Corgidor

The Corgidor is a hybrid dog: a cross between one Corgi and one Labrador parent. Indeed, both parent breeds were originally working dogs, which gives them a common heritage, whilst what distinguishes the two breeds is their leg length and character.

As with any hybrid dog the character and looks of the pup can take after either one of the parent breeds. When there is a contrast in looks and temperament, as with the Corgidor, this can make for unpredictable results.

For the pet parent considering a Corgidor because they’re like a Lab but smaller, be sure to do your homework first. Be sure you can cope with either end of the behavioural (and size) spectrum. This ranges from the rambunctious large Labrador to a short-legged, potentially grumpy Corgi. There’s no telling which side of the family tree a Corgidor will take after!

About & History

The rise in popularity of hybrid dogs has led to many unusual crosses. Indeed, there’s no record of when a Labrador and a Corgi were first deliberately mated, but a reasonable guess would be the early 20th century.

Before their paths crossed the two parent breeds have long histories of their own. Both are working breeds; the Labrador assisted fishermen and huntsmen by retrieving game, whilst the Corgi was a herder, trained to nip at the heels of cattle to keep them in order.

The Corgi

Confusingly, there are two types of Corgi, both with the name ‘Welsh’ in them. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is taller and has a longer tail, than their smaller, stumpy tailed cousin the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Oh, and if you’re familiar with the Corgi from seeing them with Queen Elizabeth II, this type is the Pembroke.

Originally a guarding and herding dog, the Corgi made a living by keeping cattle together and protecting them. Selective dog breeding created a low to the ground (harder for cattle to kick!) dog that was quick witted and brave. They kept cattle in order by worrying at their heels and barking. These traits led to a strong-willed dog that can be nippy if they don’t get their own way.

The Labrador

Despite their name, the Labrador originated from Newfoundland. Their early ancestors were dogs brought over from England with colonising migrants. These water-loving dogs with otter-like tails some made themselves invaluable to those scratching a living in the harsh conditions. Indeed, it seems likely that a split took place early on, with some dogs producing the Labrador line of dogs, and others an off-shoot of the larger, black, shaggy Newfoundland dog.

The eagerness of the Labrador made him highly trainable to a number of tasks, which included hauling in fishermen’s nets, collecting up fish, and retrieving game in the field. But whatever their early origins, their superb temperament quickly made them beloved by all, setting them up to become hugely popular family dogs.

Appearance

Mixing dog breeds is not like mixing paint. Mix white and black paint and you get grey; this is predictable and happens every time. But mix a Labrador and a Corgi, and a dog that looks halfway between a Lab and Corgi is only one possibility. The laws of genetics dictate that puppies take characteristics from both parents. This could make for a dog that looks like a Labrador but has the short legs of the Corgi. However, it’s also possible to get a pup that has the similar size and stature to either a purebred Lab or Corgi.

The same holds true for coat colour. Whilst Corgis are most commonly bicoloured sable and white, the Labrador comes in three colours (although other variants, such as silver and fox red do exist), which are yellow, black and chocolate. Again, the colouration of the resulting pup is largely down to chance and could result in any combination from a dog the size and shape of a Corgi but with an entirely black coat, or a Labrador like build with a bicoloured coat.

Indeed, the pup could be prick-ear or drop-eared depending on which side they inherit from. But what should be a constant is a good-sized muzzle gifting them with the ability to breathe well when exercising.

Character & Temperament

Looking at the puppy gives you a good idea of their physical heritage, but discovering their character traits is not so easy. For example, Labradors love strangers since they have may have a treat with them. Whereas, Corgis are altogether more standoffish and reserved, due to their guarding and herding instincts. Whereas a Labrador is a forgiving dog, more likely to lick than nip, the same can’t be said for the Corgi. This has implications for the Corgidor and their suitability as family dogs.

The prospective Corgidor owner would do well to be experienced with dogs. Then, should that furry bundle turn out to have the Corgi’s strength of character, the owner is best placed to give the firm but fair guidance the dog requires. As with any dog, early socialisation is essential. Lack of early life experience serves to heighten the Corgi’s natural suspicion of strangers and tendency to snap when threatened.

