Corgi Mixes Make Amazing Pets—Here’s Why

Corgis are adorable dogs with energetic, loving personalities. If you’re thinking about adopting a Corgi mix, you’ll find Corgis mixed with many different breeds, resulting in a wide variety of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. Read on to learn all about the personality traits of Corgi mixes, how to care for them, and their needs. And meet some of the most common Corgi mixes available for adoption.

TL;DR: Corgi mixes often inherit the breed's distinctive short legs, elongated body, and fox-like facial features. Many mixes display the Corgi's herding instincts, vocal nature, and playful energy, while maintaining their strong loyalty to family.

Why you should get a Corgi mix

Corgis are medium-sized herding dogs with short legs, which make them appear smaller than they really are. They are athletic, filled with energy, and are confident enough to hold their own while herding large cattle. And as you might expect, Corgi mixes are often intelligent, energetic, and easy to train — though that doesn’t mean training won’t take plenty of time and patience.

There are two types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. And depending on which type of Corgi they’re mixed with, traits might show up a little differently. Because Pembroke Corgis are much more common, most Corgi mixes you come across in animal shelters and through rescue groups are likely to be Pembroke mixes.

While they may look similar, Cardigans have larger, rounded ears and are heavier boned than Pembrokes. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi personality is slightly more outgoing and people-oriented than the more reserved Cardigan. 

Here are a few classic Corgi traits that you might see in Corgi mixes, too.

• Family friendly: Corgis, particularly Pembroke Welsh Corgis, are adaptable dogs who get along well with people of all ages (including respectful kids), making them great for families. Corgi mixes are generally dog-friendly and can even live with cats when they’re raised together — though they might chase or herd smaller animals. 

• Highly intelligent and eager to learn: Like most herding dogs, Corgis are extremely smart and highly trainable, and chances are, their mixes will be, too. Teaching them their basic obedience lessons is a snap, and they are driven to excel at sports and performance activities, such as herding competitions, agility, flyball, and more. 

• Fun personalities: Corgis, especially Pembroke Welsh Corgis, are known for their friendly, outgoing, lively personalities. They can even be silly, particularly when they get a touch of the zoomies and sprint around the house in a burst of wild energy and antics. Many Corgi mixes will inherit that goofy charm.

• Loyal and protective: Corgis form very tight bonds with their families and will be alert and watchful of strangers approaching the house. They are affectionate and enjoy being included in all of your activities, indoors and out. Corgi mixes will probably be loyal and alert with their people, though that can vary depending on the other breed in the mix.

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Considerations before adopting a Corgi mix

Corgis and Corgi mixes are great pets for the right families or individuals, but some specific breed traits to consider. Before adopting a Corgi mix, consider the following. 

Herding instincts 

As a herding breed, Corgis and Corgi mixes are sometimes predisposed to herding anything and everything that moves, including small children, smaller dogs, and cats. This behavior (which can include chasing, barking, and nipping at heels) can become annoying or problematic if it’s not addressed through training or by separating the dog from people or pets who don’t wish to be herded. 

Health concerns

With their long backs and short legs, Corgis are prone to certain spinal and orthopedic conditions, including intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. If Corgi mix breeds inherit the Corgi’s long back and short legs, they might also develop these conditions.  

Exercise and enrichment

Corgis and Corgi mixes tend to be energetic, so lots of daily exercise is a must. They also need daily stimulation for their intelligent brains, through training (tricks, a dog sport, or other activity), puzzle toys, nosework (doggie hide-and-seek), or exploring the outdoors with you.

Shedding

Corgis are known for shedding quite a bit. Although the coat type of a Corgi mix will vary depending on their other breed, prepare for daily brushing to remove as much loose hair as you can.

Barking 

Corgis tend to be a vocal breed, so excessive barking can be a challenge with Corgi mixes. It’s possible to minimize problematic barking with training, but know that most Corgi mixes are not likely to be quiet dogs. 

What kind of Corgi mix dogs are there? 

There are several combinations of Corgi mix breeds, but some are more common than others in animal shelters and rescue groups. Although each mixed-breed dog is an individual, we can still make some guesses about a Corgi mix’s weight, traits, and personality. Here are some Corgi mixes you might come across in your adoption search.

