So, you’re looking at a long haired dachshund corgi mix. Maybe you saw a photo on Instagram of a dog that looks like a literal loaf of bread with a silky, floor-length coat. People call them Dorgis. It’s a cute name. But honestly? Living with one is a wild ride that involves a lot of shedding, a surprising amount of barking, and a dog that probably thinks it’s the king of your living room.
These dogs are a "designer" crossbreed. They aren't a standardized breed you'll find at a prestigious kennel club show. Instead, they are the result of mixing two of the most iconic "short and long" dogs in history: the Dachshund (usually the long-haired variety for that specific coat) and either a Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
It’s a weird mix. You’ve got the hunting instinct of a badger-chasing German hound mixed with the herding drive of a Welsh farm dog.
Why the Dorgi Even Exists
We can actually blame the British Royals for a lot of this. While the long haired dachshund corgi mix has probably existed as "mutt" accidents for decades, Queen Elizabeth II is often credited with popularizing the Dorgi. One of her Corgis, Tiny, mated with a Dachshund named Pipkin belonging to Princess Margaret. The Queen loved the result. She ended up breeding several generations of them.
When a literal Queen decides a crossbreed is worth keeping around, people notice.
But here’s the thing: just because they’re royal-adjacent doesn't mean they’re easy. These are big dogs in small bodies. They don't know they are only ten inches tall. If a Great Dane walks by, your Dorgi will likely try to tell it exactly where to go and how to get there.
The Reality of the Long Haired Dachshund Corgi Mix Appearance
If you're expecting a predictable look, stop right there.
Crossbreeding is a genetic lottery. When you mix a long-haired Dachshund with a Corgi, you might get the upright, fox-like ears of the Corgi. Or you might get the long, velvet-soft floppy ears of the Dachshund. Sometimes you get one of each for a few months while they’re puppies. It’s hilarious.
Most of these mixes end up with the "long and low" silhouette. Both parent breeds carry the gene for chondrodysplasia—basically, dwarfism—which gives them those short, sturdy legs.
The coat is where things get messy. A long haired dachshund corgi mix will have a coat that requires actual work. We aren't talking about a quick brush once a week. Because both parents can have double coats (especially the Corgi), you are looking at a dog that sheds. A lot. You will find hair in your coffee. You will find hair in your keyboard.
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The "long" part of the name usually comes from the Dachshund side, giving the dog "feathers" on their legs, chest, and tail. It’s beautiful, but it’s a magnet for burrs, mud, and—if you live somewhere snowy—giant ice balls that stick to their undercarriage.
Personality: A Clash of Two Worlds
Dachshunds are hounds. They are scent-driven, stubborn, and have a high prey drive. They were bred to go into holes and fight badgers. That requires a level of "I don't care what you say" independence.
Corgis are herders. They are bossy. They want to move things. They want to be in the middle of the action.
When you combine them, you get a dog that is incredibly smart but only uses that intelligence when there is something in it for them. You want them to sit? Better have a piece of freeze-dried liver. Even then, they might take a second to think about whether the liver is worth the effort of putting their butt on the cold floor.
They are incredibly loyal. They will follow you from room to room. They are "velcro dogs" in the truest sense. However, that loyalty often manifests as being protective. They will bark at the mailman. They will bark at the wind. They will bark because a leaf looked at them funny.
Health Issues: The Back Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About
We have to get serious for a second. The biggest risk with a long haired dachshund corgi mix is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Because their spines are so long and their legs are so short, their backs are under constant strain. One bad jump off a high sofa can result in a ruptured disc, leading to paralysis and surgeries that cost upwards of $5,000 to $9,000.
I’ve seen owners who didn't take this seriously. They let their Dorgis jump in and out of trucks or run up and down steep stairs. It’s a gamble. If you get this mix, you basically need to buy ramps for your furniture and keep them at a lean weight. An overweight Dorgi is a ticking time bomb for back surgery.
The Obesity Trap
Corgis and Dachshunds are both professional beggars. They have "the eyes." They will act like they haven't eaten in three weeks even if they just finished a bowl of premium kibble.
