The Welsh Corgi Border Collie is a unique and loyal companion that makes a great addition to many families. This breed is a cross between a Welsh Corgi and a Border Collie, resulting in a intelligent and energetic dog.
One of the standout characteristics of the Welsh Corgi Border Collie is its intelligence. In fact, this breed is known to be one of the smartest dog breeds around, ranking high in obedience and problem-solving skills.
With proper training and exercise, the Welsh Corgi Border Collie can thrive in a variety of living situations. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious house, this breed can adapt to your lifestyle with ease.
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Temperament and Personality
Corgis are eager to please and very easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They thrive on structure and clear commands, which is why they excel in organized sports like herding, agility, and obedience.
Cardigans tend to be quieter and less energetic than Pembrokes, but both breeds are natural-born athletes who love to run and follow quick directions. They have amazing hearing ability, which makes them wonderful watchdogs with a big-dog bark.
As amiable and playful companions, Corgis make excellent friends for people of all ages, including children and older adults. However, they can get a little too enthusiastic and nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them - so be sure to supervise playtime!
Pembroke Personality
Pembroke Corgis are eager to please and very easy to train, making them a joy to work with. They thrive on structure and clear direction.
Pembroke Corgis are naturally energetic and love to run and follow quick directions, making them well-suited for activities like agility and herding.
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are wonderful watchdogs with a big-dog bark, thanks to their amazing hearing ability.
Pembroke Corgis are amiable and playful companions, making them an excellent choice for families with children and older adults.
Expand your knowledge: Corgis for Rescue
Cardigan Personality
Cardigans are known for their adaptable personality and responsible nature. They're often found living with horse owners who appreciate their assistance in loading horses into trailers.
They have a strong herding instinct, which can make them try to herd family members or other pets. This is a trait inherited from their herding dog heritage.
Cardigans can be less sociable and more territorial than Pembrokes, so they may be reserved towards strangers. They're also alert watchdogs and may bark a warning at the sight, scent, or sound of anything unusual.
With proper socialization, Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies can grow up to be well-rounded dogs. This is especially important before four months of age, as it helps them develop good behavior and a strong bond with their owners.
Cardigans are highly intelligent dogs, making them quick learners and excellent candidates for obedience training and canine sports. They're also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, forming strong bonds with their owners.
Here are some key personality traits of Cardigans:
- Adaptable and responsible
- Less sociable and more territorial than Pembrokes
- Alert watchdogs
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal and loving
Health and Conditions
The Welsh Corgi Border Collie is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, it can suffer from certain health issues.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are painful joint issues that can lead to arthritis, a common problem in Border Collies. Hot spots, a type of skin dermatitis, are also common in this breed.
Intervertebral disc disease and Von Willebrand’s disease, which prevents blood from clotting, are health concerns in Corgis. Some Corgis are also prone to epilepsy and degenerative eye issues like retinal atrophy.
Common Health Issues to Watch Out For:
- Bloat
- Hot spots
- Epilepsy
- Entropion
Genetic Health Risks:
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Retinal atrophy
Pembroke Health
Borgis can inherit hybrid vigor from their parent breeds, making them less susceptible to many health issues. This is a common benefit of mixed breeds.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are painful joint issues that can eventually lead to arthritis. These conditions are common in Border Collies.
Intervertebral disc disease is a condition that can affect Corgis. It can cause back problems and pain.
Related reading: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Problems
Von Willebrand’s disease is a disorder that prevents the blood from clotting. It's a condition that can affect Corgis.
Neutering males and spaying females can have massive health benefits for your dog. It can help prevent cancer and reduce aggressive behavior toward other males.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Borgis:
- Bloat
- Hot spots
- Epilepsy
- Entropion
Some other health issues that can affect Borgis include:
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Retinal atrophy
Cardigan Health
Cardigans are a popular clothing item, but some people may experience health issues due to their design.
Wearing cardigans can cause overheating, especially in warm environments, due to the thick fabric and layering.
Cardigans can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and odors, particularly if not washed regularly.
