A Corgi German Shepherd may sound like an ill-fitting mix, but these pups are surprisingly cute. They have a pretty amenable temperament as well. If you are considering adopting this mixed breed, here is everything you need to know.
What are the Basic Characteristics of a Corgi German Shepherd?
Here are some of the fundamental characteristics of this mixed breed:
- Height: 12 to 15 inches
- Weight: 20 to 70lbs
- Coat: Double coated
- Level of Affection: Highly affectionate
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Cat Friendly: Yes, if socialized properly
- Preferred Climate: Better suited to cool or cold climates
- Shedding Levels: High
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Potential to Bark/Howl: Not too much
What Does a Corgi German Shepherd Mix Look Like?
What you are probably most interested in is what a pup with this mix of genes is going to look like. Well, here is some insight:
What Will Be the General Appearance of Your Corgi German Shepherd?
It can be tricky to know what a Corgi German Shepherd’s head shape and face are going to look like. Some pups may take after either their Corgi or German Shepherd parent. It is just as likely that the dog will have a mix of the two breeds’ features.
You can almost guarantee that your pooch will have pricked-up ears, though.
How Big Will Your Corgi German Shepherd Get?
Most Corgi German Shepherds are quite short and stubby, with shorter legs. Their body will look quite long in comparison to their height.
When it comes to height, though, there is a lot more discrepancy. Your Corgi Shepherd may be a medium-sized dog at around 20lbs or may end up closer to 70lbs and be classified as a big breed.
What Will Your Corgi German Shepherd’s Coat Look Like?
A Corgi German Shepherd will almost be a mix of at least two colors. This could be a swirl of brown, black, or white.
There may be a darker patch of fur around the snout or a darker mask around the eyes and most of the face. Your pooch’s face may consist of just a single color. The neck and stomach may be white or a mix of colors.
A Corgi German Shepherd will almost definitely have a double coat – this means that there is an upper and lower layer. Even pups with shorter fur will still have this double coat.
What Kind of Temperament Can You Expect from a Corgi German Shepherd?
The most important thing to understand before getting any kind of full breed or mixed breed is the kind of temperament to expect.
Corgi German Shepherds can be incredibly loving and affectionate, which makes them great family dogs have. It should be noted that these pups love to run about and have fun and are the farthest things from couch potatoes.
They have a loyal streak a mile wide and they also have a tendency to be quite protective of their owners. Due to this, it is important to socialize your pup at a young age. Otherwise, you could end up with a dog that is clingy to one person and may even be aggressive to strangers.
These pups are also incredibly headstrong, bordering on stubborn. This is why they aren’t the greatest option for first-time owners. If you don’t establish yourself as the pack leader, you are going to find it quite difficult to get this pup to do as you ask.
You should be made aware that this mixed breed has strong herding instincts. So, if they aren’t trained out of it, they may herd children or even adults. These pups may be better suited to families with older children.
As for other animals, Corgi German Shepherds get along well with other dogs. Naturally, they will need to be introduced to other dogs, especially those of a different breed at an early age so that they can get used to them.
Corgi German Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. This means that they do well around cats and other small animals. However, you will have to socialize your dog at a young age so that they don’t chase after these creatures.
Are Corgi German Shepherds a Healthy Breed?
It is also important to know what to expect in terms of health. After all, you don’t want to get a pup who may be prone to numerous diseases. Here are the top things to know:
What is the Lifespan of a Corgi German Shepherd?
Corgi German Shepherds do have a longer lifespan, averaging about 10 to 15 years. Due to this, you should be able to enjoy your best friend’s company for many years to come.
Are There Genetic Conditions Specific to Corgi German Shepherds?
One of the perks of mixed breeds is that they are less likely to suffer from too many genetic conditions. The combination of genes helps them avoid many of the diseases associated with either of their parent breeds. Nevertheless, here are the potential health issues that you should know about:
- Cataracts
- Bloat
- Joint Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Back issues
Problems such as cataracts, joint dysplasia, and back issues may be unavoidable side-effects of age. However, getting frequent checkups for your Corgi German Shepherd can allow the vet to catch various symptoms in the early stages.
In turn, your vet will be able to provide prompt treatment either slowing down the progression of the disease or increasing your dog’s comfort levels.
What are the Nutrition Requirements of a Corgi German Shepherd?
As mentioned above, obesity can be an issue with this mixed breed. These pups love to eat and will constantly beg for seconds and treats. Looking into their big, puppy dog eyes can be pretty difficult to say no.
Despite this, it is important to stick to the feeding recommendations for the type of dog food you are using. Don’t go above this. Although overweight dogs can seem cute, excess weight can be harmful to them and can lead to a host of other health issues.
