Corgipoo: What to Know Before Adopting

A Corgipoo is a mixed-breed dog resulting from crossing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This hybrid breed is usually small to medium-sized, depending on which type of Poodle is in the mix. Because they’re mixes, their looks can vary a lot; some have the Corgi’s longer body paired with a curly or wavy Poodle coat, but there’s no guarantee that’s how the genetics will shake out.

Corgis bring their herding smarts, playful energy, and signature short legs. Poodles add intelligence, a low-shedding coat, and a knack for learning fast. Put those traits together, and you get a pup who’s bright, friendly, and always ready to be part of the action. Corgipoos are best suited for people or families who can match their energy, give them plenty of mental stimulation, and include them in daily life. They’re not exactly a low-maintenance nap-on-the-couch-all-day kind of dog.

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Why we love the Corgipoo

Corgipoos are good dogs for many people, thanks to their friendly, intelligent, and adaptable nature. They enjoy being part of the action and thrive in lively households where they get plenty of attention and interaction.

• Corgipoos are friendly dogs: Corgipoos are usually loving and loyal dogs who bond closely with their families. Thanks to their parent breeds’ social and affectionate personalities, these pups are friendly. Many Corgipoos are warm toward new people, especially when they’re well-socialized from a young age.

• Corgipoos are smaller dogs: They typically weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, with smaller Corgipoos (from Toy or Miniature Poodles) closer to the lower end of the weight range.

• Corgipoos are smart: It’s no surprise since they are a mix of two smart breeds, the Poodle and the Corgi. Corgipoos are typically quick learners, making them responsive to training. They tend to enjoy mental challenges, such as learning new tricks, cues, or puzzle games. Corgipoos are delightful and clever companions who thrive when given tasks and love working alongside their pet parents.

• Corgipoos are unique: Corgipoos can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, thanks to the diverse coat traits of their parent breeds, the Poodle and the Corgi. Common colors and patterns seen in Corgipoos include black, white, brown, cream, gray, black and white, brown and white, tricolor (black, brown, and white), blue merle or red merle, brindle, and sable.

Things to consider before you adopt a Corgipoo

Corgipoos are quick learners and have a fun, playful side, making them great for active individuals or families. But there are a few things you should consider before adopting one.

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Corgipoo personality and temperament

Friendly, bright, and always ready for fun, Corgipoos thrive on being part of the action. They bond easily with kids and other pets and are happiest when they’re right in the middle of family life.

Due to their herding heritage, Corgipoo’s will likely be vocal. In addition to breed background, personality plays a big role. Corgipoos might occasionally bark, but consistent training and proper care can help keep their barking under control.

When it comes to having your pet adjust to your home, there’s good news. Corgipoos can be good with cats, but every dog and cat is unique, so their compatibility can vary. The Poodle temperament might be more adaptable to cats, but the Corgi side might view cats as something to chase or herd. A dog raised with cats or exposed to them early on is more likely to get along with them. Positive interactions during their formative months are key.

Similarly, Corgipoos are usually good with kids but require supervision. Their friendly and playful nature pairs well with the energy and enthusiasm of children. Many Corgipoos are active without being overly hyper, and their small to medium size makes them manageable for kids to interact with. If they inherit the Corgi’s herding tendencies, they might occasionally try to “herd” children by nipping at heels, but this behavior can be corrected with training. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

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Corgipoo exercise needs

Corgipoos are not calm; in fact, they can be quite the opposite. These mixes will likely have moderate to high energy, requiring regular physical activity and mental stimulation. Corgipoos can be calm indoors if their exercise needs are met. A well-exercised Corgipoo is more likely to relax and enjoy quiet time with their family.

Corgipoo grooming and care

Don’t expect a dog fur-free home. Because Corgipoos are mixed-breed dogs, their coat type and shedding levels will vary drastically from dog to dog. Some Corgipoos shed a lot, while others might not shed as much — it all depends on which parent’s genetics they inherit. But having a Corgi parent means there is a very high chance they’ll be heavy shedders.

In addition to keeping up with all that shedding fur, Corgipoos need regular brushing at least two to three times a week. Corgipoos with Poodle-like coats might need professional grooming to trim and maintain the coat. Bathe a Corgipoo every four to six weeks or as they become dirty.

Corgipoos are not guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. Those with a more Poodle-like coat might be low shedders and produce fewer allergens, but not all Corgipoos are hypoallergenic. People with dog allergies should spend time with the individual dog they are considering bringing home before committing.

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Are Corgipoos healthy?

Corgipoos are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed or mix, they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, the Corgi and the Poodle. Common health issues in Corgipoos include:

• Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis or mobility issues later in life.

• Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates. It’s more common in smaller dogs.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): If a Corgipoo inherits the long body of the Corgi, they may be at risk of back problems, such as IVDD. Preventive measures include avoiding excessive jumping and supporting their back when picking them up.

• Eye problems: Both Corgis and Poodles are prone to eye conditions such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to vision loss. 

Where can I adopt a Corgipoo?

Adopting a Corgipoo is a wonderful option if you’re looking to provide a loving home to a dog in need. Many local animal shelters have a variety of mixed-breed dogs, including Corgipoos. You can also look for Corgi rescues or Poodle rescues that might have Corgipoos or similar mixes available for adoption. 

To get started, create a search on Adopt a Pet and filter by breed mix, location, and other factors so you can check for Corgipoos or similar mixes in your area.

Commonly asked questions

Are Corgipoos good with other dogs?

Corgipoos are usually good with other dogs, but individual personalities can vary. Some Corgipoos might be more outgoing and social with other dogs, while others might be more reserved.

How long do Corgipoos live?

Corgipoos live about 10 to 14 years on average.

Do Corgipoos have herding instincts?

Herding instincts in some Corgipoos might make them a bit bossy or prone to trying to “herd” other dogs, cats, and small children during play. With the right guidance, Corgipoos can thrive in multi-dog households, cat-friendly environments, and homes with children.