10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Horgi
For many people, a designer dog breed is a better option than a purebred dog. It means they get the best physical characteristics and personality traits of two breeds they like. There are many varieties of designer dogs available, and it is essential to research your preferred designer dog breed to make sure it is the right option for you. One designer dog breed which you may find appealing is Horgis, which are also known as Siborgis. Here are 10 interesting facts about the Horgi to help you decide if this dog is the best choice for you and your lifestyle.
1. One Parent is a Siberian Husky
One of a Horgi’s parents is a Siberian Husky. The Siberian Husky is an ancient dog breed that is related to the prehistoric Taymyr wolf. Historically, they have been used as sled dogs in many locations around the world. They were originally imported into the United States in the 1930s, and many dogs of this breed are direct descendants of the imported dogs. According to Dog Time, the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog with a thick coat, distinctive markings, and triangular ears.
2. The Other Parent is a Corgi
The other dog breed in the mix is either a Cardigan Welsh Corgi or a Pembroke Corgi. Both varieties of Corgi originate from Britain, and they are some of Britain’s oldest breeds. They are the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who famously keeps these dogs, and they were first imported into the United States in 1933. Corgis are a small dog breed with a long body, short legs, and a pointed nose and ears.
3. They Have a Friendly and Playful Disposition
Horgis have a friendly and playful disposition, and they are not known to have an aggressive streak. Therefore, they are a good option as a family dog and will enjoy getting involved in family activities. Horgis are also extremely loyal and will develop strong bonds with their family. Their playful side comes from their Siberian Husky lineage, while the loyal and friendly aspects of their nature are inherited from their Corgi parent.
4. Horgis Are Usually Easy to Train
Due to their intelligent nature, Horgis are generally easy to train, and most people will encounter very few problems. The only issue that people may have when training their Horgi is discouraging their herding nature, which they inherit from their Corgi parent. You should start training them early, use positive reinforcement, and include socialization in training.
5. Their Height and Size Can Vary
The height and weight of a Horgi can vary, depending on whether it has inherited more physical traits from the Siberian Husky parent or from the Corgi parent. Typically, an adult Corgi will measure between 12 and 15-inches. Their height will impact their weight, but the weight range for this designer breed is between 20 and 50 pounds. It is important to consult your vet about the ideal weight range for your dog based on its height, age, and gender so that you can ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
6. Horgis Are Energetic Dogs
Both Corgis and Siberian Huskies are high-energy dogs, and this is a trait inherited by the Horgi. Due to their energetic nature, they need a lot of exercise. Therefore, you should only choose this designer breed if you can commit to walking your dog for at least an hour every day. Their intelligent nature means that Horgis also benefit from playing different activities that mentally stimulate them. If a Horgi does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they are prone to digging and chewing behaviors.
7. They Shed a Lot
According to Pet Guide, Horgis have a thick, water-resistant double coat that keeps them warm in the winter months. Like their Siberian Husky parent, the Horgi will shed heavily throughout the year, and they need regular grooming. You should also bathe them regularly to keep their coat and skin healthy, but it can take some time to create a lather with the shampoo due to the water-resistant nature of their coat.
8. Horgis Are Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club
As they are a designer dog breed, Horgis are not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) (https://www.akc.org/). However, both parent breeds are recognized by the AKC. The Corgi was first added to the organization’s register in 1935 in the herding group, while the Siberian Husky was added to the working group in 1930. There are some designer dog organizations that do include the Horgi on their registers.
9. They Are Prone to Eye and Back Problems
There are some health conditions to which Horgis are prone. From the Siberian Husky side of their lineage, they have an increased risk of several eye conditions. These include canine glaucoma, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy. Due to their short stature and long body, which they inherit from their Corgi parent, Horgis are also prone to developing back problems or suffering from back injuries. They are particularly prone to back injuries if they are overweight or you allow them to jump from heights. If your Horgi displays symptoms of eye or back problems, it is vital that you seek a veterinarian’s advice.
10. They Can Live for Up to 15 Years
Most corgis live for between 12 and 15 years, which is typical for smaller dog breeds. Many factors may impact the lifespan of a Horgi, including their diet, weight, exercise levels, and general health. To give a Horgi the best chance of a happy and healthy life, it is essential that they eat a healthy and balanced diet to prevent obesity, as this can cause them back problems and may also limit their lifespan. It is also important to make sure they get plenty of exercise to keep your dog fit and healthy.
You can also read:
- 20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Corgidor
- 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Golden Corgi
- 10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Corgipoo
- A Complete Price Guide for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- 10 Dog Breeds Similar to the Corgi