One thing about mixed breed dogs is that they’ll always keep you guessing, especially upon seeing them for the first time. No wonder, more and more dog owners who are into uniquely looking pups are falling in love with mixed breeds. And one crossbreed in particular that caught the hearts of many dog enthusiasts is the Corgi Poodle Mix.
This small, yet chonky and fluffy pup is as adorable, playful, smart, and affectionate as its purebred Corgi and Poodle parents. This hybrid dog stands 10 to 20 inches tall and weighs 12 to 40 pounds.
With its small to medium size, a Corgipoo puppy would be suitable for apartment living, as long as its daily exercise needs won’t be compromised.
So, if you are planning to get this designer dog, you’d better continue reading this article so you’ll know what to expect and you can figure out whether or not this pup is right for your home or not.
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Breed At A Glance:
- Size: 10 to 20 inches tall
- Weight: 12 to 40 pounds
- Energy Level: High; needs daily walks
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed Overview
Also known as Cordi doodle or Corgipoo, the Corgi Poodle Mix is a cross between a purebred Corgi (Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi) and a purebred Poodle (Miniature Poodle, Standard or Toy Poodle). Corgi puppies can also be the offspring of two Corgi Poodle mix dogs.
This cute and cuddly active dog thrives on companionship. They love to be around their human family, and they are also good with small children and other pets. Hence, you wouldn’t have a problem with this dog breed if you live in a multi-pet household together with your kids.
History
The precise origins of the Corgipoo are unknown because it is a very recent hybrid breed. However, it is believed that they were part of the poodle mix craze in the 1980s. It was during this period when people started to crossbreed Poodle with other breeds to produce hybrid dogs with a hypoallergenic coat.
As mentioned earlier, Corgi Poodle Mixes are mixed breeds produced with a purebred Corgi parent and a purebred Poodle parent. They can also be second or third-generation pups, or Corgi Poodle dogs born from two Corgipoo parents. A Corgipoo is also called a designer dog breed, or a pup with two purebred canines that have been deliberately mixed.
Oftentimes, breeders use a Miniature Poodle and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi to produce Corgipoo dogs for the simple and practical reason that it is easier to breed healthy dogs of the same or similar size.
So, if you’d like taller and bigger Corgi Poodle mixes, you may want to find those with a Standard or Toy Poodle and Cardigan Welsh Corgi parents.
Breed Origin
Just like other mixed breed dogs, Corgi Poodle dogs can inherit most of their traits from one of their purebred parents, or they can take after either parent in terms of their appearance, personality and temperament, and health issues. That is why it is very important to check parent breeds to examine how they look and to know more about their background and health records.
Poodles and Corgis are both well-liked dog breeds. The Corgi, a member of the royal family since 1933, is Queen Elizabeth ii’s preferred breed, while the Poodle has been a proud member of the top ten most popular breeds in the US for more than 20 years.
Welsh Corgis
A Belgian craftsman initially brought the Welsh Corgi to Wales in 1107. The dogs were originally bred for the sole purpose of herding sheep and cattle. The Corgi breed separated into two breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi in the 1800s. With the exception of a brief period in the 1930s, these two breeds have never crossed.
The Corgi's elongated body form and abnormally short legs make it simple to tell them apart. Their ears are erect, and they have a big, fox-like skull.
Corgis have a superb temperament in addition to making everyone fall in love with their adorable bubble bums and puppy-dog eyes. They are loving companions who like social interactions.
They are also smart canines that are simple to train because they pick things up quickly. And despite their size, these energetic and athletic dogs like working out and engaging in physical activity.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembrokes were discovered in Pembrokeshire, a region of southern Wales with flat terrain, back in the year 1000 AD.
Their docked tails pressed to their bodies are one of the most distinguishing characteristics of this pointed-ear breed. The Pembroke can occasionally even be born without a tail.
Compared with the Cardigan Corgis, the Pembrokes have a less broad chest, but they have a curvier shape. The only acceptable colors for Pembroke's coat are sable, red, or a combination of the two with white markings. Additionally, these pups also lack a blue tint in their eyes.
The Pembroke stands 10 to 12 inches tall (25 to 30 cm). The maximum weight for males is 30 pounds (13 kg), while the maximum weight for girls is 28 pounds (13 kg).
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Corgis were discovered in 1200 BC in Ceredigion (formerly Cardiganshire), a region of southwest Wales with rocky terrain.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be distinguished by its broadened chest, longer, more robust physique, wide, low-set tail, and large, round ears. Its eyes may occasionally be blue in color. Its coat can be Blue Merle, Brown, Black and White with tan spots or patches, Red and Sable with white patches, or any combination of the above.
The Cardigan is about 10.5 and 12.5 inches tall (27 to 32 cm). The maximum weight for a male is 38 pounds (17 kg), while the maximum weight for a female is 34 pounds (15 kg).
Compared with the Pembroke Corgis, this corgi breed is more reserved, but it doesn’t mean that they are not friendly. They only need to spend longer time with people, especially strangers, for them to be comfortable around them.
Although having short legs is a lovely attribute of both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs, it is actually a sign of a sort of dwarfism and can lead to difficulties with the legs as the dog ages.
Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breeds have strong front legs, a thick double coat, and tremendous stamina, which made them suitable as early herding dogs throughout Wales' varied terrain.
Additionally, both of these Corgi breeds also have a good temperament, which makes them excellent pets or loyal companions.
Poodle
Despite being the national dog of France, the Poodle really originated in Germany some 400 years ago. These curly dogs were raised to be water retrievers and duck hunters. They also have a water-resistant coat and is a great swimmer, which makes them perfectly suitable for their roles.
The Poodle's distinctive coat provided weather protection when it was water retrieving. However, today, they are well-loved in dog shows because of their fun appearance, which is largely due to their coat.
There are three types of purebred poodles: toy, mini, and standard. These three are similar in terms of looks, physical characteristics, and proportion. They all have a hypoallergenic, curly coat that can be white, black, or apricot in color.
What sets these three variations apart from each other is their size. The Standard Poodle is taller than 15 inches (38 cm), the Mini is between 11 and 14 inches (28 to 36 cm), and the Toy is no taller than 10 inches (25 cm).
This dog is intelligent and trainable regardless of its size. No wonder, it is the second smartest breed in the world. The Poodle is also a graceful, and athletic dog, which is why it does so well in agility, tracking, and obedience competitions.
Because the Poodle Parent (often a Miniature Poodle) of Corgipoos requires little upkeep and is amiable and hypoallergenic with little matting, they make excellent indoor or outdoor dogs. They are especially well-suited to urban or apartment living.
Additionally, they possess a laid-back and easygoing attitude. They are friendly and enjoy nothing better than falling asleep next to a member of their family, especially on their comfy beds!
Are Corgi Poodle Dogs Accepted by the American Kennel Club?
Just like other hybrid dogs, or other dogs with mixed parents, Corgipoo dogs are not recognized by the major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, there are other associations and registries that recognize them, such as the following:
- International Canine Association, Inc (ICA)
- American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
- Designer Breed Registry
- Dog Registry of America
- International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
Appearance
Corgipoos usually have long or short legs, depending on which parent they take most of their traits from. Their size can also be influenced by what breed of Corgi and Poodles are their parents. But you can expect that these dogs are taller than purebred Corgis since they also have Poodle genes, which are generally tall dogs unless they fall under the miniature type.
Most Poodle Corgi mixes feature elongated bodies that resemble the Corgis, and a curly coat, which is a distinctive feature of Poodles. Corgi Poodle's ears may be erect or floppy. These variations are primarily the result of the slightly different morphology of the Corgipoo parent dogs. Additionally, Corgi Poodle dogs have a square head, a fox-like muzzle, a black nose, and almond-shaped brown eyes.
The majority of Corgidoodles often inherit the Poodle's smooth, corded, medium length to long-haired double coat. Their inner coat is soft and fluffy to keep themselves warm, but their wiry outer fur is dense and waterproof.
Their coat can be found in a variety of hues, including red, black, brown, sable, tan, cream, white, silver, and brindle. You will have plenty of options if you are somewhat particular about the color of your pup’s coat. Moreover, Corgipoos can also have merle, spotted, or speckled patterns that could come in any of the above-mentioned hues.
Grooming
The Corgipoo will require less grooming than a Poodle, which is one of the reasons you would want to bring one home. And even though he is likely to inherit the same Poodle coat, his coat won't be as prone to mating or tangling because of his Corgi genes.
Having said these things, depending on which parent's coat the Corgi Poodle Mix takes after more, it might either be a moderate shedder or not at all.
If your dog receives the Poodle coat, he will have a hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat. However, if he has hair that is more akin to that of the Corgi, he will be low to moderate shedder and may cause allergies.
Although there is a limit, Corgipoos may adapt to many weather and climate conditions. However, to be on the safe side, you should avoid exposing your pup outside to extreme temperatures, such as a hundred or negative-degree.
Corgipoos need to be brushed with a slicker brush once per day to maintain a healthy and glossy coat, regardless of which coat type they inherit. If they have the Poodle's water- and dirt-repellent hair, you'll only need to bathe your dog once a month or as needed.
And while we’re on this topic, your pup’s teeth should be cleaned at least twice a week to help prevent dental disorders and keep their mouths fresh. Frequent ear checks are also necessary to prevent ear infections. And his nails should be trimmed once a week, or as necessary.
CorgipooTemperament
Corgipoos are loyal, affectionate, active, and intelligent dogs. In general, they are sociable to strangers, but if you're apprehensive of a situation, your Corgipoo will sense it and will frequently turn distant or hostile. They won’t bark unless provoked. Hence, while they can be good watchdogs, you don’t really want them to be your house’s guard dogs.
Corgipoos lack a strong hunting drive and the urge to seek untamed animals because their parents were gatherers (Poodles) and herders (Corgis). Hence, they would do well with kids and other pets.
Because a Corgi Poodle Mix is highly intelligent and, as mentioned earlier, will pick up on your body language. If you sense that they seem scared or nervous about something, in particular, you'll need to provide some positive reinforcement.
