Corgi German Shepherd Mix: Breed Facts & Temperament

Mixing a lovely and adorable Welsh Corgi with a brave and ever-reliable German Shepherd sounds more like a really odd combination. Not only are these two physically different, their temperaments vary from one another as well. But then again, it is what’s to be expected from a designer dog breed, isn’t it? You’ll never really know how the dog will grow up to be simply because there’s no telling how the genes of its two different purebred parents are going to interact. Nevertheless, if we look at the many happy pet parents of Corman Shepherds (yup, this is what they call the Corgi German Shepherd Mix), we can say that the mixed breed truly has quite a number of desirable traits including intelligence, loyalty, and fun-loving. And if you’re thinking of adopting or getting one for your family, you’d better spare us a few minutes of your time to read this.

History of the Corgi German Shepherd

The origin of the Corgi German Shepherd Mix or Corman is quite controversial, not because of the process of crossbreeding itself but rather the method upon which the crossbreeding was performed. You should know that one is a large dog while the other is a small lap dog. Physically, it is impossible to mate the two. The only way this can be achieved is if the designer dog breeder will purposely get the semen from a male Welsh Corgi and deposit this into the vaginal canal or the cervix of a female German Shepherd through a method we all know as artificial insemination.

The term itself – artificial – already denotes something that is ‘unnatural’. For some dog enthusiasts, using artificial insemination is clearly in violation of natural laws. Nature never intended a larger animal to mate with a smaller animal even though they belong to the same species. As such, there are some ethical questions that are raised in the development of the Corman. There are, of course, those who see artificial insemination as nothing more than assisting two different breeds in the reproduction process.

We don’t mean to be moralists or ethicists here so we’ll leave that question to you whether or not it is okay to use artificial insemination just so one can produce a dog that one desires.

One question that people ask us is why it’s a must that the German Shepherd be female and the Welsh Corgi male and not the other way around. Good question.

Puppies develop and grow inside the uterus of female dogs. Since we are talking about mating a large dog with a small dog, by law of averages, then we can say that the puppies will have the size that is right in the middle – smaller than the German Shepherd but larger than the Welsh Corgi. That being said, try to imagine having these puppies developing in the womb of a female Welsh Corgi. It’s smaller compared to the uterus of the GSD. As such, there is a tendency that the embryo may not develop fully because of the relatively smaller cavity of the Corgi uterus.

It is for this reason that the dog with the larger uterus should carry the pregnancy. This allows the moderately-sized puppies to grow and develop fully.

Most folks have this idea that the Corman was first created in the mid-1990s in the US. Unfortunately, we can neither support nor refute such claims since there is no written evidence as to the hybrid’s origins. What we can say is this. The 1990s marked the period when people really began taking great interest in designer dog breeds. This peaked in the 2000s when famous people including Hollywood celebrities were seen with their hybrid mutts. This can only mean that majority of these designer dog breeds may have been created much earlier, perhaps in the 70s or at least the 80s. It usually takes time before a particular ‘type’ of dog generates enough interest from the public.

Of course, we could be wrong. So if you happen to know the actual history of the Corman Shepherd, please share it with us.

Who are the Parents?

Knowing that the Corman is a cross between a GSD and a Welsh Corgi is one thing. Understanding who its parents are is an entirely different matter. This is important if one wants to have an idea of just what kind of hybrid dog the Corman can be.

German Shepherd

Intelligent and confident, the German Shepherd Dog is the undisputed leader of the working dogs. It is so versatile that it has moved well beyond the traditional sheepherding roles that it was initially bred for. A product of meticulous German inbreeding practices courtesy of Max von Stephanitz, the GSD embodies the desirable traits of a working dog – intelligent, trainable, dedicated, confident, strong, agile, and loyal.

The modern GSD has come a long way from being the pride of German shepherds and livestock owners. It is now a watchful police dog, a highly-prized therapy dog, a reliable search and rescue canine, and a danger-sniffing military hound. In the hands of an able dog trainer or owner, the GSD can easily perform whatever task is assigned to it. Its biddable nature makes it a joy to train; that is if you’ve got the traits of a leader.

