Welsh Corgi vs. Dachshund: Breed Differences and Similarities

Comparing the Dachshund vs. the Corgi for your next pint-sized canine companion? These two breeds may look similar in body type, but they are very different from one another! While both breeds are small and cute, they have very different temperaments and personality traits.

Both breeds may be small in size, but very large when it comes to their personality. Both have working dog heritage and offer a lot of entertainment, love, and of course, brilliant companionship. They might be cute, but they are not suited to everyone, especially potential dog owners that lack experience training stubborn breeds.

In this breed comparison guide, we will give you all the details you’ll need to help you decide which canine will be your next family companion. We compare their personalities, exercise levels, grooming needs, and much more. Let’s jump into all the short-dog details.

History

The best way to understand what a doggo breed is all about is to understand their background and genetics. It will give you an insight into why they were bred. And how that translates in terms of personality, training needs, and obedience levels, amongst many other things.

Pembroke & Cardigan Corgi

The Corgi’s breed line is said to be one of the oldest, dating back to 1200 B.C. His forefathers traveled to England from Europe with their masters, who settled in Wales in the United Kingdom. Over time, they created the Corgi through breeding with their short-legged herding dogs, likely to be the Finnish Spitz, with local dogs. The Corgi was born, and the rest is history.

Traditionally a herding dog, he is still utilized as such. But he is now more commonly found in family homes entertaining everyone. There are two distinct Corgi breeds, the Pembroke and the Cardigan. The Pembroke is the newer of the two, and they are very similar. The Cardigan Corgi is older but less popular. There are just a few subtle differences between the two. It is not known when they came to America, but what we do know is that we love them very much.

Dachshund

The Dachshund originates from Germany. And when translated to their mother tongue, their name means ‘badger dog.’ They were created to hunt badgers and other smaller vermin. Their long bodies, pointy muzzle, and long, sharp, shovel-like paws meant he was perfect for digging into burrows. One of the best exterminators around, you can be sure you won’t have a rat problem with this guy around.

A badger is a formidable fighter, so you can imagine just how powerful this slinky dog can be. Because of anti-German sentiment, he was named the Liberty Hound for a short while. Ever since he entered the American Kennel studbook, he has been super popular. Again, still for hunting, but more commonly as a family pet.

Appearance

With their large pointy ears and fluffy butts, the Corgi is an easy breed to recognize. Long and thick, this boy is a fluffy ball of canine fun. The Dachshund is also easily recognized, and he goes by the comical term sausage dog, for obvious reasons. It’s safe to say that they are very different in appearance but equally very cute.

They both have a double-layered coat. But the Corgi’s coat is much denser and fluffier. The Dachshund has a choice of smooth, wire-haired, or a long-haired jacket. When it comes to coloring, the official colors for the Corgi are red, sable, fawn, black, and tan with or without white markings. The Dachshund also has a choice of colors, including red, black, tan, cream, and blue. He also enjoys a mix of multiple colors and patterns, such as dapple, brindle, sable, and piebald, to name a few.

Temperament

Although both the Dachshund and the Corgi are sometimes still used as working dogs. They are more commonly adopted as family pets for their happy, loving, and intelligent nature. Similarly, their most popular trait is their love of humans. Their favorite thing to do is to cuddle with their pack – adults or kids, they aren’t fussed. If it includes warmth, strokes, and scritches, they are up for it.

Both Dachshunds and Corgis have established themselves as funny and entertaining dogs while also being fearless and protective. They both have a loud bark and make great watchdogs. Whether it be family friends or strangers, they will let you know.

The Dachshund is the more protective of the two breeds, and he will jump in for a scrap if his humans are in danger. Dachshunds can become aggressive if not properly trained. Their fiery attitudes often go unchecked because of their size.

The Corgi and Dachshund also like to think for themselves, which can make them stubborn at times. This means that if you are seeking a fully obedient dog, neither of these guys is for you. But it’s all a part of their charm. The Dachshund is known to be more of a diva and can become a little sulky if he doesn’t get his own way.

The Dachshund has a high prey drive, so he cannot live with rodents or other animals smaller than him. He might be ok with cats, but this is not a given. The Corgi does not have a high prey drive, but he does have a keen nip for herding. So, he may try to herd other animals in the home.

Exercise

Their exercise needs are different, which is one of the main driving factors for families choosing between the two. Dachshunds are a good choice for those who live in apartments or lead a less than active lifestyle. He does not need large amounts of exercise to keep him healthy and only has moderate energy levels to contend with. Between 45 and 60 minutes of exercise every day will be more than enough.

On the other hand, Corgis are described as ‘born busy’ and have high energy levels for such a small dog. Bred to herd cattle, he will need a good 60 minutes a day of intense exercise. If you are active, he will happily join you for a jog or long hike. If you aren’t, he will become problematic and likely start herding you and the family out of frustration.

