The Corgi Golden Retriever mix is the hybrid dog of two of the world’s favorite breeds, thus packing in love, loyalty, and brains into the squat little bundle of joy.
But how do you know if this crossbreed will make the perfect pet for you? And what should you know about the designer dog debate?
Let’s find out!
Meet the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
The Corgi Golden Retriever mix is the offspring of the purebred Corgi and the purebred Golden Retriever!
Rising quickly in popularity due to their sweet temperament and unique looks, the Corgi Golden Retriever mix is a fun, corky little companion.
But this dog definitely has some unique needs and care requirements.
This means that while they can make a wonderful pet for the right person, there are some things you should know about this crossbreed before deciding to take one home.
Let’s begin by covering the crossbreed controversy.
The Truth About the Designer Dog Controversy
Crossbreeding is a practice as old as time, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t shrouded in debate, among various animal experts.
Although crossbreeding seems like a trendy new topic, the truth is that it has been around since humans and dogs connected thousands of years ago.
However, over the last twenty or so years, designer dogs have become a hot commodity amongst celebrities, breeders, and just plain old dog lovers.
But what makes a crossbreed any different from a mutt?
Those in favor of crossbreeding are avid believers that mutts and crossbreeds are very different from one another. However, not everyone agrees.
So, what exactly is a crossbreed?
By definition, a crossbreed is the offspring of two specifically chosen purebred parents, bred in the hopes of combining certain traits and characteristics of the two breeds.
A mutt, on the other hand, is considered more of an “accidental” mix, with a relatively unknown lineage.
This is just a brief assessment of mutts vs crossbreeds, read a more comprehensive article here.
Now, let’s discuss health when it comes to crossbred dogs vs purebred dogs.
The health of purebred dogs has long been a controversial subject, mainly due to excessive breeding in purebreds over generations in the hopes of maintaining certain breed standards.
An unfortunate side effect of excessive breeding in purebred dogs is that the gene pool is subsequently shrinking.
Health
This means genetic defects and heritable diseases are more likely to be passed down through generations.
Those who support crossbreeding insist that the practice widens the gene pool, thus reducing the chances of genetic health issues being passed down.
However, t skeptics disagree, insisting that crossbred dogs and purebred dogs are equally susceptible to inheriting genetic diseases.
Read more on the crossbreeding debate here.
So now that we have that covered, let’s learn more about the Corgi Golden Retriever mix, beginning with their origin!
History of the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
How did the Corgi Golden Retriever mix come to be?
The truth is, the Corgi Golden Retriever mix is a newer generation crossbreed whose origin is still relatively unknown.
But don’t worry. We can learn more about this unique crossbreed by looking into the origins of parent breeds.
Let’s start with the Corgi!
Origins of the Corgi
Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are now considered two separate breeds, this wasn’t always the case.
In fact, up until about the 1800s, both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi were considered one in the same.
During medieval times, Corgi dogs were the coveted breed of nobles and royalty, who would show them off as examples of their affluent wealth to visiting guests.
Still, the Corgi breed was known for more than just corky looks. With a squat build and bright intelligence, the little Corgi was also a talented herding dog.
In fact, their build made them the perfect candidate for driving cattle, as they were small enough to avoid rogue kicks and quick enough to keep pace, nip at heels, and keep cattle in order.
Still, the Corgi could not release those royal roots.
In fact, the Pembroke Corgi particularly maintains this royal standard as a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who has been inseparable from the breed since first meeting a Corgi in 1933!
So, where does the Golden Retriever come from? Let’s find out!
Origins of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish breed who is the likely successor of a number of ancient breeds.
Some of these include the extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, Yellow Retriever, Bloodhound, and Irish Setter.
Created to be a rugged, resilient gun dog who could handle the harsh terrain of the cold, rocky Scottish Highlands, the Golden Retriever was a hunter’s best friend,
They can expertly retrieve fallen prey for their masters.
Much of the credit for the glory that is the modern day Golden Retriever should go to the Golden Retriever’s maker, Mr. Dudley Marjoribanks.
The vigilant breeding practices of Marjoribanks went on from 1840 until 1890 and were carefully recorded, ensuring the Golden Retriever because what is now the polished and perfect standard.
Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) calls the Golden Retriever “an enduring gift to dogkind.”.
Golden Retrievers made their way from Scotland to America and Britain in 1908 and quickly became a favorite of hunters, families, and breeders.
This was due to their sweet disposition, loyal nature, and intelligence!
