The Sheltie Corgi mix is a cross between two almost identical purebreds — the Shetland Sheepdog and the Corgi. This dog can be a wonderful pet as it has the playfulness and sense of fun of both the Sheltie and the Corgi.
However, it has particular requirements, especially in terms of grooming. To ensure that you and the dog will have a great bonding experience, you must learn about this mix before bringing it into your family.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Sheltie Corgi mix. This includes its history, traits, the pros and cons of owning one, and advice on how to care for it. If you’re ready, let’s begin!
Breed Overview
Height: | 10 – 16 inches |
Weight: | 15 – 30 pounds |
Lifespan: | 12 – 14 years |
Coat Colors: | Black, tan, fawn, sable, red, white, blue merle, sable merle |
Temperament: | Lively, bright, alert, affectionate |
Suitable for: | Novice dog owner; active person; family with kids and pets |
What Is a Sheltie Corgi Mix?
The Sheltie Corgi mix is the product of crossbreeding a Shetland Sheepdog and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This small dog breed with a sturdy body is known for being smart, playful, and friendly. It is also sometimes called the Pembroke Sheltie or Corgi Sheltie mix.
As a hybrid dog, this Shetland Sheepdog Corgi mix may inherit any of the traits of its parents. This means that each individual Sheltie Corgi mix may look and behave differently.
One fact remains, though: this dog is incredibly intelligent and will always shed a lot! Both of its parents are known to be smart and heavy shedders, so it is not surprising that this dog will be the same.
Sheltie Corgi Mix Origin and History
The Corgi Shetland Sheepdog mix is a relatively new designer dog among the Shetland Sheepdog and Corgi mixes. Sadly, there is no documentation available for this dog.
However, it is thought to have originated from the 1990’s American obsession, when a large number of dog enthusiasts had an interest in mixing purebreds for a variety of reasons.
As for the Sheltie Corgi mix, its parents may have been mated due to Corgi’s popularity with the British royal family and Sheltie’s athletic personality.
However, it can also be the product of accidental breeding or even pure curiosity.
Whatever the reason, though, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Shetland Sheepdog blended nicely and produced a wonderful offspring that is perfect for a family.
Sheltie Corgi Mix Appearance
As a mixed breed dog, a Shetland Sheepdog mixed with a Corgi may take after one or both of its parent breeds’ physical features.
Fortunately, there aren’t many physical differences between the parent dogs, making it easier to forecast how this dog will look in general.
A Sheltie Corgi mix dog will have almond-shaped eyes and a dark snout with a black nose tip. These will be accompanied by upright or drooping ears, a bushy tail, and short, straight legs.
The coat of a Sheltie Corgi mix will always be straight, smooth, soft, and double-coated. Its length can also vary from medium to long.
However, if this mixed pup has a long-haired Corgi parent, this dog will absolutely have a fluffy, long coat.
The coat of a Sheltie Corgi mix can be any of the following colors: black, tan, fawn, sable, red, white, blue merle, sable merle, or any two or three of these colors combined.
Sheltie Corgi Mix Size and Weight
The size and weight of a Sheltie Corgi mix will be based on its parents. When fully grown, this hybrid dog typically stands between 10 and 16 inches tall and weighs between 15 and 30 pounds.
Pembroke Sheltie usually achieves the said measurement once it reaches a year. However, it is typical to see it continue to grow into its second and occasionally even third year.
That’s because dogs all grow at different speeds, and some may mature slower than others.
Other elements, including genetics, environment, and diet, may also affect their capacity for growth. For example, if the Corgi parent of this mix is a teacup, there is a probability that the pup will be smaller than average.
It’s a good idea to get in touch with your Sheltie Corgi mix’s breeder if you want to know the precise size the breed will grow to. You may ask them to see the parents so you can best estimate the dog’s weight and size yourself.
Sheltie Corgi Mix Temperament and Personality
The Pembroke Sheltie mix is a great choice for a family pet. This dog has a loving and playful personality that can easily form strong bonds with its family members.
In addition, this dog is devoted to and protective of its human family. It is likely to bark at strangers in an effort to keep you safe from harm.
Beyond that, though, separation anxiety may also possibly be the cause of this dog’s barking. A Sheltie Corgi mix may become bored and unhappy when left alone for long periods.
Further, as a mix of two herding breeds, the Sheltie Corgi may have a tendency to nip at moving objects. Every time you encounter this, correct it immediately to teach it that nipping is unacceptable.
On the plus side, a Sheltie Corgi mix often gets along with dogs, cats, and other household pets. It can, however, become aggressive when they perceive other pets as threats.
Hence, early socialization is always advised to stop unwanted aggression and make them blend well with other animals.
Sheltie Corgi Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Sheltie Corgi mixes are generally healthy dogs. They usually have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, with some living much longer.
However, this comes with the responsibility of giving them the best possible environment and care.
