Husky Corgi Mix - A Complete Guide to the Horgi (2024)

The perfect blend between the wolflike elegance of a Siberian Husky and the adorable nature of a Corgi, the husky corgi mix is one that takes two breeds that are worlds apart and combines them into a unique and fluffy package.

This Horgi may not be the most obvious hybrid dog. Both parent breeds have their signature traits that people can recognize immediately. But, as with any mixed dog breed, the Corgi-Husky mix comes with its own set of distinctive traits.

Whether you are planning to purchase your own Corgi Husky or simply want to know more, here’s all you need to know about the Horgi. Read on to learn about their temperament, looks, health info, grooming needs, and much more!

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Husky Corgi Profile

Friendliness:Both the Husky and the Corgi independent of each other are relatively friendly dog breeds. So, it’s not a surprise that the mixed breed is friendly too. There aren’t too many people or dogs this mixed breed can befriend.

Trainability: Intelligence is not an issue here. However, they can be difficult to train if you aren’t firm and don’t establish yourself as the pack leader. To be the most effective in training, be consistent, firm and always use positive reinforcement with treats (they like to eat).

Grooming: They shed a lot, as we’ll discuss later in this guide. Be prepared to clean up a lot of fur. However, outside of coat grooming, these mixed dogs only need basic dog grooming. This means: tooth brushing, nail trimming and baths.

Adaptability:It’s safe to say these dogs won’t enjoy being stuck in a cramped apartment all day long. Their high energy levels will need a form to physical stimulation to keep them happy. Don’t expect them to adapt to a slow pace of life. Otherwise, they’re great with everything else.

Activity:Bred from a working dog and a herding dog, they need a good amount of exercise. Without daily exercise, there could be some destructive behavior. At the very least, give them a long walk every single day.

Meet the Parents

1. Siberian Husky

Along with the Corgi, the Siberian Husky is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In fact, they ranked number 12 in US popularity!

They’re highly social dogs with a ton of energy for pulling those heavy sleds. However, not many families use these dogs for sled-pulling, or live in a place where this is even possible.

Still, these dogs require a ton of exercise and will certainly demand it from the owner. They’re a bit crazy, but in a loving and loyal way. You can bet all that excitement is to get your attention for more play time!

With that said, these dogs have been known to be a little mischievous. Plus, they can be a little stubborn at times, especially with obedience training. Despite their flaws, Huskies will usually comply with enough leadership in the pack.

The Siberian Huskies are fantastic family dogs and it’s not a big surprise they’re such popular dogs when mixing breeds – such as with the Horgi (Husky Corgi mix).

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2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Cute, intelligent and affectionate, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the internet’s most beloved dog breeds. There’s a lot to love about these dogs.

According to the AKC, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the 18th most popular dog breed in the United States. But thanks to social media, these dogs have seen an increase in popularity in recent years.

Though small, the corgi is deceivingly quick and agile because they were bred to be cattle herders. It’s common for people to refer to them as “big dogs in small packages” because they usually come with bold personalities.

If you’re easily annoyed by barking, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi isnot right for you. They bark day and night at everything and anything.

Still, there’s a lot to love with these dogs. Spend a day with a Corgi and their bright personalities and irresistible charms. They’ll certainly steal your heart away.

RECOMMENDED: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Guide

The Horgi’s Appearance

The husky corgi mix…or horgi…siborgi…corgski? Let’s just call it a horgi for now. So, a horgi is a cross-breed between two highly recognizable breeds. The first is the Welsh Corgi, iconic for their short legs and playful personalities.

The second is the Siberian Husky. Part of the working breed group, huskies were originally bred to work and pull sleds. At first glance, their powerful wolflike bodies are a stark contrast to the smaller corgi.

Size of the Horgi

As expected, a husky corgi mix will be somewhere between its two parents, but this can lead to quite a bit of variation.

At a full height of about 13-15” inches, your horgi will clock in at anywhere from 20-50 pounds. The weight will depend on factors such as diet, exercise, and pedigree.

