Dorgi: Want to be like the Queen? Get a Corgi-Dachshund mix!

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Corgis and Dachshunds are adorable, right? Just wait until you see the Dorgi. This hybrid is small but full of personality. It’s definitely one of those canines that are packed with a lot of fun into a tiny package!

Do you think you have what it takes to own this fido? Keep reading to see if the Dorgi is the right dog for you!

Noble Blood: How was the Dorgi created?

Would you believe that Dorgis have connections to Queen Elizabeth II? Queen Elizabeth is known for her love of Corgis. (She’s had over 30 of them!) One fateful day, one of the Queen’s Corgis mated with Pipkin, a Dachshund that belonged to the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret. And thus, Dorgis became a part of the royal family.

The sisters bred more Dorgis, with Vulcan and Candy being two of the more well-known. In fact, you may have seen these two famous Dorgis on the cover of Vanity Fair.

It’s not every day we can say that a crossbreed has such a distinguished pedigree. But how exactly do the purebred parents of the Corgi affect its appearance and personality?

The intelligent & enthusiastic Corgi

We would like to clarify that there are two types of Corgis. There’s the older variety, which is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and then the more popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The distinct qualities that these two have are that the Pembrokes have bobbed or docked tails and pointy ears. Cardigans have long and fluffy tails, and their ears have rounded tips.

When it comes to their coat, both types have a double coat that sheds.

The Pembroke is usually seen with red, sable, or black fur, while the Cardigan can have more colors such as tan, brindle, or blue merle.

Did you know that they differ in size, too? Cardigan Corgis are a bit larger than Pembrokes because they’re more heavily boned. Here’s a chart showing their difference in height and weight:

Their personalities have differences, too. Pembrokes are more outgoing and sociable, but the Cardigan, even if they can be friendly, tends to be more aloof, especially when around strangers.

Other than those, they’re pretty much the same and are totally adorable! Who wouldn’t recognize their bubble butt?

The badger-hunting Dachshund

Also known as Doxies, Sausage Dog, Hot Dog, and Wiener Dog, Dachshunds are well-known for their long bodies, short legs, and playful personality.

Their actual breed name is a German term that means “badger dog.” Thanks to their amazingly compact body, they can dig their way into dens to get rid of their targets.

Just like Corgis, this doggo has two varieties, but for size. Standards usually weigh around 16 to 32 pounds (7 to 15 kg) and stand about 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) tall.

Miniature-sized Dachshunds have a maximum weight of 11 pounds (5 kg) and a height of 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm).

This bold hound has three types of coat. Aside from the smooth- and long-haired ones, they can also have fur that’s wire-haired. It also comes in a lot of colors such as black, red, fawn, cream, wheaten, blue and tan, and many more.

Don’t be fooled by this canine’s size. They may not be built for strenuous activities like swimming, leaping, and running, but they’re smart and strong. They prove it with their “big-dog” bark!

One of the quirks of this pooch is being stubborn, but it will win your heart with its endearing eyes.

What does a Corgi Dachshund mix look like?

As with most mixed breeds, it’s difficult to predict the exact appearance of hybrids because they can inherit more physical qualities from one parent over the other. It’s not always 50/50. It will also depend on the variety of Corgi or Dachshund that was bred together.

Generally, Dorgis have been described to have a Corgi’s head on a Dachshund’s body. It can also be the other way around.

They’ll surely have a short, long, and stocky build. They mostly have large, upright ears and pointed muzzles.

Since both parents have different coat types, a Dorgi’s fur may vary, too. They can come in many lengths and textures, and colors have a wide range. Dorgis can be any combination of golds, browns, and blacks. Some have a white-spotted chest.

Size: How big does a Dorgi get?

Even with the genetic variation, Dorgis tend to be fairly small. They are usually between 9 to 12 inches (23 to 31 cm) tall and can weigh 15 to 28 pounds (7 to 13 kg).

Some may be even smaller than this measurement if one of the parents is a miniature Dachshund.

They can also adapt to apartment living. But if we’re going to take into consideration the background of Dachshunds and Corgis when it comes to their energy level, this hybrid will do well with a home that has a safely secured backyard.

Temperament: Are Dorgis good pets?

Yes, they are! Dorgis are a mixture of fun and ferocious. This winning combo is why Dorgis are an excellent fit for just about any household.

Just watch this video of Neville the Dorgi being playful with its little human:

Not only are they playful and affectionate, but they also make fantastic watchdogs. Since Dorgis come from hunters and herders, they can also inherit these traits which are shown in their bravery and alertness.

When it comes to children and other pets, some Corgis and their mixes, like the Dorgi, have been known to herd small kids and family pets. While it may be amusing to watch, your little ones and other furry pals would be much happier if your Corgi & Dachshund mix found other ways to keep busy.

This seems like a good time to share a word of caution for those of you with birds or rodents: be careful leaving your Dorgi unattended around smaller pets. Dogs have instincts, after all, and accidents do happen. Better safe than sorry, right?