Today, they are mostly utilized as favorite family pets and popular service animals, ranking at number 3 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds!
Corgi Golden Retriever Mix Temperament
Since the Corgi Golden Retriever mix is a hybrid dog, their personality is left up to chance depending on which behavioral traits are inherited from the parent breeds.
Let’s take a look at our options, beginning with the Corgi.
With his fun-loving disposition, clever mind, and adoring personality, there is a reason the Corgi is a favorite amongst queens and commoners alike!
Still, a prospective owner should keep in mind that Corgi breeds are known for herding, and instinctively, they may have a habit of herding family, friends, and even other household pets.
Corgis are also known for their big-dog egos and can have somewhat of a bossy streak.
They may not be patient enough for families with very small children, and Corgi enthusiasts say these dogs do best if youngsters are older than eight years of age.
A prospective owner should also note that while the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi dog breeds are smart, they are also liberal thinkers who can, therefore, be a bit tricky to train.
Now, what about the Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is a family favorite for a reason.
Sitting at number 3 on the AKC’s list of America’s most favorite dog breeds isn’t an easy feat.
ut this breed manages to stay there year after year due to their reputation for being such an intelligent, loving, and loyal dog.
Unlike the Corgi breeds, the Golden Retriever makes an excellent pet for those with young children, as they are playful, gentle, and very patient.
Still, owners should note that Golden Retrievers can be quite energetic and can behave rather puppy-like, even into adulthood.
Golden Retrievers are eager to please and easy to train.
Though it will take a patient and loving owner who is willing to wrangle the slow-maturing Goldie and harness their energy in a positive way.
Considering the above information, a prospective Corgi Golden Retriever mix owner can expect a crossbreed that is intelligent, playful, and loving.
However, whether this crossbreed is great with young kids or simply tolerates them will be left up to chance, and so will the ease of training.
As with all dog breeds, we highly recommend early socialization and obedience training beginning from puppyhood.
Early socialization and training will help keep undesirable behaviors in check and will better ensure your Corgi Golden Retriever cross grows up to be a well-rounded pet.
Now, let’s talk about what this crossbreed might look like.
General Appearance of the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
The Corgi Golden Retriever Mix may vary in looks since, for one, both purebred parents look so different.
Also, you have the option of breeding a purebred Golden Retriever with either a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Therefore, the resulting Corgi Golden Retriever could end up looking a number of ways, depending on chance and genetics.
For example, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, who weighs 28 to 30 lbs and stand at 10 to 12 inches tall, and are adored for their sweet face, large and erect ears, squat little legs, docked tail, and dense coat.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The short, thick coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes in six standard colors:g:
- Fawn
- Black and Gold
- Blue Belton
- Tan
- Blue
- Sable
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
At about the same size, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has smaller ears that also stand erect. Furthermore, they have long tails and a thick coat that comes in five color combinations:
- Blue Belton
- Brindle and White
- Red and White
- Sable and White
- Blue Merle and White
Now let’s check out the Goldie.
Golden Retriever
Standing around 21.5 to 24 inches tall and weighing in at 55 to 75 lbs, the Golden Retrievers are renowned for their luscious, “gold” fur.
This lovely fur coat was made for long working days in Scotland and is therefore dense and dual-layered to better protect them from the elements.
The Golden Retriever coat comes in four shades:
- Golden
- Cream
- Dark Golden
- Light Golden
The Golden Retriever also has a happy-go-lucky expression, wide brown eyes, and long floppy ears.
So, what will your Corgi Golden Retriever Mix look like?
Chances are the average Corgi Golden Retriever cross will be on the smaller side as far as weight and size are concerned.
However, other aspects of their physical appearance are going to be harder to nail down.
Again, it’s all going to be left up to chance!
How to Properly Groom and Otherwise Care for Your Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
Grooming your Corgi and Golden Retriever mix will likely mean a good brushing with a slicker brush two or three times a week to help keep loose hair under control.
During shedding season, you may want to brush your Corgi Golden Retriever crossbreed once a day.
They will also need an occasional bath with a high-quality dog shampoo to keep their skin and coat looking its best.
Of course, experts recommend keeping their nails trimmed regularly so they don’t crack or split.
In addition, their ears will need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis to keep them free of debris and waxy buildup that could cause infection.
Lifespan and Health Concerns of the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
As with all crossbreeds, your Corgi Golden Retriever Mix could be susceptible to any of the health concerns their purebred parents are prone to.
