Last Updated on February 4, 2023 by The Puppy Mag
The Border Collie Corgi Mix, or Borgi, is a playful pup with plenty of love to offer. With being mixed with two different types of herding dogs, this is one of the most intelligent and loyal dogs you could ask for.
Though this breed has so many wonderful traits to offer, you should still be educated on the characteristics of the breed before you welcome them into your home.
If you are trying to figure out if this is the right pup for you, we are here to provide you with all the details you need to make the best decision!
In this article, we will discuss Borgi’s appearance, exercise needs, temperament, overall health, and so much more.
Let’s dive into the details!
History Of The Corgi
The Corgi is an impressive pup that was originally bred for herding livestock. There are two different types of Corgis known today, and this includes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Both were believed to have been brought to Wales by the Vikings almost 3,000 years ago, but there is still quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding their true origin.
No matter the exact details behind the Corgi, both have a long history of herding and protecting cattle. These pups were known for helping their farmers drive the cattle to the market or to the fields, acting as both the organizer and protector.
The Corgi became treasured in the area for their impressive herding abilities, which ultimately lead to them gaining recognition throughout Europe.
While both types of Corgi are now widely popular, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for being Queen Elizabeth II of England’s favorite furry friend.
She currently one two Corgis and one Corgi mix, which could be part of why the Corgi has become so popular over the last decade. The breed may have had its start in Europe, but these pups can now be found in homes around the world.
History Of The Border Collie
The Border Collie was believed to have been purposely bred in Britain about 300 years ago. Though many herding dogs were around in the region for quite some time, it is understood that farmers bred their most skilled sheepdogs to create what is now known as the Border Collie.
Border Collies were a valuable asset during this time due to their fierce loyalty and intelligence, which is likely why the breed’s popularity soon spread throughout Europe.
Once word got around about how impressive this herding pup was, Queen Victoria soon caught wind of this hard working sheepdog. Her love of the breed likely led to the Sheepdog trials in 1876, which allowed the public to see the skills the Border Collie had to offer.
After the public watched the Collie herd sheep with simple whistles and verbal cues, everybody had to get a Border Collie of their own. It’s been quite some time since the Sheepdog trials, but the Border Collie is still deeply treasured throughout the world.
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When Was The Border Collie Corgi Mix Created?
It appears that the 1980’s and 1990’s were the start of the creation of Corgi mixes. There is no exact timeframe in which the first Borgi was purposely bred, but it’s likely that it occurred within this period.
Though breeding of this mixed pup may have been around for up to 40 years, it appears that the Borgi has gained most of its popularity over the last decade.
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Appearance Of The Border Collie Corgi Mix
If you are thinking about welcoming a Border Collie Corgi Mix into your home, one of the main reasons is likely due to their overwhelming cuteness.
Their stocky legs and adorable markings is part of why this breed is so popular, but let’s break down each characteristic below.
Size
The standard size of the Border Collie Corgi mix will vary with each dog, but most will weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds.
These pups are typically short and stocky, so this breed is more thick than they are tall. The Borgi ranges anywhere from 10 to 20 inches in height, but some pups will be a bit taller if they take after their Border Collie parent.
If you are ever unsure of what to expect from your Border Collie Corgi Mix, you can typically get the most accurate idea from their parent’s size.
Coat Color & Texture
Both the Corgi and the Border Collie have thick fur, so you can typically expect the Borgi to have this trait as well.
The Border Collie has longer fur than most Corgi pups, so their coat length will typically be somewhere in the middle at a medium length. Some Border Collie Corgi Mixes will also have fur feathering around their ears, and this makes for an adorable pup.
Though not always the case, most Borgis will have the same coat color as the Border Collie; black and white. A lot of them will have the black shading around their ears and eyes and a thin white line that trails down their nose, but some will have a face that is entirely black as well.
However, if the Border Collie parent has shades of brown in their coat, there is a chance that your Borgi will have traces of brown in their fur as well.
Unique Characteristics
One of the main traits that the Corgi is known for is their adorable ears. Their large rounded ears stand tall and proud, and many Borgis acquire this same trait as well.
Some ears stand tall while others will droop, but most Borgis will have adorable large ears..
