German Shepherd Corgi Mix Breed – 10 Things to Know

If you’re looking for a rare hybrid to call your own, look no further than the German Shepherd Corgi Mix!

This crossbreed combines intelligence, work-ethic, and a winning personality that you’re sure to fall in love with. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix does come with its fair share of pros and cons, of course, and it’s important you understand what type of environment this unique mixed breed will do best in.

Are you considering a German Shepherd Corgi Mix? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are looking at 10 things you should know about the German Shepherd Corgi Mix before you commit.

But before we begin, let’s first meet this dynamic designer dog!

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix At A Glance

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix is a unique crossbreed with working origins.

Classification: Mixed Breed, Crossbreed, Hybrid, Designer Dog

Parent Breeds: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi OR The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the German Shepherd

Height: 12 to 15 Inches

Weight: 20 to 70 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, People Oriented, Work Oriented, Affectionate, Devoted

Coat Type: Double Coated, Shedding

Best Suited For: Active Families, Dedicated Dog Owners, Owners With Yards

Health Issues: Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (AKA Bloat or GDV), Spinal Issues, Hip Dysplasia, Eye Inflammation, Obesity, Dental Disease, Epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Elbow Dysplasia, Hemophilia, Diabetes, and Cataracts

Lifespan: 12 to 15 Years

Average Cost: $250 to $750

German Shepherd Corgi Mix Overview:

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix is a highly intelligent dog that comes from two parent breeds with working backgrounds. He is family-oriented, devoted, intelligent, and friendly.

Active and outgoing, this is a mixed breed that is going to need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, training, and socialization throughout his lifetime to remain happy, healthy, and well-rounded.

He can do well in homes with children and other pets when properly raised, trained, and socialized, though his double-layered, shedding coat may not make him the ideal dog for those who suffer from allergies.

The origin of the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is unknown, as he is a newer crossbreed in the canine kingdom. However, you can learn more about the German Shepherd Corgi Mix by taking a look at his purebred parent breeds.

Meet The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog known for his police and military work.

The German Shepherd is a large breed dog hailing from Germany, as his name suggests. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and devotion to their owners, and many people know them to be famous for their work as military and police dogs.

However, did you know that the German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog? That’s right! This gorgeous purebred spent his early history herding and guarding livestock in the rugged terrain of the German hillsides.

These qualities have helped to mold him into the protective, clever, and loyal dog we know him to be today.

German Shepherds are active and do well with children and other pets when well trained and socialized, making them the second most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club!

Meet The Pembroke Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a favorite of the Queen’s.

There are two types of Corgi available in the canine kingdom, with the most popular perhaps being considered the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are well-known for their herding abilities, but they are even more famous for being the Queen’s most coveted four-legged companion. Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s are beloved dogs thanks to their friendly nature and adorable appearance.

In fact, they are one of few dog breeds that are bred specifically for their small stature. Corgis have a form of “purposfully-bred” genetic dwarfism, a trait that actually protected them when they were spending their days herding cattle and other large livestock on ranches.

Being low to the ground, Corgi dogs were able to avoid a rogue kick from a moving hoof.

Like their German Shepherd counterparts, Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs are incredibly popular. They do well with children and other pets when well trained and socialized, and make wonderful family companions for active, dedicated owners.

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix – What To Expect With A Crossbreed

It could be difficult to predict what your German Shepherd Corgi might look like.

Although crossbreeding has been a popular practice for hundreds of years, it has only recently become a popular trend amongst dog breeders and canine enthusiasts. In fact, you may be familiar with the phrase “designer dog”, a term used primarily to describe the many doodle hybrids and curly purse pups bred for their small size and hypoallergenic coats.

Today, designer dogs range in variety and types, and while doodle mixes do remain some of the most popular crossbreed dogs available, other mixes like the German Shepherd Corgi mix are finding their way onto the scene.

And while crossbreeding is nothing new, it is somewhat controversial. This is due to several factors, but the most prominent being that crossbreed dogs like the German Shepherd Corgi Mix are less predictable than purebred dogs by way of health, temperament, and physical appearance.

With that being said, there is a theory known as hybrid vigor, which points out that crossbreed dogs may have an advantage when it comes to genetic health over their purebred counterparts thanks to their widened gene pool.

Unfortunately, this is a theory that is not widely accepted by everyone, with many pointing out that crossbreed dogs could be just as susceptible to their parent’s genetic health issues and, in fact, may even have a longer list of health issues to contend with.

