You have heard of Corgis – but do you know what a Shorgi is? No, don’t confuse them with Shorkies, a crossbreed of a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) and a Shih Tzu! This is an entirely different mixed breed.
In recent years, there has been a craze about designer dog breeds, and the Shorgi is one of them. This is a crossbreed of a purebred Corgi and a purebred Shih Tzu – and it’s one of the cutest dogs you have ever seen!
These dogs are lively and affectionate, and they’ll do all they can to be around people all day long. Their adorable personality combined with their cute looks has quickly made them one of the most beloved Corgi cross breeds.
But, how can you know if this little dog is the right choice for you? To help you understand these pooches a bit more, we have gathered all the information available. If learning about these adorable dogs interests you, then keep on reading!
What Is a Shorgi?
Photo from: @baxtersview
The Shorgi is a hybrid dog that is the result of cross breeding a Shih Tzu with either a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi – although Pembrokes are usually the ones used for this mix.
The exact origins of this cross breed are unknown. However, it is believed that the first intentional Shorgi was born somewhere in the late 1990s or early 2000s.
This crossbreed was made with the intent of combining the attractive features of both Corgis and Shih Tzus. This includes both their personality and their appearance. Mixed breed dogs are usually the perfect combination of their parent breeds, so it isn’t a surprise that both the Corgi and the Shih Tzu were chosen for this mix.
Also, the Shorgi is a cross breed that is well-connected with royal families. Why is that?
It is a well-known fact that Corgis are the dogs of choice of Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, she used to have over a dozen Corgis inside Buckingham Palace during her reign!
On the other hand, the Shih Tzus were loved by the Chinese Emperors, and they were commonly seen as pets of Chinese royal families and of people from Tibet.
The Designer Dog Controversy
Photo from: @cookietheshorgi
Before we go on, it’s important to mention that there is an ongoing debate when it comes to crossbreeds and whether or not they should exist.
Some dog breeders – as well as many dog lovers – praise the idea of cross breeding purebred dogs. There are several reasons why this can be a good thing.
Most importantly, many purebred dogs are the result of inbreeding. This is done to keep the bloodlines pure, and to make sure certain traits are spread to the offspring.
However, as you likely already know, inbreeding can lead to plenty of health issues. This is because there are high chances of certain bad recessive genes being inherited from both sides of the family, as well as some other factors.
Also, mixed breeds have something that is called hybrid vigor. This trait allows mutts to be much healthier than their purebred parents because there is a greater number of genes a dog might inherit.
Because of this, more and more people want to get a designer dog as compared to a purebred one. They want to ensure they get a pup that is not just unique, but also healthy.
On the other hand, many breeders and experts oppose the idea of designer dogs. While no one can deny the health problems that plague many purebred dogs, they claim that cross breeding ruins bloodlines, and that the dog’s health should be improved by encouraging responsible breeding practices.
Also, this is one of the reasons why most kennel clubs, such as the AKC and the FCI, don’t recognize cross breeds. Although, to tell the truth, there isn’t a specific breed standard any of these dogs follow as their features are quite unpredictable.
Either way, Shorgis are here to stay, and the popularity of this Corgi mix is only rising.
Shorgi Dog Appearance
Photo from: @benjitheshorgi
Shorgis are medium-sized to small-sized dogs that usually grow to a height of 10 to 12 inches. However, some can be as tiny as Shih Tzus, which grow to be anywhere between 8 and 11 inches.
When it comes to their weight, it all depends on their build. Some are as light as Shih Tzus, weighing 9 to 16 lbs, while others can be more stubby, weighing 27 to 30 lbs, like their Corgi parent.
It can be challenging to try to predict the appearance of any crossbreed, and the same goes for Shorgis. This is because they can inherit the traits of either of their parents – or of both of them.
However, we can make some general overview.
