Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

American Corgi (Pembroke & Cardigan Corgi Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Written by: Chelsea Mortensen

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Dogster Team

Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis might look similar, but they also have some big differences. But what if you’re looking for the best of both? That’s the guiding principle of this controversial designer dog. American Corgis are a cross between the two breeds of Corgi, not a breed on their own. They often have many traits of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi but sport the beautiful merle coat of a Cardigan. However, any mix between the two breeds can properly be called an American Corgi.

Breed Overview

Height:

10–12.5 inches

Weight:

24–40 pounds

Lifespan:

10–13 years

Colors:

Tan, sable, fawn, red, black, white, merle (marbled)

Suitable for:

Active families, experienced owners

Temperament:

Loyal, active, intelligent, friendly

You’d think that crossbreeding the two cousin breeds wouldn’t be a problem, but this designer breed is full of controversy. Because of disreputable breeders and dangerous health conditions, like the double-merle gene, many breeders warn against buying an American Corgi. These dogs are also sometimes advertised as purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgis instead of as a designer breed, adding to the backlash.

American Corgis Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

American Corgi Puppies

American Corgi puppies are a mixed bag, with some taking more after the Cardigan side and some after the Pembroke Welsh. However, potential owners should expect a high-energy, energetic puppy that will only calm down a little bit as it matures. Luckily, these puppies tend to be friendly and highly trainable, but it’s vital to put in the work when raising one. A well-trained American Corgi is a joy to have around, but a poorly trained or badly socialized one is a terror.

Parent Breeds of the American Corgi
Dany Store, Shutterstock | Right – Anna Aybetova, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the American Corgi

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

American Corgis can be great family dogs. They tend to love playing with children, and they do well in the high-energy environment of a multi-pet or multi-kid household. However, consistency and solid training are important to this breed, too, so they don’t do well in chaotic homes. The herding instincts of Corgis can also be a problem, leading them to herd and nip at small children. Don’t leave children and dogs together unsupervised.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

This breed also gets along very well with other dogs. Some socialization is needed to make sure that all dogs in the household have a good dynamic, but Corgis tend to love other dogs, and the American Corgi is no exception. Because these dogs are high-energy, they can get on the nerves of placid dogs or seniors. If you plan to get an American Corgi to replace an ailing family pet, it’s best to wait until after your senior dog is gone.

American Corgis sometimes struggle to be in a household with smaller pets like cats and small mammals. Although they aren’t as aggressive as hunting dogs, their herding instincts can cause them to chase or nip at smaller animals.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Things to Know When Owning an American Corgi:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Corgis are known to overeat if fed freely, so it’s important to control your pup’s portions. Your dog might act hungry even when they’re getting plenty of nutrients, but giving regular, portioned meals will help them stay healthy and happy in the long run. Food should be split into two or three meals a day. You can also give your pup a few treats throughout the day.

American Corgis require a healthy diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats. Depending on your dog’s age and activity level, a diet of 18–30% protein is appropriate. They should also eat approximately 5–8% fat in their diet. You should always buy high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds when feeding your American Corgi.

Image by: Jeniffer Fontan, Shutterstock

Exercise 🐕

American Corgis are known for their boundless energy, and they need a lot of exercise to keep it up. Regular exercise helps your dog burn off energy and reduces misbehavior. You should expect your dog to exercise for an hour or more every day. Some owners prefer to take one long walk or run, while others might split the exercise up into several smaller bursts of exercise throughout the day.

Their long, short bodies mean that Corgis are prone to back issues, especially as they age. This means that certain types of exercise may not be appropriate for your American Corgi. Running for more than a few miles and high-impact games that include jumping may injure your Corgi or stress their back.

Corgis are intelligent dogs that get bored easily, so it’s important to give your dog mental exercise as well as physical. A variety of exercise types, new walking routes, and mentally stimulating toys can help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Training 🎾

Corgis are intelligent and loyal, but they can also be stubborn. That means that it’s vital to have a good relationship with your Corgi when it comes to training. A good training relationship is based on firm boundaries and praise for good behavior, not shouting, punishment, or inconsistency. Since it can be difficult to start the training process, American Corgis are often better for more experienced dog owners. First-time owners might consider enlisting professional help to start training. Once you’ve won your Corgi’s obedience, however, they are highly trainable.

Grooming ✂️

Because the American Corgi is a designer mix, their coat can take after either the Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Although Cardis shed a bit more, both breeds of Corgis require frequent brushing and shed year-round. Your American Corgi might need grooming anywhere from twice a week to daily.

American Corgi
Image by: Ilya Barmin, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions 🏥

One of the biggest worries with American Corgis is their propensity toward health conditions. Many American Corgis bred by amateur breeders are at risk of “double merle” issues. That’s because a merle or marbled coat is highly sought after in the breed. This coat color is caused by a dominant gene but receiving two copies of the gene can lead to extensive health problems. Many double merle Corgis are deaf, blind, or have other serious health issues.

In addition to this issue, American Corgis can inherit any of the issues common in the parent breeds. These include back, hip, and eye issues, obesity, and several other conditions. Because of their long, low bodies, back issues can develop with age.

Minor Conditions
  • Cataracts and retinal issues
  • Obesity
Serious Conditions

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Male vs. Female

There aren’t many differences between males and females when it comes to American Corgis. Males tend to be slightly heavier and bigger, but both sexes have similar personalities. It matters much more whether your American Corgi takes more after a Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

3 Little-Known Facts About the American Corgis

1. American Corgis are bred for the merle coat, but not all of them have it.

The number one reason to breed American Corgis is that breeders want a pup resembling the smaller Pembroke Welsh Corgi but with a merle coat that is only found in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The beautiful black and gray marbling is very popular, and many breeders try it. However, any Pembroke Cardigan mix is called an American Corgi, even if it doesn’t have a merle coat.


2. The American Corgi isn’t a real breed (yet).

There are only two recognized breeds of Corgi: Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh. That means that American Corgis are properly designer dogs or mixes, not a real breed. However, some breeders have talked about getting breed recognition for the American Corgi. This would require a new breed standard and a group of dedicated breeders working with the breed. As of today, no breeders are seeking formal recognition of the breed.


3. The American Corgi is controversial.

Designer dogs are controversial in general because it allows backyard breeders to sell puppies without meeting the health and safety standards that purebred registries require. But the American Corgi is extra controversial because of the health conditions Corgis are prone to.

The most dangerous is a “double merle” gene. Having two copies of the gene that causes the merle coat can cause serious birth defects, including blindness and deafness. Registered Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders will always cross a merle with a non-merle dog to avoid this, but many American Corgi breeders don’t realize the danger.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

Final Thoughts

American Corgis are friendly, loyal and can be amazing companions for their owners. However, it’s extra important to vet your breeder when you buy an American Corgi because there isn’t a kennel club or registry to give their seal of approval. There’s also a range of traits your American Corgi may have depending on which genes it inherited from each parent breed. That being said, the right American Corgi can make an amazing pet.

See also:

submit a pet pk dog


Featured Image Credit: Elisabeth Abramova, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.