Golden Corgi

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: March 18th, 2022

Known and loved for their affectionate and playful nature, these goofy doggos will charm you from the get-go.

borbasth/Shutterstock

Golden Corgi Basics

Designer dog breeds sometimes really surprise us! Just when you thought that a mix can’t be cuter and more unique, we meet someone like the Golden Corgi. The proud offspring of two iconic breeds, these dogs are beyond cute and fun-loving. Known and loved for their affectionate and playful nature, these goofy doggos will charm you from the get-go. Great for people with kids as well as solo owners, the Golden Corgis make wonderful pets for families of all shapes and sizes.

Corgis and Golden Retrievers are some of the most adored dog breeds on the planet, and their mixed offspring doesn’t disappoint, either. With their adorable looks, fun-loving character, and endless affection, these dogs have a lot to offer. Mixing the intelligence and the antics of a Corgi together with the gentleness and goofiness of a Golden Retriever, breeders have created a fun and highly sought-after designer breed. Still, there is a lot you need to know about the Golden Corgi. You will need to be patient as they grow up and to teach them to be the best dogs out there. After all, the pet always depends on their pawrent!

Origin

Known by various names, such as the Corgi Retriever and the Golden Corgi, these dogs are fairly new to the game. Of course, their parent breeds have long histories behind them. The Golden Retriever has been around since the late nineteenth century. Bred in Scotland’s Glen Affric, they were created for the purpose of assisting hunters with retrieving fowl. Hence the name - Golden Retriever. The Corgis are even older, as they became popular in Wales and the British Isles as cattle herding dogs, or so-called “heelers”, a few centuries back. They would nip on the heels of cattle, forcing them to move, all the while skillfully avoiding their strikes. Their diminutive size and goofiness, however, made them popular as house pets also.

So, we can see that the Golden Corgi is, in many ways, a match made in heaven. Two adored breeds with similar personalities combined together. However, they are quite young in comparison. The Golden Corgi mixed breed likely originated in the late 1990s in North America, when the craze for unique designer breeds reached its peak. Recognizing the friendly and outgoing nature present in both parent breeds, the designer breeders quickly recognized the potential that is now clearly seen in the Golden Corgi.

Pedigree

As it goes with most designer breeds, finding the ideal pedigree is not easy. Creating unique mixed breeds is often unpredictable, as breeders often don’t know what a litter is going to look like in the end. To that end, it is hard to pinpoint the exact size and looks of a Golden Corgi. Nevertheless, there are some guidelines. For example, the ears are usually floppy, like the Golden Retriever’s, and not erect as the Corgi’s. The facial features are a mix between the two breeds, while the overall height is clearly influenced by the Corgi – the unmistakable stubby legs are prevalent.

Colors too are usually dominated by the Golden Retriever parentage. The most commonly seen is that pale golden blonde coat that we all know and love. After all, it is the color that gives the Golden Corgi a lot of the charm!

Food / Diet

Proper diet is an important part of caring for your Golden Corgi. Remember that they are dogs with plenty of excess energy – which they love to spend. To match this, you will need to provide a balanced and healthy diet that is full of proteins and essential nutrients. Choose a formula with meat as the first ingredient, free of cheap fillers and artificial ingredients. But all with good measure! Corgis are known to be prone to obesity when overfed and not exercised. And with the stumpy legs of this crossbreed, the pressure on the leg joints can be too much.

Smaller portions and healthy foods are recommended to keep your Golden Corgi in their prime shape. When choosing the food, you should take their size, age, and activity levels into consideration – in their case, a formula for medium-size breeds with moderate to high energy levels, and appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Oh, and be moderate with the treats. They’ll love to munch them up instantly and giving a few too many snacks will quickly lead to weight gain.

Training

As long as you are armed with patience and persistence, training your Golden Corgi should not be too challenging. After all, these are intelligent dogs, with surprising love for tricks and commands. Most of the positive training traits come from the Corgi side since these dogs were bred as cattle herders and thus respond well to training and performing tasks.

Still, the Golden Corgis can be a bit stubborn and overly playful. Learn to curb this with an assertive attitude and a routine you will stick to. This, together with some treats and positive reinforcement, will do wonders for training, and provide you with results quickly. Of course, remember that training should be started as early as possible. If you own a Golden Corgi puppy, start as soon as you can. Training an adult doggo, no matter the breed can be much more challenging than it seems.

Weight

Considered a medium to large breed, the Golden Corgi is not too heavy – and certainly not too tall. They will average between 30 and 75 pounds in weight, and between 10 and 18 inches in height. Of course, you will be required to maintain their weight in balance, and to avoid overfeeding, as obesity can become a big issue for this breed.