The Dachshund is popular with city dwellers as his small size means there is no need for a yard. He adapts well to apartment living and prefers a cozy life. Despite their differences in exercise, they are both boisterous when playing and will launch themselves from great heights. Try to limit this because it can lead to spinal injuries.

Training

Originating from working stock, both these breeds are eager to please their owners. Most of the time! They are both very intelligent and can pick up training easily. You just need to convince them that training will benefit them. If they don’t want to do something, they won’t. They are both independent, so you need to start their training as early as you can.

The Dachshund is known to become a bit of a princess if his discipline is lacking. This often leads to him becoming a one-person dog who can be very overprotective. In turn, this leads to snappy behavior, so you need to be a fair but firm master with this guy. More so than the Corgi. Early socialization is key with both of these dogs, especially the feistier Dachshund.

Positive reinforcement training is the best way forward. Find out what motivates them, but we know that treats go down well with both of these breeds from experience. Don’t be too overzealous with the edible goodies though, they will both get chunky if not reigned in.

When it comes to training them to walk, both breeds train better on a harness than a leash and collar, due to their elongated body size. A Corgi’s harness may need to be a little larger than the Dachshund’s harness, due to their taller height, and additional fur, and larger chest circumference.

Health

Both these pups are generally healthy, but the Dachshund has a longer lifespan. Just like all purebreds, there’s an increased risk of certain illnesses due to their genetics. They both suffer from hip dysplasia and common eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and persistent pupillary membranes.

Dachshund and Corgis are similar in stature. Long bodies and short legs mean they are both prone to back problems, especially if they are overweight. Intervertebral Disc Disease is similar to slipped discs in humans. It is painful and can lead to paralysis if left unchecked. Long and lean is best. Chunky banana-shaped dogs should be avoided. It’s wise for both breeds to invest in ramps for the sofa to prevent them from jumping and breaking their back.

Nutrition

Without stating the obvious, how much dog food your Dachshund or Corgi eats will be down to several factors.  Size, age, body build, activity, and metabolism. Not all dogs of the same breed will require the same amount of food. A highly active Dachshund will eat more food than a lazier one. Overall they will both consume around one and a half cups of food every day. If you have a miniature Dachshund, he might eat a little less than this.

As they get older, you’ll want to watch the weight of both dogs. Both breeds can tend to put on a little weight. During adulthood, you may find it necessary to feed your Corgi or Dachshund a lower calorie dog food to maintain a leaner build.

Whatever pup you’re caring for, nutrient-dense food is essential for their growth and development. Especially during their puppy years. The best way to do this is to buy the best quality food with the most natural ingredients that you can afford. Look for small breed kibble, as these will be easier for them to chew. Both breeds should only be given table scraps very sparingly due to their propensity for obesity and linked health problems.

Grooming

Although they both have double coats, they have different coats, so their grooming schedule varies. The Corgi has a thick and fluffy coat that needs brushing several times a week. You will need to brush him every day to pick up the dead hair during the shedding season. Corgis are heavy shedders for sure, and a bit more demanding than the Dachshund.

The Dachshund is a medium shedder, and if you choose the short-haired version, he will be low maintenance. A brush once a week will suffice to keep him looking his best. On the other hand, the long-haired Dachshund will require extra brushing up to two to three times a week. It’s important that you don’t allow his long hair to tangle.

When it comes to grooming time, it can be a great way to bond with your pup. If done right from an early age, a brushing session can turn into a health check too.  Check their eyes, ears, and nails for signs of trouble. They will also need weekly dental cleaning because of their compact little mouths and propensity for periodontal diseases.

The Corgi should be bathed every 8 to 12 weeks, and he is likely to pick up dirt easier on his muddy adventures. The Dachshund can be bathed less frequently than this if he is the short-haired pup. If not, similarly, every 8 to 12 weeks is ideal.

Price

The average price of the regal Corgi is around $1,000 and up from a reputable breeder. Dachshund puppies cost about the same, but more rare color combinations and longer-haired pups may fetch a higher price. Be sure to work with a reputable breeder, despite their slightly higher initial price. They will breed healthier and happier pups compared to backstreet breeders and puppy mills. And considering how popular both of these guys are, you can be sure there are many of them around. So, please do your research.

Final Thoughts

Both the Dachshund and the Corgi make excellent family companions. We know that it’s an incredibly difficult choice to make with each breed having a larger-than-life personality. Coupled with the cuteness of being the size of a puppy forever. If you still can’t choose between them, why not combine them both and find yourself a Dachshund crossed with a Corgi, also known as a Dorgi. Queen Elizabeth from across the pond is a big fan of the Dorgi because she couldn’t choose either!

As with many breed comparisons, the choice usually comes down to how the pup’s temperament and other needs will fit with your house, lifestyle, and family. If an energetic exercise-hungry Corgi would fit right into your active lifestyle, he’s the one to go for.

If you require a less active cuddle buddy that will still serve you as a great house dog, then the Dachshund could be your new property pocket rocket. Either way, both breeds can be excellent family companions for many years with the right family.