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Corgidor -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Labrador Retriever

Corgidor

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 Great Britain <> Canada -> U.S.A.
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Corgidor
The Corgidor is a hybrid dog, a cross between a Welsh Corgi Pembroke and a Labrador Retriever. Indeed, both parent breeds were originally draft dogs, which gives them a common heritage, while what distinguishes the two breeds is their length and character. As with any hybrid dog, the puppy's character and appearance can be retained from either of the parent breeds. When there is a contrast in appearance and temperament, as with the Corgidor, it can lead to unpredictable results. For people considering a Corgidor because they're like a Labrador Retriever, but smaller, first make sure you can cope with either end of the behavioral spectrum, and size. This ranges from a large, boisterous Labrador Retriever, to a short-legged, potentially cranky Corgi. There's no telling which side of the family tree a Corgidor will take after.

History of the Corgidor
The growing popularity of hybrid dogs has led to many unusual crosses. Indeed, there's no record of when a Labrador Retriever and a Corgi were first deliberately united, but a reasonable guess would be the early 20th century. Before their paths crossed, the two related breeds had a long history. Both are working breeds, the Labrador Retriever helping fishermen and hunters by retrieving game, while the Corgi was a shepherd, trained to nip cattle to keep them in order.
        

A little of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke

         
Confusingly, there are two types of Corgi, both bearing the Welsh name. The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is larger and has a longer tail than their smaller, stubby-tailed cousin, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. If you know the Corgi with Queen Elizabeth II, this type is the Pembroke. Originally a guard and herding dog, the Corgi earned its living by keeping cattle together and protecting them. Selective dog breeding created a dog that was low to the ground, harder for cattle to kick, quick-witted and courageous. They kept cattle in order by worrying and barking. These traits led to a strong-willed dog that can be very effective if not successful.
Standard of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke

A little of the Labrador Retriever
Despite their name, Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland. Their first ancestors were dogs brought over from England with colonizing migrants. These aquatic dogs with otter-like tails have proved invaluable to those who earn their living in harsh conditions. Indeed, it seems likely that a split took place early on, with some dogs producing the Labrador Retriever line, and others an offspring of the larger, black Newfoundland dog. The Labrador Retriever's eagerness makes it well suited to training for a variety of tasks, including carrying fishermen's nets, scooping fish and retrieving game in the field. But whatever their early origins, their superb temperament soon endeared them to everyone, preparing them to become extremely popular family dogs.
Standard of the Labrador Retriever

Appearance of the Corgidor
Mixing dog breeds isn't like mixing paint. Mix white and black paint and you get gray, which is predictable and happens every time. But mixing a Labrador Retriever and a Corgi, and having a dog that looks halfway between a Labrador Retriever and a Corgi, is only one possibility. The laws of genetics dictate that puppies take on the characteristics of both parents. This could result in a dog that looks like a Labrador Retriever, but has the short legs of a Corgi. However, it is also possible to obtain a puppy of similar size and stature to a Labrador Retriever or Corgi. The same applies to coat color. While Corgis are most often bicolored in sable and white, Labrador Retrievers come in three colors, although other variations, such as silver and fox red, exist, which are yellow, black and chocolate. Again, the coloring of the resulting puppy is largely due to chance and could result in a combination of a dog the size and shape of a Corgi but with an all-black coat, or a Labrador Retriever-like build with a two-tone coat. Indeed, the puppy could have pointed ears or loose ears depending on which side he inherits. But what should be a constant is a good-sized muzzle, giving them the ability to breathe well during exercise.

Temperament of the Corgidor
Looking at the puppy gives you a good idea of its physical heritage, but discovering its character traits isn't so easy. For example, Labrador Retrievers love strangers because they may have a treat with them. Corgis, on the other hand, are altogether more aloof and reserved, due to their guarding and herding instincts. While a Labrador Retriever is an indulgent dog, more likely to lick than nip, the same cannot be said of the Corgi. This has implications for the Corgidor and their suitability as a family dog. The future Corgidor owner would do well to be experienced with dogs. Then, if this bundle of hair proves to possess the Corgi's strength of character, the breeder is in the best position to give it the fair advice it needs. As with any dog, early socialization is essential. Lack of experience in youth has reinforced the natural suspicion of strangers and the tendency to break when threatened. When looking for a Corgidor puppy, look for a breeder who undertakes a socialization program with his puppies. Stay away from puppies raised in outdoor runs with little contact with people or places where the mother is not visible, as this is a sure sign of a puppy farm. Another trait to consider is Corgi barking. They used their voice to control livestock, so it's a powerful and intimidating sound. Make sure you can commit to plenty of exercise with a Corgidor, as a bored dog is likely to express himself vocally, and at the neighbor's expense.

Needs and activities of the Corgidor
The Corgidor is the parent of two active, high-energy breeds that require daily exercise. A fenced yard or dog park where they can run and fetch is ideal. Task-oriented play will also keep their minds sufficiently stimulated and help prevent destructive behaviors from developing while they're left alone. Playing and fetching with a tennis ball is a great way to exercise your Corgidor, but make sure you give it your attention and enthusiasm. This breed can be sensitive to human emotion and needs a positive, enthusiastic owner to share their time with. The Corgidor is an all-weather dog capable of living in a wide range of climates. However, warmer climates are less tolerable and this hybrid is more prone to overheating than others. Always have fresh, clean water for your dog and plenty of shade, especially during the summer months. With proper exercise, this breed will tolerate living in smaller spaces, especially if it resembles the Welsh Corgi. However, homes with backyards or country are far more ideal environments for this high-energy hybrid.

Maintenance of the Corgidor
Considering its parent breeds, the Corgidor is a high shedding hybrid. However, the dense coat retains dead and loose hairs and will need weekly brushing to remove them. When brushing his coat, also check the Corgidor's ears and remove any dirt, wax or debris with a vet-approved cleaning solution to prevent ear infections. It's also important to brush your Corgidor's teeth regularly to prevent gum and tooth disease. Corgidor nails are strong and grow quickly. If they're not naturally short, due to contact with harder floor surfaces, you'll need to trim them every two or three weeks to prevent cracking and excessive proliferation.
Details
Written by: Francis Vandersteen
Also available: Français (France) Deutsch (Deutschland) Español (España) Nederlands (nl-NL)
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