Most Shorgis will inherit the Corgi’s short legs and elongated bodies. This is because the Corgi’s body shape is the cause of a specific dominant gene that causes dwarfism, so most Corgi mixes have this specific build.
While Corgis have large, fox-like heads with long, erect ears, Shih Tzus have a small muzzle with floppy ears. Most of the time, a Shorgis’ head will resemble a Shih Tzus’ one, but they might have a bit longer muzzle. Erect ears are also possible, as well as an underbite.
The eye color of the Shorgi will usually be dark brown, although blue eyes can be present if one of the parents has them. While rare, some Shih Tzus can have blue eyes, as well as Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
The coat type can be that of either of the parents or a mix of both. Overall, Corgis have a medium-length coarse double coat, while Shih Tzus have a long, silky coat, which is the breed’s trademark.
This means that the Shorgi’s fur can be either medium or long, and most of the time, it’ll be silky, smooth, and shiny – although any combination is possible.
As for the coat color, this is where it gets interesting. Shih Tzus are among dogs with the highest number of coat colors available! They can be black, white, tan, or blue. They even come in some rare colors and patterns such as merle, brindle, and sable!
Due to the Corgi’s genes, however, most of these dogs will come in either fawn, brown, red, or a combination of two or three of these colors.
Do Shorgis Shed?
Photo from: @teddytheshorgi
The amount of shedding you can expect from your Shorgi depends entirely on its coat type. There isn’t a general rule as to whether or not these dogs are huge shedders, and it all comes down to the individual dog.
Shih Tzus are a non-shedding breed. While their long, straight coat seems like it can be a mess to clean, these dogs don’t seem to shed at all. This makes them the perfect choice for people who love to have clean furniture and clothes, although they require regular brushing.
On the other hand, Corgis are huge shedders. Their short fur will shed all the time and it’ll go everywhere. They have a thick undercoat and a medium-length outer coat that sheds all the time. The amount of shedding increases twice a year, during shedding seasons.
Most Shorgis will shed somewhere in between. In other words, they are moderate shedders that will, most of the time, require brushing at least a few times a week, but the exact frequency depends on the coat length.
Are Shorgis Hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, all Corgi mixes are dogs you should avoid. Even if you get a Corgi Poodle mix, it still might not be adequate for an allergy sufferer.
Corgis shed a lot, and even if you cross breed them with a hypoallergenic breed, such as the Shih Tzu, the offspring will still experience at least some amount of shedding. This means they couldn’t possibly be hypoallergenic.
However, it’s important to note that a truly hypoallergenic dog doesn’t really exist. This is because dog hairs aren’t real allergens. Rather, you’re having a problem with dog dander, urine, and saliva, and this is something all canines secrete.
So, what’s the deal with hair?
Dander sticks to dog hairs, and this is how it gets spread around. This is why you have an issue if you inhale a dog’s hair – you’re inhaling the dander together with it. This is why low-shedding breeds won’t cause you many issues, but the chances of an allergic reaction are always there.
Also, since all dogs secrete urine and saliva, there is no way you can avoid getting in contact with allergens no matter how hard you try.
Still, as with Shorgis, you’ll have dog hairs flying everywhere. This certainly isn’t the best breed if you sneeze whenever a dog gets nearby.
Shorgi Temperament
Photo from: @lifewith.benni
Just like with appearance, mixed breed dogs will get their personality from their parent breeds. With Shorgis, this can get interesting.
Welsh Corgis are playful, friendly, funny dogs that will always be the center of attention. They’ll want all eyes on them, and this is apparent. At the same time, they are strong-willed, even stubborn at times, making them look a bit mischievous.
Shih Tzus are just as happy and outgoing of dogs, but they are a bit calmer than Corgis. They are loyal and affectionate, and they’ll follow their humans from room to room. Some might even consider them clingy.
When you combine these two, you get Shorgis. These dogs crave attention, but they like to be independent when they feel like it. They love their owners with all their beings, and they’ll want attention all the time!
