Husky Corgi Mix Breed [what is a Horgi?]

The Husky Corgi Mix dog breed is unique and relatively new. Referred to as a Horgi, Siborgi, or Corgsky it is a designer crossbreed mixing either the Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Siberian Husky. It’s usually unpredictable how the dog will look. The Horgi is not a purebred and not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Keep reading to learn everything that you need to know about this Husky Corgi mix!

What is a Horgi?

You will often see a Horgi dog referred to as a Husky Corgi Mix or Corgi Husky mix. They are the same dog.

They are not purebred dogs. This means they do not have a breed standard and could look or act very different depending on which breed is more dominant.

Husky Corgi Mix

The Corgi Husky mix is a great dog for anyone looking for stunning looks in a medium to a large-sized dog with a ton of personality. It is becoming very popular with dog owners.

This includes their temperament, trainability, care requirements, and more. In addition, we will be providing you with some tips for finding a reputable breeder.

Husky Corgi History

The Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are one of Britain’s oldest breeds which can be traced back by a couple of centuries.

It is thought that the Corgi originated back in the 9th or 10th century and descended from Vallhunds, which are Swedish cattle dogs.

They were supposedly brought to Wales by the Vikings. The Welsh Corgi was brought to the United States in 1936 and was very popular among Queen Elizabeth II of England.

The first Pembroke Corgi was brought to North America in 1933 by an American breeder.

Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are often referred to as the “snow dog.” The Chukchi people bred the Husky as a sled dog to help them haul light-weighted loads through the snow.

The Siberian Husky participated in popular sled races and was noticed by more people in the early 1900’s because of this.

When an epidemic broke out in 1925, a group of Huskies made headlines for traveling 658 miles in only five and a half days to rush a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska.

Both the Corgi and the Husky are herding dogs, so it is likely that the mix will turn out a good herding dog as well.

What is a Husky Corgi Mix Called?

A Husky Corgi mix hybrid dog is often called a Horgi, Siborgi, or Corgsky.

Husky Corgi Mix Parent Breeds

Learning about the history of the Siberian Husky, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi can help you understand a bit more about this mixed breed.

Because both a Pembroke and a Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be used to breed Horgis, we will briefly discuss both.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky’s history goes back centuries and they were originally bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia as sled dogs.

These dogs were designed to pull sleds in packs for long amounts of time in extremely cold temperatures.

However, the popularity of the Siberian Husky in the United States didn’t really take off until the early 1900s when Huskies were becoming famous for winning sled races.

Their endurance ability is amazing.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally bred to be a herding dog by the Welsh just like their close relative the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

However, today they are commonly seen as companion dogs.

These dogs usually do very well with families, and their small to medium size makes them adaptable to apartment living. They need regular exercise due to their working dog heritage.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is related to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but they were made into strictly separate breeds in the 1930s.

Also originally bred to be a herding dog, the two types of corgi are fairly similar in temperament. However, their appearances are slightly different.

For example, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a tail while the Pembroke does not. Cardigans also tend to be a bit larger than Pembrokes, and they can come in a wider variety of coat colors.

This includes the popular blue merle, which is a coat color that is exclusive to the Cardigan.

Horgi Characteristics

Since the Horgi is a crossbreed, it is hard to pinpoint their exact traits and characteristics. It is unclear which parent breeds they will get more of their characteristics from.

They may be more like their Husky parent and have a Husky face with possibly a larger body, but they also may be more like their Corgi parent with short legs and a Corgi-like face.

There is no way to be able to tell until the pup has grown a bit. However, some assumptions can be made based on past litters. Either way, they are one of the cutest dog breeds..

Husky Corgi Mix Size

Size-wise, the Husky Corgi mix will resemble the Corgi more. You can expect the body of a Corgi and the head of a Husky.

How Big Does a Horgi Get?

The average weight of a Horgi will be between 20 to 50lbs and will stand around 13 to 15 inches tall.

Husky Corgi Mix Coat

You can expect your Horgi to have very thick fur with double coats.

Sometimes it will be more like a Husky’s coat and be very heavy and straight. It can also be like a Corgi’s coat which is long and bulky.

Husky Corgi Mix Color

The coat colors of the Husky Corgi mix are black, cream, and red with white markings. Due to the fact that Huskies have genes for many colors including white their coats are usually a combination of colors.

What Color Eyes Does a Husky Corgi Mix Have?

While most dogs have brown eyes because of them being part Husky it is possible your Horgi could have one or two blue eyes.