While the Dorgis’ loyalty could be considered one of their best qualities, it sometimes backfires. Sadly, this crossbreed can be prone to separation anxiety.

It’s essential to spend time with your Dorgi every day and to look out for signs that your pup goes into panic mode when you’re away. Destructive behaviors or excessive crying or whining are clues that your Dorgi needs help adjusting to being alone.

Let’s move on to training. Remember how this hybrid is a half hound, half herding dog? This translates into one smart, but strong-willed crossbreed. If you’re looking to add a Dorgi to your family, be prepared to spend time training your new pooch.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog. You want training to be full of rewards (think yummy treats or playtime). What you don’t want is for your Dorgi to decide that he has better things to do than learn basic doggy manners.

Frequent exercise can help your training be more successful. Tired dogs are calmer, and thus, better able to focus on what you’re teaching them. That also means they’re happy because they made the most of their day!

Caring for a Dachshund-Corgi cross

It’s easy to see why you would want to add a Dorgi to your pack. They’re intelligent, loyal, and cute as a button. Plus, their big personalities and feisty spirits make them quite endearing.

Dorgis aren’t necessarily the perfect dog for everyone, though. Their spunky, bold demeanors require confident, consistent handlers, care, and plenty of exercise. Are you up for the challenge?

Hunting and herding dogs are reasonably active. Dorgis are no exception. Expect to spend 30 to 60 minutes walking or playing with your pet.

Switch it up to keep things exciting and engaging. You can alternate between exploring the neighborhood on walks and playing classic canine games, like fetch or tug-o-war.

Your Dorgi will also enjoy learning new games that tap into their intelligence and hunting heritage. A popular way to exercise your dog’s body and brain is to hide treats in places your Dorgi likes to explore and watch while they track them down.

Speaking of eating, ¾ to one and a half cups of high-quality dry kibbles is the daily amount of food that this breed requires. Make sure that the type and ingredients of the recipe you buy are appropriate for your canine’s age, size, activity level, and health.

For grooming, each Dorgi’s coat has a lot to do with the Dachshund side of their family tree, so not all of them have the same grooming needs.

Dorgis with longer or thicker hair will require more maintenance than those with shorter or finer coats. Depending on your Dorgi’s fur, you may need to brush them every day or just 2 to 3 times a week. 

Their long, upright ears need attention, too. Make sure to clean your fido’s ears once a week with a cotton ball or soft cloth to help prevent irritation or infection.

How Healthy Are Dorgis?

Just as there are unique advantages to both breeds that make up the Dorgi, there are a few risk factors, as well.

Corgis, for example, are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Dachshunds’ long backs put them at risk for disc damage. Dorgis can experience similar bone and joint problems.

Keeping your Dorgi at a healthy weight is critical for preventing some of these health issues. Similarly, younger kids or larger dogs should be monitored when playing with your Dorgi. Dorgis’ backs are sensitive and should be handled carefully to prevent injury to the dog.

But fear not–with proper care, you can expect to enjoy your Dorgi’s company for 12 to 15 years.

How much is a Dorgi puppy?

Expect your Dorgi to cost anywhere from $200 to $750, depending on which route you take. But a lot of factors can affect the price of a puppy. Some of those include the breeder’s location, shipping fees, the popularity of the kennel, the bloodline of the parents, and even the size of the litter.

If you decide to buy from a breeder, make sure to do your research. Ask about your future Dorgi’s parents, visit the breeder’s facility, and read their reviews.

Dorgi breeders & rescues

Ready to browse available puppies for sale online? We weren’t able to find specific breeders and kennels that breed Dorgis, yet you can check out these marketplaces like Greenfield Puppies that serve throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.

Just make sure you’re dealing with a responsible breeder before making a deal or paying for a puppy.

Mixed breeds are more common in shelters and rescue sites. One of the reasons why their family gives them up is because they turned out differently from what their owners expected. If you feel like it’s best to adopt, we support you! After all, it’s much cheaper as the cost for adoption usually starts around $300.

Take a look at these websites and see if you can find a fur angel who should go home with you:

• Rompin Paws Rescue
• Wyoming Dachshund & Corgi Rescue (Texas, Colorado and Wyoming)
• East Coast Corgi Rescue (Washington, DC)
• Dachshund Rescue of North America

Is the Dorgi right for you and your home?

Dorgis are versatile dogs that fit in with a multitude of lifestyles. They’re perfect for families or singles alike, big homes or small apartments, experienced dog owners, or novice pet parents. Whether or not a Dorgi is right for you depends on what you’re looking for in a dog.

Dorgis may be for you if you enjoy daily walks and play sessions, and you can commit to regular training and grooming sessions. Maybe you don’t mind the barking, but your home and your neighbors might think it’s a problem, so think of that, too.

Choose a different breed if you prefer a low-maintenance dog, a canine buddy who’s also a couch potato, and you’re mostly away from home. You can’t just get a pet and leave him whenever. It takes love, time, and dedication.

What have you decided? Will a Dorgi soon be the newest member of your family? Let us know in the comments!