The Corman Shepherd is a combination of two hardworking dog breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the German Shepherd.
Whilst the purpose of developing this designer breed is unknown, it is speculated that dedicated breeders wanted to create a dog possessing the Corgi’s charm and the German Shepherd’s protectiveness.
Check out what qualities make the German Shepherd Corgi mix a wonderful canine companion and learn how to care for this breed.
Where Was the German Shepherd Corgi Mix First Developed?
The creation of the German Shepherd Corgi mix is not well-documented. Hence, there is no way to know the breed’s place of origin.
However, it is assumed that the intentional breeding of the Corman Shepherd likely happened in North America in the early 2000s. Eventually, he garnered fame and was later bred across the United States.
Since the German Shepherd Corgi mix is a recent designer dog, he is not yet considered a purebred dog by major kennel clubs. Thus, he cannot be registered with the Kennel Club in the UK.
What Does A German Shepherd Corgi Mix Look Like?
Like most designer dogs, the German Shepherd Corgi mix inherits a combination of physical traits from his parent breeds.
He has a muscular body paired with short legs. His face has a fox-like appearance. He possesses a broad skull, a long dark-tipped snout, and powerful jaws.
The Corgi x German Shepherd dog has dark almond-shaped eyes. His tufted ears either sit folded or erect on his head. His most common coat colours are:
- Black
- Brown
- Gold
- Tan
- White
The German Shepherd Corgi mix owes these colourations to his parent breeds. His fur is rarely solid-coloured since both the Welsh Corgi and German Shepherd’s coats are a mix of two or more colours.
How Often Does the German Shepherd Corgi Mix Need Brushing?
Thus, brushing him should be done 3 to 4 times a week to control his shedding. Use either a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool.
Daily brushing will be necessary once the Corgi x German Shepherd’s shedding season arrives, which occurs twice a year.
Do not skip brushing since it prevents nasty mats and tangles, which can be difficult to disentangle without the help of a groomer. It also supports the production of natural oils in hair and skin, keeping them healthy and shiny.
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How Big Does a German Shepherd Corgi Mix Get?
Corgi x German Shepherd dogs vary in size since they have no set breed standards. Generally, these canines are larger than Welsh Corgis but no bigger than German Shepherds.
They are medium-to-large canine companions, measuring around 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimetres) tall and weighing between 20 to 70 pounds (9 to 23 kilos).
Because of his fairly large body, the German Shepherd Corgi mix requires a spacious home where he can move around unhindered. He is not the best choice as an apartment pet.
What Is the Temperament of a German Shepherd Corgi Mix?
Highly devoted and loyal, Corgi x German Shepherd dog tends to be protective towards his family. He stays vigilant of any potential dangers around them, making him a dependable watchdog or guard dog.
To shape him into one, early socialization and training must be carried out. It builds up his confidence and develops his instincts to correctly identify individuals with ill intentions versus those who don’t.
The process also ensures he does not develop unwanted destructive behaviour like aggression, incessant barking, and guarding.
Is the German Shepherd Corgi Mix Great with Children and Pets?
The German Shepherd Corgi mix is full of energy and playfulness, making him good with children.
While Corgi x German Shepherd dogs have sturdy bodies, they are not immune to pain. Pulling their ears or tail when roughhousing should be discouraged.
For safe playtime, children should be taught ahead of time how to gently handle their canine friend. Never leave them unsupervised as well to minimize the chances of distressing accidents.
The German Shepherd Corgi mix has herding tendencies like his hunting dog parents. Housing him with smaller animals like rabbits, cats, or guinea pigs is not a good idea since their movements might activate his chasing instincts.
Both the German Shepherd and Welsh Corgi grew up in contact with other dogs. So Corman Shepherds can build strong friendships with fellow canines provided that they are properly introduced to each other.
Take note that this designer dog has a habit of resource-guarding. Desensitization and counterconditioning training may be needed to inhibit this behaviour and avert dog-to-dog aggression.
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Is the German Shepherd Corgi Mix Easy to Train?
However, he may challenge your authority from time to time. Assert your place on top of the hierarchy by being a firm and consistent pack leader.
That being said, do not resort to harsh methods, such as using verbal and physical punishments. There is no benefit to gain from these actions since they foster resentment and fear in the German Shepherd Corgi mix.
Make training sessions an enjoyable experience for him through positive reinforcement. Rewarding him with praises, treats, and fun activities for a job well done will greatly encourage him to be more attentive and involved.
How Much Exercise Does the German Shepherd Corgi Mix Need?