Additionally, it is important to note that even with the right conditions, these dogs can inherit a few health issues.
The following are some of the common health issues of the Sheltie Corgi mix:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Both parents of the Sheltie Corgi mix are known to have PRA. This degenerative condition affects a dog’s eyes, gradually impairing vision and eventually resulting in blindness. It may not be as painful as other diseases, but it can impact a dog’s quality of life.
- Dermatomyositis: This is a hereditary illness from Shetland Sheepdogs that can cause dramatic inflammation in the body tissues of a Sheltie Corgi mix. Fortunately, several drugs have shown to be useful in treating dermatomyositis, including pentoxifylline.
- Von Willebrand’s disease: Another inherited disease from Shetland Sheepdogs is von Willebrand’s. It affects your Sheltie Corgi mix’s blood clots, putting it at risk for excessive bleeding. If your dog has the illness, you can control the symptoms, but the disease will still remain.
These Sheltie Corgi mix health problems may seem to be alarming, but responsible dog owners can take measures to help prevent, manage, and treat them so their pets enjoy happy lives.
Making a yearly visit with your veterinarian is one of the best things you can do for your dog.
How to Take Care of Your Shetland Sheepdog Corgi Mix
If you have not had much experience with the Sheltie Corgi mix, you should give this section special attention. This will help you ensure that you are meeting its requirements as fully as possible.
Following are some guidelines and tips on how you can take good care of a Sheltie Corgi mix.
Food and Diet
Feeding your Corgi Sheltie mix a balanced amount of food is extremely important. This will keep this dog healthy and get the energy they need for the whole day.
The portion your dog should receive based on weight will often be indicated on the food package you purchased.
A Shetland Sheepdog Corgi puppy typically requires at least half to one cup of premium dog food, while an adult dog normally consumes more food than a puppy does.
If you think your Corgi Sheltie mix needs to lose or gain weight, feel free to adjust its feeding accordingly. Further, you may discuss solutions or ask for recommendations from your vet on the best approach to managing weight.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Shetland Sheepdog Corgi mix has a thick double coat that naturally causes significant shedding.
Brush your Corgi Sheltie’s coat with a suitable brush at least twice a week to reduce the amount of shedding. While there are several dog brushes on the market, a slicker brush is the best choice for a heavy shedder like this dog.
This dog doesn’t require frequent bathing. Since its coat is dirt-resistant and will deter almost all odors, it typically doesn’t smell awful. If necessary, you may give your dog a bath even before the 4-week mark.
Further, to prevent earwax buildup, your dog’s ears should be checked and cleaned once a week. Brushing your Corgi Sheltie’s teeth at least twice a week will also help prevent dental problems and periodontal illnesses.
Additionally, if your Shetland Sheepdog Corgi mix has long nails, be sure to trim them so they won’t scratch themselves when it’s itching.
Training and Exercise
Pembroke Shelties are relatively simple to train. They are extremely bright and eager to please. They can learn almost everything you’re willing to teach them, and they swiftly pick up on new orders and tricks.
Because Pembroke Shelties are so docile, they’re ideal for novice dog owners or people with little to no expertise in obedience training.
Your dog will listen and obey with only a little positive reinforcement and minimal effort.
Corgi Shelties are active dogs that love having at least an hour of exercise every day. They enjoy taking long walks, running around in a yard or a field, or playing catch.
How Much Does a Sheltie Corgi Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
There are several factors that determine the cost of Sheltie Corgi mixes, such as age, quality, gender, and the breeder’s reputation.
Reputable breeders typically charge between $500 and $1,500 for their mixed-breed puppies.
You may also find a Corgi Sheltie mix at a local shelter. Adopting this puppy from rescue organizations would cost much less, between $250 and $600.
Here is a breakdown of the initial costs you might incur once you acquire a Sheltie Corgi mix:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $20 – $30 |
Beds | $30 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
This list includes the majority of the necessary items for a Sheltie Corgi mix. While pet insurance is not listed, it is still recommended to get one. Having insurance for your pup will be useful in case of a medical emergency.
Places to Find Sheltie Corgi Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a Sheltie Corgi mix can be a bit challenging because it is a relatively new designer dog breed. However, given the popularity of both parent dog breeds, it is likely that many enthusiasts will attempt breeding them.
Here is a list of places you can get in touch with if you want a Sheltie Corgi mix to be your family dog:
- AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace doesn’t usually offer hybrid dogs. But you may try checking with the breeders of the parent breeds if they do have one or at least get a recommendation from them on where to get one. Dealing with breeders listed in the AKC is a certain way that you’ll have a Sheltie Corgi mix pup from a reliable source.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an advertising site that has more than 10,000 registered puppies listed. Check out their website and take the breed quiz to know whether the Sheltie Corgi mix is the right one for you!
