose.
How much Exercise does a Dorgi need?
When it comes to Dorgi health, exercise is also a vital piece of the puzzle. Despite their small size, Dorgis are active, energetic dogs, and they’ll need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. A couple of walks plus some active playtime – fetch, tug of war, or even agility training – should suffice. Not only will plenty of exercise help manage your Dorgi’s weight, but it will also tire them out and keep their mind stimulated. A bored Dorgi may chew or dig and become destructive, and besides, playing with your Dorgi will strengthen your bond with them.
However, do remember that even though Dorgis are often full of energy, their legs are short. This means you should be careful when taking them on long walks or hikes. You want to ensure that your Dorgi has enough activity while also avoiding pushing them past their limit. On longer walks, you may want to keep an alternate means of transportation with you, like a backpack or a carrier.
How to train a Dorgi?
When it comes to training, Dachshunds and Corgis are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Both are intelligent dogs, but Corgis are also eager to please and thus relatively easy to train. Dachshunds, on the other hand, are very independent and known for their stubbornness, sometimes even making housebreaking a chore. Your Dorgi may fall anywhere on this spectrum but is likely to be smart and moderately easy to train.
However, if you encounter some willfulness as you go, try not to get frustrated. Dorgis are sensitive dogs, so they’ll pick up on your feelings very easily. Instead, try to keep training sessions short and positive. Your Dorgi will probably do almost anything for a treat, but as mentioned before, you need to watch their food intake. Keep treats small, and if your Dorgi will accept other kinds of rewards, like praise or toys, use those as well. With a bit of patience, you and your Dorgi can actually enjoy the training process.
If you find that your Dorgi takes well to training, you might even consider going beyond basic housebreaking and obedience training. Corgis often compete in agility training events, running obstacle courses, and fetching balls. Of course, not all Dorgis will take well to this kind of training, particularly if they take after their Dachshund parent, but some may enjoy the mental stimulation along with the physical exercise.
Regardless, all Dorgis – like all dogs in general – need plenty of socialization from the time they’re young. Fortunately, Dorgis tend to get along well with other dogs and moderately well with strangers, but they still need the opportunity to learn how to be around people and pets outside of the family. Dorgis usually do very well with children, but children also need to learn how to treat dogs gently. Make sure any children in your household know not to pull your Dorgi’s ears or tail, and to leave them at peace when they’re eating.
FAQs
Is a Dorgi the right dog for me?
While we can’t answer this for you, we can tell you what kind of household is best for a Dorgi. The good news is that Dorgis will do equally well in apartments and houses, as long as they get a bit of outdoor time every day. Dorgis will also thrive in a family that…
- Gives them plenty of love and attention
- Has someone home with them during at least part of the day
- Has patience with potential stubbornness during training
- Allows them 30-60 minutes of exercise and playtime per day
- Has no allergies to fur or dander
- Is tolerant of barking and shedding
- Can carefully monitor food intake
If you or your household don’t fit these characteristics, don’t fret. There are plenty of other Dachshund mixes available for adoption, and one of them may be a better bet for you.
How much does it cost to adopt a Dorgi?
When you’re looking for a dog to bring into your family, we always recommend adopting over shopping. There are so many dogs, especially mixed breeds, in need of a home that you’re sure to find a lovable pooch who’s right for you. Unfortunately, there aren’t many rescue organizations that work only with Dorgis, but you’ll probably have some luck contacting Corgi or Dachshund-specific rescues. Adoption costs will vary greatly between shelters and rescue organizations, usually about $50 on the low end and $300 on the high end.
However, that high-end cost usually ensures that the dog you’re adopting is healthy, has all its vaccinations, and is ready to join a new home. The foster parent can tell you about the dog’s personality and how well it plays with others. Local shelters will often cost less, but you might not get much information about the dog you’re adopting.
How much does a Dorgi puppy cost?
If you can’t find the dog you want through a rescue organization, or if you have your heart set on a young puppy, you also have the option of finding a responsible breeder. The good news is that designer mixed breeds are often a little cheaper than purebreds. The bad news is that they can be harder to find, and there’s no certifying organization for breeders of designer dogs. You’ll have to put your research into finding a breeder that treats their dogs well and pairs them carefully to create offspring with a low chance of health problems.
Responsible breeders usually charge around $500 for a Dachshund Corgi mix. Once again, this high cost usually includes assurances that the dog is healthy and ready to adopt. Many good breeders will also begin the socialization process, so your Dorgi will start to become accustomed to being around people and other dogs. Some breeders will even include new owner accessories like a crate or some food.
How much does it cost to own a Dorgi?
Once you’ve brought your new canine family member home, you’ll want to budget properly to provide for their needs. Since Dorgis are smaller dogs and they tend to be healthy, the cost to own one isn’t high relative to other breeds. However, the first year you have a Dorgi is likely to be the most expensive, as you’ll need to make some initial investments in vet costs (including spay/neuter, about $600), new supplies (about $350), and professional training ($1,000 and up).
After that, your expenses should become a little more predictable year to year. Obviously, your costs will vary by how much your Dorgi eats, how healthy they are, and which brands you buy, but here are some approximate estimates for yearly ownership costs.
| Expense | Yearly Cost |
| Vet costs | $330 – $725 |
| Supplies (toys, poop bags, shampoo, etc.) | $50 – $250 |
| Food and treats | $100 – $400 |
| Grooming | $0 – $200 |
| Total Yearly Cost | $480 – 1,575 |
Of course, this doesn’t include optional expenses like dog walking, doggy daycare, travel, or boarding. Obviously, any dog represents a significant financial expense each year, so make sure you prepare your budget for adopting your Dorgi.
Does the AKC recognize the Dorgi breed?
Because the Dorgi is a mixed breed, not a pure breed, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. It is, however, recognized by the following organizations:
- International Designer Canine Registry
- Dog Registry of America
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- Designer Breed Registry
- American Canine Hybrid Club
Conclusion
Dorgis are sweet, lovable dogs who can adapt well to many living situations. However, they’re not perfect for every home, so do some research before getting your heart set on this hybrid breed. You’ll also have to put in some effort to find a rescue agency or breeder that works specifically with Dorgis, but they are out there. If you find the right Dorgi for your family, you’re sure to have a lovable furry friend for years to come. Apart from this one, Pomeranian is also a cute breed. With Dachshund, it has a cross breed also. It’s a mix of course. Have a look in detail of this breed here.
References:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America’s
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America’s
- Welsh corgi club in Reddit.com
- Dachshund club in Reddit.com
- Dachshund Rescue
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see more Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
