The Corgi Shih Tzu mix is one of the most adorable little dogs you will likely come across. Standing no more than a few inches tall, this tiny little dog has a big heart and makes the perfect lap dog, family dog, and elderly companion pet. The Corgi Shih Tzu mix is also the perfect size for those living in apartments.
Given that both of its parent breeds are somewhat different sizes, you can expect the Corgi Shih Tzu to inherit the smaller stature of the Shih Tzu but the body of the Corgi. Its personality will likely be a mix of both breeds, as is normal with mixed breeds.
Image credit: myphotogenicfurbabies
Let’s delve deep into the history, temperament, popularity, and current status of both the Welsh Corgi and Shih Tzu, to understand better how this adorable mixed-breed lapdog came to be.
Corgi Shih Tzu Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 25–45 pounds |
| Height: | 10–12 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Fawn, brown and red. |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, energetic & affectionate. |
| Suitable for: | Active families with older children, single individuals and the elderly. |
What Does a Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Look Like?
The “Shorgi,” as it is otherwise known, will borrow handsomely from both parent breeds to form its physical appearance. As with many designer dog breeds, their appearances are largely down to choice and are hard to pinpoint exactly.
However, most Corgi Shih Tzu mixes tend to have the elongated body of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, along with short, stubby legs – this is a typical feature of most Corgi mixes. They can also adopt the long, upright ears of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi – though these will be pointed rather than round.
Image credit: pol.stephenson
Your Corgi Shih Tzu mix will likely have long, scraggly fur like the Shih Tzu. It may have a double coat, as does the Welsh Corgi – though this is unlikely. It may also have a silky coat, like the Shih Tzu.
The History of the Corgi Shih Tzu Mix
As a designer dog breed, the Corgi Shih Tzu mix is a much newer mixed breed than some designer dogs, as it was likely created during the last twenty or thirty years, during the crossbreeding craze that took over the dog breeding world in the United States.
The Welsh Corgi and the Shih Tzu are ancient breeds from different parts of the world. Both are lapdogs with small frames and similar temperaments. One can easily see why they would make an attractive mixture for the right breeder.
Let’s look back at the history of both parent breeds to see how this amalgam spry, spunky lapdog came to be.
The History of the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are commonly associated with China. However, the breed is Tibetan. Classified as a ‘toy’ dog breed, the Shih Tzu was bred from a Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. It was first imported into Europe in the 1930s, and the first Shih Tzu breed standard was adopted in England in 1935.
As a petite dog breed, Shih Tzus have only ever been used as companion pets, and were first brought to the United States in the 1950s, following the return of service families from Asia and Europe.
How Popular Are Shih Tzus?
As a toy breed, the Shih Tzu has long enjoyed popularity among families with children and single individuals seeking apartment-friendly dogs.
The American Kennel Club first recognized Shih Tzus in 1969 as a toy breed. Despite this relatively short history in the U.S., Shih Tzus are a reasonably popular breed among those looking for a lap dog.
In 2021, the Shih Tzu ranked as the 22nd most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Shih Tzus a Good Dog For?
Shih Tzus make wonderful family pets for those looking for a small and compact breed that’s easily portable and relatively low-maintenance.
Shih Tzus are known for being very affectionate little dogs with lots of energy. Thus, though they do fine in apartment living scenarios, they live happiest where they can be walked or run to burn off that high activity level.
Shih Tzus can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. So, if you’re going to leave your Shih Tzu alone, give it something to entertain itself – a chew toy should be sufficient.
How Did Shih Tzus Come About?
Shih Tzus were first bred in Tibet from the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese dogs. These small dogs were often royal dogs during the age of the Chinese dynasties of old, accompanying Chinese Royal Families as their prized possessions.
In the 1930s, Shih Tzus were brought to Europe – England, and Norway – and became popular companion pets almost instantaneously. Their flat faces may have reminded the English of the Pug, which arrived in England in the 16th century.
In the 1950s, Shih Tzus made their way to the United States and were equally popular there, having been brought back from Europe and Asia by American service families.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Shih Tzu?
Crossbreeding of the Shih Tzu is a rarity, as the breed is a very small dog and, unless IVF treatments occur, is physically unable to breed naturally with larger dogs. However, there have been a few popular crossbreeds throughout the years – particularly when crossbreeding became popular in the U.S. in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
These crosses include:
- Shih Tzu Pitbull Mix (Pit Shih)
- Shih Tzu Havanese Mix (Havan-Shih)
The History of the Corgi
The Welsh Corgi has a history stretching back centuries – it is an ancient breed, one of the few to come out of Wales that hasn’t been crossbred to extinction. However, it didn’t begin there. The Welsh Corgi began in “Flanders” – modern-day Belgium – in the 12th century as pets and herding breeds of Flemish weavers, who then relocated to Wales.
The Welsh Corgi herding capabilities were mostly used to herd cattle – sheep and cows – before it was replaced over the centuries by larger, more capable dogs like the Border Collie. However, the Welsh Corgi didn’t fade into obscurity. Quite the opposite, it became a hugely popular companion pet.
Even among royalty, as is evident by Queen Elizabeth II’s ownership of more than thirty Corgis during her lifetime. She was even responsible for the creation of a Corgi mix.
Welsh Corgis are two separate breeds – the Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The former, Pembroke Welsh, is the most commonly known and popular breed – they’re also the royal favorite.