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Obesity is the enemy of the Dorgi. Because of their structure, every extra pound puts exponential pressure on their joints and spine. You have to be the "mean" owner who measures their food with a literal measuring cup and limits treats.
- Hip Dysplasia: Common in Corgis, this can show up in the mix too.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye condition that can lead to blindness.
- Patellar Luxation: Where the kneecap pops out of place.
It sounds like a lot of medical drama, right? It can be. But if you find a breeder who actually tests their parent dogs for these genetic markers, you’re in a much better spot. Avoid pet stores. Avoid "backyard breeders" who just happen to have two dogs and a Craigslist ad.
Training a Dog That Thinks It's the Boss
Training a long haired dachshund corgi mix requires the patience of a saint.
Don't use "alpha" or "dominance" training. It doesn't work on these dogs; it just makes them shut down or get snappy. They respond to positive reinforcement. But even then, they are "selective listeners."
Potty training is the legendary struggle. Dachshunds are notoriously hard to housebreak. They hate the rain. If it’s drizzling outside, a Dachshund-Corgi mix will look at the puddles, look at you, and then decide that your expensive rug is a much better place to go.
You have to be more stubborn than the dog. Crate training is usually a must. Consistency is the only way through.
Exercise Needs
Despite their short legs, they aren't lap dogs. They have a surprising amount of energy.
A bored Dorgi is a destructive Dorgi. They will chew your baseboards. They will dig holes in your backyard. They need at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity a day. This doesn't have to be a marathon—their short legs wouldn't like that anyway—but they need "sniffaris."
Let them use their nose. Dachshunds live to smell things. A long walk where they get to sniff every single blade of grass is more tiring for them than a fast-paced run.
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Is This the Right Dog for You?
Let’s be honest. This mix isn't for everyone.
If you live in a third-floor walk-up apartment with no elevator, do not get this dog. Carrying them up and down stairs forever is the only way to protect their back.
If you want a dog that is perfectly obedient and will fetch a ball until its legs fall off, get a Lab. A Dorgi might fetch the ball once, then look at you like you're an idiot for throwing it away again.
But, if you want a companion with a massive personality, someone who will make you laugh with their weird "zoomies" and snuggle under the covers with you at night, the long haired dachshund corgi mix is incredible. They are quirky. They are funny. They have a sense of humor that most dogs just don't have.
Real World Costs to Consider
Owning one of these dogs isn't just the initial cost of the puppy (which can range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the breeder).
- Grooming: If you don't do it yourself, a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks is a necessity to prevent matting in that long hair.
- Ramps: You’ll need at least two or three ramps for the bed and sofa.
- Pet Insurance: This is non-negotiable for this breed mix. You want a policy that specifically covers IVDD and hereditary conditions. Do not skip this. One emergency vet visit will cost more than three years of premiums.
Getting Started with Your Dorgi
If you’ve decided this is the dog for you, your first step isn't looking at puppies. It’s looking at your house.
Check your flooring. Is it all hardwood or tile? These dogs can slip easily, which isn't great for their joints. Throw rugs are your best friend.
Next, look for a rescue. Because people often get these dogs without realizing how much they bark or shed, you can often find them in breed-specific rescues for Dachshunds or Corgis. Giving a home to an adult Dorgi is actually a great move because their personality is already set, and you’ll know exactly how big they’re going to get.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
- Weight Check: If you can't easily feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard, they are too heavy. Cut back the kibble immediately.
- No Jumping Rule: Start training "off" from day one. Use treats to encourage them to use ramps instead of jumping from heights.
- Socialization: Expose them to children, cats, and loud noises early. Their instinct is to be wary of strangers, so early "happy" exposures prevent a fearful, snappy adult dog.
- Mental Games: Buy puzzle feeders. Since they are food-motivated, making them "work" for their dinner keeps their brain sharp and prevents boredom-induced barking.
The long haired dachshund corgi mix is a big commitment in a small, fuzzy package. They aren't just "cute" accessories; they are complex, sometimes difficult, but deeply rewarding dogs. If you can handle the shedding and the stubbornness, you’ll have a loyal shadow for the next 12 to 15 years. Just watch their back—literally.