Dachshund Corgi Mix

Welcome to your complete guide to the Dachshund Corgi mix.

Do you love the look of the charming, elongated Dachshund but are drawn towards the alert, fox-like appearance of a Corgi?

Perhaps you’re undecided and so are considering a Dachshund Corgi mix?

In this article, we will examine these breeds to help decide if crossbreeding the Corgi and Dachshund is really wise.

The best way to come to a decision is to look at each of the breeds on their own.

Before we delve into the breeds individually, however, let’s consider the controversy surrounding mixed breeds.

Crossbreeding—the Controversy

First generation crosses, otherwise known as designer dogs, are made from two purebred parents of a desired mix.

These two pedigree dogs, therefore, are chosen specifically to form a new breed.

Those for crossbreeding in this way claim that it will result in the widening of the gene pool, eradicating or at least reducing inherited illness and disease found in a significant number of purebred dogs.

The topic of hybrid vigor is often raised as an argument for crossbreeding, claiming that puppies of these dogs will be healthier and stronger than their parents.

There are, of course, two sides to this argument, and those against it are almost invariably anti-crossbreeding altogether.

Pure breed enthusiasts support the preservation of the pedigree and bloodline, and their objective is to produce dogs conforming to breed standard.

Whichever view you hold, it is clear that crossbreeding is not going away.

To help decide if this specific mix is right for you, we will now look at the breeds which form the Dachshund Corgi cross.

The History of the Dachshund

Thought to originate from Germany and to date back some 600 years, the Dachshund was originally bred for hunting.

The German word, “dachshund,” literally translates to the phrase, “badger dog,” so-called after its main prey.

Dachshunds, known for their long and muscle-toned bodies, would go to ground after badgers, rabbits, and foxes.

The smooth coat is considered to be the oldest type, with the long-haired developed for colder climes and the wire-haired for rougher terrain.

The History of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Originally bred for herding, ancestors of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are believed to date back to the 10th century.

Able to herd a variety of livestock, it is thought that they were especially skilled market dogs, able to drive flocks of geese to market with ease.

In addition to herding, the Corgi was an accomplished guardian of the farm, apt at keeping unwanted foxes, wolves, etc. away.

Interestingly, legend has is that the Corgi was used by Welsh fairy workers and warriors.

It is said that the markings on their back are from the saddles of these fairy warriors.

The most famous Corgi owner is Queen Elizabeth II who hasn’t been without one during the whole of her adult life.

The Origins of the Corgi Cross Dachshund

The origins of first generation crosses are often unknown and the Welsh Corgi Dachshund mix is no exception.

To enable us to establish what a Dachshund mixed with Corgi will be like, we need to take the time to look at each breed.

The Size and Weight of the Corgi and Dachshund

While differing in overall appearance, the Dachshund and Corgi can be of a similar size.

The Dachshund should be low to ground, with an elongated body and short legs.

He should be strong and healthy in appearance.

Weighing in at between 16 to 32 pounds, the Dachshund will ideally stand at 8 to 9 inches at the withers.

The Corgi should also be low to ground, with a slightly long body and squat legs.

His appearance should be solid and sturdy.

The Corgi can weigh up to 30 pounds and measure from 10 to 12 inches in height at the shoulder.

You can expect the Corgi and Dachshund mix, therefore, to be somewhere between these ranges.

It’s probably safe to say though that this cross will be long bodied.

Characteristics of the Breeds

Dachshund

The long back of the Dachshund is unquestionably its most well-known characteristic.

Often referred to as a “sausage dog,” this delightful hound has become very popular of late.

There are two sizes: the standard and the miniature.

Additionally, they come with one of three types of coat: the smooth, the long-haired, and the wire-haired.

There certainly is a lot of choice.

Each coat variety is said to have a different temperament:

• The smooth tends to become attached to one person and can be aloof with others.
• The long-haired can be the quietest and sweet by nature.
• The wire-haired is said to be the most mischievous and headstrong.

With these points in mind, some may opt for a Corgi long-haired Dachshund mix, but please remember that these dispositions are not guaranteed.     

Common solid colorings are red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, and Isabella (fawn) and tan.

Dachshunds may have patterns such as dapple, double dapple, brindle, sable, and piebald. Notably, the double dapple and piebald are discouraged from breeding for show.

Corgi

The Pembroke Corgi is recognized by its fox-like face, stumpy legs, and chunky body.

He is smaller and much more popular than his cousin the Cardigan Corgi.  

His coat lies flat and is medium in length overall, with a short dense undercoat and lengthier outer coat.

Colors are red, sable, black, tan, and fawn and may come with white markings on legs, chest, neck, and muzzle.

Dachshund Corgi Mix Personality and Behaviour

Affectionate, faithful, and intelligent, this crossbreed loves nothing more than being with his family group.

He may be possessive though, and so it is vital that Dachshund Corgi puppies are socialized from a very young age.   

He does not do well when left alone for hours on end and, in common with many breeds, may become destructive and loud when bored.

Originating from hunting breeds, he will always be on the lookout for something to chase and is likely to have selective hearing when on the run.

Care should be taken, therefore, when letting him off leash, should you be brave enough to do so.

Both the Dachshund and the Welsh Corgi are known to be noisy dogs, so this mix is likely to be the same.