If the husky parent’s genes dominate, you will have a somewhat stockier, heavier dog, and vice-versa if the corgi’s traits are more present.

Some horgis can reach a full 18”, while others will barely make it to one foot!

While there might be any number of genetic factors that determine the size and weight of the horgi, there are two traits that are almost a guarantee in the mix: the corgi’s short legs, and the husky’s lupine face.

Coat and Eyes of the Horgi

The fur comes in a range of stunning colors, with the breed displaying red, sable, brindle, grey, black, and white coats.

Of course, the coloring will most likely depend on the parents and is often a combination of two or more colors all mixed together. Likewise, their eyes can be either a shade of brown, or a striking ice blue.

There is even a chance that the dog might have heterochromia iridum. Don’t let the Latin scare you. All this means it the dog might have two different color eyes!

This is not unique to this mixed breed. For example, different colored eyes are commonly seen in Australian Shepherds – specifically, the merle color variations.

It’s a trait that many find exceedingly unique and beautiful.And if your horgi is blessed with such a quality, you should embrace it!

The Corgi -Husky Mix Temperament

Both corgis and huskies are known for their alert and intelligent nature, with their eyes always on the move to survey their environment.

It is safe to say that this feature is also common when their breeds are combined.

From the husky side, you can expect its energetic playfulness and loyalty to come through. But, you might find this tempered by a corgi’s friendliness and more gentle side.

Together this works to form an overall temperament that is highly suitable for families with older children. And they are perfect for adult-only homes where they can express themselves with maximum playfulness.

Though it’s good to know both the sire and the dam, it is recommended to at least meet the husky parent (who should always be female, which will be explained later on).

Larger dogs can occasionally display poor temperaments when poorly bred, and if any are behavioral issues are present, you would likely not want those passed on to the puppy.

Training Your Horgi

Even with parents of good temperament, the approach to training a husky corgi mix can be a little tricky. On the one hand, the corgi side tends to be rather friendly, readily obedient, and open to learning.

The husky side however…not as much. Not only are huskies known to be more mischievous, but they also are more keen on following a pack order.

Because of this, they are more prone to test the waters, so to speak, trying to assert their dominance and show their spot in the hierarchy.

So while some horgi dogs will take after their corgi ancestry and be easy to train at home by yourself, some might require the advice and help of a professional.

In either case, it is important to keep an eye on their temperament, and understand how they react to you.

Be the Leader of the Pack

But it isn’t a hopeless case, as all this means is that they will readily submit to a worthy alpha…which is you!

If the dog is already more submissive, overexerting your dominance might lead to stress. In turn, this could lead to the very behavioral problems you had hoped to avoid in the first place.

On the other hand, if the dog tends to test its boundaries, a more assertive approach might work well. In other words, establish yourself as the alpha in the situation.

This will lead to peace of mind not only for you, but the dog as well, as he or she will become comfortable in their place in the pack!

Remember, assertiveness does not mean aggressiveness. Rather, it simply means you need to be unafraid to back down and not give up in your training efforts.

And of course, there are scores of professionals ready to offer their services for training. Either way, once trained, a horgi will remain both loyal and obedient.

Living with Your Horgi

What’s it like living with one of these bundles of joy? According to owners, they’re quite easy and outgoing.

They also can adapt to different living conditions, provided you’re not in a cramped apartment. And if you are, extra exercise can make up for it.

They adapt well to all types of moderate weather condition. However, extreme heat is not good for them. Because of their double coats, they’re much better off in cold climate.

Both parent breeds, the Siberian Husky and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are dogs bred from regions with cold climate. Still, as long as it’s nottoohot, they will be fine.

When you’re with a horgi, it could be very entertaining. They have a bright personality that’s certain to put a smile on any dog lover. There’s never a dull moment when you’re with a Siberian Husky Welsh Corgi mix.

