One of the cutest dog breeds ever to have blessed man is the Corgi Husky Mix, which is commonly known as a Horgi, or sometimes, a Siborgi. It is basically a cross-breed between a Siberian husky and a Pembroke welsh or a Cardigan welsh corgi, and combines the best traits of the Husky and Corgi dogs.

This small to medium-sized breed typically comes with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and has a keen, mischievous gregarious and eager-to-please personality. They are social, friendly, outgoing, and are known to adapt quickly to severe weather conditions and fit perfectly well in smaller spaces, like apartments, provided they get their daily exercise.

Brief Description of the Horgi

Either bred from a Pembroke welsh or cardigan welsh, the Horgi is known to be a working dog. It is called a designer dog because it part of the deliberate mixing of different breeds. Although Corgis are herding dogs and huskies are sledding dogs, their cross is somewhat of a superior herding dog, showing traits like attentiveness and high energy levels. The Horgi was crossed to combine the qualities of a husky in a smaller sized dog.

History

The Horgi is a product of two dog breeds known for working and herding, the Siberian husky and the Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Both the Pembroke and Cardigan can be used in the breeding process, and both date back several centuries and are hence known as one of Britain’s oldest breeds. The Pembroke was initially brought to the US in 1933 by an American breeder.

The Husky lineage, on the other hand, goes back to ancient Taymyr wolf but it gained popularity towards the end of the last century when they were imported to Alaska to be used as sled dogs during the time of the Gold Rush. At present, a majority of Siberian Huskies present in the US come from those imported in 1930s from Siberia.

Pedigree

Although Horgi’s mixed background keeps it from being recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), its parents, the Siberian husky and Welsh Corgi, have certainly been made part of the elite club. Back in 1935, the Corgi was grouped under AKC’s “herding” category and was portrayed as a vigilant guardian, faithful and trainable with a “big” bark. In 1930, the AKC also listed the Siberian husky under the “working” category, and described the dog as gentle, friendly, alert, dignified, and not aggressive. These are great qualities for a family dog.

Temperament

The Horgi is known for its sweet and friendly yet alert nature. Not only does he make for a great companion but also a great family dog. He likes activity, and is always eager to please. He is also smart which means you can easily train him as long as you are firm. Because he is always curious and likes to be active, a Horgi especially enjoys family gatherings and all social events, and enjoys being the centre of attention. Although alert, a Horgi doesn’t necessarily make a great watchdog. Lastly, he tends to be devoted and agreeable to his lot.

Looks

The Horgi comes in a small to medium size, and is set rather low to the ground, like the Corgi. It is assumed the Horgi was originally bred to combine a husky’s looks with a Corgi’s compact size. It weighs around 20 to 50 pounds and can stand approximately 13 to 15 inches tall, making it quite sturdy looking with short legs. A corgi’s head is rounded, ears erect and eyes more or less almond shaped. Its coat can resemble either a husky’s or a Corgi’s, and common coat colors include cream, black, orange, white, red, blue or brown.

Food/Diet

A Horgi is known to have a healthy appetite, and because he is also slung low he can easily gain weight if allowed to over-eat. It is ideal to preset feeding hours (instead of letting him eat whenever he wants), and be reasonable with those treats. Evidently, his long body means any additional weight may cause back-related issues. To prevent your little friend from compromising his lifestyle, make sure to exercise him daily, play a lot of games and take long walks in order to keep his muscles and weight in check.

Training

Although the Horgi is a smart dog and relatively easy to train, it can pose challenges especially during the time of housebreaking. Since it has a “herding” nature, this dog usually has a tendency to corral animals and humans’ alike, so firm action needs to be taken during training. As you can expect during dog training, a gentle and consistent approach coupled with rewards leads to good results will prove the most effective.

Early training and socialization are essential for any dog to make life easier for both the canine and its owner. Since Horgis are people-pleasers, they are easier to train. However, the husky side in them can sometimes demand strong leadership from the owner in which case firmness, positivity and consistency will need to be maintained to achieve best results.