An offspring of high-energy working dogs, the German Shepherd Corgi mix requires regular exercise. Set aside 1 to 2 hours of time to engage your dog in physical activity and mental stimulation.
Simple walks are not enough to satisfy Corgi X German Shepherd dogs. So, prepare intensive activities for him like obstacle courses, fetch, running, and dog sports.
Brain-challenging games, such as nose work, hide-and-seek, and food puzzles, are a must too.
When planning to take them on outdoor exploration, make sure to check the temperature. Corman Shepherds can easily weather cold seasons because of their thick coats. However, hot days put them at risk of heatstroke and dehydration.
It is safer to walk them during colder parts of the day such as early morning and late evenings. Always bring ample amounts of water to ensure they properly hydrate after an exhausting exercise.
The herding instinct of the German Shepherd Corgi mix makes him prone to sprinting after stray animals he comes across. Thus, keeping him on a lead is imperative.
How Much Food Should a German Shepherd Corgi Mix?
Providing a complete and balanced diet is essential for keeping Corman Shepherds less vulnerable to health problems. So be sure to provide them with breed-appropriate high-quality dry dog food.
Generally, a healthy Corgi x German Shepherd dog needs approximately 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight daily. Thus, if your pooch weighs 50 pounds, his meals should contain about 2,000 to 2,500 calories.
Obesity is a common issue in Welsh Corgis and German Shepherds. As a result, Corman Shepherds are predisposed to this condition as well. Thus, strict portion control must be carried out to prevent overfeeding.
Use a food weighing scale to accurately measure the amount of his food. Then split it into 3 to 4 smaller portions and space his meals evenly instead of offering him one large meal.
What Possible Health Issues the German Shepherd Corgi Mix May Develop?
Cataracts
Cataracts are pressing eye problems in dogs because they can cause partial or total blindness. Their formation can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, nutritional imbalance, or pre-existing illness.
Medications are unable to delay the progression of canine cataracts. The only effective way to get rid of them is surgical removal.
Joint Dysplasia
Working dog breeds are at high risk of developing orthopaedic diseases like chronic hip dysplasia. The condition is caused by the degeneration of the ball and socket joint, resulting in mobility issues.
Mild joint dysplasia can be managed through methods like joint supplements, physical therapy, and medications. If it continues to worsen, the veterinarian may recommend surgical correction.
Degenerative Myelopathy
It is an incurable and hereditary disease affecting the spinal cord of dogs. Degenerative myelopathy starts out causing muscle wasting which progressively leads to paralysis.
Experts are still working to find a cure for the condition. As of now, the best way to manage it is through physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Hereditary health problems in the Corman Shepherd can be prevented by ethical selective breeding.
So, dog enthusiasts must choose a reputable breeder over puppy mill farms and backyard breeders. They prioritise developing healthy German Shepherd Corgi mix puppies instead of solely focusing on making a profit.
Do not bring home a puppy unless the breeder can provide proof that health tests were conducted on the pooch and his parents. It ensures that the Corgi x German Shepherd puppy is at low risk of inheriting diseases from his parents.
FAQs About the German Shepherd Corgi Mix
1. Is the German Shepherd Corgi Mix Hypoallergenic?
The German Shepherd Corgi mix is not a hypoallergenic dog. His dense double coat sheds heavily, which can trigger allergies. He is not the ideal canine companion for pet lovers with dog allergies.
2. What Is the Personality of a Corman Shepherd?
The personality of a Corman Shepherd is sweet and loving towards his family. He tends to be wary and watchful around strangers.
His protectiveness can turn into aggression if not managed properly. Thus, pet owners should put in the effort of training and socialising this designer dog at an early age.
3. How Much Does a Corman Shepherd Weigh?
The Corman Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 20 to 70 pounds (9 to 23 kilos). Dog owners should be conscious of how much food their dogs eat to prevent obesity.
A good rule of thumb is to feed a healthy German Shepherd Corgi mix with meals that provide 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight.
4. How Long Do Corman Shepherds Live?
Corman Shepherds can live for around 10 to 15 years.
Dog owners can extend their furry pals’ lifespan in many ways such as fostering a loving home, choosing a healthy and balanced diet, and following through routine health check-ups.
Conclusion
He can be an excellent watchdog, but it’s essential for dog owners to invest time and effort in training and socialising him properly during puppyhood. Both of these aspects are integral in shaping him into a well-disciplined and dependable canine companion.
We encourage acquiring Corman Shepherds through adoption as many of them often end up in animal shelters and rescue organizations. If this is not a viable option, look for a reputable breeder. Avoid getting scammed by reading our Pet Safe Buying Guide.
