Charming, playful, and independent, the Corgi Bichon was developed from its two parent breeds – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Bichon Frise. Though the history book on the Corgi Bichon is not yet written, the parent breeds are well documented. This fiercely independent canine is known to love to roam free and run around with its playful disposition. Your Corgi Bichon may resemble both of its parent breeds depending on the dominant genes. His purpose is to provide companionship for a family and he makes a wonderful addition. This breed contains a high energy level threshold and requires intense play to keep up with a healthy lifestyle.
The Corgi Bichon's origins are unknown in terms of where or when he was developed. It is believed that the breed was developed as the result of an increased interest in the designer dog over the last 20 years. It is entertaining to review the Corgi Bichon's parent breeds to understand potential inherited traits. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is believed to have been developed from the Spitz family by Flemish weavers who searched for a dog who could effectively drive cattle. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi's talent that they were able to bite the ankles of the cattle to catch their attention. In 1926, the breed was brought into the public's eye when it made its first appearance in the show ring. Whenever one thinks of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, it's hard to ignore Queen Elizabeth II's fascination with the breed. It is believed she caused their popularity to soar throughout the years. In 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was officially added to the roster of the American Kennel Club. The Bichon Frise's origins are not as well known, though belief is that the Bichon Frise descended from the Barbet, a medium-sized water dog. French sailors were also thought to have brought the breed home from the Canary Islands in the 14th century. The woolly breed quickly became a symbol of nobility among royalty. However, it eventually did fall out of favor until after World War I when the French breeders worked to preserve the breed. In 1934, the Bichon Frise was admitted to the French Kennel Club. In 1956, the fluffy canine was imported to the United States and became eligible to enter the AKC's Miscellaneous Class in 1971. The Corgi Bichon is not officially recognized by the AKC due to its hybrid status.
The Corgi Bichon does not have a breed standard and can inherit traits from either parent breed – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Bichon Frise. The Corgi Bichon is a small-sized hybrid breed that is longer than it is tall, taking after the Corgi side of the family. His body is small in stature and he may resemble the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in the face area as well. The erect ears are usually inherited from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. His coat is typically dense, medium-length, and can either be wavy or curly, more like the coat of the Bichon Frise. The coat can also vary in colors such as tan or white. His expression and stance is that of a curious canine when he stands naturally.
The Corgi Bichon is known to be fiercely independent with a mischievous streak. Even then, your spritely canine will long for your attention at all times. If left alone, he may resort to excessive barking, though chances are it can be curbed by early training. Your Corgi Bichon will welcome you into his life and accept your family quite easily. He may be hesitant with strangers at first but he will also grow to become friendly with them too. Your curious pup may need early socialization to get along well with younger children as well as other dogs and animals. If he is trained properly, he can learn to distinguish the difference between friends and strangers. It is important to be able to provide your active Corgi Bichon with enough activity to tire him out. If he becomes bored, he may resort to chewing and tearing up your carpet, which can be costly. This active breed requires a family that is not away from home for long periods of time. Your dog may be stubborn to train but it is possible with consistency, patience and time.
The Corgi Bichon can be a high energy canine, requiring 45 to 60 minutes of activity per day. Your active canine can benefit from multiple walks per day, running, swimming, frisbee and other intense play activities. An ideal environment for your Corgi Bichon would be to live in a large rural or urban home with a yard in a warm climate. Although your dog is small in size, apartment living would not be ideal due to his high energy level. If you have a dog park nearby and commit to taking him there twice every day, an apartment or condo may work. Providing your lively dog with the necessary exercise will ensure he remains happy and healthy.