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Dorgi vs. Corgi

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Those who know dogs can attest to the fact that they are loyal. But they are also smart, adorable, and very resourceful – perhaps the most resourceful domestic animals.

There are roughly 360 dog breeds in the world. With such abundance, it might be tough making a choice of the type to get. And some breeds either look similar or have similar sounding names, making it difficult sometimes to tell them apart or accurately research them.

One such example is the comparison of Dorgis and Corgis. While they sound very similar, they are actually quite distinct breeds with different personalities.

Let’s take a closer look at how Dorgis and Corgis compare to one another as you explore options for a possible pet in your home.

side by side photo of a Dorgi and Corgi

Similarities in Dorgi and Corgi Breeds

Size

Both Dorgis and Corgis are small-sized dogs with short stature. When it comes to height, the breeds are fairly even, but when it comes to weight, Corgies tend to be stockier.

On average, the male Dorgis weigh 20-28 pounds while standing at about 10-12 inches. The females weigh 15-22 pounds and grow as tall as 10-12 inches.

Male Corgis weigh as much as 22-31 pounds while growing as tall as 10-12 inches. The females also have an average height of 10-12 inches and an average weight of 22-29 pounds.

Disposition

There are some similarities in the temperament of Corgis and Dorgis. Both breeds are smart, lively, alert, friendly, affectionate, and playful.

Trainability

Both Dorgis and Corgis are easy to strain because they are smart. However, you may have slight issues managing the stubbornness of Dorgis.

Life Expectancy

Dorgis and Corgis have very similar life spans. Dorgis live for 12-15 years, while Corgis live for 12-14 years.

Maintenance

Both breeds are low maintenance. There are not many differences between the grooming routine for Dorgis and Corgis.

Both Dorgis and Corgis have short fur, and they do not shed too much. Brushing them 1-2 times a week is enough to keep up with their coat.

Nation of Origin

Another thing these 2 breeds have in common is their nation of origin. Dorgis and Corgis have their roots in the United Kingdom.

Likelihood to Trigger Allergy

If you suffer from allergies or you live with people who do, both Dorgis and Corgis may not be good for you. Although both breeds shed minimally, they are not hypoallergenic and may trigger your allergies.

To avoid problems, you should speak with your medical doctor if you have known allergies and are considering bringing a pet into your home.

cute little corgi on a mat

Breeding Frequency

Corgis and Dorgis typically breed only once a year. You should not try to push them to breed more often. More frequent breeding can cause health issues for them.

Both dog breeds also have similar gestation periods. On average, a Corgi and a Dorgi will be pregnant for 60-64 days.

The Similarities Between Dorgis and Corgis

FeatureSimilarities
HeightBoth breeds grow as tall as 10-12 inches.
WeightCorgis commonly weigh more than Dorgis.
DispositionBoth breeds are smart, lively, alert, friendly, affectionate, and playful.
Life Expectancy12-14 years
Likelihood to Trigger AllergyBoth breeds can trigger allergies.
Breeding FrequencyYearly
Gestation Period60-64 days
TrainabilityBoth breeds are easy to train.

Differences in Dorgi and Corgi Breeds

Colors

Dorgis are available in white, red, black, and pied. On the other hand, Corgis come with red, fawn, black & tan, or sable fur with/without white patterns.

Cost

You’ll have to spend more money when getting a Corgi than when getting a Dorgi. On average, Corgis cost $1000-2200.

Dorgis cost nearly half the price of a Corgi. The average price for one is around $500.

Coat Type

Dorgis have smooth or coarse coats with short fur. Conversely, the coat of a Corgi is typically dense with short to medium-length fur.

Litter Size

If you want to get many puppies from your dog, you should opt for Corgis. They typically produce 6-8 puppies per litter. Unlike Corgis, Dorgis average 2-6 puppies per litter.

History, Original Role, and Etymology

Corgis have been around long much longer than Dorgis. Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, and they exist in 2 varieties: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

While both Corgi varieties are very similar, the Cardigan is relatively bigger than the Pembroke. The name Corgi is coined from Welsh words, and it means dwarf dog.

Dorgi with one ear up

Dorgis are a newer designer breed created from a crossing between Dachshund and Corgis. Their name is also a blend of the names of their ancestral breeds. Dorgis are bred as toy dogs.

Disposition

Although they have similar dispositions, Corgis are more territorial and protective than Dorgis. Dorgis, in turn, are more stubborn than Corgis.

Health

Corgis are fairly healthy, but Dorgis might be more resistant. Dorgis are prone to diseases like obesity, diabetes, hyperkeratosis, and hair loss.

On the other hand, Corgis are more likely to get degenerative muscle diseases, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

Weather Hardiness

Dorgis can do well in both warm and cold weather. Corgis adapt well to cold and near-cold conditions.

Differences Between Dorgis and Corgis

FeaturesDorgiCorgi
Colorswhite, red, black, and piedred, fawn, black & tan, or sable fur with/without white patterns
Coat Typesmooth or coarse coats with short furdense with short to medium-length fur
Costaround $500$1000-2200
Litter Size2-6 puppies6-8 puppies
Healthsturdyfairly healthy
Dispositionmore stubborn than Corgismore territorial and protective than Dorgis
Weather Hardinessdo well in both warm and cold weatheradapt well to cold and near-cold conditions
Original Roletoy dogsherding dogs

Summary

Corgis and Dorgis have similar sizes, temperaments, and life spans. They are easy to train and maintain, and they have similar breeding frequencies. However, Corgis are more expensive than Dorgis and have larger litters of puppies. Dorgis are more sturdy but also more likely to be stubborn or difficult to train.

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