Crossbreed dogs like the German Shepherd Corgi mix may also be a bit more difficult to come by when looking for breeders. This is because these dogs are not as well known as some other breeds and hybrids.

It’s also important to remember that your German Shepherd Corgi mix may not always look or behave the way you expect him to.

But what exactly should you know about a German Shepherd Corgi Mix in particular? Here are 10 things we think you should consider before considering a crossbreed like the German Shepherd Corgi mix!

1. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix Is A Designer Dog

Designer dogs like German Shepherd Corgi Mix dogs are not eligible for show.

The German Shepherd Corgi mix is not a purebred, and as we have just discussed briefly above, this means your German Shepherd Corgi mix is going to come with its fair share of controversy.

With that being said, there could be some pros and cons to investing in a crossbreed dog over a purebred.

The Pros Of Owning A Crossbreed Like The German Shepherd Corgi Mix

German Shepherd Corgi mix dogs could have the potential of hybrid vigor, which is the idea that these mixed breeds have a wider genepool than purebreds and therefore could be healthier.

Hybrid vigor is a theory widely accepted by many experts and breed enthusiasts, and could have some merit when you consider purebred dogs like German Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been overbred for centuries in an effort to maintain their breed standard.

This overbreeding is likely to have led to purebred dogs being more susceptible to genetic health issues passed down from their parents.

A crossbreed, on the other hand, has a larger gene pool now and may be less likely to develop serious health issues.

Another benefit of investing in a crossbreed dog like the German Shepherd Corgi mix is that you could get a dog that brings you the best of both worlds.

German Shepherd Corgi Mix dogs may resemble a German Shepherd but be more compact like a Corgi. These dogs may also be more unique looking than other purebred dogs, leading to them being more eye-catching and interesting.

The Cons Of Owning A Crossbreed LIke A German Shepherd Corgi Mix

Just like all dogs, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix could still be prone to serious health issues. Furthermore, it may be more difficult to predict these health issues in the same way you would be able to predict the health issues of his purebred parent breeds.

We should also note that as a crossbreed, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is not going to be eligible for show. He is not registered as a breed by most major breed clubs, and coming across reputable breeders who specifically breed this type of crossbreed could be challenging.

2. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix May Not Be Built Like A Corgi

This is a hybrid that may look more like one parent breed over the other.
One of the many draws of investing in a German Shepherd Corgi Mix is that this crossbreed could look like a German Shepherd while maintaining a Corgi dog’s size and body shape.

Any quick search on the internet will show you cute pictures of what looks to be a perfect mix of a German Shepherd and a Corgi.

While this outcome is totally possible, it’s important to remember that genetics are genetics and it can be difficult to predict what your German Shepherd Corgi Mix is really going to look like. Even crossbreed puppies from the same litter could grow up to look very different from one another.

This means that while you could come away with the perfect “compact German Shepherd”, you could also come away with a large breed dog with a Corgi like temperament or a medium sized dog with other unique or interesting characteristics that are more like one of the parent breeds.

The best way to ensure you are getting a specific dog that looks a certain way when looking for a crossbreed is to either go through breeders who can offer you later generation crossbreed dogs or to rescue a German Shepherd Corgi Mix from a reputable shelter that is over the age of one.

With all of that being said, remember that you are not investing in a dog’s appearance. A dog like the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is so much more than his size or coat, and it’s best that you ensure you are the right owner for this mixed breed and that this mix is the right dog for you before you commit.

Keep reading to learn more.

3. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix Could Have Some Unique Health Issues

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix can be prone to a few health issues like Bloat and skeletal issues.

Because he is a crossbreed, your German Shepherd Corgi Mix could have the benefit of hybrid vigor, as we’ve discussed.

Of course, hybrid vigor is not a guarantee that your German Shepherd Corgi Mix is going to be healthy and long-lived, especially if he comes from irresponsible sources or breeders that did not use responsible breeding practices.

We should also note that your German Shepherd Corgi Mix could be prone to suffering from any of the same genetic health issues as his purebred parent breeds, so it’s vital to understand the types of health issues the German Shepherd and Corgi specifically are prone to so you can keep an eye on your German Shepherd Corgi Mix.