Dachshunds were bred to bark while underground so their masters knew their whereabouts.

He can also be suspicious and is likely to bark if strangers approach.

Corgis are excellent alert dogs and will let you know if he suspects that an intruder is at large.

Be prepared, therefore, for noise with the Dachshund Corgi mix.     

Dachshund Corgi Mix Grooming and Care

The amount of grooming of the Dachshund depends entirely on the coat type.

The smooth requires little grooming, while the long-haired will need regular brushing to keep the coat tangle free.

The wire-haired is usually hand-stripped to keep him tidy.

The Corgi, on the other hand, will need daily brushing, preferably with a slicker brush.

The coat is thick and does shed, so frequent brushing will help remove dead hairs.

Thus, the grooming requirements of this crossbreed could be at either end of the scale, depending which parent breed they take after.

Similar to all dog breeds, eyes and ears should be examined regularly to avoid infection.

Nails should be checked and clipped monthly.  

It is always a good idea to clean your pet’s teeth by brushing with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.

Corgi Dachshund Mix Health Problems

With an expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the parent breeds of this mix are generally healthy.

By far, the main issues for the Dachshund stem from back problems such as intervertebral disc disease or IVDD.

A staggering 1 in 4 Dachshunds will become disabled or worse still, paralyzed by back disease.  

Welsh Corgis, sadly, are also prone to back complications.

The simple fact is that dogs with unusually long backs and short legs are susceptible to such diseases, as so much strain is put on the spine.

The back is just not designed to be stretched in that manner and is therefore genetically weak.

Regrettably, both the Dachshund and the Welsh Corgi are considered to be high-risk breeds for IVDD.   

The best advice for any Dachshund Corgi mix owner is to ensure that they lead a healthy lifestyle.

Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are essential to ensure that he isn’t over- or underweight.

Likewise, it is important to prevent him from jumping too much and from running up and down stairs, as this places stress on the back.

He must be picked up correctly with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters.

Do ensure that children are taught this and the importance of handling their pet with care.

Other Health Concerns

The other two major conditions to look out for are:

• PRA, or Retinal Degeneration
• Lafora Disease, which is inherited late-onset epilepsy

Thankfully, health screening is available for both of these conditions.

Others to look out for include DM (Degenerative Myelopathy), hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

Dachshund Corgi Mix Exercise

As both breeds are lively and active, the Corgi Dachshund mix will require a fair amount of exercise.

It is important that we again stress that weight gain should be avoided, as it is essential that his back remains as strong as possible, for as long as possible.

Two moderate walks per day, totaling at least 45 minutes to an hour, would be an ideal way to keep him fit, healthy, and happy.

Mental stimulation is also a vital exercise for this intelligent pup.

Agility is an excellent sport for smart dogs like these to tax the brain and to wear them out physically.   

Dachshund Corgi Mix Training

Produced by two curious and highly intelligent breeds, training the Corgi x Dachshund should be a breeze.

Dachshunds, though, can be stubborn—so patience will be required.

It is always a good idea to enroll in a puppy training class if you lack experience or confidence.

Reward-based training is the best way to gain trust and is a fun way to interact with your dog.

Will the Corgi Dachshund Be a Good Family Pet?

Being an affectionate and loyal companion, this mix should make an excellent family pet.

As with all animals, children will need to learn to respect their pets’ feelings and personal space.

Getting a Dachshund Corgi Mix Puppy

It is always worth considering a Dachshund Corgi mix rescue, as there are so many dogs looking for their forever homes.

If a rescue is not right for you, the best chance that you have of finding healthy Corgi Dachshund mix puppies is to go to a reputable breeder.

This may prove difficult with a cross of this nature, as there are currently no official breed clubs, and a good breeder may be hard to find.

You can look at the internet, but try to keep an open mind when contacting or, more importantly, visiting puppies.

Ask as many questions as you can think of. Any decent breeder will be happy to talk about their dogs.

Given the possible health issues associated with this particular mix, make sure that you ask about any history of back problems having affected the parents or their predecessors.  

Ensure the parents have clear test results for PTA and Lafora disease.

Ultimately, you must be prepared to walk away.

Should You Choose a Corgi Dachshund Mix?

Only you can answer that question.

If you do decide to pick a dog with such a defect, you must be willing to take good and proper care of him.

While the dog will be undeniably striking, we should perhaps ask whether crossing breeds, when both are at a high risk of structural health issues, is ethical.

It may be kinder, in the long run, to think about different small breeds without these problems.

Miniature Schnauzers and Welsh Terriers are good examples of robust small breeds and both have wonderful characters.   

References and Further Reading

• W. Priester. 1976. Canine intervertebral disc disease — Occurrence by age, breed, and sex among 8,117 cases. Theriogenology.
• B. Brisson. 2010. Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice.
• R. Packer. Et al. 2015. DachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology.   
• G. Acland. Et al. 1994. XLPRA: A canine retinal degeneration inherited as an X‐linked trait. Medical Journal of Canine Genetics.  
• J. Holland et al. 1970. Lafora’s disease in the dog. A comparative study. The American Journal of Pathology.
• The American Kennel Club
• The Kennel Club UK
• The Dachshund Club of America
• Dachshund Health UK
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
• UK Corgi Club