Corgi Dachshund Mix-Physical Look, Lifespan and Temperament

Corgi Dachshund Mix-Everything You Need to Know

Think of the two waddliest, cuddliest, and goofiest breeds of dog that you can. If Corgi and Dachshund popped into your mind, you would not be alone. These two breeds are responsible for much of this planet’s adorableness. Now, think of what it would be like to combine these two breeds. Thankfully, you don’t have to think too hard, because it’s been done before. Enter the Corgi Dachshund Mix, or Dorgi for short.

The Corgi Dachshund Mix is as cute as you think it would be, and just as useful. This mix, bred from the Dachshund, colloquially known as a Wiener Dog, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is a friendly, energetic, and alert pet. They prove to be great for companionship and guard duties. Though their size and cuteness might not make them out to be great guard dogs, they have a sharp sense for anything abnormal and can alert their owner quickly.

To get to know the Dorgi a bit better, we need to take an individual look at its ancestors, the Dachshund and the Corgi. Read on to learn more about this breed’s physical, emotional, temperamental, and health characteristics and needs. If you are considering buying a Dorgi, we have all the information you could need to make the best decision you can.

Table Of Contents
  1. Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
  2. Lifespan
  3. Grooming Needs
  4. Temperament
  5. Exercise Needs
  6. Health Risks
  7. Feeding
  8. Are Corgi-Dachshund Mixes Protective?
  9. How Much Does a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Cost?
  10. Is a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Right for Me?
  11. Best Climate for a Corgi-Dachshund Mix
  12. The Attention a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Needs
  13. Compatibility with Kids
  14. Compatibility with Other Animals

Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)

The Dorgi is a short, stubby-legged, furry mirror image of its Dachshund ancestors. It incorporates the perky ears and the long fur of its Corgi side and the stubby legs and long body of its Dachshund side to give us the adorable best-of-both-worlds pet we have today.

The Dorgi has medium-length fur with a soft and, sometimes, wiry texture. They can come in several different colors, but mostly stick to the brown, tan, and golden family of colors.

They are small dogs, measuring no taller than nine to twelve inches, or twenty-two to thirty centimeters, and weighing no more than fifteen to twenty-eight pounds, or six to thirteen kilograms.

Their face exhibits the long snout of the Dachshund and the perky ears of the Corgi to give it an adorable looks that make that smugly happy look so common in Dachshunds heart-warming.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Dorgi is typically between twelve and fifteen years. This mirrors the typical lifespan of many other smaller dogs who tend to live longer than their larger canine counterparts.

A Dorgi’s lifespan depends on their care and possible health issues, of course. To get an accurate idea of any possible health problems and how they might affect your Dorgi’s lifespan, consult your local veterinarian.

Grooming Needs

Unlike their Dachshund ancestors, Corgi Dachshund mixes have longer hair that requires a bit more care. Usually, Dorgies have medium length hair that will do fine with a brushing two to three times a week. Sometimes, though, Dorgies can have longer and wiry hair which requires brushing a bit more often.

Frequent bathing, at least once a week, is a good way to prevent knots and tangles in your Dorgi’s fur, not to mention unwanted smells. Use a good brand of dog shampoo, free of harsh chemicals and additives that might irritate your dog’s skin or dry out their fur.

In addition to grooming and caring for your Dorgi’s fur, you should also take time to maintain their tooth and nail health. Some veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily to prevent bad breath and gum disease.

However, if you don’t want to spend that much time brushing your dog’s teeth, there are treats out there your Dorgi will love chewing on that will also clean their teeth and improve their gum health.

To top off their grooming needs, Dorgies also require monthly nail clipping. Make sure you don’t let their nails grow too long or that you don’t cut them too short. You can always hire a groomer or go to your local vet to get these services done for you.

Some Dorgies can be a bit nervous when it comes to grooming time. Make sure you start this practice while they are young to get them accustomed to it. Positive encouragement and constant petting and treats during this procedure will help put them at ease and make them less nervous for the next time.

Temperament

The Dorgi is a great family dog. It is hardly ever in a bad mood and loves to play around with and show affection for its loved ones. Although this makes for a great and friendly companion, the Dorgi also requires a lot of attention. It needs to be accompanied and have social stimulation very often.

If left along or ignored for too long, the Dorgi can develop separation anxiety. This can cause its mood to turn sour or even angry, leading to acting out or destructive behavior.

Another aspect of owning a Dorgi you should look out for is its guard dog nature. This can make it another reason why it’s a great family dog. It has a keen sense for sniffing out the abnormal and alerting its owner quickly.

However, this also manifests in frequent barking. Between the need for attention and frequent barking, owning a Dorgi definitely does not make for a quiet household.

Exercise Needs

The Dorgi’s ancestors, the Dachshund and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, were both bred for physically demanding jobs. The Corgi was originally bred in Wales as a herd dog for sheep and cattle. The Dachshund was originally bred as a small game hunting dog. Both of these breeds have passed on their athletic, yet stubby, nature to the Dorgi.

To satisfy their hunting and herding energy, you should engage your Dorgi in thirty minutes of physical per day, at the very least. Take them for a walk on a leash, allow them to run around a fenced yard or park, play games with them using their favorite toys and balls.

All of these forms of exercise are great, but you simply cannot replace walks. Taking your Dorgi for a walk is something you should aim to do everyday. Giving your Dorgi ample exercise can also help curb their barking habit.

