The Corgi Spitz mix is a medium-sized mixed-breed dog created by breeding a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a Japanese Spitz. These two small dogs have histories from different parts of the world. Still, their combination creates an adorable lapdog perfect for single individuals and families – preferably those with a house and yard.
Image credit: rangerthehopper
As the Corgi Spitz mix is a relatively new crossbreed, we don’t have much-written history concerning the breed, so we’ll have to draw on our knowledge of their parent breeds to give us an insight into what kind of dog you can expect from a Corgi Spitz mix.
Corgi Spitz Mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 15–30 pounds |
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–16 years |
| Coat colours: | Tan, white, black, or a combination of any two, or all three. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, outgoing, intelligent, loving, loyal. |
| Suitable for: | Families with or without children, single individuals, not suitable for apartment living or the elderly. |
What does a Corgi Spitz mix look like?
The mixture of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Japanese Spitz creates a dog that, at least physically, resembles the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. However, their body may resemble that of the Japanese Spitz.
The ears of the Japanese Spitz and Pembroke Welsh Corgi will come together in the ears of the Corgi Spitz – you can expect your Corgi Spitz to have long ears with pointed ends. The Welsh Corgi and Japanese Spitz have similar facial appearances, so your Corgi Spitz may inherit either face, although the Welsh Corgi tends to have a slightly longer nose and wider mouth than the Japanese Spitz.
Your Corgi Spitz will likely inherit the trademark short legs of the Welsh Corgi, as is typical of other Corgi mixes. You can expect your Corgi Spitz mix to have a fluffier, thicker coat than other Corgi mixes, as Japanese Spitz’s have thick, long double coats. Your Corgi Spitz may inherit either coat type from either parent breed.
Image credit: whisky.woof
One of the most interesting things about mixed-breed dogs is the differences in physical appearances that come together. This makes it difficult to predict exactly what your mixed-breed dog will look like, but the parent breeds provide the best insight.
The History of the Corgi Spitz Mix
As a designer breed, the history of the Corgi Spitz mix – like almost all designer breed dogs – doesn’t have an extensive history. It’s a cross between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Japanese Spitz that likely occurred sometime in the 1990s or early 2000s, when crossbreeding became hugely popular in the United States.
Let’s dive deep into the history of both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Japanese Spitz to better understand where this popular Corgi mix came from.
The History of the Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is one of many Spitz-type dogs that emerged during the first quarter of the 20th century. Japanese dog breeders desired an improved, slightly larger version of the German Spitz – that was brought over from China to Japan in the early 19th century.
They began by crossbreeding several different Spitz-type dogs together – possibly including the Samoyed – given their fluffy white coat. Several unnamed Spitz breeds were integrated into the mix in the 1920s and 1930s to eventually create the Breed Standard after the Second World War. This standard was approved by the Japanese Kennel Club.
The Japanese Spitz was eventually exported to Sweden in the 1950s, migrated across Europe from there and eventually became recognized over the decades by various kennel clubs across the world.
How Popular Are Spitz?
The Japanese Spitz is, unfortunately, unrecognized in the United States by the American Kennel Club. It is however recognized by the United Kennel Club.
According to the Japanese Spitz Club of America, there are only four breeders nationwide, making the Japanese Spitz a hard dog to find. However, this Japanese breed is steadily gaining popularity.
Who Are Spitz a Good Dog For?
The Japanese Spitz is renowned for their pleasant, friendly demeanor and as high-energy dogs. Given their energy levels, the Japanese Spitz isn’t the greatest dog for elderly owners, or for those without a house and yard, as they need plenty of exercise. However, the Japanese Spitz is a great family pet and will fit in well with children and other pets.
How Did Spitz Come About?
The Japanese Spitz was first bred from a variety of Spitz-type dogs in the early 20th century in Japan. The Japanese imported various Spitz dogs, including those from Germany – mainly those with white fluffier coats.
Their beautiful nature makes them very appealing to owners, but those who are considering a Japanese Spitz should be aware of what they’re getting themselves into.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Spitz?
The history of the Japanese Spitz is one of crossbreeding. It was created by crossbreeding between various types of Spitz dogs imported from Europe during the early 20th century.
Today, however, there are a few popular crossbreeds of the Japanese Spitz. These include:
- Japanese Spitz Husky Mix (Spitzsky)
- Japanese Spitz Poodle Mix (Spoodle)
- Japanese Spitz Schnauzer Mix
The History of the Corgi
The Welsh Corgi is one of the world’s most ancient breeds. Brought over to Wales from Flanders by Flemish weavers in the 12th century, the Welsh Corgi was originally a herding breed. The Flemish weavers and their Corgis originally arrived in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Hence the name “Pembroke Welsh Corgi.”
Welsh Corgis may have originated in Flanders (modern-day Belgium), but it was promulgated and further developed in other regions of Wales – the Pembroke Welsh’s cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi originates from the town of Cardigan in the Carmarthenshire region of Wales.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally a herding breed of dog, however, it was replaced over the centuries by larger, stronger dogs and found a home instead as popular companion pets. Pembroke Welsh Corgis were also a favorite dog of Queen Elizabeth II, who had more than thirty Corgis during her lifetime.
Corgis are renowned for their affectionate nature, as well having a ‘big dog’ bark – part of their overprotective nature – but are one of the most popular dog breeds among families and those of the elderly persuasion, mostly due to their size and even-tempered nature.