In rare cases, certain types of cardigans, like those with metal fasteners, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Cardigans can be a tripping hazard, especially for young children or older adults, if they are too long or have loose threads.
Coat Color and Grooming
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a beautiful, thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season. They require daily brushing to keep flying hair under control.
Their coat comes in all shades of red, sable, and brindle, as well as black, blue merle, and various combinations of these colors with white markings. Some Cardigans have a "fairy saddle" marking on their back.
To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim your Cardigan's nails once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long.
Pembroke Coat Color and Grooming
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have four main coat colors: red, sable, fawn, and tri-colored, which is a combination of red, black, and tan.
Their coats often feature white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, and belly. These markings can vary in size and shape, but they're a distinctive part of the Pembroke's appearance.
For another approach, see: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fawn
A narrow blaze on the head is also common in Pembrokes, adding to their unique look. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their coats can be a mix of the four main colors, with the white markings adding a touch of contrast. The Pembroke's coat is generally short and smooth, making it easy to maintain.
Cardigan Coat Color and Grooming
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi's coat is a double-coated wonder, with a short undercoat and a longer, thicker topcoat that sheds continuously. This means you'll need to brush your Cardigan frequently to keep flying hair under control.
Daily brushing and warm baths to remove excess coat may be necessary during shedding season. Some Cardigans have soft, fluffy coats, which are not desirable because they don’t protect the dog from the elements.
The coat comes in all shades of red, sable, and brindle, as well as black with or without tan or brindle points, or blue merle with or without tan or brindle points. They usually have white markings on the legs, chest, neck, muzzle, belly, and tail tip, and may have a blaze on the head.
Here are some common coat colors found in Cardigans:
To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim your Cardigan's nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
Herding and Work
Border Collies and Corgis are both champion herders, and their Borgi offspring will have an innate and highly skilled herding instinct. This means your Welsh Corgi Border Collie will be naturally inclined to herd and work.
To keep your Borgi happy and healthy, they'll need regular, directed exercise - a minimum of 2 hours a day is recommended, but the more, the better. Exercise should be split into two or three sessions throughout the day if possible, with varying levels of intensity.
Borgis have a ton of stamina, and they'll love ball games, fetch, running activities, and any games that can mimic herding. Weighted vests are a great option, but make sure not to add more than 10% of their body weight to avoid tiring them out.
They Are Herders
Border Collies are the quintessential herding breed and the go-to dog for sheep farmers and as working dogs in general. Corgis, on the other hand, have a long history as some of the best herding and working dogs in the world.
They were originally bred as herding dogs, so you can be sure your Borgi will have an innate and highly skilled herding instinct.
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Training
Consistency is key when training a Border Collie Corgi Mix, as they quickly notice shifts in their daily routine and can become confused and unruly.
These dogs are ready for basic training at an early age, but intensive training should be left until they are around 7 or 8 months old.
Training sessions that are too long can cause your dog to become distracted and frustrated, undoing all the hard work you've put in.
For your interest: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Training
Pet Compatibility and Care
Welsh Corgi Border Collie are non-aggressive dogs that will make fast friends with other dogs.
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They are friendly and calm, and provided that they are trained and socialized at a young age, will have no issue with other family pets.
The worst that can happen is your Borgi constantly trying to herd your pet family into one place!
With proper exercise and training, this herding instinct can be somewhat mitigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are corgis related to border collies?
Yes, Corgis and Border Collies are related breeds, sharing a common genetic link with several other breeds, including the Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog. This genetic connection suggests a shared ancestry among these breeds, making them part of a larger family of herding dogs.
Sources
- The Kennel Club - Welsh Corgi (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Queen Elizabeth II loved Corgis (people.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue (lakeshorecorgirescue.org)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Southeast Corgi Rescue (southeastcorgirescue.com)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rescue Trust (cardiganrescue.org)
- No Tails About It Corgi Rescue (notailsaboutit.org)
- A post shared by Eilidh the Borgi (@eilidhtheborgi) (instagram.com)
- Dog of the Day: Corgi Border Collie Mix (dogsofsf.com)
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