Horgi Basics
The Horgi is an outgoing and loving little hybrid dog is a great family pet and companion. His intelligent and energetic Husky lineage means he loves to play, is a great walking companion and has a friendly disposition that suggests he likely won’t succeed as a watchdog! His Corgi background results in a sweet-tempered dog that is friendly and loyal to his family.
The Horgi is an outgoing and loving little hybrid dog is a great family pet and companion.
Origin
The Horgi (aka Siborgi) is the product of two breeds of dog that are known for herding and for working; the Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Siberian Husky dog. On the Corgi side, either the Cardigan Welsh or the Pembroke Welsh could be used in the breeding process, both of which date back several centuries and are known to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in Britain. First brought to the U.S. in 1933 by an American breeder, the Pembroke is the famed and often photographed favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. The Siberian Husky’s lineage dates back to the prehistoric Taymyr wolf however he gained recognition around the turn of the last century when imported to Alaska for use as sled dogs during the great Gold Rush. Today, most Huskies in the U.S. are descended from those imported from Siberia in the 1930s.
Pedigree
While his mixed breed background means the Horgi is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), his parents: the Welsh corgi and Siberian Husky Dog, have in fact been inducted into this elite club. The Corgi was listed back in 1935 under the AKC’s “herding” group and was described as a very trainable, faithful, and vigilant guardian with a “big dog” bark. The Siberian Husky was listed by the AKC back in 1930 under their “working” group category of dogs and is described as friendly, gentle, dignified; alert, but not aggressive. These are both great credentials for a family dog.
Food/Diet
With his healthy appetite, the Horgi’s low slung stature means he can easily put on the pounds if allowed to over-eat. Best to establish set feeding times (versus allowing him to free-range), and be economical with those treats! Understandably, his long torso means that any extra weight can result in back-related health problems. To avoid compromising your little guy’s lifestyle be sure to exercise him daily, taking long walks that will help him keep his weight in check and his back muscles strong.
The Horgi is a bright little dog that is easy to train but can present challenges when it comes to housebreaking.
Training
The Horgi is a bright little dog that is easy to train but can present challenges when it comes to housebreaking. Because of the “herding” nature of his Corgi parent, this dog can have a tendency to try to corral humans and animals alike, so authority needs to be in place during training. As with any dog, consistent, gentle training with rewards offered for positive results, will be the most effective.
Weight
The height and weight of your Horgi will be dependent on which side of their lineage is more predominant: Husky or Corgi. In most instances, this sturdy little dog will weigh in between 20 and 50 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
This is a highly attentive pooch that is full of energy and typically does not exhibit any territorial traits. His Husky lineage makes for a dog that warms quickly to strangers and will typically exhibit an eager-to-please disposition. The Corgi side offers up a lovable and loyal dog that is also keen to please his owner and makes a great family pet.
Common Health Problems
Hybrid dogs are generally a healthy mix that does not experience the genetic disorders that can plague their pure-bred parents. That said, potential owners need to be aware of what health issues may be inherited. The Horgi’s Husky parentage may mean ocular issues including juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, canine glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. The long, low stature of the Corgi is typically the physique of the Horgi and means he can be prone to back injuries if allowed to jump from heights, gain weight or carry heavy loads (so no kiddy piggy-backs for this little guy!)
Life Expectancy
The Horgi’s lifespan is in line with a smaller dog – typically from 12 years to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
While short in stature, the Horgi is high in energy and will need an owner who can dedicate time to at least one long walk – or even a run – each day in order for him to stay healthy and mentally alert. A couple of hours of active backyard play to tire him out will help keep him from developing destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Because of his herding tendencies, an off-leash area where he can play with other dogs, swim, fetch or engage in tug-of-war would be a great option.
This is a highly attentive pooch that is full of energy and typically does not exhibit any territorial traits.
AKC
The Horgi is a hybrid dog that cannot be a member of the American Kennel Club.
Coat
This dog’s Husky background means he’s a year-round shedder and is going to need daily brushing to keep his coat clean and shiny – and your furniture as hair-free as possible. He has what is called a double-coat which keeps him warm in the winter and dry in wet weather. It also means this water resistant coat can take some time to lather up during bath-time.
Puppies
Because their physique includes the longer back of a Corgi, care must be taken whenever puppies are handled. They should be lifted up with a hand behind the front legs and the other hand supporting the hindquarters. As with any puppy, they need early socialization and consistent, gentle training to bring out their great personalities.
Photo credit: TechnoloGuy/Flickr; chrish3819/reddit; SerRonSwanson/imgur
