Have you ever heard of the Dorgi dog breed? Not to be confused with the Corgi, the Dorgis result from the cross between the Dachshund and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Breed Overview

Although it is difficult to predict the temperament and character of a hybrid breed, Dorgis tend to inherit the best from their parents. They are incredibly loyal, intelligent, sociable, energetic, courageous, and friendly companions, but they are also sensitive and don’t like being alone for too long. If you are working from home and have someone who can take care of your furry companion while you are away, then Dorgi will make the perfect pet for you.

Dorgi Characteristics

Dorgi Puppies

The Dorgi is a much more affordable breed than the Corgi, so if you want a crossbreed that looks like its famous parents but don’t want to break your piggy bank, look no further. And, as always, we strongly recommend that you buy from ethical and responsible breeders or specialist pet stores to ensure your Dorgi puppy has been raised in the best conditions.

The affectionate Dachshund Corgi mix is perfect for someone who wants a dog but lives in an apartment. They are smart, friendly and playful.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dorgi

When it comes to temperament and intelligence, the Dorgis are fantastic. They are affectionate, energetic, loving, courageous, loyal, and intelligent. What else could you wish for your furry companions? In addition, they are vocal and alert dogs, so your home will be well guarded in your absence.

Like their Dachshund parent, they tend to be quite curious. However, they can be very stubborn and thus be more challenging to train for a master with a little less experience. Nonetheless, they are friendly pets, enjoy attention and cuddles, and generally respond well to meeting new people and animals.

But, as with any breed, they have a downside: They don’t tolerate being left alone. This is because they suffer from separation anxiety but at a higher level than other dog breeds. Therefore, they thrive when they can stay with their beloved owner during the day or if they can accompany you to your office (if you are lucky enough to work in a dog-friendly workplace).

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Since Dorgis are genuinely loyal, gentle, and affectionate dogs to their owners, they make perfect furry companions for families. They also enjoy the company of children, but be careful if you have small kids because Dorgis have fragile backs, which makes them vulnerable to the sudden and often awkward movements of toddlers.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Due to their ancestral lineage of “hunter” type dog breeds, the Dorgis tend to hunt small animals. So, be careful if you have other small pets like cats or rabbits. Dorgis are not aggressive towards other furry creatures, but their natural instincts are sometimes stronger than them. If they see your kitten running around your garden, it is quite possible that they will go after them.

Things to Know When Owning a Dorgi:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

For an adult Dorgi dog, feed ¾ to 1½ cups of quality dry kibble daily, divided into three meals (if possible).

You can also replace half of the dry kibble with high-quality, low-fat foods, as long as the overall calorie intake remains the same. If you feed your dog homemade food, pay attention to the amount of fat in every meal. Regarding the frequency of meals, it is better to feed your dog three times a day but offering smaller portions at each meal. They will be more than happy to have the opportunity to gobble their kibble as many times in a day without risking becoming a chubby Dorgi.

Exercise 🐕

Dorgis have a higher energy level than average for small dog breeds, so this breed will be a perfect choice for you if you lead an active lifestyle. Dorgis need at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. Plan long walks, take them to the dog park, and play frisbee games. As long as they have the opportunity to spend time with you, any physical activity will keep them happy and healthy.

Training 🎾

Due to their stubbornness, the Dorgis can be a challenge at times when it comes to training. But if you are patient and consistent, you will get good results.

Keep in mind that they are a bit more sensitive than other dog breeds; punishment can affect them emotionally. You will get better results with the positive reinforcement method, and if you establish a routine.

Grooming ✂️

The Dorgi doesn’t require a lot of grooming; it is unnecessary to have the dog’s hair trimmed by a professional groomer. However, be sure to clean their ears and eyes regularly to avoid infections. A Dorgi is a good choice if you don’t have the time, skills, or money to care for a high-maintenance dog.

You should know, however, that the Dorgi does shed a lot of hair. If you don’t like vacuuming, you may need to reconsider your choice of having a puppy of this breed. Besides, you will need to brush your dog with a stiff bristle brush three times a week. The dental care of your Dorgi should not be neglected, nor the cutting of the nails.

Health and Conditions 🏥

As a hybrid breed, the Dorgis don’t have a well-documented list of genetic issues and diseases. In addition, the health of each Dorgi largely depends on the pedigree of their parents.

Nevertheless, since Dorgis results from a cross of two particular breeds, their potential health issues are very similar to the typical health issues of Dachshunds and Corgis.

Thus, Dorgis can be affected by the following health problems:

To put the odds in your favor, make sure that your breeder provides you with health certificates from both parents so that you can closely follow the progress of your puppy’s health.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dorgi

1. They Were the Darlings of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II shared her life with Corgis and Dorgis. Vulcan the Dorgi was the descendant of a line of royal dogs born to a Dachshund called Pipkin and owned by Princess Margaret.

Faithful companion of Queen Elizabeth II since 2007, Vulcan sadly passed away in December 2020. The Queen, a long-time dog friend, now has only one dog, Candy. Indeed, the sovereign preferred to stop raising dogs a few years ago to not leave them without a mistress when she died.

2. They Are Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Like most hybrid breeds, Dorgis are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an official breed in the United States. However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

3. They Can Be Voracious Eaters

Beware of Dorgis’ fondness for food; they will eat more than they need if given the opportunity. And while a chubby, fluffy ball of fur may look cute at first glance, it can lead to severe problems. Overweight dogs are prone to many health issues, so make sure your Dorgis get enough daily physical activity and carefully watch how much food you give them each day.

Final Thoughts

If there is only one thing you should take away from this article, it’s this: While Dorgis make lovely companions, they are not the independent type. So, do not adopt this breed if you will be away from your home all day, as your pet will suffer greatly.

But, if you are ready to adopt this breed and therefore spend a lot of time with your furry friend, a cool fact to remember is that the Dorgis are a “royal” breed of dogs. If they have managed to win the heart of Queen Elizabeth II, they will undoubtedly succeed in winning yours!

See also:

• Westie & Corgi Mix: Care, Pictures, Info & More
• Akita Corgi Mixed Dog Breed: Care, Pictures, Info & More

Featured Image Credit: NARIT OLANPRUEK, Shutterstock