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a BBB-accredited website that typically features breeders from Pennsylvania and nearby states. If you live close to these locations, this website can be your best resource for finding your next Sheltie Corgi mix!
Alternatively, if saving animals’ lives is one of your passions, adopting a Sheltie Corgi mix can be a wonderful decision. Many dogs are patiently waiting for the second opportunity they rightfully deserve.
Here are some organizations dedicated to assisting this breed in finding new homes:
- East Coast Corgi Rescue (ECCR) – The ECCR is a volunteer group that helps people who want to adopt or rehome a Corgi or Corgi mix. If you want to adopt a Corgi Sheltie mix within the next year, submit your application now, as they typically only open it once a year.
- Southeast Corgi Rescue (SCR) – SCR is a group of canine enthusiasts from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia who are dedicated to protecting Corgis and Corgi hybrids. Visit their website to find out if there are any foster homes in the three states mentioned that may have a Corgi Sheltie mix available.
- Shetland Sheepdog Placement Services of New Jersey (SSPSNJ) – SSPSNJ was started in 1992 and has helped over 1,000 purebred and hybrid Shelties. Before they release a Sheltie Corgi mix, they will let the dog be examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and brought up to date on all its vaccinations.
In addition to this list, you could try asking for a Sheltie Corgi at local rescues near you. You may also leverage social media in your search.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pembroke Sheltie
If you are thinking of sharing your home with a Shetland Sheepdog Corgi mix pup, you should know that it comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some advantages of buying or adopting a Shetland Sheepdog mixed with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
- Good guard dogs: Sheltie Corgi mixes are extremely vocal and will bark at anything unusual, which makes them superb security dogs. With this trait, they can provide you with reassurance against intruders at night.
- Highly intelligent: One trait that the Pembroke Shelties will definitely inherit from their Corgi and Sheltie parents is high intelligence. You can make use of this attribute to teach your pup different things.
- Very sociable: Like its Sheltie and Corgi parents, this dog excels in a home with children, other dogs, and even other pets. Although the majority of Sheltie Corgis are friendly, it is still important to socialize with your dog as much as you can to encourage the behavior more.
The following are some disadvantages of acquiring a Pembroke Sheltie mix:
- Sheds a lot: Sheltie Corgi mixes have thick double coats, which cause them to shed throughout the year and twice at the peak “coat transition” seasons.
- Prone to overeating: Sheltie Corgi mixes develop weight problems easily, so you need to be strict and consistent with their feeding. Don’t let it consume more than it needs, or else this can lead to overeating.
- Need a lot of exercise: Sheltie Corgi mixes need hours of daily mental and physical activity. If you don’t provide these, they may have a huge tendency to misbehave and cause trouble.
A Sheltie Corgi mix puppy can be a wonderful addition to the household. However, the decision to own one is entirely up to you if you feel that the pros outweigh the cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sheltie Corgi Mixes Good Dogs?
Sheltie Corgi mixes are a combination of two dogs known to have pleasing personalities. These hybrid dogs are devoted pets that form strong relationships with their owners.
However, they might occasionally become too protective due to their adoration for their family. These dogs make good watchdogs since they are clever and alert when they sense something unusual.
Do Sheltie Corgi Mixes Shed?
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Shetland Sheepdog are high-shedding breeds. With this fact alone, you should anticipate finding the fur and hair of Sheltie Corgi mixes everywhere!
These dogs’ coats require brushing more often. Due to the fur’s increased tendency to cause some types of allergies, you may also need to vacuum and lint-roll more frequently.
Are Sheltie Corgi Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although Sheltie Corgi hybrids make excellent pets, they are not hypoallergenic. Due to their thick double coat and frequent shedding, these dogs are more susceptible to triggering allergic reactions.
You might want to think twice about getting this dog if you have allergies and go for dogs that are hypoallergenic instead.
Are Sheltie Corgi Mixes High Maintenance?
Sheltie Corgi mixes are categorized as moderate maintenance dogs. These dogs are fairly energetic canines, which means they require a sufficient amount of exercise and a balanced diet every day.
Regular grooming is also required to keep the lengthy coat of the Sheltie Corgi mixes looking nice and tangle-free. Additionally, it will prevent you from spotting furs in or around your home.
Final Thoughts
The Corgi Shetland Sheepdog mix is a hybrid produced from two of the most well-liked dog breeds, the Sheltie and the Corgi. It also inherits the affectionate and loving personalities of both parents.
And to top it all off, this dog generally gets along well with kids and other animals.
The Sheltie Corgi mix is a lovely dog, but the real question is whether it fits into your family’s environment and way of life.
Take note that this Sheltie Corgi mix sheds a lot and needs a lot of stimulation, so caring for it requires a lot of work from the owner.
If you are willing to commit to all the responsibilities involved in owning this hybrid, then this dog is the right one for you!
Do you have any other thoughts about the Sheltie Corgi mix? We would be happy to hear about it in the comments section below.