Horgi Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

9-22 kg

Height

35-38 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

Jump To

About the Horgi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you are looking for an energetic and fun furry friend that doesn’t take up too much space in the car on the way to the beach or park, then a Horgi might be the paw-fect choice for you!

If you would like to learn more about these lively little pups, then our extensive breed guide has all the information you will need. From their breeding background to how to train and groom them, we put it all together so that you can decide whether these adorable designer dogs are the right fit for you.

What is the history & origin of the Horgi?

This mixed breed dog is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Welsh Corgi. This hybrid dog is not recognised by the American Kennel Club, unlike his parent breeds.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest dog breeds in Great Britain and is probably best known for being the favourite dog breed of Queen Elizabeth II. While the Siberian Husky has its origin in Alaska and stems directly from prehistoric wolf lineage and is, therefore, an incredibly loyal and pack-oriented breed.

As designer breeders started crossing this breed in the early 90s of the last century, this dog became more well known, even though it might have been around for quite some time before that already.

The Corgi Husky mix was aimed to be used as a small herding dog but soon won over the hearts of families and singles alike as a companion dog, thanks to its goofy and incredibly loyal nature.

What is a Horgi breed?

Also known as a Siborgi, this dog embodies some of the best traits from both of its parent breeds. It is a great family pet that has almost too much energy for its very short legs.

Horgis usually come in mixed coats consisting of cream, red, black, fawn as well as sable, and their fur can either come after their Siberian Husky parent and be very long and straight or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, whose coat is a bit shorter but quite dense as well.

This small hybrid dog is very attentive and social, and a Husky Corgi mix is basically friendly to almost everybody, from young children to strangers.

Who is a Horgi best for?

This active breed will thrive in a household that enjoys the outdoors or has a fenced yard where your Husky Corgi mix can go wild and get its energy out.

Thanks to the very social nature of a Husky Corgi mix, they are the perfect family dog, great with kids, and go very well with other dogs due to their pack-driven nature.

Thanks to their small to medium size, they do adapt well to apartment living or city-dwelling singles but definitely need the commitment to companionship and daily exercise.

Horgi Grooming & Shedding

A Husky and Corgi mix is definitely on the high maintenance side of the spectrum when it comes to taking care of its thick coat. Thanks to its Husky ancestors, this dog is a year-round shedder and requires daily brushing and grooming to avoid having the hair all over your furniture and clothes.

The double coat keeps them warm during the winter season, which makes this dog very able to live in cold weather and harsh climates. This, however, also means that you will have to put in some extra time when washing your Horgi’s coat, as the dense, water-resistant coat will take a while to lather properly.

Luckily you will not have to wash them too often, only if their smell becomes unpleasant for our human noses. You should, however, always pay special attention to the dog’s ears, as they can get infected easily if not kept clean.

Do Horgis bark a lot?

Horgis are not excessive barkers but will alert their owners if someone approaches their home as they are excellent guard dogs.

It should be noted that barking is one of the few and major forms of communication that dogs have and, therefore shouldn’t always be regarded as negative, except for when it becomes excessive.

Your Horgi might start excessive barking if they are bored and being left alone for long time periods.

What is the average weight & height of a Horgi?

Full-grown Horgis will only reach about 35 to 38cm in size.

Their weight is a bit more variable and depends on which parent’s genes were more dominant. With that being said, you can end up with anything between 9 and up to 22 kg.

Are Horgis easy to train?

A Corgi Husky mix is a very intelligent dog that will respond well to early on training and socialisation. This is a very clever dog that can be quite witty and likes to cause mischief if not met with a firm owner that knows how to use positive reinforcement and can set strong boundaries.

Obedience training is key with these dogs, and as soon as they have the hierarchy figured out, they will be very easy to train.

They can exhibit some prey drive due to their Corgi ancestors; therefore, you shouldn’t leave them alone with smaller pets or animals.

You should also always make sure that your dog gets enough exercise, so it doesn’t become bored and start looking for trouble.

How do Horgis behave? A look at their temperament and personality

A Corgi Husky mix is an incredibly loyal dog and will most definitely become your best friend who never wants to leave your side. They are eager to meet new people, open up to strangers rather quickly, and love spending time with their pack, aka you and your family.

As they are very pack-oriented, they will do everything in their power to protect their family and therefore make for a good guard dog.

They exhibit personality traits from both parent breeds, which makes them overall friendly dogs that get along well with other animals.

This crossbreed dog is highly intelligent and therefore requires a lot of mental stimulation to keep it busy and happy.

Does the Horgi have any common health issues?

Generally, mixed breeds are a lot more resilient when it comes to being prone to health issues. As with any dog breed, however, these dogs can, unfortunately, suffer from health issues during their lifetime, of which the most common are:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and mobility challenges.
Back Problems: Various issues, including intervertebral disc disease, can affect their spinal health, particularly in breeds with longer backs.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, which can lead to mobility loss.

What is the lifespan of a Horgi?

These small to medium hybrid dogs will be your best friend for as long as they live. Their general life expectancy can be up to 15 years old.

How much does a Horgi need to be fed?

This dog requires a proper diet and shouldn’t be overfed. Even though they are energetic as can be, they are still prone to being a bit overweight, which has negative effects on their joints, backs, and overall health.

In order to make sure your Horgi has a healthy weight, your dog’s diet should consist of high-quality dog food; on top of that, you better stick to the feeding schedule and avoid giving them too many treats.

You should also always consult your vet when it comes to what food is best for your dog.

How much can you expect to pay for a Horgi in Australia?

You will be able to own a Horgi for a little less than $1,000. Some breeders sell their Horgi puppies for $700 already.

You should also always check your local rescue shelters and rescue groups to give a Horgi that might be already grown up the chance to find its forever home. This is also a much cheaper alternative.

Horgi FAQs

Is a Horgi ideal for a first-time dog owner?

A Corgi Husky mix pup is a very energetic and sometimes a bit challenging to train type of dog. The crate training can take a little longer than with other dogs as well.

They require a lot of attention and want to be around their owner all the time. Therefore, they might not be the perfect fit for a novice, though not impossible, as the right training and commitment will definitely pay off with this breed and give you a lot of joy and time well spent.

Do Horgi suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they do. Both the Corgi and the Husky are dogs that like to be with their group and don’t do well on their own.

If you leave them alone for more than a couple of hours, they will get bored, which can lead to destructive behaviour and loud barking.

Are Horgi hypoallergenic dogs?

Even though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Horgi is definitely not.

The dense coat of this designer breed sheds throughout the year, and therefore, this might not be the right dog for you if you suffer from pet hair allergy.

Will a Horgi need professional grooming?

Not really. Your Horgi’s coat might be shedding a lot, but you do not need to cut it or trim it ever. If you are happy with committing to brushing your dog daily with a quality brush that is made for a thick coat, you won’t have to bring your pup to the dog groomer.