Otherwise known as the Corgi Shepherd or Corman, this is a designer dog whose popularity increases with each passing year. The dog is a result of breeding a Corgi and German shepherd together as a mix.

While there are many mixed breeds out there, this was created for a particular purpose. It was designed to be an excellent protector and have good hunting instincts. The Corgi German Shepherd is a brilliant and loyal dog that gets along as part of the family just great. With their elongated body, long hanging and short tail, the Corman stands close to the ground. They have dark eyes; the ears are dark while their broad skull has a dark-tipped muzzle.

The size of the Corgi Shepherd Mix varies depending on the traits inherited from the German Shepherd and the Welsh Corgi. The breed can grow to about 12-15 inches tall and weigh up to 25-65 pounds. The short legs come from the Corgi, and their size means that this is not a lap dog as it is a medium to larger breed. It has an excellent life expectancy that ranges from 12-14 years old, making it the perfect breed for those who want a dog for a very long time.

The coat of the Corman is very dense; a trait inherited from the parent German Shepherd. It is short, thick and easier to groom compared to that of the Welsh Corgi. The coat comes in various colors like brown, gold, black and white. The most common colors are shades of brown and gold.

The history of Corgi German Shepherd Mix

Mixed breeds are not a new thing. In any case, many pure breeds that we know of today were mixed with other dogs to create. For some reason, many people have mixed opinions about today’s mixed breeds with some being firmly opposed to them. As such, most hybrids do not have a history and the easiest way to understand where they came from is by looking at the history of the breeds from which they originated.

The history of the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed whose history can be traced to the 1890s when Capt. Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, sought to perfect a superior herding dog. He admired the many admirable traits like strength and intelligence of the native breeds. It was not until 1899 when he attended a dog show that he saw one with the qualities he was looking for. Later that year, he formed the Society for the German Shepherd Dog, a milestone that marked GSD’s entry into the purebred dog arena. The seed of the dog he purchased at the show became the starting point of the modern-day German Shepherd

The breed was first seen in the United States, and its popularity increased significantly after the World War I when it was a rescue, messenger, sentry as well as personal guard dog. Superstars such as Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin also played a role in promoting the breed as a home guardian and loyal family dog.

The German Shepherd was recognized as part of the registry’s Herding Group by the American Kennel Club in 1908. While they retain their herding heritage, these dogs are mainly family companions and service animals

The history of the Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a small breed that originated from Wales and is historically a herding dog, specifically for cattle. There are two types of Welsh Corgi i.e. Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The innate agility and low height of the Corgi are what allowed them to avoid cattle hooves. There have been tales told to explain the origin of the Corgi, with some attributing the Pembroke Corgi to importation by the Flemish weavers in the 10th century while others believe that the modern breeds evolved as part of their shared ancestry.

Other theories claim that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from central European herding breeds. Theories have attributed the existence of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi to the influence of Nordic settlers in Wales. The Swedish Vallhund has similar dimensions and some historians believe that it shares a common ancestry with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

The corgis first made an appearance in dog shows in 1925 after Captain J.P. Howell called a meeting of Pembroke and Cardigan breeders. This led to the formation of the Welsh Corgi Club, whose initial membership was 59. At this time, the breeds were known as Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire, but with time, the names were shortened.

The UK Kennel Club first recognized the breeds separately in 1934. The Cardigans were rarer, with the pedigree books showing 59 Cardigans and 240 Pembrokes after the initial registration. Both survived the Second World War and in 1953, the Pembroke was named one of the most popular breeds behind the Pekingese, German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel by the UK Kennel Club.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was one of them listed on the Kennel Club’s list of Vulnerable Native Breeds in 2006. The list registers breeds less than 300 in any particular year. In 2006, 84 Cardigan puppies were registered. The number increased before dropping to 46 in 2010 then rising to 124 puppies in 2015. Pembroke Welsh Corgi made it to the list in 2013 when the number of puppies registered that year came to a total of 241.

The Daily Telegraph blamed the ban on tail docking introduced six years prior for the reduced numbers. There was, however, an increase of 34% in 2015 in Pembroke population and the popularity of the breed on Instagram was credited for the change. Pembroke Welsh Corgis were removed from the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds in 2016.

