The Corgi Chihuahua mix is a relatively new mixed breed of dog, formed by crossing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a Chihuahua. A marriage of European and South American parent breeds produces a feisty, energetic Chihuahua Corgi mix.
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The Corgi Chihuahua mix has a high activity level and requires regular exercise daily. Both of its parent breeds are high-energy dogs with a friendly demeanor, making them great canine companions for families and single individuals.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 10–20 pounds |
| Height: | 7–12 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Coat colours: | Brown, black, fawn, white and cream. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, attention-seeking, loyal, eager to please, loving. |
| Suitable for: | Families with grown children, single individuals and the elderly. |
What Does a Corgi Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
The Corgi Chihuahua Mix will be a small mixed-breed dog, weighing 10 to 20 pounds and standing between 7 and 12 inches tall at shoulder height. It will likely adopt the Corgi’s body length and shape – but its body length will be significantly shorter than your average Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Chihuahua Corgi mix will likely have a short tail, like the Chihuahua.
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The Chihuahua Corgi will have upward-pointing ears, round brown eyes, and a wedge-shaped head, like the Chihuahua. You can also expect the Chihuahua Corgi to have a button-nose, similar to the noses of both breeds. The Chihuahua Corgi mix will also have short legs, just like its Corgi parent.
The History of the Corgi Chihuahua Mix
The Corgi Chihuahua mix is a relatively new mixed breed of dog, formed by crossing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a Chihuahua. A marriage of European and South American parent breeds produces a feisty, energetic Chihuahua Corgi mix.
The designer dog trend that began in North America in the 1990s likely incorporated the Corgi and Chihuahua early on in the process – making it highly likely that the Corgi Chihuahua mix was created sometime in the 1990s. Otherwise known as a “Chigi,” this small mixed-breed dog is an excellent combination of two dogs of similar size.
To better understand the Chihuahua Corgi, we’re going to explore the history of the Chihuahua and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, how they came to be, where they’re most popular, and who they’re good dogs for. This will help you understand why anyone would want to mix the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Chihuahua.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is an ancient dog breed heralding from the Mexican state of the same name. The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed and is considered a toy dog in breeding terms.
First noted in Mexico in the mid-19th century but is thought to have evolved from the Techichi – a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples from Mexico’s Aztec era.
Its small size and weight contribute to its popularity among all population metrics, as it is easily controlled during walks and very portable – even for the elderly. Despite its “small, yappy-type dog” designation, the Chihuahua is phenomenally popular in North America.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
In the United States, Chihuahuas are very popular family dogs. Known for their affectionate nature and feisty personality, This is an excellent option for anyone looking for a small companion pet for an elderly relative or your family.
According to the American Kennel Club’s annual rankings, Chihuahuas ranked as the 37th most popular dog in the U.S. last year.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Chihuahuas make fantastic family pets for most families and are an excellent option for elderly people. Providing that you can keep your sanity with the Chihuahua’s clingy, feisty nature – and the fact that it will incessantly bark at the bag blowing in the wind – you should consider a Chihuahua for your next family pet.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
Chihuahuas were first noted in Mexico in the mid-19th century and are thought to have been descendants of the Techichi, an ancient mute dog kept by the Toltec People of the Aztec Era.
Chihuahuas were first noted in the United States in 1901 and first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1906.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Given that it’s the world’s smallest dog, crossbreeding the Chihuahua with almost any other dog requires IVF treatments, as natural breeding is largely impossible – with few exceptions.
With IVF, there is typically a huge upfront expense of between $500 and $1000 per insemination. This can rack up quite a tally for some breeders, and many breeders choose to breed purebred dogs instead.
The first instance of crossbreeding of the Chihuahua has been lost to the sands of time. However, there are several very popular mixed breeds of Chihuahua.
These include the Chihuahua Corgi, the Chihuahua Pug (Pug Chi), the Chihuahua Dachshund (Dach Chi), the Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua (Jack Chi), and many more.
The History of the Corgi
The Corgi was first bred in Belgium before being transported to Wales in 1107 AD with the arriving Flemish weavers. The weavers moved to the foothills of Wales, and for centuries, Corgis were used as herding dogs, with their long and low frame making them ideal for herding underfoot of larger cattle.
As time wore on, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi would become two separate breeds – though the Pembroke Welsh is the most common. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi gained royal favor and were the favorite dogs of the Late Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, Welsh Corgis remain one of the most popular herding dog breeds. They are regularly companion pets with an easy-going demeanor and ‘big dog’ bark, and they make excellent watchdogs.
How Popular Are Corgis?
Corgis are very popular family pets in the United States – even though they were almost extinct at one point in Britain – Corgis rebounded in the United States.
This owes greatly to their good-natured temperament and their status as active companions. Corgis have lively personalities that are endearing to many and make great apartment dogs.
For these reasons, Pembroke Welsh Corgis ranked as the 11th most popular American dog in 2021.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Corgis are fantastic family pets for all types of families but will fare better among those that keep up with their activity levels. They can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, so they don’t do well in small apartments or are left alone for an extended period.
They also have a protective nature, so if you’re looking for a watchdog, the Corgi may surprise you. As a herding breed, it is best to be watchful around small children, as the Corgi may try to ‘herd’ the little ones.