One exercise you should not do with your Dorgi is swimming. Both Dachshunds and Corgis are not strong swimmers. This is a trait they have also passed on to their Dorgi descendants. After all, you can’t hunt much small game or herd many sheep in the water.

Health Risks

The health risks Dachshund Corgi Mixes face are very similar to those their Dachshsund and Corgi ancestors face. Their short legs and long bodies put them at risk for hip dysplasia and intervertebral disk disease. These two illnesses are common for Dorgies and can cause even more serious injuries down the line, including frequent muscle spasms and a ruptured spine.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is very serious and, therefore, should be treated with all urgency. Signs and symptoms of IVDD include, but are not limited to:

  • Pain, if your Dorgi is moving funny or whining and grimacing
  • Unwillingness to jump or play, this is an uncommon behavior in energetic Dorgies
  • Weakness in rear legs, this can be visible through limping or an irregular gait
  • Muscle spasms, again, any abnormal actions or walking patterns
  • Hunched back, this can be a scary sign of deformity in the spine
  • Loss of appetite, if your Dorgi leaves its usual meal untouched

If you see any of these signs, you should not ignore them. Consult your veterinary immediately, even if it turns out to be a false alarm. Better to be too safe and be wrong than to ignore the signs and leave your Dorgi untreated.

Treatments for IVDD  do exist, however, they are not fun options. They tend to be pricey and involve invasive procedures. Either way, your vet will know best what to do.

Feeding

The Dorgi is a dog that loves to eat. Though being a foodie is a pastime popular among many, including people, Dorgies have a harder time with self-control. Uncontrolled eating can lead your Dorgi to becoming fat. Make sure you monitor their diet carefully.

Dorgies can eat many kinds of dog food, but a high quality dry dog food is the best for them. Depending on allergies and food sensitivities, your Dorgi may require different diets. The best way to know is to consult your local veterinarian.

Your Dorgi should be eating between ¾ cup to a cup and a half of dog food per day. Typically, this food is broken into two different meals, but you can choose to separate their dining times as you see fit. Just make sure you do not give them their daily food in one sitting. A full day is a long time to go between meals.

Are Corgi-Dachshund Mixes Protective?

Corgi Dachshund Mixes are, surprisingly, quite good guard dogs. Surprisingly because, usually when you think of a guard dog you envision a Pit Bull or a furry wolf-bear mix of a dog. Perhaps the more accurate label for a Dorgi would be an alert dog.

Corgis are very perceptive dogs, perhaps as a result of their hunting and herding instincts. They have a keen sense for picking out the abnormal. As soon as they sense something out of the ordinary, their barking habit will prove useful to alert its owner or family to the potential danger.

How Much Does a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Cost?

Corgi Dachshund mix puppies are usually between $250 to $700 USD. This depends on where you buy them from and the market for this breed at the time. An important step in buying a puppy is ensuring you are buying from a reputable breeder. Check online for reviews and their website before going through any breeder to avoid bad experiences.

The costs of Dorgies after initial purchase should also be considered. Medical costs can be another couple hundred dollars, depending on your dog’s health and your veterinarian’s rates. Care costs, such as food, toys, and leashes, can add on a couple more hundred, as well.

Is a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Right for Me?

When considering this question, you should be aware of the company you will be in as a Dorgi owner. The Queen of England has been a proud Dorgi owner ever since the 1970s. Imagine being in the same elite group as the Queen!

If you are not an Anglophile or do not care about social standing, you should consider what owning a Dorgi entails. Dorgies are energetic, fun, and activity-loving dogs. This translates to a lot of time giving them the attention and exercise they need. They also tend to bark often, which can help alert you to anything out of the ordinary, but can make for a noisy household.

Another thing to think about when purchasing the Corgi is the debate surrounding “designer dogs.” The ethics of dogs bred for the purpose of aesthetics and human whim can been widely, and hotly, discussed.

Best Climate for a Corgi-Dachshund Mix

The Corgi Dachshund mix possesses a medium-length coat which can help it weather some cold snaps. By no means, though, is it fit for cold climates. Its lack of husky fur and its short legs do not make it suitable for trudging through the cold and snow.

The ideal climate for a Corgi Dachshund mix is similar to that of its ancestors: moderate to warm climates, such as the ones found in England, most of Europe, and the United States (outside of the Deep South).

The Attention a Corgi-Dachshund Mix Needs

The Dorgi is an active dog who likes to interact with people and other dogs. It needs a lot of attention during the day to satisfy its social cravings. Playing games, cuddling, and petting are all great ways to give your Dorgi the social attention they need.

Exercise-wise, your Dorgi will need daily walks and outside activities. Walk, play, or run around outside for at least thirty minutes at the least.

Make sure you give your Dorgi this attention. If neglected, they can develop separation anxiety and start acting out in destructive ways. Also, exercising can help curb their frequent barking habit.

Compatibility with Kids

Dorgies are great with kids. They love the attention and joy of playing with little ones. Plus their gentleness and size make them a low risk for hurting kids.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Dorgis’ compatability with other animals, though typically good among the breed, depends on their upbringing and socialization. If raised in a positive environment, trained properly, and having all their needs met, they will be friendly and sociable animals who get along with people and animals alike.

Most likely, if you already own a pet, given their your previous pet is friendly, bringing home a Dorgi is like bringing home a new friend for everyone involved.

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