On average, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix could be predisposed to Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (AKA Bloat or GDV), Spinal Issues, Hip Dysplasia, Eye Inflammation, Obesity, Dental Disease, Epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Elbow Dysplasia, Hemophilia, Diabetes, and Cataracts.

He also has an average lifespan of between 12 to 15 years.

While there is no sure fire way to predict the health issues your German Shepherd Corgi might inherit, there are ways you can help ensure your dog lives his healthiest life.

We recommend investing in a canine DNA kit and having your German Shepherd Corgi Mix health screened at an early age to help get a leg up on any potential health issues.

We also suggest keeping up with routine veterinarian visits at least once a year until your dog is seven, and then twice a year thereafter.

Make sure your German Shepherd Corgi Mix eats a quality dog food specified for his age, weight, and activity level, and consider investing in a slow feeder to help prevent digestive issues or the onset of Bloat.

4. German Shepherd Corgi Mix Dogs Combine Two Herding Breeds!

This is a hybrid that is a working dog at heart!

Both the German Shepherd and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are bred herding dogs. This means that their German Shepherd Corgi Mix offspring is going to have some herding instincts that could become overwhelming for more novice dog owners.

If you are considering a German Shepherd Corgi mix, we suggest looking into the background of working dogs so you have a good understanding of how these types of dogs tick.

Without proper training, the German Shepherd Corgi mix could develop a habit of herding youngsters and smaller animals around the home or yard. This behavior could be overwhelming and even frustrating for owners, so it will be important to work with your dog early on to curb this type of behavior.

We should also note here that these dogs will be happiest when they have a job to do. Jobs could include allowing your German Shepherd Corgi Mix to help out around the house by sorting the laundry, loading the dishwasher, bringing in the mail, or learning new cues and tricks over time.

5. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix Will Do Well In Family Settings When Properly Trained and Socialized

This Corgi crossbreed does well in family settings.

Do you have children or other pets? In spite of his potential to have some herding instincts, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix makes a wonderful dog for first time dog owners, families, and those with other pets when properly trained and socialized.

These dogs are naturally friendly, intelligent, playful, devoted, and affectionate. They will be watchful over children and family members and will enjoy playing and snuggling when the time comes.

Of course, like all dogs the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is going to need to have plenty of training and routine socialization throughout his lifetime to ensure he is happy and healthy.

When you are training your German Shepherd Corgi mix, it’s best to use positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise. Avoid aversive training techniques like scolding or punishment, as this can lead to fear-based behaviors down the road that may hinder your dog’s ability to learn and could even harm the relationship built between you two.

We also recommend working with children in the home on proper ways to interact with their dog. Learning basic canine body language can help the entire family better understand your dog and the way he communicates.

It’s also important to properly socialize your German Shepherd Corgi Mix. Socialization should include introducing your dog to as many new experiences as possible including new people, young children, places, sights, sounds, environments, and other animals like other dogs and cats.

You can help your dog associate first impressions with something positive by avoiding forcing your dog to participate in a situation you can tell he is clearly frightened of. Instead, use quality training treats, praise, and gentle encouragement to help him explore the world around him.

6. German Shepherd Corgi Mix Dogs Are Incredibly Intelligent

Like most very clever dogs, the German Shepherd Corgi needs plenty of mental stimulation.

Because German Shepherd Corgi mix dogs are so intelligent, they are generally a joy to work with and fun to train. However, they can also be somewhat stubborn and quick to become distracted.

This is especially true if your German Shepherd Corgi Mix is not being properly metnally stimulated during training.

If you want to hold your dog’s attention, it’s important to find out what motivates your dog and to use that to keep him engaged. For most dogs, treats are a wonderful motivator. However, other dogs are more interested in toys or praise.

Your German Shepherd Corgi mix will likely be motivated by a few of these factors, and you can use this to your advantage by keeping training sessions short, fun, and gamelike. You can also utilize treats to help keep your German Shepherd Corgi Mix busy and entertained while you’re away.

If your German Shepherd Corgi Mix is not kept mentallys stimulated throughout the day, he could be prone to destructive behaviors like barking, marking, or chewing. Sadly, intelligent dogs that are bored or under stimulated are also more prone to anxiety, stress, and depression.

You can help combat these issues by investing in puzzle toys for your German Shepherd Corgi Mix, as well as toys like KONGS, chews, or snuffle mats.