How Did Corgis Come About?
Corgis were first introduced to the British Isles by Flemish weavers in 1107 AD when they traveled with their companions to Wales from modern-day Belgium as the Flemish settled in Pembrokeshire.
Corgis, or more specifically “Pembroke Welsh Corgis,” were used first as cattle herding dogs before they became companion pets. In 1925, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was distinguished from a slightly different Corgi dog, known as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi – these were reared (likely) by other Flemish who settled in Carmarthenshire.
Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis became common family pets as the centuries wore on, and the Pembroke Welsh was the personal dog of Queen Elizabeth II.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The first crossbreeding instance of the Corgi is a bit of a mystery. Given the breed’s age, it is likely that Corgis were crossbred with many other dogs throughout the ages, though this was largely undocumented.
Modern-day crossbreeding of Corgis likely began in the 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding took off in popularity throughout the United States. Popular Corgi mixes include the Bull Corgi (Bulldog/Corgi), Corgi Inus (Corgi/Shiba Inu), Auggie (Corgi/Australian Shepherd), and of course, the Chihuahua Corgi Mix.
Many breeders want the Corgi parentage due to its temperament – the Corgi is a popular temperamental mix for many different breeds, as it tends to balance out hyperactivity and aggression in designer breeds.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of deciding what type of dog you want is considering how that dog will fit into your family unit. How will the dog fare when you’re away at work during the day? Will the dog be able to keep up with and partake in your weekend hikes as a family? Do you want a more laidback breed, with less maintenance and more ‘chill’?
These questions are very important to ask yourself and your family. When adopting or purchasing a dog, you want to ensure that the dog is a close temperamental match for you and your family. The dog will be able to be as active as your family and not be unhappily left at home on weekend outings. Or that it will be able to adjust (with training, perhaps) to being around younger children.
Temperamental mismatches can sometimes result in dogs winding up in shelters or at vet clinics awaiting adoption, which is not what you want for your dog or for your family.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Chihuahua Mix?
For those looking for an active breed that will require regular exercise, the Corgi Chihuahua mix might be what you’ve been looking for. As a designer breed, its temperament can be a little difficult to pin down exactly. However, your Corgi Chihuahua will likely inherit the ‘herding’ nature of the Corgi, making it OK to be around small children with supervision.
Chihuahuas and Corgis are no strangers to barking, so your Corgi Chi may turn out to be either a shrill barker or a deep barker – as is the Corgi – making them quite a formidable guard dog, despite their size.
Ultimately, you can expect your Corgi Chihuahua to be a friendly, valiant little guard dog, that is generally good with other people and children.
Is The Corgi Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
The Corgi Chihuahua mix is a very friendly mixed-breed dog, retaining that friendly nature from both parent breeds.
Is The Corgi Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
The Chihuahua Corgi mix should be relatively easy to train. Although beware that the Corgi does have a stubborn streak – positive reinforcement is the usual training method to help break through that stubborn exterior.
How Much Can A Corgi Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The Chihuahua Corgi can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Chihuahua Mix Get?
The Chihuahua Corgi stands between 7 and 12 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi Chihuahua mix. These include the Pomeranian, the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Silky Terrier, and the Miniature Pinscher.
Does the Corgi Chihuahua Mix Shed?
Despite being a short-haired dog, you can expect your Chihuahua Corgi to shed lightly throughout the year. Chihuahua Corgis are also prone to skin-related health issues, which can cause higher rates of fur loss.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Chihuahua Mix Require?
The Corgi Chihuahua mix is a small dog with high energy levels. Having said that, their energy levels don’t necessarily translate to needing many hours of exercise. An hour or 45 minutes of daily activity is enough for this little fellow.
How Long Can a Corgi Chihuahua Mix Live?
The life expectancy of a Corgi Chihuahua mix is between 12 and 14 years for a healthy breed.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Chihuahua Mix Have?
- Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Elbow Dysplasia (elbow joint inflammation)
- Hip Dysplasia (hip joint inflammation)
- Hypoglycemia (Canine diabetes)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (blood coagulation disorder)
- Epilepsy (a neurological condition)
How Can You Find a Corgi Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you search for a Chihuahua Corgi mix puppy for sale, we first recommend you consider adoption. Adopting a Corgi Chihuahua mix could mean saving a dog’s life – as many of them wind up in shelters and vet clinics across the country. Start your adoption enquiries at either your local shelter, or vet clinic.
If that doesn’t work, you can search online at AdoptAPet.com, which allows you to search for adoptions in your area.
Before you begin any purchasing process, we recommend you read our article concerning breeders, and how to find the best one that works for you!
How Much Does a Corgi Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Corgi Chihuahua mix is between $300 and $1000, yet another reason to consider adoption – as those costs are typically a fraction of the cost of buying direct from a breeder.
Is the Corgi Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Chihuahua Corgi mix is a wonderful option for any family seeking an active, feisty companion. Their size makes them ideal for older people, though they’re not well-suited for those living in apartments, due to separation anxiety issues.
If you don’t think that the Chihuahua Corgi is the right mixed-breed for you, consider checking out our breed guide for more information on different types of mixed-breed dogs.