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Husky + Corgi mix (Horgi) 

A Husky–Corgi mix, often called a Horgi, might look like a Siberian Husky with short legs, or like a Corgi with the Husky’s coloring or blue eyes — or something in between. Horgis can vary quite a bit in size, but they commonly weigh between 25 and 40 pounds. This mix has the potential for a thick, double coat that sheds a lot and needs daily brushing. Plan on lots of energy and exercise thanks to the Husky influence.

Traits

• Estimated size: 25-40 pounds

• Temperament: high-energy, social, goofy

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Corgi + Labrador Retriever mix (Corgidor)

A Corgi–Labrador Retriever, or Corgidor, often looks like a Lab with short legs and a long body, though this mix can also look a lot like a Corgi with some Lab traits thrown in. Sizes can vary, with smaller Corgidors weighing around 30 pounds and larger Corgidors weighing 60 pounds or more. This mix will likely be energetic and need a lot of daily exercise, but should be friendly, affectionate, and highly trainable.

Traits

• Estimated size: 30-60 pounds

• Temperament: high-energy, friendly, affectionate

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Corgi + Chihuahua mix (Chigi)

Corgi–Chihuahua mix, sometimes called a Chigi, might have the short legs and back of the Corgi, or could be more proportioned like a Chihuahua. This mix tends to be on the smaller side, ranging between 10 and 20 pounds (though some might be a little larger), making them a good choice for smaller spaces such as apartments. Although lively, this mix will probably be happy with twice-daily walks around the neighborhood. Training might be a challenge if the dog inherits the Chihuahua’s sometimes-stubborn personality.

Traits

• Estimated size: 10-30 pounds

• Temperament: loyal, alert, playful

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Corgi + German Shepherd mix (Corman Shepherd)

A Corgi–German Shepherd mix often looks like a short-legged German Shepherd, often with a short-to-medium-length coat. Smaller ones might weigh around 35 pounds, but larger Corgi–German Shepherds could weigh as much as 55 to 70 pounds. A Corgi–German Shepherd mix is a combination of two herding breeds, so those instincts will probably be on point, while high intelligence is almost guaranteed. This high-energy mix would be great for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a hiking or camping buddy.

Traits

• Estimated size: 35-70 pounds

• Temperament: high-energy, high-intelligence

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Corgi + Pit Bull mix (Corgibull)

A Corgi–Pit Bull mix can be a Corgi mixed with several different Pit Bull breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This mix could look like a short Pit Bull, have more Corgi traits, or look like a completely mixed-up, adorable mutt. A weight range of 35 to 55 pounds is typical. Prepare for a loving, energetic, loyal pet who might be a touch challenging to train.

Traits

• Estimated size: 35-55 pounds

• Temperament: loving, energetic, loyal

Where can I adopt a Corgi mix? 

If you’re ready to start your search for a Corgi mix, use a pet adoption site like Adopt a Pet to search for Corgi mixed breeds at animal shelters and through private rescue groups in your area. You can also check with Corgi-specific rescues, which frequently have Corgi mixes available for adoption. Adopting a pet typically requires a small adoption fee, which covers the costs of caring for the pet before adoption, and often includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. 

Commonly asked questions

What is the best Corgi mix? 

It’s impossible to single out the best Corgi mix, since many of them mixes make wonderful pets. Some of the most common Corgi mixes include the Horgi (Husky and Corgi), Corgidor (Labrador Retriever and Corgi), Chigi (Corgi–Chihuahua), and Corgi–German Shepherd.

Are Corgis working dogs?

Yes, Corgis are working dogs. They were originally bred to herd cattle and other livestock on farms and ranches. And some Corgis still do this today. However, most Corgis these days are not working dogs, but simply loving, energetic pets. 

Resources

American Kennel Club. “American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi.

“Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cardigan-welsh-corgi.

“Corgis | All about Corgis.” Ncsu.edu, 2025, seantho2.wordpress.ncsu.edu/about-2.

Eckart, Kim. “Genes Contribute to Dog Breeds’ Iconic Traits.” UW News, 8 Oct. 2019, www.washington.edu/news/2019/10/08/genes-contribute-to-dog-breeds-iconic-traits.

“EVS Explore.” Cancer.gov, 2025, evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov/evsexplore/concept/ncit/C53751. 

“Pembroke Welsh | All about Corgis.” Ncsu.edu, 2025, seantho2.wordpress.ncsu.edu/pembroke-welsh.

“Pembroke Welsh Corgi | the Dog Blog.” Plymouth.edu, 8 Mar. 2017, nrt1002.blogs.plymouth.edu/2017/03/08/pembroke-welsh-corgi.