The Corgi German Shepherd mix is a fantastic combination of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and German Shepherd dogs, giving you a sturdy, hearty, energetic breed with a zest and zeal for life. Perfect for active family units, the Corgi German Shepherd is a very outdoorsy breed and will require plenty of exercise.
The Corgi German Shepherd is a gentle dog, which makes them perfect for families with children. Both parent breeds are very affectionate and loyal dogs, so you can expect your Shepherd Corgi mix not to leave your side too much.
Corgi German Shepherd Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 25 – 65 pounds |
| Height: | 12 – 15 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Golden brown, black with white markings |
| Temperament: | Active, energetic, intelligent, friendly, loving, loyal |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals, not suitable for the elderly or apartment dwellers. |
What Does a Corgi German Shepherd Mix Look Like?
The Corgi German Shepherd mix will likely borrow most of its looks from both parent breeds, which will be evident in different ways.
Most Corman Shepherd dogs have a black and brown coat – this can be a double coat or a single coat – most GSDs have a double coat. The German Shepherd’s brown, almond-shaped eyes will also be apparent.
However, the Corgi genes will have an equal say in the appearance of the Corgi German Shepherd. Your Corman Shepherd will likely have a long body with a Corgi-style short tail that droops behind them.
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The History of the Corgi German Shepherd Mix
As a designer breed, the history of the Corgi German Shepherd mix could be a lot better – there’s plenty we still need to learn about the origin of this hybrid dog breed. However, we know that crossbreeding first became popular in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s, and, likely, the German Shepherd and Corgi were first bred together during this time.
It’s easy to see why someone would want to cross a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a German Shepherd – the Corgi’s pleasant, friendly nature, combined with the German Shepherd’s size and power, Corman Shepherds make fantastic family dogs for the active family unit.
The History of the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dog is the creation of Max von Stephanitz, a former German cavalry captain, and dog breeder in the late 19th century.
Von Stephanitz was searching for the right dog to help herd his cattle on his farm and was unsuccessful despite having tried several traditional German hunting dogs. While scouting his next potential breeding project at a dog show, he noticed Hektor Linkrshein, a sleek, long-legged, pointy-eared dog that he thought might fit the bill of his desired breed traits.
He purchased Hektor Linkrshein on the spot and soon renamed him Horand von Grafath, creating the “Society for German Shepherd Dogs” in 1899. Horand would become the first-ever German Shepherd.
How Popular Are German Shepherds in the United States?
The German Shepherd took only seven years to make its way to the United States, first arriving on American shores in 1906, and was recognized two years later by the American Kennel Club. The breed was known as working dogs, with protective natures and in need of plenty of physical activity.
Naturally, they found a home in the sprawling farms of the mid-West and were frequently used as cattle dogs (similar to their Corgi counterparts of old). Beyond that, they were used in military and police functions and are also among the world’s most popular dogs for disability assistance dogs.
Outside of their working capacity, German Shepherds are incredibly popular dogs with active American families, ranking as the 6th most popular dog in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
German Shepherds are an excellent choice for families, particularly those with space and land, to allow the GSD to run. German Shepherds are large dogs, unsuitable for the elderly or those without the strength to control them on a walk.
German Shepherds have very high exercise requirements – at least forty-five minutes of daily exercise is optimal. For those unable to give the German Shepherd their necessary exercise requirements, consider choosing another breed.
How Did German Shepherds Come About?
The German Shepherd was first selected from a dog show by Max von Stephanitz in 1899, as von Stephanitz was looking for a replacement herding dog to help with his farm.
Initially, the German Shepherd was named Hektor Linkrshein but was renamed to Horand von Grafath, after which von Stephanitz created the “Society of German Shepherds” – the first appearance of the name.
From there, the German Shepherd gained almost instant popularity and was exported from Germany to the rest of Europe and the United States. The modern-day German Shepherd is primarily seen as a dog for families. However, it does still have a ‘working dog’ status as a disability assistance dog and in military and police circles.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The German Shepherd?
The first crossbreeding of the German Shepherd remains a bit of a mystery, but it’s no wonder folks want to crossbreed this beautiful, active, friendly family dog. Due to their size, the German Shepherd has routinely crossed with dogs roughly the same size.
These mixes can include the Shepherd Collie, Shepherd Pitbull, the Husky Shepherd, and even created a new breed in the Soviet Union, the Byelorussian Shepherd.
Corgi Shepherds (and dogs of similar size) are a slight abnormality in the world of a Shepherd Mix dog.
The History of the Corgi
As a breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is much older than the German Shepherd, with a history dating back to 1107 AD, when the Corgi was introduced to Wales by Flemish weavers, who migrated to Wales from modern-day Belgium.
The Corgi was initially bred as a cattle-herding dog and was used on Welsh farms throughout the centuries, despite its small stature. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi became less of a herding dog and more of a devoted companion pet.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (differentiated from its cousin breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi) gained massive popularity in the United Kingdom due to its relationship with the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II kept Corgis as her pets.
Modern Corgis are hugely popular as a canine companions for families. They’re not aggressive, amiable, friendly, and loving dogs. Given their small size, they don’t require extensive living space but fit seamlessly with many family units.
How Popular Are Corgis in the United States?