Temperament / Behavior

The Golden Corgi definitely took the best traits from its parent breeds. These dogs are outgoing, fun, affectionate, and very playful. In fact, their character and temperament are so colorful, that you’ll learn something new about them each day. But in the end, what you can expect from a Golden Corgi is a lot of love, tons of fun, and plenty of loyalty. They might, however, be a bit stubborn in some matters, so remember that you’re the boss – patient training and a commanding tone of voice can do wonders.

Still, for their best behavior to come to the surface, socialization will be needed. Don’t neglect this basic need, and start practicing it early on. Introduce your puppy to new faces and friendly dogs. It can work wonders for their future. Some Golden Corgis can also have a quirky habit of nipping on heels and trying to “round up” children. This is one of the natural instincts that Corgis possess. It can be remedied with training and positive reinforcement, as well as with socialization.

Common Health Problems

As with most designer crossbreeds, the Golden Corgi is bound to inherit some predispositions for the health issues that the parent breeds possess. For these small dogs, these potential issues include hip dysplasia, cataracts, obesity, heat strokes, digestive problems, and elbow dysplasia. Also possible are joint pains in senior years.

Still, the Golden Corgi is a robust and healthy breed, and these issues might not affect them at all. What is important is to provide regular veterinary checkups, a balanced and healthy diet, and a lot of exercise. With all these in check, you can expect your dog reaches golden years in good health.

Life Expectancy

Once we take into account the common life expectancies of both the Corgi and the Golden Retriever, we can safely say that their offspring can enjoy a common life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. Of course, don’t expect that a 14-year lifespan will come all on its own. You’ll need to meddle in a bit to make it happen. Regular vet checkups and a ton of your attention and care will be needed to keep your dog healthy and happy for all those years. But the efforts will be undoubtedly worth it.

Exercise Requirements

Golden Corgis are surprisingly energetic dogs. They don’t really like to snooze all that much, and will instead prefer to stick to their goofy antics, their endless zoomies, and playtime with you. It will be up to you to meet their energy levels and to provide them with a chance to spend it and exercise safely. Meeting these exercise needs is also important for their health, as it reduces the risk of obesity. They will need about 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to stay fit and happy.

Golden Corgis can fit well in a family with children, as their energy levels can be similar. And if you have a fenced-in yard, then everything becomes even better as they can all run together in a safe environment. But if you are an owner of different tendencies, and you love to snooze, cuddle, and take it slowly, then a Golden Corgi might not be a suitable match. They love snoozing too – but their energy levels are high.

Recognized Clubs

The Golden Corgi is a relatively new hybrid breed, and as such, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Similarly, it is not yet listed on the American Canine Hybrid Club registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), or the World Wide Designer Breed Registry. But that’s not a reason for worry. The Golden Corgi is established and well-loved by fans all across the world. That just means that there is a lot of time for this unique crossbreed to find its way into all the popular approved lists.

Coat

The Golden Corgi will have a thick, double coat of moderate length. This is a direct mix between the Corgi and Golden Retriever coats. And that means that regular brushing and moderate grooming will be necessary. It also makes them somewhat unsuitable for those suffering from allergies. These dogs are shedders, and you will need to establish a solid routine of brushing a few times a week and monthly bathing to keep their hair tidy and under control.

As we mentioned, the predominant color of Golden Corgis is, as the name suggests, the pale golden blonde of the Golden Retriever. However, some other colors are possible due to the mixing with the Corgi. Besides golden, you can also meet tan, brown, black, and fawn Golden Corgis.

Puppies

Golden Corgi puppies are as cute and loveable as their personalities. Tiny, stubby, and endlessly goofy, these puppies will melt anyone’s heart. However, in those early few weeks, they can also be very vulnerable. Avoid large crowds and overly eager kids. But once the risky period is over, feel free to begin with the socialization. This will be a key part of their formative years and will lay down a foundation for a healthy adult dog with no behavioral issues.

Puppy years for Golden Corgis are a great way to smooth out any quirks you find along the way. Odd behavioral issues can be ironed out with surprising ease, and a routine can be established and followed for years to come. You would be surprised at how quickly Golden Corgi puppies learn and follow commands. All you need is plenty of patience and a strong attitude. If you know what you want, your puppy will be quick to follow. Start with basic commands (sit, stay) at the 8-week mark, before progressing to potty training at around 14 weeks of age. Formal training is usually done when your puppy is 6 months old.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

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