And while it never fails to strike fear among unscrupulous individuals, with its ready-to-pounce stance and an ever-alert demeanor, the GSD is nevertheless gentle and very friendly to children. It is a fact that many who clearly don’t know the dog find very surprising. In their minds are an attack dog, yet the GSD can be as gentle and cuddly as a Teddy Bear.

All of these wonderful traits depend on how well the GSD was raised, however. Clearly, not everyone is cut out to be the GSD’s leader. But for those who do, they’re gifted with one of the world’s most dependable working and family companion dog.

Welsh Corgi

Most individuals associate the Welsh Corgi with Queen Elizabeth II. But this dog has been in existence in Wales for more than 1,000 years. It is an all-around farm dog, flushing out rats, rodents, and other vermin from their hiding places before dealing the death blow. It herds its owner’s livestock and provides a really loud warning if ever it senses that strangers are just within the outer perimeter of its property.

It may be small, but the Welsh Corgi never reneges on its fundamental duty: being in-charge of any situation and getting involved in anything that the family does. This dog is like a cross between a school hall monitor and a social director for a cruise liner. It has a happy and energetic personality. There’s never a moment that you’ll see sadness written on the dog’s face.

The Welsh Corgi is a proficient herder. It nips at the heels of cattle to make sure they go in the direction where they need to go. Unfortunately, this trait can also be carried over when playing with kids as it has the tendency to look at them as its flock. It’s a playful, outgoing, highly active, and truly alert dog that can be very vocal if not trained to temper its barking. Good thing it is trainable. But you’ve got to use treats as it’s a small dog with a big appetite. Nothing can motivate it more than a tasty treat.

Find out more about Dog Food for Corgis here. 

Quick Facts

The Corgi German Shepherd Mix can carry the characteristics of either or both its parents. Unfortunately, there really is no surefire way to ascertain how a particular hybrid will turn out to be. The following are what is generally known about the hybrid, nonetheless.

• Cormans are relatively small, typically ranging in height from 12 to 15 inches.
• The weight is highly variable, too. It is not uncommon to find a mix of small and large pups in a litter. When these are fully grown, the small ones can weigh at least 40 lbs while the larger puppies can grow to a maximum of 70 lbs.
• Corgi German Shepherds can live up to 15 years with the lower limit at 10 years.
• Cormans are known to be moderate to heavy shedders, owing to their parents’ natural shedding tendencies. Remember, if the Corman got its characteristics from the GSD parent, you can expect it to shed a lot.
• It usually has a dense double-coat with the length of its fur anywhere from short to medium.
• Brown, white, and black are the dominant colors of its coat. However, it is not uncommon that the Corman can be a combination of the coat markings of its parents.
• Bloat is a major health problem for the Corgi German Shepherd Mix since it has a deeper chest than most other designer dog breeds.
• It can be very vocal, especially if the Corgi genes are more dominant.

Things You Should Know

We really have to forewarn you. There’s no telling what kind of dog the Corgi German Shepherd can be even though you have carefully understood the temperaments and characteristics of its parents. This is one of the downsides to owning a designer dog breed. Regardless, to help you prepare for the role of a Corman Shepherd pet parent, here’s what you need to understand.

Training

Be prepared to assume the role of the Corman Shepherd’s pack leader. This is the only way you can mold its character into the loving, affectionate, and calm family companion that you’ve always envisioned. It is intelligent so training it shouldn’t really be difficult. However, do keep in mind that it doesn’t respond well to harsh criticisms as it can be especially sensitive. If you do, you’ll easily find out that training it will be as difficult as any other stubborn dog.

On a positive note, GSDs are bred to work so they will be very eager to learn new tricks. The Corgi, on the other hand, is greatly motivated by food; using treats and other enticing rewards should help get it to learn the different things you want it to learn. These traits can also be found in the Corgi German Shepherd Mix. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the Corman reaches 1 year before starting its training. Even an 8-week old pup can easily follow your commands.