Is a Husky Corgi Mix Hypoallergenic?

No, the Horgi will not be hypoallergenic. These dogs are heavy shedders, especially during shedding season. Therefore, they are not a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Horgi Temperament

Unlike the German Shepherd, the Horgi would not make a great guard dog because of their love for everyone, including strangers. They will definitely make a loyal and great companion!

Horgis are very fun, playful, and loving dogs with high energy and affection. They love being in the spotlight and will enjoy plenty of social events where they can meet new friends.

The Corgi Husky Mix is a Friendly Dog

They are also an active dog and loves playing outside. Because of their nature, they will likely go around chasing other small animals like squirrels.

A Horgi will love to be alongside you while you exercise. They aren’t a very aggressive breed but they are highly alert. You should try to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

A Husky Corgi Mix dog requires a lot of love and attention. They are not a good dog to leave alone for long periods of time as they can suffer from separation anxiety.

The Corgi Husky Mix breed is very easy to train, as they love to please their owners. However, they need the training while they are still young pups.

Keep in mind that they will try to test their owners! They also have a high prey drive so it is important to keep them away from smaller animals if they are unsupervised.

How Long Does a Horgi Live?

The Horgi has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Husky Corgi Mix Health Issues

Like all dogs, the Horgi is prone to some health problems. Usually, they are predisposed to the issues that their parent breeds may have.

Some of the common health concerns are listed below:

Hip Dysplasia – As in the name, this is when your dog’s hip is displaced and their thighbone does not fit correctly into their hip joint.

It can start when the dog is young and get progressively worse over time. This illness is more common in larger breeds so it could be passed down from the dog’s Husky parent.

You will notice the symptoms if your dog struggles to sit or stand. They may even struggle to lie down without being uncomfortable.

Although this disease is partially caused by genetic ailments, obesity and lack of exercise can definitely contribute. Make sure to keep your dog active to try and avoid this illness.
Back and Leg Issues – Because of the Horgi’s unusual proportions due to being a mixed breed, they are more prone to back problems.

Obesity can be a big factor in the dog’s health problems so be sure to keep the dog active and eat healthily.

When picking them up, be careful not to twist them in order to keep their spine straight.
Degenerative Myelopathy – This is a progressive disease that can be inherited by the Corgi parent. It affects the spinal cord of the Horgi.

It starts with a loss of coordination in their legs and can result in hind leg paralysis. Symptoms usually start in older dogs (around 8 to 14 years) and you may notice them wobbling or dragging their feet.

This disease is not curable. It can likely be prevented by a good diet and enough exercise. If it gets too severe, intense physical rehabilitation will help.
von Willebrand Disease – This disease can be found in both humans and dogs.

According to VCA Hospitals, von Willebrand Disease is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in the amount of protein needed to “help platelets (the blood cells used in clotting) stick together and form clots to seal broken blood vessels.”

This disease cannot be cured but can be treated through a small surgery.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Epilepsy
Eye problems

Horgi Care

As do all dogs, Horgis require regular checkups with the vet. This will help to detect any possible health risks early on before your dog really starts to suffer.

Your vet can also help you come up with a care routine to keep your dog healthy and in shape.

Since Horgis are prone to weight gain, make sure you take them on daily walks. If their Husky side is more prevalent, your Horgi may require more exercise to remain healthy.

A big concern when it comes to the Horgi is oral hygiene. The Corgi is prone to dental issues so you will have to clean your dog’s teeth daily.

Your vet can help instruct you if you have any questions.

Horgi Diet

Since this breed has a tendency to overeat, leaving a bowl out with food may not be the best idea. Overeating will cause more health issues and back problems.

Most Horgis do well on a high-quality dog food. It is recommended that you feed your Husky Corgi mix two scheduled meals a day to prevent overeating and weight gain.

It will help to count their proportions and food intake and feed your dog on a schedule. Food intake will change based on age, weight, and activity level.

Limit the amount of treats you give your Horgi so they don’t become overweight.

Speaking with your veterinarian will help because each individual dog is different, especially with a mixed breed like your Horgi.

Experts recommend that you feed your Horgi a formula specific to small or medium-sized active dog breeds. Food that helps regulate their weight is also recommended.

Horgi Grooming

The Corgi Husky mix breed sheds frequently and will therefore need regular grooming. It is recommended that you brush your Horgi daily to keep their fur coat in good condition.

You should never get your Horgi’s fur coat clipped as it is there as a protective layer to keep the dog warm. You do, however, want to get their toenails clipped.