For this reason, we like to suggest early health screening in your Corgi Golden Retriever mix puppy.
Early health screening is a great way to learn about what your crossbreed could be susceptible to and will help you to better prepare for or maybe even avoid health issues in the future.
So, it is important to go ahead and check out what the Corgi Golden Retriever mix could be predisposed to.
Let’s begin with the Corgi.
With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, Corgi breeds are most prone to the following conditions:
- intervertebral disc disease
- lens luxation
- hip dysplasia
- urinary stones
- degenerative myelopathy
- epilepsy
- von Willebrand’s disease
- progressive retinal atrophy
- obesity
A prospective owner of the Corgi breed or any Corgi crossbreed should also note that Corgi dogs have a type of dwarfism called Achondroplasia, which is typically passed down to their puppies.
It is true that Achondroplasia is the reason for the Corgi’s famous squat build, but it can lead to complications such as overall discomfort in your dog and agility problems.
Now let’s look at the Golden Retriever.
With a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, the Golden Retriever is most predisposed to the following:
- subaortic stenosis
- hypothyroidism
- eye issues
- osteosarcoma
- seizures
- mast cell tumors
Remember, your Corgi Golden Retriever Mix could be susceptible to any number of the above-mentioned health issues.
This important to keep in mind when deciding if this breed is for you.
Training and Exercise Requirements of the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix
Training your Golden Retriever Corgi mix will certainly depend on the temperament they inherit from their purebred parents.
Remember, Corgis tend to be independent thinkers and may not be as easy to train as their Golden Retriever counterparts, who are eager to please and love making you proud!
Still, consistency, the treat-based reward system, and positive reinforcement tend to work wonders even with the most stubborn of dogs.
Both the Corgi breeds and the Goldie are sensitive dogs, so this means the Corgi Golden Retriever crossbreed is not going to handle harsh corrections.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
So try and keep training fun and positive for both of you!
Now, what about exercise?
The purebred Corgi is a herding dog at heart and the purebred Golden Retriever is an energetic breed who loves to run and play!
Experts recommend a nice, daily walk for your Corgi Golden Retriever crossbreed, as well as some outdoor fun to meet their exercise needs.
A romp in the backyard, trip to the park, or a fun game of fetch are also great ways to burn off some of that pent-up energy in your dog.
How Can I Find the Healthiest Corgi Golden Retriever Mix Puppy?
Do you feel that the Corgi Golden Retriever mix is perfect for you and now all you need is to find the perfect Corgi Golden Retriever mix breeder?
Here are our tips on finding and picking the healthiest Corgi Golden Retriever mix puppy.
First, if you are going through a breeder, expect for prices to be anywhere from $500 to over $1000, especially if your Corgi Golden Retriever mix’s parents are show quality.
Keep in mind that responsible breeders will have health screened their Corgi Golden Retriever mix puppies.
Reputable breeders should be able to offer you certificates proving they are cleared of any of the above-mentioned health issues.
Is My Lifestyle and Home Type Good for a Corgi Golden Retriever Mix?
It looks like the Corgi Golden Retriever Mix makes a wonderful pet for the right person, but how do you know if that person is you?
The Corgi Golden Retriever mix is the offspring of purebred dogs that shed, which means he may not be the best choice for those who suffer from allergies.
Also, this is a breed who will need a good amount of exercise every day, as well as grooming at least two or three times a week.
Training could be somewhat trying if your Corgi Golden Retriever mix inherits the stubborn Corgi parent temperament.
But for the most part, these crossbreeds are intelligent fun-loving dogs who enjoy being around their people.
They will require a loving home and bond tightly with their owners, so if you want to get a Corgi Golden Retriever mix, we recommend making sure you have plenty of time to spend with them.
Also, this crossbreed will do best in homes with fenced in backyards where they can run and play freely.
And finally, the Corgi Golden Retriever mix may not be the best crossbreed for very young children, as Corgis, in particular, aren’t fond of younger kiddos under the age of eight.
So, do you own one of these corky little Corgi Golden Retriever mix dogs? We would love for you to drop us a note and tell us all about it in the comments!
References and Further Reading
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Turcsan B, Miklosi A, and Kubinyi E. 2017. Owner Perceived Differences Between Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs. PLoS ONE.
Howell T, King T, and Bennett PC. 2015. Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
Sutter NB and Ostrander EA. 2004. Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System. Nature Reviews Genetics.
Acumen L. 2011. The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition.
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