Potential Health Issues With the Horgi

While any dog breed will have its own health risks (and benefits), mixes such as the horgi are less susceptible to the genetic ailments that can affect purebreds. However, they can still be carriers of such genetic diseases.

It is worth making sure that neither parent suffers from any health issues specific to its breed. The best way to go about this is to utilize genetic testing on both parents, the sire and the dam.

If done properly, this can flag any health risks the pup might be susceptible to that are common for husky and corgi purebred’s to suffer from.

The Corgi Husky Weight

While a regularly exercised dog should readily maintain a healthy weight, Horgi owners should be aware that both huskies and corgis are known to put on pounds rather easily.

As such, horgis require a fair amount of exercise and a monitored caloric intake.

The recommended daily minimum physical exercise for your horgi is about one hour of walking and/or play.

In addition, be sure to keep their diet in check, with the goal being about 30 calories a day per pound of body weight. This usually averages out to somewhere between 600-900 calories each day.

However, if the dog is overweight, be sure to consult a specialist, such as your local veterinarian, who will recommend proper dietary changes.

Potential Back Problems

Due to their long bodies and short legs, horgis can be prone to spinal problems. This is also common among Welsh Corgis and other breeds with a similar stance.

While rarely life-threatening, such issues can cause discomfort for the dog, and in extreme cases can even result in severe pain.

While there will always be a chance for this in dogs bred to have shorter legs, the best defense against it is to keep the dog healthy and its weight in check.

Breeds with longer legs might be fine with packing a few extra pounds, but due to the horgi’s unique shape, even a slight obesity can lead to back problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This risk comes from both the husky and corgi genes. It results in a poorly formed hip joint that can further degenerate over time, leading to difficulty in movement.

Though genetic, this can be made worse by poor diet and obesity. All the more reason to keep your horgi properly fed and fit!

To learn more about Hip Dysplasia, you can check out this article by PetMD. There are ways to slow this down, but unfortunately it cannot be prevented 100%.

Degenerative Myelopathy

To watch out for on the corgi side is this progressive disease that targets the spinal cord. Unlike other health risks, this usually doesn’t become apparent until well into the dog’s life.

It’ll usually occur between 8 – 14 years of age. Plus, it can lead to a loss of coordination that can result in the horgi being unable to stand.

In terms of prevention, some evidence suggests that adding raw, fresh vegetables high in vitamins B, C, E and minerals can work toward preventing the onset of the disease.

Von Willebrand Disease

Though unlikely, there is a chance for a horgi to have VWD – a genetic disorder characterized by a missing or defective von Willebrand Factor (VWF).

VWF is a clotting protein that is part of the clotting process, and if it is absent, even minor cuts and bruises might lead to higher levels of bleeding.

However, this is usually only dangerous during invasive procedures, such as surgery or tooth extraction. It is best to know about this beforehand, so appropriate measures can be taken.

As such, it is recommended to have a horgi tested for VWD before undergoing any procedures where bleeding might occur.

If your Husky Corgi mix is in need of invasive procedures, ask your veterinarian to test your dog for this disease. Failure to do so can potentially be fatal.

Lifespan of a Husky Corgi

While this may seem like a long list of health issues, in general, horgis are healthy dogs, owing their wellbeing to coming from a pair of breeds that are rather stout.

Most of these issues can be prevented with the right balance of nutrition and exercise.

Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to do as much screening before hand to see what your horgi might be at risk for.

Overall, if properly cared for and kept healthy, a horgi should have a solid lifespan of 12-15 happy years. Of course, this varies from dog to dog. External factors will definitely play into this, like with all dogs.

Grooming a Corgi Husky Mix

Be ready for shedding – lots of it. Unfortunately, both the Corgi and Husky have double coats and are heavy shedders.

Neither of the parents are hypoallergenic dogs, so if you’re allergy-sensitive to dogs, a horgi may not be right for you.

On the bright side, here’s ahuge list of 55 hypoallergenic dog breeds you can choose from!

