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View 8 More +The Corman Shepherd is a designer breed with German Shepherd and Pembroke Welsh Corgi parents. Physically, they usually resemble their German Shepherd parent but are shaped like their Corgi parent—picture a shorter, smaller, and longer version of the German Shepherd.
Breed Overview
Height:
12–15 inches
Weight:
20–70 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Brown, black, white, gold, tan
Suitable for:
Experienced dog owners, active families, apartment living
Temperament:
Intelligent, active, affectionate, stubborn
These dogs are attractive because they combine the traits of two beloved breeds. They are loyal, active, and intelligent like the German Shepherd but compact like the Corgi. Their relatively small size makes them good candidates for many types of homes, including apartment living, as long as they get the necessary exercise. Do you think the Corman Shepherd could be the dog for you? Keep reading our guide to determine whether this pup is a good fit for you and your family!
Corman Shepherd Characteristics
Corman Shepherd Puppies
If you are interested in buying a Corman Shepherd puppy, check your local shelter to see if one is available. Otherwise, you will likely need to find a breeder of Corgis or German Shepherds. Make sure to do your research before purchasing any animal from a breeder. Likewise, avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and “backyard” breeders at all costs. Puppy mills breed as many dogs as possible for profit without concern for the health and well-being of the animals.
When you find a breeder, don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions about your dog’s health history. Because the Corman Shepherd is a designer dog and not a purebred, they are not registered with the American Kennel Club. As a result, you will not receive any pedigree papers for your dog, so you must find out as much information as you can about your dog’s parents, their personalities, and any health problems they may have had.
A good breeder will let you take a tour of their breeding facilities to examine the facility’s cleanliness for yourself. Consider it a red flag if a breeder won’t let you visit and can’t or won’t answer your questions.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Corman Shepherd
Overall, the Corman Shepherd is an intelligent, active, and affectionate dog. Occasionally, they can be stubborn or possessive.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Overall, the Corman Shepherd does well with children, making them a good family dog. However, it’s always a good idea to socialize your dog with your kids from an early age if possible. Both the German Shepherd and the Corgi are herding dogs, so their herding nature can come through from time to time. Adequately training and socializing your dog will help prevent them from trying to herd your children.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Corman Shepherd can learn to live with other pets if properly socialized. However, they may not be the most accepting of other dogs. If you want to guarantee harmony in your home, you may only want to consider bringing a Corman Shepherd home if you do not have any other pets.
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Things to Know When Owning a Corman Shepherd:
Food & Diet Requirements
Depending on the Corman Shepherd’s parents, they are medium to large dogs. The type of food you buy should be high-quality and formulated for your dog’s life stage. You can calculate how much food to give your dog based on their weight. A 20-pound Corman Shepherd needs about 1½ cups of food daily, whereas a 70-pound Corman Shepherd should get about 3½ cups.
Because Corman Shepherds are prone to weight gain, it is not recommended to allow free eating; instead, provide at least two set meals a day. The exact amount of food you give your dog depends on their weight, age, and activity level. If you have questions about what or how much to feed your dog, don’t hesitate to speak with your vet.
Exercise
The Corman Shepherd is an energetic dog that needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Like their parents, the German Shepherd and the Corgi, the Corman Shepherd can become bored and destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.
They are also prone to weight gain, which can lead to health problems down the road, so exercise is an integral part of keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Aim for about an hour of exercise daily; a combination of walks, jogs, backyard playtime, or romps around the dog park will help your Corman Shepherd get their energy out.
Training
The Corman Shepherd is a very intelligent dog that will respond well to training. However, if your pet takes after their Corgi ancestor, they could have a stubborn streak. To combat this, it can be helpful to maintain a confident and consistent demeanor. The key is to show your dog that you are the leader of the “pack.” If you are a beginner and don’t have much experience training dogs, you may want to take your dog to be trained by a professional.
Grooming ✂️
Due to their double coat, the Corman Shepherd sheds frequently. To mitigate shedding, brush your dog’s coat daily. Doing so will also keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. In addition to brushing your dog’s coat, you should plan to trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth about three times per week.
Health and Conditions
Overall, Corman Shepherds tend to be healthy dogs. However, they can inherit some health problems their parent breeds tend to be susceptible to. Below, we have listed the serious and minor health conditions you should be on the lookout for.
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Back problems
Male vs Female
It can be hard to generalize canine behavior based on sex. Like humans, every dog is an individual with a unique personality. Therefore, spending time with a potential pet before bringing them home is always a good idea to ensure their personality will work for you and your family. However, dog owners have noted some anecdotal differences between male and female pets.
Male Corman Shepherds are likely to be larger than the females. As you may have noticed, the dog has a significant weight range. Your pet’s weight will depend somewhat on which parent they take after the most. Some German Shepherd owners note that females can be better with children and other pets than males, so that’s something to consider if you have kids or other animals.
On the other hand, males may be more affectionate than females, and females are more independent dogs. Other behavioral differences are often associated with reproductive hormones and are virtually eliminated when a dog is spayed or neutered.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Corman Shepherd
1. These Dogs Go by Many Different Names.
In addition to Corman Shepherd, you might hear these dogs called Corgi German Shepherds or German Corgis.
2. German Shepherds Are Great Working Dogs.
Members of the breed have served as police dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, and in other canine posts.
3. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Was a Favorite of the Queen of England.
Queen Elizabeth had about 30 Corgis in her lifetime.
Conclusion
Overall, the Corman Shepherd can be a great pet, but they aren’t for everyone. If you are a new dog owner and lack confidence in adequately training your pet, you might want to consider other breeds; due to the Corman Shepherd’s stubborn nature, failing to train one of these dogs adequately could lead to behavioral issues.
The Corman Shepherd might also not be suitable for you if you and your family are not particularly active, don’t spend most of your time away from home, or don’t have a yard. However, they could be ideal if you are looking for a loyal and intelligent pup that can keep up with you on long walks but is smaller than the German Shepherd.
Featured Image Credit: Veronica Varos, Shutterstock