Despite their popularity in the United Kingdom, Corgis have yet to catch on with the same vigor in the United States. While still popular family pets, neither the Pembroke nor Cardigan Welsh Corgis boast exceptionally high rankings on the popularity scale.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the most popular of the two – making 11th in the 2021 AKC rankings. Meanwhile, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi ranked 67th most popular in the U.S.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Despite being bred for herding, the Corgi hasn’t been used in such a capacity for ages – nowadays, they are almost exclusively a family pet.
Given their small size and low-maintenance nature, Corgis are excellent dogs for the elderly – though they require regular exercise – it is not necessarily strenuous. Corgis also require periodic brushing but don’t shed extensively.
A Corgi may ‘herd’ your children, but they are gentle dogs. They’re also one of the most intelligent breeds, making them fantastic family pets.
How Did Corgis Come About?
The Corgi was first introduced to the British Isles by Flemish weavers in 1107 AD, who migrated there to farm from modern-day Belgium. They brought with them these small, short-statured herding dogs. Corgi in Welsh translates to “cor” and “ci,” which means “dwarf dog.”
It’s not hard to see where that descriptor came from! The Corgi began life as a herding dog and remained as such in the Welsh foothills and farming communities throughout the centuries.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
Like much of the history of the Corgi, the first crossbreeding attempt has been lost to the annals of history. However, there are plenty of reasons why one would want to crossbreed the Corgi.
For those looking for an active, friendly family dog, there are a few better options for small dogs than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Similarly, if you’re looking to mix breeds to create a more tempered version of a more active breed like the Shepherd, or the Siberian Husky, then the Corgi is a fine choice.
Other mixes include the Dachshund Corgi (Dorgi), the Corgi Papillion (Corillon), the Corgi Australian Shepherd (Auggie), and many more! Most of these crosses will create medium-sized dogs that inherit the Corgi’s loving nature, activity levels, and possibly their stubborn streak.
In general, you can expect some hybrid vigor with any Corgi crossbreed, though any Corgi could potentially inherit some of the Corgi’s health issues.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of researching before buying or adopting any dog breed is exploring their temperament. Could you ask yourself what type of dog you’re after? Do you want an active, energetic breed or a breed that’s going to be a bit more relaxed and laid-back?
The answers to these questions will help you research dog temperaments and decide which dog is best for your family. A temperamental mismatch could result in an unhappy dog and an unhappier family.
This could mean you’re left with either pumping time and money into training your dog or are forced to rehome the animal before it becomes a part of the family.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi German Shepherd Mix?
For most German Corgi owners, you’ll find that the Corgi German Shepherd fits seamlessly into most family units. Yes, it’s excitable and bursting with energy at times (thanks to its GSD parent), but it’s the friendliest pet with other dogs and people.
You may also find that your German Shepherd Corgi is somewhat stubborn, thanks to its Corgi genes. Unfortunately, as with most designer dogs, it can be challenging to predict the exact temperament of the Corgi German Shepherd mix.
Is The Corgi German Shepherd Mix Friendly?
The Corgi parent and German Shepherd parent are amiable animals, so you can expect your Corgi German Shepherd mix to be just as pleasant!
Is The Corgi German Shepherd Mix Easy to Train?
Given that both breeds are used to following commands, you can expect your German Shepherd Corgi mix to be somewhat easy to train, although Corgis have a stubborn streak, so beware of this when teaching them.
How Much Can A Corgi German Shepherd Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Corgi German Shepherd mix is between 25 and 65 pounds, as they are medium-sized dogs.
How Tall Can A Corgi German Shepherd Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi German Shepherd mix is between 12 and 15 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi German Shepherd mix. These include the English Bulldog, the Boxer, the Basset Hound, and the Brittany.
Does the Corgi German Shepherd Mix Shed?
Yes! If your Corgi German Shepherd mix takes after their German Shepherd parent, expect a high level of shedding – as they will also likely have a double coat. Even if they take after their Corgi parent and only have a single coat, they’ll still be moderate shedders.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi German Shepherd Mix Require?
The Corgi German Shepherd mix requires at least 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day, with longer walks or off-leash walks on the weekend.
How Long Can a Corgi German Shepherd Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi German Shepherd mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi German Shepherd Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia (hip joint inflammation)
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (Bloat)
- Obesity (caused by gastrointestinal problems)
- Cataracts (eye problems)
How Can You Find a Corgi German Shepherd Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you look for a Corgi German Shepherd mix to buy, you should adopt one of these Corman Shepherds. They sometimes find their way into animal shelters or vet clinics due to accidental mating.
If you have no luck in person, you can check out AdoptAPet.com to see if there are any Corman Shepherds in your local area.
How Much Does a Corgi German Shepherd Mix Puppy Cost?
A Corgi German Shepherd mix puppy costs between $200 and $750, depending on the breeder and location. Another reason to consider adoption as adoption fees are significantly cheaper.
If you’re considering purchasing a Corgi German Shepherd mix, first read our article about finding a reputable breeder and how to avoid notorious puppy mills.
Is the Corgi German Shepherd Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Corgi German Shepherd mix is a wonderful crossbreed dog that’s perfect for the active family unit, that’s looking for a special addition to their household. The Corgi German Shepherd will be friendly, calm, loyal and loving – and keep you on your toes!
If the Corgi German Shepherd doesn’t fit the bill, consider reading our other breed guides to find a more suitable one.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
