20-25 lbs
11-16"
United States
The Borgi is a hybrid breed; its parent breeds are the Border Collie and the Poodle. The Border Collie first became popular in the early 1800s; he originated in the British Isles. He was bred from many varieties of sheepdog to be a top herding dog. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also a herding dog. He has a rich history and is part of local legend in Wales. His exact pedigree is not known; farmers bred dogs for their purposes and did not always keep good records on their dogs. The Corgi is one of the top fifty breeds for family pets.
The Border Collie was originally known as the Scotch Sheep Dog and was a herding dog using to tend sheep. One famous fan of the breed was Queen Victoria, who was known for her penchant with dogs. The Border Collie is a descendant of several British sheep herding dogs; he was bred with the specific purpose of achieving a dog that wouldn’t nip or bark while herding. Considered one of the most intelligent dogs out there, he was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. The Welsh Corgi has a rich and romantic history. Welsh legend holds that the dog sprang from the lairs of fairies and elves. According to the tale, two children were tending the family cattle when they found some puppies. At first, they believed the dogs to be foxes, but thought something about them was different, so they bundled them up and took them home. Their parents explained that these pups were mounted by fairies, as evidenced by the fairy saddle on the shoulders of the dogs. The dogs grew to be treasured family companions and they were apt at herding the family’s cattle. Historians say that Welsh Corgis were descended from the Valhunds, Swedish cattle dogs. Others believe that Flemish weavers brought the dogs to Wales in the twelfth century. The breed was recognized by the United Kingdom Kennel Club in the 1920s; the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934. The Welsh Corgi is also held highly by royals; Queen Elizabeth II ws given a Corgi by King George VI, and she has always loved the breed from that time on. Currently, Buckingham Palace is home to a “pack” of them.
The Corgi is often double-coated with a thick undercoat and a longer topcoat. The Border Collie has a longer coat as well, so it is likely that the Borgi will have a long coat like his parents. The Corgi may be a variety of colors: red, sable, black, tri-colored, or fawn. Generally, the Corgi has white markings. The Border Collie is a variety of colors: black and white, red merle, blue or gray, blue merle, Australian red, black tri-color, tri-color merle, chocolate, tricolor chocolate, lilac, sable and white, and seal merle tri-color. He is a sturdy dog, not overly large in size. The Corgi is generally short in height with a long body. The Borgi is likely to be a mixture of the two parent breed colors with long hair. Often on the shorter side when it comes to height, the body size of the Borgi is quite like the Border Collie but sometimes may be long like the Corgi.
The Borgi is likely to have the longer hair and double coat of its parent breeds. This means that the Borgi will have above average maintenance needs. He will need weekly brushing with a wire brush. He may need more frequent brushing during shedding season. The Welsh Corgi is a heavy shedder, so expect the same from the Borgi. He should be bathed only as needed; his natural oils will keep his coat shiny. You should brush your Borgi’s teeth at least three times a week; however, if you want to prevent gum disease, brush the dog’s teeth daily. An active dog like the Borgi may wear down his nails on his own but still check them often for length and the occasional break or tear.
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The Border Collie is alert, energetic, hardworking and intelligent. He likes to be active. He is easily trained and follows his handler’s lead tirelessly. He is very independent at times, but always a herder. He may herd children, other pets, or cars. The Corgi is a happy, loving, and intelligent dog. However, they can be fiercely independent, and training may be difficult, especially housebreaking. It is recommended that if you experience a tough time housebreaking your Borgi, crate train him. The Welsh Corgi is also known to nip at the feet of children; their instinct as a herding dog is still strong. He does not intend to hurt anyone; he is simply herding his charge back where he or she should be! The Corgi is a great watchdog as well, so it is likely your Borgi will be the same. Experts recommend early socialization for the Borgi so that they know what behavior is expected of them from an early age. Considering parental personalities, it is likely the Borgi will be a great herder, highly intelligent, but a little stubborn. He requires early socialization in order to learn what behavior is proper around children and other pets.
Both the Border Collie and the Welsh Corgi are high-energy dogs, so you can expect the Borgi to be a fairly active dog as well. Because of his size, the Borgi will do well in an apartment or a home, but a bored Borgi can be a destructive Borgi. He may also have a propensity to chase cars, so when walking the Borgi, it is best to take him on a leash. He will enjoy long walks or jogs with you.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 11/07/2017, edited: 12/09/2021
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