Temperament of the Corgi German Shepherd Mix

This mixed breed is mainly known for being a brilliant and intelligent herding dog, one of the reasons why it tends to take control of even the owner. This is a habit that should be discouraged at an early age. Cormans show aggressive behavior towards cats and other dogs, more so if they are unfamiliar. However, the Corgi Shepherd can get along well with other pets and family if trained well.

Both Corgi and German Shepherds exhibit loyalty to families as well as good temperament. These qualities are evident in the cross of the two breeds. The dog can read and correctly interpret situations, especially ones that pose a danger to families. Corgi Shepherds enjoy being bold and active. Moreover, they may try to herd their families when they do not socialize or aren’t trained properly. Cormans do not like being alone for long periods, and if that happens, they can become destructive. They are sweet dogs that love all the attention they can get.

Health issues

Obesity is one of the most common health problems that Corgi Shepherds are susceptible. It leads to a myriad of other problems including increased risk of cancer, joint pains, and back pains. The most efficient way to prevent obesity is to exercise the dog on a regular basis. Vigorous exercise out in the fields at least once a week should suffice.

Bloat is also a significant threat, and this comes from the Corgi side of Corman’s heritage. Bloating occurs when the stomach twists on the inside leading to excruciating pain for the dog.

Joint dysplasia is a condition where the elbow of the dog pops in and out of place. It is very painful for the dog.

Another condition that can affect your Corgi German Shepherd Mix is cataracts. It often starts at birth and progressively leads to blindness of the eyes.

Like people, Cormans can suffer from allergies. Environmental changes and pollens are the common causes for allergic reactions in this breed. The signs and symptoms often mimic those of humans, although itchy skin may be difficult to pinpoint.

Slipped Disc Syndrome is a condition where the disks in the spinal cord begin popping out of place. This can cause severe pain in the legs as well as the back.

Caring for the Corgi German Shepherd Mix

This breed is incredibly brainy and as such, requires active owners who ensure physical as well as mental stimulation. This, in turn, helps prevent destructive behavior. The dog is devoted and loyal to his family but even so, he needs an owner who knows how to be a consistent, firm leader. The breed sheds the coat and therefore the family needs to be okay with cleaning up the mess. Other factors vital to the care and maintenance of the Corgi German Shepherd Mix include:

Training and exercise needs

Given its active nature, this breed requires more than average opportunities to get out. The dog should be privy to playtime and at least two long walks every day.

Some trips to the local dog park as well as plenty of yard time are also necessary. If denied the chance to get enough mental stimulation or burn off his energy, the dog may develop poor behavior.

Being an intelligent cross breed, the Corgi German Shepherd Mix is incredibly easy to train. All that’s required for effective results is firmness like a pack leader.

Grooming needs

The coat is dense and requires brushing on a daily basis because the Corman is a moderate to high shedder. This subsequently means that more vacuuming in your home will be necessary to remove hair from clothes, furniture, and carpets. Brushing your dog every day will help not only control the hair, but also give his coat a healthy look. Regular bathing can also help with really bad shedding. Cleaning his teeth and ears, clipping nails as well as a health check at least once a week are other grooming that Cormans need. Teeth cleaning should be at least thrice a week while nail clipping should be done by a professional clipper. If you are going to it yourself, make sure you know how because this breed has blood vessels in the lower part of the nails.

Feeding needs

Corgi German Shepherd Mixes need 1 ½ to 3 cups of high-quality dry food depending on the size and age. The food should be divided into 2-3 meals. You should also watch your dog’s weight as this breed has a big appetite and tends to overeat.

What are the costs involved with owning a Corgi German Shepherd Mix?

This is a fairly common hybrid and when getting a puppy, the initial cost will range between $250 and $650. Keep in mind that with a dog comes other costs like crate, leash and collar, neutering, vaccinations, de-worming, micro-chip and health checks just to name a few. These will cost around $450- $550. Ongoing costs that a dog owner will be responsible for include toys, treats, food, pet insurance, training, having a license, keeping vaccinations up to date, regular medical checkups and more. These will be about $900 – $1000 annually.

So has that convinced you to get a Corman? Let us know in the comments how you’re getting on with your search, or if you’re the proud owner of one, let us know how you’re getting on with your furbaby.