Horgi Breed Guide

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 sometime 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.

Who are Horgi dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Horgi need?

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 Horgi bark much?

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.

Do Horgi bite?

Horgis aren't known to be specifically nippy or aggressive dogs.

If a Corgi Husky mix puppy is starting to become a bit nippy and wants to bite your feet or ankles, try whining like a hurt dog and retreat from your puppy so that they learn that this is a negative trait that they mustn't exhibit if they want attention and affection from you.

What is the temperament & personality of a Horgi?

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 good guard dogs.

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.

What is the weight & size of a Horgi?

Full-grown Horgis will only reach about 35 to 38 cm 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 22 kg.

How much training does a Horgi need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Horgi?

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

• Back problems

• Degenerative Myelopathy

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 should you feed a Horgi?

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.

What is the price of 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.