Curious about this mixed breed? A blend of the beloved European Corgi and a German Shepherd, they’re a pretty exciting and adorable dog to bring home. Below, you’ll learn all about their looks, personality, health issues, cost, and pros and cons.
A Corgi German Shepherd Mix will look very much like an even mix of both dog breeds! Many have the fur markings of a German Shepherd, including short to medium fur that is a mix of black and brown. They have the short legs and overall profile of a corgi, including that short, curved neck. They tend to be 50-70 lbs (22.6-31.8 kg), making them medium-sized dogs overall.
How big does a corgi shepherd mix get?
Mixing a small dog with a big dog can mean that the offspring is a little hard to predict — the Corgi German Shepherd Mix is the perfect example of this. Some are small, others are large. On average, you can expect them to be around 15” (38.1 cm) in height and weigh approximately 60 lbs (27.2 kg). That being said, every pup will be a little different, so keep that in mind!
The size fluctuation is mainly because the two parents have varying genetics for size. The puppy may be smaller if their Corgi genes are higher, or vice versa if their German Shepherd genes are more prominent.
What will a German Shepherd Corgi Mix look like?
This is where a lot of the breeding creativity comes into play! The main coat color is very rarely a solid color. It’s typically marbled and can be white, brown, or black. The blended colors will look very much like a German Shepherd in most cases. That being said, some will have those expressive eyebrows around their eyes, which is thanks to their Corgi genes.
The actual marbling and markings of their coats, regardless of color, will depend on their parents’ markings and colors. This is something to keep in mind if you are looking for a very particular look!
One of their most distinctive features is their adorably short legs! Very much due to their Corgi genes, these beautiful dogs will have noticeably short and stubby legs. This will have them double-timing behind their humans.
Photos of Corgi German Shepherd Dogs
We’ve talked a bit about their marbled coats and short legs. Still, there are other distinctive features about the Corgi German Shepherd Mix — aka Corman — breed, too!
Flat heads
German Shepherds have rounded heads that often fit the shape of the hand when you’re petting them. Corgis have flat heads. However, that will feel distinctively flat to the hand! Most Corman puppies will have that flat head. This often makes the ears look a little further apart, too.
Large ears
Both parent breeds have large stand-up ears in most cases. Often appearing oversized, Corman puppies will have these same distinctive bat ears. Like most puppies, they will eventually grow into them. However, it’ll make for some great photos in the meantime.
Wide, fanning tails
From curved and bushy to straighter and fanning, the Corgi German Shepherd Mix will have distinctive tails! They often will follow the same marbling as their coat, but sometimes there can be a distinctively Corgi-colored tail on an otherwise German Shepherd-colored dog. Just part of the charm of a true mixed breed!
Double coat for added padding
Thanks to both parents having a thick undercoat for warmth, you can bet that your Corman is going to have an especially thick coat. Great for snuggling and scratching, of course, but also could lead to some serious grooming potential (more on that later). The effect of the thick coat will be tufts of marbled fur.
The Corman temperament
The Corman mixed breed is more than just a pretty face — it’s also a friendly one! Overall, Cormans do tend to be very even-tempered and friendly with most people and pets. Here’s what you’ll need to know about their temperament itself:
- They’re great with kids
- They’re friendly with other pets
- They’re especially smart
- They can be stubborn
Just one of those dogs that simply love being around their favorite humans, this mixed breed is a well-loved addition to many families with kids. While you will want to make sure that your children know how to appropriately act around a dog, they are known for being tolerant of little ones. Just keep in mind that Cormans can be easily excited, so you might want to watch out for that tail!
Overall, these dogs tend to enjoy other pets, though you’ll want to make sure to introduce them properly for the best results. Since they can be protective and territorial — that’s the German Shepherd in them — be extra slow and cautious about introducing new pets to the household! The same goes for visiting pets.
Health Issues of a Corgi German Shepherd Mix
Part of being a mixed breed means that they will be dealing with a lot of the same potential health issues. Some of the most common ones include:
- Joint dysplasia
- Bloat
- Obesity
- Cataracts
- Spinal issues
- Allergies
Joint dysplasia
Since their legs tend to take a lot of strain, joints will weaken faster and easier in this dog. You’ll want to focus on supplementing their diet with fatty acids and other joint-protecting ingredients. Your vet can help you find great, high-quality food that will give their joints a lot of support.
Bloat
Sounds harmless, but in dogs, it can be serious. This is a term used when a dog’s stomach twists after filling with gas. A common issue with German Shepherds, in particular, it’s something to always be aware of and prevent as much as possible, as it can be fatal!