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Temperment Of The Border Collie Corgi Mix
The Border Collie Corgi Mix is known for being incredibly loyal. They become deeply attached to their families, and they long to be around them as often as possible.
They are known for being a great family dog for this reason, as long as you are okay with their general playfulness and mild hyperactivity.
Though the Borgi is known for being a bit mischievous due to their intelligence, they are still a wonderful pup to add to your family.
The Borgi is loving, cuddly, playful, and even outgoing when they are properly socialized from puppyhood. When all is said and done, the best word to describe the Border Collie Corgi Mix is goofy.
Activity Level Of The Border Collie Corgi Mix
When breeding two herding dogs, the result will be an intelligent pup with a lot of energy. These pups require anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day because of it, and it’s a bonus if this exercise can be with their family.
A Border Collie Corgi Mix with pent up energy will not be a fun companion to have in your home, as they often turn to destructive behaviors like furniture chewing and toy shredding.
As long as these playful pups get the exercise they need each day, they can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Some of their favorite activities include going on walks with their owners, going on mild hikes, playing fetch in the yard, and any other activity that gets you up and moving together.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that due to the body shape of their Corgi parent, it is not ideal to allow them to participate in activities that could hurt their back.
The Corgi is prone to disc disease and spine injuries because of their long and short stature, so you will want to avoid any activity that is considered too vigorous. This could be any activity that involves jumping, intense climbing, and even pulling.
Grooming Requirements Of the Border Collie Corgi Mix
The combination of having both the Border Collie and Corgi coat will result in a thick double coat for these pups. Their fur will likely be medium in length and coarse in texture, and will typically require a quick brushing session once a day to prevent excessive fur loss around your home.
A deshedding brush is typically best for the Borgi, as this will help to limit any fur tumbleweeds in high shed periods. Their fur is still soft enough to have cuddle sessions with your pup, but just be prepared for them to leave a layer of fur behind on your clothing.
Training Your Border Collie Corgi Mix
Both the Corgi and the Border Collie are known for being incredibly smart.
This means that while they will catch on to obedience training quickly, they can also be a bit challenging if they are not receiving training that offers enrichment.
Training a smart dog like the Borgi will need to be positive, uplifting, and fun.
In addition to making sure your Border Collie Corgi Mix is receiving training that fits their needs, you will also need to focus on proper socialization from the moment they enter your home.
The Border Collie can be a bit aloof to those they do not know, so you will want to make sure they feel confident in a variety of situations. A well rounded Borgi socialization plan will involve introducing them to new people, other dogs, unfamiliar sounds, and even new settings.
Overall Health Of The Border Collie Corgi Mix
Most Border Collie Corgi Mixes will live a long and healthy life of anywhere from 14 to 18 years, but there are a few health conditions that this breed is more at risk of developing.
While hopefully your Borgi pup will never struggle with these health threats, it’s important to be aware of them if you will have a Borgi in your life.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
The Border Collie Corgi Mix is prone to IVDD due to their long body and short stature. IVDD is a condition that refers to the degeneration of the discs within the dog’s spine, leading to eventual herniation and rupture of the discs.
Not only is this condition incredibly painful for the dog affected, but it can lead to eventual paralysis if a disc ruptures.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition that occurs due to the abnormal formation of the dog’s hip joints. Due to the abnormal formation of the joints, the hip joints will be more lax than they should be.
This instability will cause the hip joints to rub and grind, which in turn causes damage and inflammation of the area. This will soon lead to a cycle of severe pain for the Borgi, and it can ultimately lead to lameness if it is not managed.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA in dogs refers to a condition that leads to the breakdown of photoreceptors cells within the dog’s eyes.
These cells play a major role in offering a dog clear vision, so when they break down over time, this can result in eventual blindness for the pup affected.
Final Thoughts On The Border Collie Corgi Mix
The Border Collie Corgi Mix is a playful, intelligent, and loving pup that would be happy to be a part of your family.
As long as you are able to offer them the daily exercise they need to thrive, you will see just how wonderful of a companion this breed can be.
If you have read our guide above and think the Borgi mix is perfect for you, then we hope you can go on to find the Border Collie Corgi Mix of your dreams!