Their nails should not be clanking on the floor as they walk.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Horgi?

The Horgi needs to be bathed properly with a good quality dog shampoo when they are dirty.

Bathing your Horgi can be difficult, as their fur coat is water-resistant, but it is important to keep them clean, as their fur should shine and your dog will be more comfortable.

Horgi Training

The Husky Corgi mix is a smart dog, however, their ability to learn will depend on which breed is more dominant in their genetics.

If their Corgi side is more dominant, that could make them easier to train, as Corgis are a very obedient breed.

On the other hand, if their Husky side is more dominant, they may have more trouble focusing and will likely be more interested in being the dominant one and taking control of themselves.

If they are having trouble learning, it may be a good idea to get help from a professional trainer. However you decide to train them yourself, they will be obedient once trained.

Horgis will try to test you to see what they can get away with!

As mentioned before, they need early training, otherwise, they will continue with their natural mischievous behaviors.

Keep in mind is that patience is key. Do not get angry or frustrated while training your Horgi pup.

Your dog can get confused while they are being trained and may decide they do not want to learn if they are being yelled at.

With a Horgi, it is important that you remain firm with your commands, as their Husky side demands strong leadership from their owner.

Stay positive and repetitive with your training and they will learn through praise and treats. Ignore their negative behavior, and praise them for good behavior with positive reinforcement.

Due to their independent nature, they can be a bit more stubborn than dogs from other dog breeds, so they require a patient and persistent owner.

In the end, a Horgi will learn the desired behavior.

Types of Training for a Husky Corgi Mix

Here are some types of training that are necessary in order to train your Horgi pup:

Behavioral training: Many common behavior problems your dog may have include barking, aggression, food guarding, and chewing. Behavioral training will help with these issues.
Obedience training: What is typically used for obedience training are the core commands of “come, sit, stay, heel, and down.”

Obedience training is one of the most important types of training that your dog needs, and like any other type of training, it should be taught early on.
Housebreaking training: The best way to house-train your Horgi pup is to establish a routine.

Take your pup outside regularly, have a regular feeding schedule, and praise or reward your puppy for going potty.

Make sure your pup is supervised while indoors because it will learn better with you in the same room.
Crate training: Crate training can be a contriversial topic for puppies.

Some say that crate training is cruel while other professionals say crate training can play a positive role in your Horgi pups development.

If you choose to utilize crate training make sure the crate is a comfortable, safe place for your pup.

It will help give your dog comfort that it has a safe place when things get too loud or overwhelming. This can also help with some of your puppies behavioral issues.

What to Look for in a Horgi Breeder

As we have mentioned, getting your Horgi or Siborgi puppy from a reputable breeder can decrease your chances of having a dog with genetic ailments.

As a result, it is always important to purchase dogs from breeders responsibly and do research on the breeder that you plan on purchasing a dog from.

It can also be helpful to ask dog breeders some questions to determine if they are reputable as well.

Here is a list of questions that you should ask dog breeders and indications of whether or not they are reputable based on their answers.

Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder

Do You Health Test your Dogs?

It is extremely important that dog breeders’ health test their breeding dogs.

This genetic testing increases the chances that puppies will be healthy and decreases the chances that puppies will inherit genetic conditions significantly.

These tests should be official from a veterinarian and proof of them should be provided, especially if you ask for it.

You should never purchase a puppy from a breeder that does not health test their dogs.

When Did You Start Breeding Horgi Puppies and Why?

This question is a great way to gauge your breeder’s experience and get to know them a bit better.

Reputable breeders breed the dogs that they do because they love the breed, and not just to make money.

Although it is always best to purchase puppies from an experienced breeder, a new breeder that is health testing and is doing their research is usually reputable.

Can I See the Parent Dogs and Your Facilities?

All reputable breeders will be happy to show you the parent dogs and where the dogs spend a majority of their time.

You should never purchase a puppy that refuses to do so, as dogs may be kept in bad conditions and have health problems.

Conclusion

Although the Husky Corgi mix would not make a good guard dog, they do make fun, energetic, loyal, and friendly dogs. A Horgi is a great family dog.

This mixed dog breed is also a huge responsibility, as they require a structure of routines to live a healthy life. They are very obedient dogs and friendly at the same time.

Horgis need long walks and being outside every day. They get along well with small children and animals, especially once properly trained.

So what do you think? Is the Husky Corgi mix breed the right dog for you?

Husky Corgi Mix Breed [what is a Horgi?]