Obesity
Thanks to their Corgi genes, these pups can be prone to obesity. The good news is that these guys tend to be pretty high-energy, so you’ll find that keeping them active isn’t too hard! Ensure to give them proper exercise (approximately 1 hour) per day and lots of play sessions to help them keep the weight off.
Proper exercise can also help prevent issues with joints too, as long as you don’t overdo it!
Cataracts
Corgis are prone to eye issues, including cataracts. While this can be curbed with a proper diet, it’s something you may want to keep in mind when it comes to adequate vet care — especially as he ages!
Spinal issues
Thanks to their Corgi genes, their long tube-like body means they can have spinal issues. These can occur at various points in life, though most often in their golden years. One of the most common of these is intervertebral disc disease, which is why the cushioning between the discs disappears, and they will press on the spinal cord.
Allergies
While German Shepherds are prone to food allergies, Corgis are prone to skin allergies! You’ll want to, in any case, be on the lookout for allergies of all kinds to keep your dog safe and sound. If they do develop (which is likely), work with your vet to minimize exposure.
Cost of a Corgi German Shepherd Mixed Dog
As always, the price of a bred puppy will vary depending on the number of puppies per litter and other breeder factors. On average, a Corman puppy will be between $250- $1000 to purchase. Any Corman puppies with an especially unique coat color or markings will cost more.
Since these puppies are especially popular, the price may jump, too, as more and more people request them. That being said, it also means that you may find more breeders who will offer them for sale, too!
You’ll want to be careful of breeders offering incredibly cheap puppies because they often can come from questionable medical pasts. It may end up costing you a lot more in vet bills than you’d like.
On the same note, remember that the fee for the puppy is only one of the bills to keep in mind. Cormans require regular grooming, which is not something that you can skip on if you want to keep them looking good and being healthy. They can also require trips to the vet when it comes to their potential health issues and require specialized food and supplements. These are all costs to keep in mind on top of the purchase fees from the breeder!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Corman
There are some fantastic pros and equally important cons to keep in mind when considering a loveable Corman pup. Here they are for you.
Pros of a Corman dog
- Loveable and affectionate
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Loves to play
- Can watch over your kids
Cons of a Corman dog
- Grooming is a must
- Can be territorial and protective
- Can be destructive when left alone
Pro considerations
Cormans are great with kids and other animals, and they also love to hang out with their favorite humans. From playtime in the yard to simply being “one of the pack”, Cormans are lovely additions to the family.
These are brilliant dogs, so obedience training will be fun and productive, even if they are stubborn at times! They’ll really enjoy learning and following commands, so if you’ve ever wanted to try advanced training classes, this is a great breed to do it with!
If you have kids or other pets, Cormans are known for herding as well as watching over those around them. Since they see themselves as the alpha, they’ll take it on themselves to keep an eye on things!
Reminders about the cons
If you see these cons and are fearful that you are going to be investing in a bad choice for a dog, remember that they are just considerations to keep in mind. Grooming does require a bit of spending, sure, but it also means that you will help your dog look their best and help them enjoy a little spa time regularly!
When it comes to the idea of the potential for territorial or protectiveness, a lot of it comes down to understanding their role in the family. You’ll want those things when it comes to protecting your kids or other pets, in most cases. As far as being alpha over you, it’s all about obedience training! Start training young and be consistent. He’s smart enough to understand quickly that you are in charge! A properly trained dog, especially in obedience, will be controlled with a command in case of inappropriate territorial or protective behavior. Need some help managing a particularly Corman? You can consider a formal training class!
As far as potential destruction when left alone, this is because your dog comes from two breeds that are very smart and high-energy. You’ll need to make sure that he gets plenty of exercise throughout the day and that he will get emotional and mental stimulation, too! Playtime, cuddle time, and walk time are all great ways to help deter destructive behavior. Additionally, you can get him puzzle toys or other interactive activities for when you are gone to work for the day. This will help keep your shoes safe!
The Corgi German Shepherd Mix is an excellent consideration for a family dog and is a popular choice for many. These tips will help you see whether he’s the right choice for you! Know someone who loves Cormans? Spread the love by sharing this article with them!
Conclusion
Corgi German Shepherd Mixes — aka Cormans — have fur markings of German Shepherds and the body shape of Corgis. They are friendly, intelligent, and enjoy playtime. They can be prone to many health conditions and require regular grooming.