While this is cute, it can make them a bit troublesome for people who have to work long hours. Shorgis are prone to separation anxiety, and they won’t deal well with being left alone. They might even develop some destructive behaviors.
At the same time, these small dogs are protective and territorial, so they might not like having strangers enter your property. In fact, they might even be borderline aggressive, especially toward people they aren’t familiar with. Socialization is the key if you want your doggy to be well-behaved.
With their owners, Shorgis are cuddly and loving, and they’ll want nothing more than to spend an entire day in your lap. This makes them fairly easy to handle, even if you’re a first-time dog owner.
Is a Shorgi Easy to Train?
Photo from: @myphotogenicfurbabies
Both the Shih Tzu and the Corgi are intelligent dogs that can learn new commands very quickly. However, Corgis have that stubborn streak that might make them not want to listen to you from time to time.
Fortunately, the Shih Tzus’ mild temper mellows that, so Shorgis will be easier to train – most of the time. You can never know what traits a pup will inherit!
Shorgis are obedient dogs that will do anything to please their owners. While they might have that independent streak, all it takes to make them want to listen to you is some positive reinforcement – especially in the form of treats.
Consistency is the key, and you have to let them know you are the pack leader. Be firm and strict, but not too strict. Don’t yell or get physical, but rather reward any success you see.
Keep in mind that although these are small dogs, they can still be aggressive if you don’t train them properly. They have territorial nature, and you have to know how to handle them. Fortunately, if you find yourself on a bumpy road, you can always contact a professional groomer to help you with dog training.
Shorgi Activity Requirements
Photo from: @teddytheshorgi
Corgis are herding dogs that were bred to spend hours running around on the field. Shih Tzus are somewhat calmer, but they also love to run around from time to time.
Overall, Shorgis require a lot of exercise. While they are suited for apartment living, they need to spend a lot of time outside to deplete their high energy levels. You should take your Shorgi on several walks per day, and also give it some heavy playtime.
Fortunately, they don’t have too much stamina, so they may get tired quickly. However, they are prone to ‘zoomies,’ and they can develop destructive habits if their activity requirements aren’t met.
While these dogs do well indoors, they would love to have access to the yard. This isn’t mandatory, though, as long as you make sure they get up to an hour of exercise daily.
Keep in mind that these pups can get heat strokes. They prefer the cold over the heat, and while they can do well in all temperatures, their long coat can make them overheat. This is something you need to look for during hot, summer walks.
Also, since Shorgis are intelligent dogs, they can get bored easily. You need to provide them with a lot of mental stimulation to make sure they don’t use that excess energy to chew through your couch.
How Much Grooming Does a Shorgi Need?
Photo from: @jaxtheshorgi
The grooming needs of a Shorgi depend on its coat type. As mentioned above, these are moderate shedding dogs that can have a medium to long coat.
If their coat is long, then daily brushing is required to prevent mats and tangles. If the coat is shorter, then it would be enough to brush them a few times a week.
Be prepared for a lot of vacuuming! These pups will leave loose hairs everywhere. This includes the floor, furniture, and your favorite clothes. You may even find hairs inside the food you eat!
Also, since they are active dogs, you should give them a bath whenever they get dirty. Other than that, bathe them once every few months. Don’t go overboard as too much bathing can make their skin flake. Use only dog shampoos as human ones can damage their skin.
Don’t forget to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week, although three times is preferable. It seems like dog owners forget about the dental hygiene of their family pets, even though up to 80% of dogs that are two years old have some type of dental disease.
Another thing you shouldn’t forget is nail clipping. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this too often. Clip their nails when you notice they have grown too long.
Clean their ears from time to time, as they can be prone to infections. Ask your groomer for dog ear plucking if you feel like this is necessary, as well.
Diet Requirements
Photo from: @jacknkiwi
Shorgis are active dogs, which means they need well-balanced dog food with a lot of protein. Their food needs to contain all the nutrients they need for such an active lifestyle.