Feeding

Corman Shepherds are quite notorious for bloat which can easily deteriorate into the life-threatening gastric dilatation volvulus. It is imperative, therefore, that it be fed at least 3 times a day rather than the usual twice daily feeding. Giving small servings of its food should help minimize the entry and formation of gas in its tummy. To compensate for the reduced calorie and nutrients associated with smaller food portions, you will need to increase its frequency from 2 to 3, at the least.

Additionally, Cormans are also quite prone to hip dysplasia. Giving them dog food that contains chondroitin or glucosamine or both should help. Dog food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve the function of its eyes so it will be able to avoid cataracts and other eye problems. Steer clear of allergenic grains as well as the more common animal proteins like chicken and beef as the Corgi German Shepherd can have allergies, too.

Check out our guides on Organic Dog Food and Dehydrated Dog Food for more info. 

Exercise

With both of its parents being active dogs, it can be expected that the Corman Shepherd will also be active. It enjoys running and brisk walking in the park, although a gentle stroll wouldn’t hurt. As long as you can keep it walking for a minimum of an hour a day, the Corman should be perfectly fine. If you have a wide backyard, you can have a game of fetch or perhaps create a mini obstacle course for them to run through. You’ll be amazed at how agile this dog is.

Mental stimulation is also a fundamental requirement for the Corgi German Shepherd. This is to help sharpen its problem-solving abilities. It may not be as witty as the Border Collie but it sure can rely on mental exercises to keep boredom and depression at bay.

Socialization

It is important to nurture the Corman’s natural tendency to be friendly whether it’s with people or other pets. This can be ensured by properly socializing it as soon as it enters your life. Daily trips to the dog park, going on a walk with fellow dog lovers with their pets, and even participating in community sponsored pet events should help.

One can also consider enrolling the Corman in puppy kindergarten classes. This is especially helpful for very young pups as they still ‘yearn’ for the interaction they get from their ‘age-mates’. You can also invite people to your home so the Corman will get accustomed to them.

Grooming

Cormans are low-maintenance hybrid dogs. They don’t require that much effort when it comes to grooming. A quick 10-minute brush of its dense yet short coat twice a week should be fine. However, for Cormans that may have the tendency to shed quite a lot, more frequent brushing is needed.

You can also give the Corman a bath 3 to 4 times a year. Don’t bathe it very frequently as this can remove the oils from its skin. Clipping its nails every month is ideal. Cleaning the Corman’s ears can be executed every 1 to 2 weeks. As for its teeth, even though you’re giving it dental chews and dog kibbles, daily brushing is still a must.

Take a look at our reviews of Dog Toothpaste and Dog Toothbrushes for more options.

Health

We already mentioned bloat, hip dysplasia, and allergies as quite common among Corgi German Shepherd Mixes. Additionally, it may also come with eye problems, back pain, immune-mediated disorders, heart problems, and even cancer.

Ideally, the German Shepherd Corgi Mix is perfect for…

• Individuals who enjoy a brisk walk, a morning jog, or any other outdoor physical activity
• Folks who can appreciate the need for early socialization and training in the Corman
• Those with spacious yards or access to wide open spaces
• Individuals and families who don’t mind a vocal dog

You’ll be better off with another dog if you…

• Have been diagnosed with hypersensitivity reactions specially to pet dander
• Cannot even find time to walk, much less exercise and socialize the dog

Temperament

With its unquestionable loyalty, the Corman Shepherd can easily become a great family dog. It has a bubbly and spirited personality, yet can also show calmness when needed. It is friendly and very affectionate with kids, although the Corgi’s heeler instincts can kick in at any time and nip the heels of youngsters. Regardless, this hybrid can get along with almost anybody and any other pet in the household and in the neighborhood. It leads a very active lifestyle, although it sure can appreciate moments of cuddling and snuggling with its beloved owners. It is, after all, a people-oriented crossbreed that will grow depressed if left alone for exceptionally long periods of time.

The Corgi German Shepherd is an active and intelligent dog that can be easily trained (if one knows how) to be a calm, well-behaved, and truly affectionate hound. It’s a family pet that is sweet and loyal to those who can shower it with love.

Source:

1. Corgi German Shepherd Mix Breed Facts – The Dog Digest