When sourcing a Corgidor puppy, look for a breeder that undertakes a socialisation program with their pups. Walk away from pups reared in outdoor runs with little contact with people, or from places where the mother is not available to view (a sure sign of a puppy farm).

Another trait to be aware of is the Corgi’s bark. They used their voice to control cattle, so it’s a powerful, intimidating sound. Be sure you can commit to giving a Corgidor plenty of exercise, since a bored dog is liable to express themselves vocally… at the neighbour’s expense.

Trainability

The Labrador is a highly trainable breed, the Corgi less so. This does not mean that a Corgi can’t be trained – just that it requires an extra level of patience and commitment. Reward-based training methods work best. Happily, Labradors are food-motivated, which makes it likely a Corgidor will have a keen interest in treats. Use food lures and praise to teach the pup what is expected and they will work willingly and be keen to learn.

However, avoid harsh training methods that threaten the dog. A naturally protective breed, such as the Corgi, may react with aggression to protect themselves, which is not desirable for anyone.

Health

A Corgidor has the potential to inherit health problems from either side of the family. Thus, while there are no official statistics, a Corgidor may be prone to the following issues.

Hypothyroidism

This condition occurs when the thyroid glands don’t produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the latter drives the metabolic rate, a deficiency of this hormone means a sluggish dog that piles on the pounds.

Happily, diagnosis is relatively straightforward with the right blood test. Correction is also simple, with a daily oral supplement of synthetic thyroid hormone. However, this therapy is lifelong and some monitoring blood samples are required, which means costs mount over time.

Skin Allergies

Both the Labrador and Corgi are prone to allergic skin disease. The most common symptom is itchiness – often worse in the spring and summer months. This condition gets worse as the years pass.

There are now more options for treatment than ever before, but allergies can only be controlled rather than cured. Again, modern medications are highly effective but are costly, which makes insuring a Corgidor an especially good idea.

Hip Dysplasia

Along with the Labrador’s trait for hip dysplasia, the Corgi’s stunted legs can also mean joint problems. There’s a full spectrum of outcomes here from the occasional requirement for pain relief right through to the need for joint replacement surgery.

Disc Disease

Think slipped discs and Labradors may not be the first breed that pops to mind, but they are predisposed. This is also true of the Corgi’s long back. At best, a slipped disc is painful, but at worst, it can cause paralysis. Rest, pain relief, and corrective surgery may be required, depending on the severity of the problem.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a seizure condition where there is no physical inciting cause (such as a brain tumour or liver disease). If the dog has regular seizures then anticonvulsant medication may be required. Therapy is often lifelong and aims to reduce the frequency of seizures by 50% and / or reduce the severity of each seizure.

Diabetes

If the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or the body’s cells are insensitive to what is produced, then high blood sugar levels are the result. Typical symptoms include excessive thirst with a good appetite but weight loss.

Management of the condition includes spaying entire female dogs (the oestrous hormones destabilise diabetics), weight control, and insulin injections.

Obesity

Both the Labrador and the Corgi are prone to weight gain. Its therefore crucial to keep a watchful eye kept on a Corgidor’s waistline and give them plenty of exercise.

Exercise and Activity Levels

The Corgidor has working ancestors on both side of the family. Both parent breeds were active and required plenty of exercise and this holds true for the Corgidor.

However, the short legs of the Corgi mean that the Corgidor may not be able to cover the distance or have the turn of speed of a Labrador. Nevertheless be prepared to keep them busy – mentally and physically – or risk the dog gaining weight and developing bad habits, such as barking.

One avenue to explore with a Corgidor is swimming. Both parents’ breeds are water lovers so this hybrid should excel at water sports.

Grooming

Both the Corgi and Labrador have short to medium length coats that shed all year round. The one thing which is guaranteed from a Corgidor is that regular brushing makes the difference between a tidy home and drifts of shed hair.

Ideally, brush a Corgidor daily for maximum coat condition with brushing twice a week an acceptable minimum. That short to medium length coat doesn’t require professional grooming.