Corgen Basics
The often stubborn little Corgen is a fun mix of the gentle, keen-to-please Golden Retriever and the determined little Pembroke Welsh Corgi – a favorite companion of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Together this mix makes a wonderful family pet who loves to play and cuddle but is known to still enjoy herding everyone and everything. While he’s not a big barker, he does love to “talk” and will express his opinion frequently.
The fun little Corgen is a mix of the gentle Golden Retriever and Queen’s dog of choice; the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Origin
The Corgen is the end result of breeding the Golden Retriever who dates back to the mid-1800s in America and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi that can be traced to around 1100 AD Wales. In spite of his impressive lineage, the Corgen is a new breed that likely dates to the 1980s when designer dogs first appeared. Breeders wanted to develop dogs that were not only free of the health issues experienced by pure-bred parents but that were often smaller, gentler or hypo-allergenic.
Pedigree
The Corgen’s mixed breed status means he doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC), both his parent breeds are long time members. The Golden Retriever joined the “sporting” group back in 1925 while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi became a member of the “herding” group in 1934.
Food/Diet
Any dog with a low-slung back can be inclined to back issues and in addition to his propensity toward joint problems, it’s imperative your Corgen not be permitted to become obese. Plan to feed him a high-quality kibble that meets his age, size and activity levels. Meals should be smaller and served 2 to 3 times per day versus allowing him to free-feed and be free of fillers such as carbohydrates that will cause him to overeat to feel full.
The Corgen is a highly energetic little dog.
Training
The Corgen is a highly energetic little dog and because he comes from two hunting breeds that can be easily distracted when they pick up a scent, patience will be needed. This bright boy will be quick to pick up commands however a willful streak will again require a little extra time to keep him on track. As with all dogs, a firm, consistent approach with loads of rewards and praise for a job well done will get results.
Weight
When he reaches adulthood, the Corgen will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
The outgoing Corgen makes a great companion dog who will often bond with just one member of his family to whom he lavishes all his affection. This boy may well inherit the Corgi’s stubborn streak and become obstinate when asked to obey direction. He doesn’t bark a lot but is known to enjoy vocalizing and has been described as sounding like Star War’s Chewbacca when he really gets going. Because of the Corgi’s herding instinct, he may try to herd other animals and will need to be socialized to prevent this from becoming a nuisance at the dog park or at home with other pets.
Common Health Problems
Corgen’s are typically a happy, healthy dog however you should always research your new pup’s lineage to see what he might inherit down the line from his parent breeds. With the Corgen that can include joint issues such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disk disease because of his low- slung back. From the Golden Retriever he can be prone to certain cancers and from the Corgi, epilepsy.
Life Expectancy
The Corgen will typically have a lifespan of between 8 and 12 years
Exercise Requirements
This is a highly active little dog that will need daily walks to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated. In spite of his smaller size and stature, he’s up for endurance and will be able to keep up on long walks. A tossed ball that he can chase in a fenced yard will help burn off excess energy, as will regular visits to a dog park where he can socialize. Note this pooch is highly prone to chasing small animals, so early socialization will be important.
The outgoing Corgen is a great companion dog that loves to vocalize.
Recognized Clubs
While the Corgen isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club however he is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Corgen comes from the longer-haired moderately shedding Golden and the shorter-haired heavy-shedding Corgi, so expect to brush this pooch 3 to 4 times per week to keep his coat matte-free and his hair under control. Professional grooming and bathing are not necessary with this dog however because he has floppy ears, plan to inspect and clean his ears weekly to prevent infection.
Puppies
The Corgen puppy can grow to be a willful little dog who would love to rule the household so early socialization and obedience training will be key to him becoming a wonderful family pet. Because of his low-slung back, it’s important that he be handled with care and you not overdo it when exercising. Joint and back issues can be problematic as he gets older and early injuries will only compound this.
Photo credit: borbasth/Shutterstock; Zulashai/Shutterstock