Look for high-quality dog foods designed to fit the dietary needs of small and medium dogs. If you decide to give your pooch dry food, look for brands that give them a good mix of meat, grains, and vegetables.
The serving size always depends on the size, age, and activity level of your Shorgi. If you’re unsure of how much food is enough, you can always contact your vet and ask them for advice. At the same time, you should follow the guidelines written on the dog food packaging.
Keep in mind that Shorgis are prone to overeating. They’ll eat how much you give them, even if they’ll feel sick afterward. This makes them prone to obesity, which can further lead to many health problems. In other words, these aren’t dogs that you can free-feed.
Ideally, you should feed your Shorgi twice a day; once in the morning, then again in the evening. Of course, follow the daily food allowance, and split it into two even portions.
While no one can resist giving their dog treats, keep in mind that they shouldn’t take more than 10% of a Shorgi’s daily calorie intake.
Are Shorgis Good with Kids?
Photo from: @lewistheshorgi
If you consider getting this dog, but have kids or plan on having them, you’re probably worrying about how they’ll get along.
Shorgis are great pets for families with older kids. In fact, this is one of those mixed breeds that can get along with almost anyone! They have a lot of energy, and they love to play all the time, and children can make great playmates for such a dog.
However, Shorgis don’t have a lot of patience, and they don’t love to have someone constantly poking them. They might get snappy if your toddler begins playing a bit too rough, and they’d love to be left alone from time to time.
This isn’t entirely the Shorgi’s fault. You should always teach your kids how to behave around dogs to prevent any kind of accident from happening. Tell them not to touch a dog’s ears, tail, eyes, or nose, and not to yell at them.
If a child knows what to do and what not to do around a Shorgi, then the two can respect each other, and this means peace in the house – especially considering how friendly Shih Tzus are. Also, there are many other Shih Tzu mixes we suggest you check, too!
Another problem can be in the Corgi’s herding instincts. These dogs were bred to herd cattle, and this behavior is deeply etched in them. Inside the house, they might confuse active children with cattle, so they’ll attempt to herd them by nipping their heels.
While this cannot cause serious harm to a child, it can scare them or make them fall down if they try to run away from a nipping Corgi.
Other than that, these dogs are the perfect size for a family pet. They are small enough not to hurt a kid by accident, but large enough that the child cannot hurt them during rough play.
Do Shorgis Get Along with Other Pets?
Photo from: @daisy_theminiweenie
Even if you plan on having your Shorgi as the only pet, you should still consider how well this breed gets along with other pets. In the end, you’re bound to meet another dog at the dog park, so you have to know how your Shorgi will react to the encounter.
Shorgis can do well with other pets, but only if you’ve properly socialized them from an early age, or if they have been raised with other pets. Otherwise, they might be too cautious and unwilling to make new friends.
If you bring home a new pet, expect your Shorgi to be quite jealous and not to hide that feeling. They’ll be wary of any incomer, and it can take them a while before they stop seeing their new roommate as a threat.
Fortunately, neither Corgis nor Shih Tzus are notable hunting dogs, so most Shorgis will ignore small prey animals. Still, you should monitor the time they spend together as you can never know when their wolf instincts will awaken.
How Much Is a Shorgi?
Photo from: @teddytheshorgi
While many Corgi mixes are expensive due to the high price of their Corgi parent, the same cannot be said of Shorgis. This is because they still aren’t as desirable as some other cross breeds, such as the Corgi Husky mix. This is why the price might surprise you.
In most places, you can find your Shorgi puppy costing between $500 and $750. This is quite affordable, especially if we have in mind that many mixed dogs tend to cost more than their purebred parents – and even Shih Tzus can be expensive.
Of course, this initial cost isn’t the only expense you can expect when you want to own a Shorgi. You need to count in all the additional expenses such as vet visits, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, high-quality dog food, items and dog toys, and many more.
