The Corgi Labrador Retriever mix is a medium-sized mixed breed dog created by pairing the genes of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Labrador Retriever. Also known as Corgidor or a Labricorgi – this fun-loving, affectionate and energetic borrows the best of its parent breed’s temperaments and characteristics.
It’s the perfect family pet: loyal, loving, active, and a good size for a house. Unfortunately for those who are apartment living, or members of the elderly population, the Corgidor isn’t the dog for you.
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However, if you can give your Corgi Labrador mix regular exercise and the love and affection it needs, it will repay you with the same for many years to come.
Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 30–60 pounds |
| Height: | 10–24 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Yellow, chocolate brown, black, or a mixture. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, outgoing, active, loving, loyal. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active single individuals, not suitable for the elderly or apartment dwellers. |
What Does a Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Look Like?
The Corgi Labrador Retriever mix gets the best of both worlds regarding its physical appearance. It’s small enough to be manageable on a leash and picked up easily while maintaining the Labrador’s adorable face, but it may be a little on the heavier side for some owners.
It will inherit its short legs and long, slender body from the Corgi parent, with a fluffy tail like the Labrador. The Corgi Lab mix will have a soft single coat, its long and wavy fur will likely keep you busy with the brush!
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It will have either short, straight ears or medium-sized floppy ears that droop to the side. The latter ears are typical of Golden Retrievers. It will likely have deep, golden brown eyes and a longer snout with the Golden’s puffy black nose.
The History of the Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix
The Corgi Labrador is a designer dog breed without much in the way of recorded history. Corgi Lab mixes were likely one of the breeds that resulted from the crossbreeding craze that swept the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s.
To learn more about the Corgi Lab mix, we’ll take you back through the two parent breeds, exploring their histories, temperaments, who they’re most suitable for, and how popular each parent breed is. This will allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not to adopt or purchase a Lab Corgi mix of your own.
The History of the Labrador Retriever
Before there was the Corgi Lab, there was the Labrador Retriever. This agile, quick, energetic breed was developed from the St. John’s Water Dog, which was imported to Britain from Newfoundland, Canada, in 1830.
It was then bred with various British hunting dogs to create the Labrador Retriever. The goal was to create a dog that could retrieve small game for its master that was slightly bigger than other hunting dogs of the time, hence the name “retriever.”
Some Labrador Retrievers are black. Others are yellow. Some are brown or chocolate colors. Often, Labradors are mixed with Red Setters and become tan in color.
Labrador Retrievers were well-known and well-liked for their hunting prowess, as well as their vibrant personalities and friendly temperaments.
How Popular Are Labrador Retrievers?
The first American Kennel Club registration of a Labrador Retriever was in 1917, so one can imagine that the Labrador Retriever likely found its way onto American shores in the late 19th or 20th centuries.
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States! They’ve held the top spot among the pack for several years and don’t look to be in danger of usurpation soon!
Who Are Labrador Retrievers a Good Dog For?
Given their immense popularity, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic dogs for anyone. While that’s certainly true of a large population, their size and weight make them unlikely companion pets of the elderly and those that live in small apartments.
For the Lab to thrive, it needs to be with an active family unit, in an ample enough space that it can be comfortable, with a large enough yard that it can be active and get plenty of exercise.
How Did Labrador Retrievers Come About?
Labrador Retrievers were originally bred from the St. John’s Water Dog, imported from Canada to Britain in the 1930s. They were crossed with other British hunting dogs to produce the modern Labrador Retriever. They were initially used as hunting dogs by British duck hunters, who needed a robust, agile, and quick dog to retrieve downed ducks and other small game/fowl.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Labrador Retriever?
The history of crossbreeding of the Labrador Retriever is somewhat spotty – we are still determining exactly when the first Labradors were crossbred, although given their differentiating colors and popularity as a breed, it’s no wonder they are sought after as parents.
There are almost too many Labrador Retriever crosses to name, but here are a few of the most popular. The Shepherd Lab (Australian Shepherd/Labrador mix), German Lab (German Shepherd Lab Mix), and the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever/Poodle mix).
The History of the Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first brought to Wales by Flemish weavers back in 1107 A.D. when they relocated to Wales from modern-day Belgium. They brought their dogs with them – these short-legged dogs were initially used as a herding breed, despite their size.
Throughout the centuries, Corgis would morph from cattle herding animals into the loyal companion pets we know and love today. They would maintain a place in the hearts and homes of Britons for many centuries.
Corgis are known as royal dogs – they came to the British Royal Household and became quick favorites of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a cousin – the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. These Corgis were bred in the Cardigan region of Wales, though the Kennel Club initially recognized these two breeds as being the same breed. In the 1930s, the Kennel Club formally recognized the Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh as separate breeds.
How Popular Are Corgis?
Corgis’ popularity in the United States has primarily been owed to their appearance on The Crown, as the hit Netflix showed gained popularity due to many Americans’ love and curiosity surrounding the British Royal Family.
However, even before The Crown, Welsh Corgis were known for their vibrant personalities, moderate energy levels, loyalty, loving nature, and ever-present smiles. Best suited for active owners, both types of Welsh Corgis gained popularity in the United States as fantastic family pets.