Coat Brushing is Crucial

Depending on the parents, you can expect a horgi to display moderate to heaving shedding (largely thanks to their double coats).

Either way, you’ll need to have a brush or two on hand if you want to keep their coat healthy…and to keep your home from being submerged beneath a layer of fur.

I highly recommend using the Furminator. Owners with double-coated dogs, such as the horgi, absolutely love it. In fact, it was built for double-coated dogs.

This means be ready to give them a thorough brushing at least once a week. However, you’ll need to brush them almost daily during shedding season (fall and spring).

Your Corgi Husky may experience heavier shedding during the spring season, as the winter cold fades. These dogs will often shed their thick winter coats around this time.

Similarly, when winter is approaching, these dogs will start shedding their summer coats in preparation for their new winter coats.

Basic Grooming Needs

In addition, you’ll want give them a good old-fashioned bathing every month or so, depending on their coat.

Some will be fine with up to two months between baths, while others might need one on a bimonthly basis. Their thick coat means plenty of room for grit and dirt to build up, especially closer to the skin.

Regular baths can not only leave their coat refreshed and clean, but will also remove loose fur before your little horgi has a chance to leave it all over your couch!

Just make sure not to bathe them too often, as it can wash away a lot of the essential oils that protect your dog’s skin.

Needless to say, toothbrushing is important for all dogs – and not just a horgi. When nails get too long, make sure to clip them carefully.

How do you know when they’re too long? If you hear a clicking nose when they walk on hardwood flooring, it’s time for nail-clipping. If you prefer to have a professional cut it, then by all means.

Owner Tips & Suggestions

Husky corgi mixes are very clever and intelligent dogs. This can be an advantage in training and overall personality, but it also demands that they receive proper mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.

This need not be work at all. In fact, it can be worked into their training as games such as hide and seek or red light green light.

Not only will you have fun with your horgi, but they will appreciate the opportunity to use their intelligence in a way that builds the relationship between you.

Finding a Corgi Husky Mix

Husky corgi mixes are still a fairly uncommon breed and might be a little hard to find. However, this doesn’t mean you should jump at the first little puppy or dog you find.

Be patient and take the time to do all the proper checks. This includes interviewing your potential breeder.

A good way to test whether the breeder is legit is by asking them a lot of questions. Some you may already know the answers to and others you don’t. You’re just testing them at this point.

You’ll be able to have a pretty decent idea of their skill and knowledge based of their details of their responses.

The best place to look for a Horgi breeder is by referral. If a friend or family owns a healthy and happy Horgi, then you have a great lead. However, not everyone knows someone with this mixed breed.

The most convenient place to find them is online. A simple Google search for the term along with your city can pull up a ton of breeder websites. They are, after all, a business and want to get found.

It’s also a great idea to look into dog forums (or even Instagram!) and find people posting pictures of their Husky Corgi mixes.

Personally, I would sign up for the forum and reach out to these people. More often than not, they’ll be happy to talk to you about their experience with their breeder.

Is a Horgi Right for Me?

Due to their unique combination of breeds, a husky corgi mix might require more attention than other breeds if you want to have a healthy, happy companion.

Strict diet and exercise needs will mean a degree of more responsibility and effort than other easier-to-care-for breeds like a beagle or greyhound.

With a thick coat, this mix wouldn’t be recommended to families or individuals with allergies or who don’t have the time to properly care for the dog’s fur. However, if the right attention and time is put in, you’ll have a sharp-looking dog.

Medical concerns can be kept under control with proper care, but be ready to check the horgi’s parents for genetic issues if you want a better chance at a healthy puppy with a long life ahead of it.

Playful and loyal, horgis are great around kids, as a result of the fun-loving corgi side and the playful husky side. However, a responsible adult is important to have as the main caregiver to ensure the dog receives regular exercise and a balanced diet.

When given the right attention and care, life with a husky corgi mix fluff ball friend can be a rewarding experience!

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