How Popular Are Corgis?
The stories of the popularity of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi within the United States are very different. Originally, Welsh Corgis were grouped together as the same breed by the American Kennel Club. It wasn’t until the 1930s when the Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh were viewed as separate breeds.
Due to their huge popularity in the UK, and their affectionate and independent nature, Corgis are very popular family dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis also featured prominently in Netflix’s “The Crown,” which improved their popularity greatly in the United States.
However, for the Cardigan Welsh, it’s a different story – they’re nowhere near as popular in the United States.
In 2021, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi ranked as the 67th most popular dog in the United States. Meanwhile, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi showed just what a popular breed it is, ranking as the 11th most popular dog in the country.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are very popular dogs, well known for their likability, relaxed and affectionate temperament. They’re also renowned as being very intelligent breeds, and make very popular Corgi pups.
Corgis are great family pets and are the perfect size for many living in apartments. Due to their body structure, they’re also a good size for the elderly. The one thing that may inhibit elderly owners of Corgis is their need for physical stimulation. Corgis need regular exercise and do much better in environments where they have a house and yard.
How Did Corgis Come About?
Welsh Corgis were brought to Wales by Flemish weavers from modern-day Belgium, who originally used Corgis as herding dogs, due to their athletic body. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes from Pembrokeshire, Wales, whereas their cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes from the town of Cardigan, in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular crossbreed for a Welsh Corgi mix. There have been plenty of crossbreeds of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi that occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s due to the desirability of the Corgi parent.
The Welsh Corgi mix has been a popular cross in recent years. Some of the most popular mixed breeds include:
- Corgi German Shepherd Mix (Corman Shepherds)
- Corgi Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Corgi)
- Corgi Pug Mix (Corgi Pug)
- Blue Heeler Corgi Mix (Blue Corgi)
- Corgi Shiba Inu Mix (Corgi Inu)
- Corgi Pitbull Mix (Bull Corgi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of dog ownership is doing your research beforehand. Ensuring that a dog’s temperament is a good match for your own will make it much easier when fitting a dog in with your family unit.
This generally means asking yourself why you’re getting a dog to begin with. Are you looking for an active companion? Are you looking for a kid-friendly dog? Do you want a big dog or a little dog? Depending on what you’re looking for, you may want a certain temperament in a dog.
When purchasing or adopting a dog, please make sure you choose a dog that’s a temperamental match for you and your family. Failure to find a good match could result in extensive training or even having to re-home the dog.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Spitz Mix?
The Corgi Spitz mix is a high-energy breed that will likely inherit the best part of both parent breeds’ temperaments. This could include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s stubborn streak and friendly, pleasant nature. The energetic nature of the Japanese Spitz will require abating with massive amounts of physical exercise.
The devoted nature of the Corgi Spitz means they’ll love human company.
Is The Corgi Spitz Mix Friendly?
Yes! You can expect your Corgi Spitz mix to be a very friendly pet, that’s good with both other pets and other humans, including children.
Something to be aware of is that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a herding trial history, which means they may sometimes try to ‘herd’ your younglings.
Is The Corgi Spitz Mix Easy to Train?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a stubborn streak which can be difficult to temper, and the Japanese Spitz is quite an energetic breed. This could mean you must employ positive reinforcement during your at-home training.
How Much Can A Corgi Spitz Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Corgi Spitz mix is between 15 and 30 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Spitz Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Spitz mix is between 10 and 14 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi Spitz mix. These include:
- Chow Chow
- Miniature Schnauzer
- King Charles Spaniel
- Shetland Sheepdog
Does the Corgi Spitz Mix Shed?
While both parent breeds are at opposite ends of the shedding spectrum, with the Corgi being a light shedder and the Japanese Spitz being a heavy shedder, you can expect a moderate amount of shedding from your Corgi Spitz mix.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Spitz Mix Require?
The Corgi Spitz mix is a fairly energetic breed. They’ll require at least 45 minutes of daily exercise.
How Long Can a Corgi Spitz Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Spitz mix is between 10 and 16 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Spitz Mix Have?
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) (Spinal cord compression)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (Spinal cord disorder)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow joint inflammation)
How Can You Find a Corgi Spitz Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you consider buying a Corgi Spitz mix, try adoption first. Unfortunately, plenty of dogs wind up in animal shelters and vet clinics because they were the result of accidental mating, or are simply unwanted. The same is also true of mixed breed dogs like the Corgi Spitz. Check your local animal shelter or vet clinic first!
You can also check out AdoptAPet.com, to see if there are any Corgi Spitz mixes available in your local area.
How Much Does a Corgi Spitz Mix Puppy Cost?
The average price of a Corgi Spitz mix puppy can be between $500 and $1000! This is yet another reason to consider adoption over purchasing a Corgi Spitz mix.
However, if you choose to purchase a Corgi Spitz mix, you should read our article about purchasing from a reputable breeder.
Is the Corgi Spitz Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Corgi Spitz is a fantastic mix for families and active individuals with a house and yard. If you’re looking for a loyal and loving breed, the Corgi Spitz might be the perfect breed for your family.
If, however, you’re sure that the Corgi Spitz mix isn’t the right breed for you, check out our other breed guides to see if there’s a more suitable mixed breed dog.