According to the American Kennel Club, Pembroke Welsh Corgis ranked as the 11th most popular dog in the United States in 2021. Meanwhile, Cardigan Welsh Corgis ranked as the 67th most popular in 2021.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Welsh Corgis are, without a doubt, a very popular dog breed. Their size, shape, and temperament make them excellent family pets.
Corgis are perfect dogs for the active family unit, but not too active – their short legs can only carry them so far! Likewise, their personality makes them fine to be around other pets – although it is worth noting that they may try to ‘herd’ children, so beware of this.
“Herding” may involve gently pushing into children, which can be a potential fall hazard for younger kids. With that said, Corgis make excellent family pets for those with older children.
How Did Corgis Come About?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first brought to the British Isles by Flemish weavers, with their lineage stretching back to 1107 A.D. Corgis were originally cattle dogs that require plenty of exercise! They would be used to clip the heels of cattle as a smaller breed, part of the herding practices of the day.
Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have gained massive popularity since they arrived in England and are among the most popular breeds in Europe and the United States.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The Corgi has been an incredibly popular crossbreed throughout its life, primarily owing to its even temperament, friendly, loving nature, and devoted loyalty to its owners. Queen Elizabeth II bred one of the most famous crossbreeds, the Dorgi (Dachshund Corgi mix). She bore her Corgi with a Dachshund owned by her sister, Princess Margaret.
Other popular Corgi mixes include the Corgipoo (Corgi/Poodle), Corgski (Corgi Husky Mix), Corman Shepherd (Corgi German Shepherd Mix), and many more!
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
Before you buy or adopt a dog, you must ask yourself what role the dog will fulfill in your household. Did you buy it as a pet for your children? Did you buy it as a way to give yourself companionship or perhaps as a way to get you outside and exercise?
Please answer that question honestly because that will help you decide what type of dog you’re looking for – if you’re undecided. You can do basic research on what kind of dog suits your reasons for getting one.
If you’re looking for an active companion pet, you’ll want to ensure that high activity levels are a part of the temperament of the dogs you consider. Likewise, if you want a more laidback dog with minimal grooming requirements, you’ll want to ensure that you get a short-haired dog with a relaxed temperament.
Getting a dog matching your family’s personality and habits is critically important for the dog’s happiness and family unit. Even as a childless family, you want to make sure that you get a dog that can go away on the weekends with you, if that’s your thing – or is OK to be left alone on date night – a dog that’s likely to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors, might not be the best fit – for example.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix?
The Lab Corgi mix is a very even-tempered dog. Labrador Retrievers can sometimes be overly energetic and excitable – with the Corgi influence, the Corgi Lab is likely to be more balanced and less jittery around strangers or other pets.
Corgi and Lab parent breeds are gentle, friendly creatures with huge, loving hearts. This is likely to shine through with the Corgi Lab mix in many different ways, but you can expect a very loyal creature that will be happy to cuddle up to you every evening.
Neither breed is known for their aggression, but you might receive some stubbornness, as Corgis can be a little stubborn initially – it’s their independence shining through.
Is The Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Friendly?
Yes! Both parent dogs are amiable animals. As such, you can expect much the same from your Corgidor. Your Lab Corgi will be as friendly with strangers as they will be with you, so you may need to check whether they’re being too friendly and employ corrective training.
Is The Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Easy to Train?
Speaking of training, the Lab Corgi can sometimes be challenging simply because of its stubborn nature. However, positive reinforcement is almost always a better approach than admonishment.
How Much Can A Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix is between 30 and 60 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Labrador Retriever mix is between 10 and 24 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Lab Corgi. These include medium-sized dogs such as the German Shepherd Lab, the Border Collie, the Basset Hound, and the Doberman Pinscher.
Does the Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Shed?
Yes! You can expect your Labrador Corgi to shed heavily throughout the year. They do not have a double coat, so you don’t have to worry about a biannual ‘blowing,’ but a brush once weekly will be enough to keep their shedding at bay.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Require?
The Labrador Corgi is a very active breed, requiring between thirty to forty-five minutes of exercise daily. They also benefit from off-leash walks and games like fetch!
How Long Can a Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Labrador Retriever mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Have?
- Hip dysplasia (hip joint inflammation)
- Cutaneous asthenia (a skin condition)
- Centronuclear myopathy (muscular disorder)
- Elbow dysplasia (elbow joint inflammation)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (spinal cord disease)
How Can You Find a Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you search for a Corgi Labrador Retriever mix puppy for sale, we strongly recommend that you try to adopt one of these mixed-breed pups.
They’re most often found in animal shelters and veterinary clinics – they wind up there due to accidental mating or a lack of compatibility with their previous owners.
If you prefer to start your search online, you can try AdoptAPet.com, which allows you to search your local area.
How Much Does a Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix Puppy Cost?
Another reason to consider adoption before buying is the cost of purchasing a Corgi Labrador Retriever mix. These pups can cost anywhere from $700 to $1500! That’s double or treble the price of adoption fees and corresponding vet checks combined!
If you still decide to purchase a Corgi Lab, you should first read our article on finding a reputable breeder to help you get the best dog possible and avoid puppy mills.
Is the Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking for an energetic breed with a friendly personality that’s good with other pets and other humans, the Corgidor may be precisely what you’ve been looking for!
If you know, after reading this, that the Corgidor most certainly isn’t for you – then check out our other breed guides to find a more suitable companion.