Male Vs. Female Shorgi
Photo from: @benjitheshorgi
There isn’t a significant difference between a male and a female Shorgi, especially if you think about the differences in male vs. female Corgis or Shih Tzus.
The biggest difference is in their size. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, and their bodies are more muscular. Still, as these are small dogs, this difference is almost insignificant.
Males tend to be more energetic, and they need more playtime. On the other hand, females are a bit more affectionate, making them appear more dependent. While this is what makes them so adorable, it also means they are more prone to separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long.
In short, while some minor differences between a male and a female Shorgi do exist, you should pick your dog according to its personality and health, and not its gender.
Shorgi Lifespan and Health Conditions
Photo from: @jaxtheshorgi
Just like most other cross breeds, Shorgis are a fairly healthy dog breed. They can live up to 15 years, and it seems like they never lose their spirit, even when they are quite old. Since both Shih Tzus and Corgis live long, this isn’t a surprise.
This shouldn’t be a surprise as smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones. Just compare the life expectancy of a Chihuahua and a Great Dane!
All dogs are born almost the exact same size. However, when they are just a few weeks old, there is already a huge difference in the size of a small dog and a large dog. This means that the cells of a large dog reproduce much faster than the cells of a small dog.
The faster the cells reproduce, the more chances there are of the process becoming faulty, creating cancer and various other diseases. While this doesn’t mean that small dog breeds don’t suffer from certain diseases, they usually catch them later on in life.
However, this doesn’t mean that Shorgis are free of all health problems. These pups can still get some very serious health-related issues. These include:
• Eye and ear infections
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Allergies
• Hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
While you cannot do much to prevent your dog from getting some kind of genetic health condition, you can get a diagnosis fast if you never skip vet visits and do yearly checkups.
You might also want to consider getting pet insurance for your Corgi puppy. While there aren’t many chances of your dog getting sick, insurance could help you cover the medical expenses if they ever occur.
Before You Buy
Photo from: @baxtersview
Before you buy your Shorgi puppy, there are a few things you need to do. Most importantly, you should visit as many breeders as possible, and gather as much information about them and their dogs as you can.
While you are with the breeder, ask to see their adult dogs, especially the parents of the litter. See if you can inspect the conditions in which they keep their dogs. All Shorgis should be happy and healthy, and the area they live in should be clean and maintained.
A responsible breeder won’t have a problem showing you all their dogs. They might even allow you to meet and handle the puppies they have during your visit. However, if the breeder refuses to let you touch the puppies, don’t argue. Chances are the puppies are very young.
Also, a good breeder will do their best to answer any questions you may have about the breed, along with telling you how to take care of your new pet. Ideally, they will help you pick out your puppy depending on your preferences and the pup’s personality.
The more breeders you visit, the higher the chances are of finding a reputable breeder who will be able to sell you the best dog possible, while also educating you about the breed. They’ll probably let you know how to take the best possible care of your Shorgi pup as well.
Are Shorgis Good Family Dogs?
Photo from: @myphotogenicfurbabies
Overall, Shorgis can make very good family dogs – with a bit of obedience training and socialization. While small, thanks to their barking habits and suspicion of strangers, they can make excellent watchdogs while they also make great family pets.
These adorable, fluffy dogs require an owner who will stay with them all the time as they hate being left alone. If you’re someone who spends most of your daily life outside of the house, then you may not be the right owner for a Shorgi.
The breed is also great for apartments, but they have high energy levels that you need to deplete. Otherwise, they can become destructive. Don’t let their small size fool you – they can make a mess if they want to.
They are fairly easy to train, although they can be a bit stubborn from time to time. You need to arm yourself with patience and dog treats if you want to complete their training fast.
The biggest downside of this dog breed is that it might not be the best choice for small children as both parent breeds can be snappy if they’re not left alone when they want to be.
Other than that, a Shorgi would be a great addition to your family.