On the other hand, Cardigan Welsh Corgis were raised in Cardigan, Carmarthenshire, Wales. But only ‘gained sentience’ as a separate breed from the Pembroke Welsh cousins in the 1930s, when both the Kennel Club and American Kennel Club formally recognized that they were two different Welsh Corgi breeds.
How Popular Are Corgis?
Today in the United States, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are still bringing up the rear as the most popular of the two breeds. They were brought to the United States in the early 1930s and gained such immediate popularity that the Welsh Corgi Club of America was formed.
Corgis are broken down into two breeds by the AKC – their popularity is measured as such. In 2021, Pembroke Welsh Corgis ranked as the 11th most popular dog in the United States, while their Cardigan Welsh Corgi cousins only managed 67th most popular.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Welsh Corgis are renowned for being a wonderful choice for families. Corgis are renowned for their even-tempered nature, making them a good fit for those with other pets.
Welsh Corgis are also well-known to be obedient, if a little independent at times, so you won’t have any trouble training them, making them fantastic, low-maintenance options for anyone who wants a dog without too much hassle.
How Did Corgis Come About?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was brought to Wales by Flemish weavers from Flanders in or around 1107 A.D. when they migrated to set up communities, bringing their (at the time) herding dogs with them.
Over the centuries, Corgis eventually became companion pets and are often favored by an active family unit.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
Given the Corgi’s history as an ancient breed, there’s a strong possibility that it was crossbred with other dogs of the Dark Ages or other breeds of the time.
One of the most famous crossbreeds of the Corgi is the Dorgi – or Welsh Corgi and Dachshund mix – created by none other than Queen Elizabeth II, who crossbred one of her Welsh Corgis with Princess Margaret’s Dachshund to create the Dorgi.
Other popular Corgi crossbreeds include:
- Corgi Shiba Inu Mix (Corgi Inus)
- Corgi Pitbull Mix (Corgi Pit)
- Corgi French Bulldog Mix (Bull Corgi)
- Corgi Pug Mix (Corgi Pug)
- Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix (Auggie)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important things to consider when adopting or purchasing a dog is the temperament that the dog is likely to come with. Is it going to be a friendly, happy-go-lucky breed like the adult Corgi, or is it likely to be more aloof and standoffish, like the French Bulldog?
Will the dog be hugely energetic like the Siberian Husky? Or a less-active breed like the Pug? Do you want a dog that’s going to be independent and be able to do its own thing or one that’s attached to you at the hip?
Many things can affect a dog’s temperament, like upbringing, genetics, and life experiences. If you’re going to adopt a mixed-breed dog, consider both parent breed temperaments equally – as the mixed-breed dog will inherit a mixture of both!
You want to ensure that you adopt or purchase a dog that’s most like you and your family in terms of their temperament. Otherwise, you might be left spending more time training and less time playing with your new pup!
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Shih Tzu Mix?
You can expect your Corgi Shih Tzu mix to be an energetic little bundle with a spunky, spry personality that regularly needs love and affection from its owners. They have friendly personalities that need play that includes mental stimulation.
Is The Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Friendly?
Yes! You can expect your Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu mix to be a friendly and affectionate dog with friends and strangers alike. They’re very personable dogs and make great family pets due to their affectionate nature.
Is The Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Easy to Train?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a notoriously independent dog, and the Shih Tzu is a bundle of energy. This might make training a little more difficult, but you may have to be persistent and use positive reinforcement as a training method.
How Much Can A Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Corgi Shih Tzu mix is between 25 and 45 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Shih Tzu mix is between 10 and 12 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu mix. These include:
- Shetland Sheepdog
- English Bulldog
- Border Collie
- Boxer
Does the Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Shed?
You can expect your Corgi Shih Tzu mix to shed lightly year-round. It may inherit the double coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi so that it may shed heavily in that case.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Require?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Shih Tzu mix is quite an active dog. Their short legs mean they mightn’t need as much exercise as other dogs, but they should get 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise.
How Long Can a Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Shih Tzu is between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Have?
- Degenerative Myelopathy (Degenerative Spinal Cord Disease)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) (Spinal Cord Disease)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Progressive eye disease)
- Dental Diseases (Dental diseases are common among Shih Tzus)
How Can You Find a Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before buying a Corgi Shih Tzu mix, consider adoption first. Many mixed-breed dogs wind up in kennels and vet clinics across the country. Consider checking these places for a Corgi Shih Tzu mix that’s up for adoption.
If you strike out in person, try searching online for a Corgi Shih Tzu mix at Adoptapet.com to find a Corgi Shih Tzu in your local area.
How Much Does a Corgi Shih Tzu Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Corgi Shih Tzu mix is between $700 and $900! Making them an expensive buy-in. Their high price tag is yet another reason to consider adoption.
If you still purchase a Corgi Shih Tzu mix puppy, we highly recommend that you read our article on purchasing from a reputable breeder and how to avoid puppy mills.
Is the Corgi Shih Tzu Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking for an adorable lap dog that combines the best of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Shih Tzu, then a Corgi Shih Tzu mix might be the breed. This small, friendly dog has the friendliness of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the energy level of the Shih Tzu, making for a formidable little dog!
If you know that a Corgi Shih Tzu isn’t the breed for you, read our other breed guides to explore your other options.