You might also consider having your German Shepherd Corgi mix crate trained while you are away. When done properly, crate training can help reduce anxiety and stress and can in turn combate behavioral issues.

7. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix Is A Shedding Dog

This is a shedding mix that sheds year-round.

As we discussed briefly above, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is a shedding dog. He has a dense, double coat that is weather resistant and sheds year-round, shedding most heavily during the spring and fall.

This means that the German Shepherd Corgi Mix may not be the ideal dog for those who suffer from allergies.

It will also mean that he will need consistent brushing and grooming with a proper deshedding comb and undercoat rake to help reduce loose fur around the home and to help keep mats and tangles in his coat at bay.

Luckily, the Corgi German Shepherd Mix dog’s weather-resistant coat means he only needs to be bathed on occasion. In fact, overbathing your German Shepherd Corgi mix could actually damage his coat by stripping it of the natural oils it produces.

Be sure you keep your German Shepherd Corgi mix dog’s ears clean to help reduce ear infections, and keep his nails trimmed or ground down at least once every few weeks. Last, remember that all dogs can be prone to dental disease, and the German Shepherd Corgi mix is no exception.

To help combat this, we suggest brushing your German Shepherd Corgi mix dog’s teeth once a day using a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

8. The German Shepherd Corgi Mix Does Best In Homes With Yards And Active Owners

German Shepherd Corgi mix dogs are active dogs that do best with active owners.

Because the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is an active working mix, it should come as no surprise that he will do best in homes with active owners and with owners who have yards where their dog can run and play freely.

Along with free playtime, the German Shepherd Corgi MIx will also require dedicated daily exercise.

The ideal exercise for a German Shepherd Corgi Mix should be about an hour or so a day, and it can involve walks, hikes, light jogs, or even romps at a dog park if your dog is well socialized.

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix should be walked using proper walking equipment like a no-pull dog harness or a harness that doesn’t put pressure on his trachea.

Avoid prong collars or choke chains if your German Shepherd Corgi Mix pulls, as these types of walking equipment may cause harm to your dog. Instead, invest in walking equipment that will not only be safer and more comfortable for your dog, but also help to teach him better walking manners by redirecting him back to you if he does pull ahead.

9. A German Shepherd Corgi Mix Could Be Difficult To Find

Though they make great companions, the German Shepherd Corgi mix could be difficult to find.

The German Shepherd Corgi mix may seem like your dream dog, but he’s still relatively new in the crossbreed universe. This means that a German Shepherd Corgi mix puppy could be difficult to find through a reputable breeder or source.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should try to cut corners when looking for a dog like the German Shepherd Corgi Mix.

Take your time when looking for a quality breeder or shelter. And speaking of shelter, it is possible to find a German Shepherd Corgi mix at a rescue if you are diligent.

If you prefer to rescue a German Shepherd Corgi Mix, we recommend looking into breed-specific rescues or shelters. Many rescues that focus on German Shepherd or Corgi dogs should be able to put you on a waiting list if the dog of your dreams isn’t already there.

10. It’s Important To Do Your Research On Breeders Before Buying A German Shepherd Corgi Mix Puppy

Going through reputable breeders or sources to find your dog can make all the difference.

It’s very important that you go through reputable sources and through breeders who understand the importance of responsible breeding practices. Avoid backyard breeders, online sellers, or those looking to sell a German Shepherd Corgi mix for much more or much less than you know them to be worth.

On average, A German Shepherd Corgi mix dog costs between $250 and $750. This price could vary depending on where you live and the quality of the breeder you are going through.

Remember, quality breeders should be able to provide you with health certificates proving their dogs have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues. You should also feel free to ask questions regarding the parent breeds and, if ever in doubt, ask for references from past clientele.

Is The German Shepherd Corgi Mix The Right Dog For You?

The German Shepherd Corgi mix can make a wonderful companion for the right owner.

The German Shepherd Corgi Mix is certainly a unique crossbreed dog, and he’s definitely not the ideal companion for every owner.

With that being said, this hybrid is a family-friendly dog that can do well with first time dog owners. Remember, this is a hybrid that is best suited for homes with yards where they can have plenty of free time to play.

They will also be happiest with owners who are dedicated and can commit time to training, socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Luckily, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix does great with children and other pets when properly trained and socialized.

What do you think about the German Shepherd Corgi Mix now that you know so much more about him?

Is this the dog of your dreams? Tell us what you think in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!