Always select a high-quality dog food so that you know that the protein, fat, and carbohydrates come from good sources. This can also solve the issue of empty calories that can lead to your Corgi Shepherd gaining weight.
It is important to alter your dog’s food for every stage, from puppy to adult. Depending on how big your dog gets, it may either be considered a medium-sized or large dog. Check with your vet about which category your dog falls into and choose the right food.
In general, it is best to get the advice and recommendation of your vet regarding your dog’s food. With mixed breeds, it can be tricky to know what your pup’s exact requirements are. Thus, your vet may be able to provide greater insight.
What are the Exercise Requirements for a Corgi German Shepherd?
Corgi German Shepherds have high energy levels, which means that they need to get plenty of exercise throughout the day. Ensuring that they have enough playtime can also reduce their risk of obesity.
Aim for at least an hour of exercise each day. Try to break this up into around two long walks so that your pooch can get rid of their excess energy. Throw in sessions of fetch or playing with other dogs to help break up the monotony.
Remember, if you don’t let your Corgi German Shepherd get enough exercise, they will become bored. This can lead to bad behavior and even your pup destroying your home.
As intelligent dogs, Corgi German Shepherds need to be mentally stimulated as well. Therefore, make sure that they have food puzzles or that you engage in training and playtime that helps your dog to learn new things.
How to Groom a Corgi German Shepherd
Perhaps the main thing you should be aware of with this mixed breed is that they are heavy shedders. If you don’t stay on top of grooming, your home will likely be covered in fur. On top of this, these dogs may have anywhere from one to two shedding seasons, when they will lose an excess of fur.
How To Minimize Shedding with Corgi German Shepherds?
It is important to brush your dog at least once a day. You will need to use a slicker brush as well as an undercoat rake. Keep in mind, Corgi German Shepherds have double coats. The undercoat rake will help to get rid of loose fur trapped under the first layer.
During shedding seasons, you will also have to include a de-shedding brush in the grooming routine. For some, taking your dog to a groomer’s can be helpful as they are often better equipped to deal with these thick coats.
With so much fur, you would think that bathing your Corgi German Shepherd is a good thing. However, this isn’t the case at all. It is best to only bathe them every three to four months unless they get muddy and dirty in between.
Bathing your dog too often can cause their skin to lose its nourishing, moisturizing oils and dry out initially. However, this situation will make your pup’s skin produce even more oils to make up for this, leaving you with a smelly, oily dog.
To avoid having to bathe your dog too often, brush them regularly to get rid of dirt and grit. Use a damp cloth to clean off small patches of dirt.
What is the Best Living Space for a Corgi German Shepherd?
Due to their fluffy coats, Corgi German Shepherds do best in cooler environments. They don’t tolerate hot weather well and may need to be kept indoors, in the air conditioning during very warm months. They do quite well, in the cold, however.
As this is a high-energy mixed breed, your pup does require quite a bit of room to move around. This means that they are better suited to larger spaces. It is possible for a Corgi German Shepherd to live in an apartment provided that you give them lots of exercises every day.
How To Train a Corgi German Shepherd Mix
It is important to begin training a Corgi German Shepherd from the moment you bring them home. Keep in mind, these dogs can be quite willful so you need to establish yourself as the leader early on. If you have a family, make sure that your pup knows they have to listen to each individual.
The good news is that these dogs love to learn new things. Use treats and positive reinforcement as a way to keep them focused on the task at hand.
Socialization is also key with these dogs. If you don’t socialize with them at a young age, they can become shy or aggressive. First, introduce your dog to people of all shapes and sizes and once they are vaccinated, expose them to new animals.
Where Can You Find a Corgi German Shepherd Mix?
It is important to find a good breeder for your Corgi German Shepherd mix. A good breeder will make an effort to ensure that the parents and grandparents were free of disease. They will also help your puppy to socialize at a young age.
Can You Adopt a Corgi German Shepherd Mix?
It will be quite difficult to find this particular mix in shelters. Due to this, you probably have to extend your search. Look at online shelters in other cities or states if you are serious about adopting this mix.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Corgi German Shepherd mixes:
How Much Does Corgi German Shepherd Mix Cost?
Depending on where you live and the reputation of the breeder, you can expect to spend between $250 and $750 on a puppy.
Are Corgi German Shepherd Mix Good Family Dogs?
If they are socialized and trained at a young age, they can be. You should be aware of their tendency to herd small children, though.
Are Corgi German Shepherd Barkers?
They do have guard dog instincts which mean that they may bark around suspicious people or sounds. Socializing can help to reduce this a little.
This is what you should know about the Corgi German Shepherd mix. You can now decide whether this is a well-mixed breed for you.