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Dorgi Breed Profile

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Most canine enthusiasts have heard of chiweenies and labradoodles, but have you ever heard of a dorgi? Many people have not, but it is a dog breed you should definitely know about!

A dorgi is the offspring of a corgi and a dachshund. It is relatively new combination dog breed, so it is not recognized by most dog breed organizations, but it may be one day!

The dorgi breed is gaining popularity, especially since British royalty has raised several dorgis over the past few decades.

Although it is a somewhat sought after dog breed, there are some special concerns that come with owning and raising a dorgi. Learn more about the dorgi breed here so that you can decide if it is the right breed for you and your family.

cute Dorgi type of dog laying on the floor

History

The dorgi dog breed has a history that is a lot longer than you might imagine. Originating in the United Kingdom, the dorgi has been a part of the British royal family for decades.

A standard or miniature-sized dachshund has to be bred with a Welsh corgi to create dorgi puppies. A true dorgi has one dachshund parent and one Welsh corgi parent.

The dorgi designer breed has become more popular in America over the years thanks to its inclusion in the royal family canines.

Today, dorgis are relatively popular and unique dogs that combine two similar breeds to create what many dorgi owners believe are some of the best dogs around.

Size

Welsh corgis can range in height from about 11 to 13 inches tall. Standard size dachshunds can be anywhere from 14-19 inches tall while miniature dachshunds usually are somewhere between 5 to 7 inches tall.

Dachshunds can weigh around 10 to 32 pounds, depending on if they are standard size or miniature. Welsh corgis weigh between 24 and 37 pounds as adults.

Dorgis will stand somewhere between 7 and 19 inches tall. They could weigh anywhere from 10 to 37 pounds when fully grown, depending on the combination of genes they inherit.

Color

Dorgi dogs can be a variety of colors depending on their lineage and which parent they take after most. Dachshunds can be red, black, black and tan, merle, cream, dapple, sable, and brindle.

Corgis can range in color from red, tan, black and tan, black and white, brindle, merle, or sable. A dorgi can be any of these colors because dogs inherit their coat color from their parents.  

Ear Appearance

A dorgi’s ears can resemble either those of a dachshund or those of a corgi, or some kind of combination of both.

Dachshunds have long ears that hang down on each side of their head, while corgis have long, large, and distinguishable ears that stand up.

A dorgi can have either large ears that stand up like a corgi or hang down like a dachshund.

Although rare, is also entirely possible to have a dorgi that has one ear that stands up and another that hangs down! That makes a truly unique-looking dorgi!

Leg Height

Welsh Corgi and Dachshund

Dorgis, regardless of which parent they take after, will be short! Both dachshunds and corgis have short legs that are not in proportion with the rest of their bodies.

All full-blooded dachshunds and corgis have a condition called chondrodysplasia which essentially results in their noticeably short legs. Dorgis will no doubt inherit the condition from their parents and have the same short legs.

Their short legs is what distinguishes them from other breeds, but it also causes some issues with their spines and musculoskeletal system. It also is what helps make them extremely adorable as well!

Temperament

Dorgis are often characterized as being smart, energetic, loyal, fun-loving, and sometimes a little stubborn. All these are the same temperament traits that both dachshunds and corgis tend to display.

Corgi dogs are well known for being energetic working dogs that love to play but are extremely stubborn and independent at times. Dachshunds are notorious for being stubborn, but fiercely loyal and sweet, all traits that dorgis often have as well.

These two equally beloved dog breeds come together in the dorgi breed to create a spirited, independent, and playful dog that is devoted to its owner.

Health

Dorgis are considered moderately healthy dogs, since they are technically a mixed breed. However, they are prone to certain spinal-related health issues. Thanks to their long backs, dorgis are more likely to suffer from certain skeletal and hip disorders.

It is important to make sure they maintain a healthy diet and avoid jumping onto and off of high furniture. This will help prevent obesity and injury, two main factors in dorgis developing or exacerbating spinal ailments.

Corgis and dachshunds can suffer from eye ailments such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine glaucoma, and cataracts, so dorgis may suffer from these ocular issues as well. It is important to monitor their eye health and to have regular checkups with the vet for preventative treatments.

Diet

Dorgis do not have to follow any specific diet guidelines besides maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Dorgis should be fed food specifically designed for dogs and they should always be fed the proper amount according to their size and activity level.

It is important to avoid feeding dorgi dogs processed human foods that can cause them to overeat or not eat their regular food. This can lead to obesity and malnutrition, both negatively-contributing factors in spinal issues.

Trainability

Dorgi dogs are definitely able to be trained, but in most cases, it will take a lot of patience and persistence. It is important to stick to the training and maintain consistency to make training sessions with dorgis successful.

Both corgis and dachshunds are hunting dog breeds, so they are extremely intelligent. Hunters and farmers across the world successfully train both breeds successfully. Dorgis inherit equal parts intelligence and stubbornness from their parents, but this should not discourage owners.

Positive reinforcement is a great method to training dorgis, but it is important to limit the amount of high calorie treats they are given each day.

Common Health Problems

dorgi with one ear up

Dorgis are prone to suffering from the same health conditions that dachshunds and corgis suffer from. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has any of these issues or appears to have issues walking.

· Patella Luxation

This is a condition where a dog’s kneecap becomes dislocated. It is most commonly a congenital defect that cannot be prevented in most cases. Dachshunds can often develop the condition, therefore so can dorgis.

· Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Dorgis can develop a condition known as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease which is a hip-joint disorder that essentially causes bone cell death. Hip joint bone deterioration and regrowth often results in arthritis, stiffness, and pain when walking or standing.

Dachshunds are susceptible to the disease, so it is not entirely uncommon for dorgis to suffer from the condition as well.

· Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a disc disorder in dogs that often affects dachshunds, therefore, it can also affect dorgis. IVDD occurs when the discs in a dog’s spinal column bulge, burst, or slip out of place causing them severe pain and even paralysis.

Dachshunds are predisposed to IVDD due to their abnormally long spines, a genetic characteristic that dorgis inevitably inherit. Jumping on or off high furniture onto hard surfaces, playing, or even just turning an odd way can be what eventually leads to an IVDD episode.

· Obesity

Both corgis and dachshunds are prone to suffer from obesity, therefore dorgis are just as susceptible. Obesity in dogs is most commonly the result of overfeeding and limited activity.

Make sure your dorgi stays active and avoid feeding them human food or too many high calorie treats. Obesity can contribute to spinal issues in dorgis, so it is vital to keep them at a healthy weight, no matter how much they beg for treats!

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for dorgis is pretty good since both corgis and dachshunds often live long lives. Both corgis and dachshunds tend to live an average of a little over 12 years.

Dorgis, thanks to their long-living parents, can be expected to live an average of around 12 years as well, if not longer! There have been many dachshunds and corgis that lived far beyond 12 years old, so there is no doubt that some dorgis will as well.

Most Famous Dorgi Owner

Queen Elizabeth

Perhaps the most well-known dorgi owner is Queen Elizabeth II. She famously bred one of her beloved corgis to a dachshund that her sister had.

The monarch has been photographed often with her beloved dorgis and appears to really enjoy raising this unique dog breed.

Final Thoughts

Dorgis are an exceptional breed of dog that is actually a combination of two well-known dog breeds. Both corgis and dachshunds make excellent pets which means that a dorgi could in fact be one of the best dog breeds you have ever encountered. Dorgis tend to live long lives and they could be a great addition to almost any family!

Resources:

Researching the dorgi dog breed can be difficult since it is a relatively new dog breed. Here are the sources used to write this article.