Exercise Needs

A Horgi needs moderate activity throughout the day. A walk everyday along with some play time will ensure your dog is healthy and happy. In case of low activity levels, your dog may become cranky and behave poorly. Also, make a point of giving him a leash break, and allow him to wander around freely in a dog park where he interacts with other dogs, plays games with you and can enjoy himself to the fullest.

How Is It Like Living With A Horgi?

The Horgis are known as easygoing and flexible when it comes to different living conditions, since they do not need specific weather conditions to survive in, which means they will easily adapt and do well in whatever climate they are in. They are especially suited to colder environments, thanks to their double-coated fur. However, if you live in a much warmer environment, it will be uncomfortable for your Horgi since the thick fur coat will already provide sufficient warmth.

Grooming Needs

A Horgi is not hypoallergenic, and has parents who are well-known shedders and hence sheds throughout the year. So, be prepared to vacuum the entire place every once in a while, and brush him every day, sometimes even more than once. Bathe him when he actually needs washing, and use dog shampoo. And because a Horgi has a water-resistant coat, it will take some effort on your part before you finally soap him up and then rinse him thoroughly. Drying will also take a lot of time.

You also need to check your Horgi’s ears on a weekly basis and wipe them clean on a daily basis. His teeth should be brushed thrice a week and nails trimmed before they grow too long. Remember that dog nails are not similar to human nails. They have vessels and nerves running through, which means if you cut too much, you may end up hurting your dog and cause his paws to bleed. It is therefore better to ask your vet about the best way to cut dog nails, or have them trimmed by an expert dog groomer.

Corgi Husky Mix – Highlights At a Glance

Indeed, the husky corgi mix is one of the most beautiful dog breeds of all time. If you are planning to bring home a Horgi friend, it is important you keep the following features in mind before adoption.

Average Height: 13-15 inches

13-15 inches Average Weight: 25 to 50 pounds

25 to 50 pounds Major Health Concerns: Skin problems, eye problems, epilepsy, DM, PDA, back problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease, obesity, hip dysplasia

Skin problems, eye problems, epilepsy, DM, PDA, back problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease, obesity, hip dysplasia Coat Type: If inclined more towards a Corgi, long and thick. If more like a husky, dense, straight, medium.

If inclined more towards a Corgi, long and thick. If more like a husky, dense, straight, medium. Coat Appearance: Double coated

Double coated Coat Colors: Sable, red and brindle

Sable, red and brindle Grooming Needs: Moderate to high

Moderate to high Safe for Children: With proper training, yes

With proper training, yes Shedding: Seasonal, Moderately high to very high, especially during shedding seasons

Seasonal, Moderately high to very high, especially during shedding seasons Brushing Requirements: Everyday

Everyday Good with Other Dogs: Yes, if trained properly

Yes, if trained properly Sensitive to Touch: Moderate to high

Moderate to high Excessive Barking: Infrequent to recurrent

Infrequent to recurrent Good Pet: Very good to excellent

Very good to excellent Suitable for Apartment? Yes, can fit very well in smaller spaces

Yes, can fit very well in smaller spaces Suitable for First Time Dog Owners? Fairly good

Fairly good Training: Fast learners but might require a firm and persistent approach

Fast learners but might require a firm and persistent approach Exercise Needs: Moderate- a daily long walk coupled with some play.

Moderate- a daily long walk coupled with some play. Good with Other Pets? Good to fairly good, if trained.

Good to fairly good, if trained. Tendency to Gain Weight: Very high

Very high Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years

12 – 15 years Hypo-allergic: No

No Good Tolerance to Heat and Cold: Excellent

Excellent Tolerant To Isolation : Low to moderate

: Low to moderate A Wanderer or Roamer ? Moderate

? Moderate Average Yearly Medical Expenditure : $485 to $600

: $485 to $600 Average Yearly Non-Medical Expenditure : $500 to $600

: $500 to $600 Average Price Of A New Puppy: $300 to $700

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