Dorgi

Dorgi Basics

Yup, the adorable name is a dead giveaway – prepare to meet one of the cutest designer dogs around! The Dorgi is the charming result of crossing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Dachshund, two compact pooches with distinct appearance and loveable personalities. The result of this unusual pairing is a pooch that leaves no one indifferent, with a stocky, pudgy physique that makes everyone that sees them squeal in cuteness. They’re best known for their plump, long body, short legs, and large, erect ears, and round puppy eyes no one can say no to. But it’s not only about looks with these small dogs, as they are also super cute and extremely affectionate, loyal, energetic, and social.

Fit even for Queen Elizabeth II, these dogs are a lot of fun and will provide you with years of love and devoted companionship. But they can be a bit challenging in their own way. To find out if a Dorgi should be the next new member of your pet family, check out the facts below.

The Dorgi is a cross between a purebred Corgi and Dachshund.

Origin

The Dorgi is a designer crossbreed, which means that their history isn’t well-documented – their origins are not entirely known and their past is a bit murky. While no one can know with certainty how the Dorgi originally came to be, there are some sources that indicate that these short-legged cuties have a royal origin – and while we can’t claim it with certainty, these stories are certainly fun to consider. Namely, as most people know, the late Queen Elizabeth II was a big fan of Corgis, and has kept many of these dogs throughout her life, whereas her sister Princess Margaret had Dachshunds. According to some theories, two of their pets had an unplanned “affair”, the result of which was the first well known litter of crossbreed puppies we’ve come to know as Dorgis. Whether that story is true or not, the fact that Queen Elizabeth II did keep Dorgis as pets – in fact, one of the four dogs that outlived her was a 15-year old Dorgi named Candy. 

Pedigree

The Dorgi is a cross between a purebred Corgi and a Dachshund, which means it is a so-called “first generation mix” or a 50-50 combination of its parents. The mother is usually the Corgi as they are the bigger of the two breeds, and the puppies can take up after either of the parental breeds or be a complete mix of the two. Some pooches might have floppy ears while others have the distinct erect ones, some might sport the classic Doxy colors of coat whereas others will combine the colors of both parents – and all of this diversity can be seen across one litter! 

While the element of surprise is something that many fans of designer dogs love about them, the fact remains that first generation mixes are quite unpredictable – you simply can’t know how a litter of crossbreed puppies will look like and whose traits will they inherit. As a result, there can’t be a standard for the breed, which is a prerequisite for pedigree and the status of an official breed. Even so, don’t let that discourage you – no matter which parent they favor more, Dorgis are always the best of both worlds, inheriting a little something from both the Corgi and the Daschund. 

Food / Diet

Dorgis love to eat, so they have the tendency to eat more than they really need to, and they could gain weight easily as a result. To keep your dog’s weight within a healthy range, provide him with ¾ cup to 1½ cups of high quality dry dog food daily. You can also incorporate canned dog food (just be sure to adjust the amount of dry food accordingly), if that is what your Dorgi prefers, as well as provide him with an occasional treat, especially if the food is low in fat.

Dorgis are smart dogs, and they are usually easy to train.

Training

Dorgis are smart dogs, and they are usually easy to train. They are obedient and social, but training them while they are still puppies is crucial if you want them to develop a pleasant personality and good behaviors.

If your Dorgi starts exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, you can train him to be comfortable being alone. Leave him at home for a short period of time and then gradually increase the amount of time that you aren’t there. Another option would be to get him a canine companion with whom he can play and snuggle while you aren’t home.

Weight

A small-sized breed, the Dorgi weighs between 15 and 28 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

If you’re looking for a dog who is just as sweet as he is adorable, look no further than the Dorgi. This is a dog that will be friendly, social, and loyal. He will get along with everyone he meets, from your kids to your other pets, and he will make a wonderful family pet.

A true and dedicated companion for life, the Dorgi will never want to leave your side and will often be interested in whatever it is that you’re doing. Beware, though, that this loving pooch may end up developing separation anxiety, and he might display negative behaviors if he’s left alone for too long. Definitely make sure you have plenty of time to spend with your dog to give him the attention he requires.

These playful little dogs have an ancestry rooted in herding and hunting, so despite their small size, they have a lot of courage, and they’re always alert and energized. Your Dorgi won’t mind keeping watch and guarding your house and family, and he will bark to let you know that something is amiss.

Common Health Problems

Because the Dorgi is a hybrid breed, it is possible that your dog could inherit the common health problems that are associated with his parents, the Dachshund and Corgi. However, it is impossible to predict what an individual dog’s health will be over his lifetime, and there is no guarantee that he will inherit any problems from his parents.

Dorgis tend to be hardy dogs, but obesity could be a problem because they love to eat. It is important to talk to your vet about the right diet and feeding schedule for your Dorgi so you can prevent weight problems that could lead to a host of disorders. Regularly exercising your dog will also help him stay fit.

Other potential health problems that Dorgis may develop include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

Life Expectancy

The Dorgi has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Dorgis are little dogs with big personalities and a lot of energy to burn. Expect your pooch to be active, and give him plenty of exercise every day.

A minimum of 30 minutes of daily activity, including leashed walks and off-leash play sessions, is necessary. Otherwise, your dog will get bored and could develop bad behaviors in an effort to expend all of that energy.

A good way to let your Dorgi exercise and play is by giving him some toys, such as balls, and allowing him to run around and have fun in an enclosed, safe, and secure backyard.

If you’re looking for a dog who is just as sweet as he is adorable, look no further than the Dorgi.

Recognized Clubs

The Dorgi is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

A Dorgi’s coat will be soft and wiry and medium in length. Shedding will be minimal, so if you don’t want to be spending a lot of time grooming your dog or cleaning his hair off furniture, this breed could be a good fit for you.

Moderate maintenance is all you need to keep your Dorgi looking his best. You can bathe your dog regularly, as well as brush his coat a few times a week.

Puppies

Dorgis are small dogs when they are fully grown, so they will be small and delicate when they are puppies. Make sure that children who are around your Dorgi puppy know how to handle him with care, and keep him safe to prevent injuries. Allowing your puppy to meet different people will make him a social dog who gets along with everyone.

When it comes to training your Dorgi puppy, the earlier you start, the better. These puppies tend to be quite stubborn, much like their parents, so you will need to be consistent and firm in your training methods. Use positive reinforcement with the help of rewards, such as treats, and give your puppy loads of love. With the right care, attention, and training, your Dorgi is sure to grow into a loyal and affectionate adult.

Photo credit: juicywizzard/Flickr; Mary Phoenix/Flickr; t-dawg/Flickr