Common Health Problems
Both the Corgi and Poodle pups are prone to different hereditary conditions. Sad to say, Corgi Poodle mixes can inherit these illnesses from either or both of their parents. Hence, prior to getting your Corgipoo, you should know what common genetic health problems his parents suffer from.
Although the Corgi's size may appear cute, it is actually a disorder known as Achondroplasia Dwarfism that causes the legs to be abnormally short in comparison to the rest of the body. As a result, most Corgi mixes, like the Corgipoo, who have this type of dwarfism, might experience back, and spinal cord problems that can progress into Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a devastating progressive spinal cord illness in dogs that causes gradual paralysis.
You can add chondroitin and glucosamine supplement to your dog’s diet if he develops these health conditions.
In addition, Corgipoos are also at risk of having a blood disorder known as Von Willebrand disease because of their Corgi bloodline. This condition affects the clotting mechanism of the body. Hence, dogs with this disorder are more prone to excessive or prolonged bleeding after an injury.
From their Poodle bloodline, Corgipoos are at risk of inheriting a hormonal disorder called Addison’s disease, as well as kidney problems. Other common health problems that affect Poodles, and their pups, are canine epilepsy and bloat.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a problem that can happen to both Corgis and Poodles. And sadly, this can cause early onset blindness in young dogs.
Another common health problem that affects both Corgis and Poodles is Hip Dysplasia (and Elbow Dysplasia). Hip dysplasia is an irreversible malformation of the hip joint in which the connecting ligaments are weak and the ball at the top of the leg does not fit into the socket adequately. Elbow dysplasia is a painful condition in which the three tiny bones in the elbow distort or break off.
Both of the parent breeds are also prone to having Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. And aside from the ones mentioned above, below are other health problems that Corgipoos are at risk of having:
- Cataracts and Glaucoma
- Ear problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Patellar Luxation
Aside from the common illnesses that dogs can acquire due to poor diet, and lack of physical activities, these are the health issues that Corgipoos can possibly have because of their bloodline.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help your Corgi Poodle Mix live as long as possible. With your love and care, you may never know that your beloved dog will live longer than expected.
How to Care For a Poodle Corgi Mix
Exercise & Living Conditions
Due to their medium to high activity levels, Corgipoos require an hour of daily exercise. The required time might be spread out over the course of the day. You can take your pup for a long walk or a fast jog in the morning, and then in the afternoon, play a game of fetch with him.
Corgipoos are small to medium-sized dogs, and they can also have a hypoallergenic coat just like their Poodle parent. For these reasons, they can be suitable for apartment living, or they won’t be a problem for people with allergies who are living in small spaces.
However, as a responsible dog owner, you should not neglect the fact that Corgipoos are active dogs, and they will always have the longing to be physically and mentally stimulated. Hence, you should have time to play with your pup and take him for a walk around your neighborhood.
Diet & Nutrition
Feeding your mixed breed dog high-quality dog food is the easiest way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients in his diet.
However, like with many dog breeds, obesity can be a significant issue. And considering your pup's size, you should be more mindful of what you are feeding him. You should exercise caution and keep a close eye on your dog's calorie consumption.
Training
Given its intelligent parents, the Corgipoo ought to be rather simple to teach. The Corgi and the Poodle, fortunately, respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. Fortunately, this crossbreed dog is also easier to teach because of his Poodle parent’s eager-to-please attitude.
Your Corgipoo can learn more quickly if you provide continuous training and positive reinforcement. It would be beneficial to this outdoor dog if you give him brief, engaging lessons because he has a tendency to become sidetracked or to be easily distracted.
Buyer’s Guide
It would be more challenging to find this combination due to the Corgi Poodle Cross' rarity and recent designer dog status. Avoid transacting with anyone online with the end purpose of buying a Corgipoo. There are a lot of cross-breeders out there that do not adhere to the accepted breeding practices of reputable breeders.
You can find reputable and experienced breeders of mixed breeds by conducting in-depth research. These trustworthy breeders gave the dogs excellent care and avoided inbreeding to ensure there are only a few health problems if there are any. You can also easily obtain the results of genetic testing and immunization records from professional breeders.
We’d recommend that you visit the place of the breeder so you can properly assess the living condition of the parents, as well as your potential pup, and his siblings. Meeting the breeder in person and in his place can also help in establishing a good professional relationship between the two of you.
The Price
The Corgipoos are not as expensive compared with other mixed breed dogs. You can get one anywhere between $500 to $1,000. This will mostly depend on whether the dog has purebred parents or Corgipoo parents.
Conclusion
For any busy household or senior, a well-socialized and trained Corgipoo can be a wonderful family pet and a lifelong buddy.
These pups are not only endowed with wonderful physical traits, but they are also highly intelligent, affectionate, loyal, friendly, and fun to be with. They can get along well with kids, as well as other pets. And they can have a hypoallergenic coat, which can be advantageous for dog owners with allergies.
However, this adorable and healthy dog can be clingy and demanding of your attention. Hence, you should always shower him with your love, and affection. Avoid leaving him alone because it will affect him emotionally.
So, if you have important trips or transactions that will take you away from home for a few days, you should set arrangements ahead of time with someone he knows that can look after him while you are away.