Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix: Corgidor Breed Info, Puppies & More

When you think about a solid mixed breed pup, Corgis and Labs don’t exactly pop into your head as the “couple of the year.” But, the Corgi Lab mix (also known as the Corgidor) is a fantastically family-friendly mixed breed. And they may be the perfect breed for your family. Before you run out to adopt one though, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect when you bring them into your home.

It’s important to learn not only about the Corgidor but about the two parent breeds that make up the mix. Corgis are a great family dog and have been mixed with many other dog breeds in recent years. Labrador Retrievers have been crossbred even more frequently.

To help you get acquainted with this mix, we are going to take a look at the parent breeds and the Corgidor itself. So let’s jump in and take a look at the Corgi, the Lab, and the Corgi Lab mix!

Parent Breeds

As we mentioned earlier, when you’re dealing with a mixed dog, it’s important to learn about the breeds that created it. Mixed breeds can be a little bit of a question mark because there’s no telling how many traits you’ll get from one parent or the other. But, when you are well informed about both breeds, there are much fewer surprises.

Corgi

There are two different breeds of Corgi: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Corgi. While the first was the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, the second has been around longer. While these breeds are very similar, Cardigan Corgi’s have larger and rounder ears to go with their smaller eyes and non-docked tails.

Nonetheless, both of these variations of the Corgi originally served as cattle dogs, guarding farms, and rounding up herds. However, they have always additionally served as great companions for their families.

Corgis are hard-working and easily trainable dogs. They are very affectionate towards their family as well as strangers. Possibly their best trait is their affinity for children. These dogs do great with kids. They view kids are their siblings in their pack and love to play. Corgis usually grow to be around 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulders. Though they are tough and active, they usually don’t weigh more than 30 pounds.

Corgis have a double coat, meaning they have a thick undercoat and a long-hair topcoat. Because of their intense amount of fur, they are heavy shedders and should be groomed regularly. They come in all kinds of colors from red, black, tri-colored, fawn, and sable.

Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are insanely popular dogs to have as pets. In fact, they are the most popular breed across the United States. Believed to be descendants from the St. John’s Water Dog, this breed was originally used to catch waterfowl. Their popularity grew when they were brought to England by aristocrats.

Due to some intensive cross-breeding, this breed’s existence came close to ending. However, they are now well and thriving around the world. Labradors are America’s sweetheart breed. These adorable pups are fun-loving animals with friendly, outgoing personalities and affection for play. They are great medium to large family pets who make excellent companions.

Labs usually stand at 21 to 24 inches tall. They can weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds and sport dense, hard coats. You can find them in yellow, black, and chocolate colors. Their long, thick tale is not only an adorable trait but a great indicator of your pup’s mood.

Though labs are generally described as easygoing in the dog world, they hold a lot of energy and eagerness. These dogs love to play and exercise their athletics physiques. This can include running, fetch, and swimming.

Corgidor

Obviously enough, a Corgi Lab is what you get when you breed a Corgi and a Labrador. Corgis are known mostly for their cute nature. Their short little legs grab the attention of many onlookers, and it’s pretty much impossible to ignore their adorable faces when they look up at you.

The other half of this breed, the Labrador, makes for a loyal and eager companion. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them a very popular breed.

When you combine the two, you often get an adorable, lovable pup who will stick by your side and learn what you teach them. These pups are often affectionately called Corgidors.

Temperament

In terms of personality and temperament, Corgidors are great dogs to own. Not only are they loving and friendly, but they are super eager to please their masters. These dogs are very much family dogs. Not only will they be great for you, but they love children and consider themselves apart of your “pack.”

Although they are very social, you Corgi Lab mix can quickly become anti-social if they are not exposed to other dogs and people soon enough. When this happens, your dog can start acting out and misbehaving. It’s important to squash this behavior before it begins.

You can do so by exposing your puppy to social situations early on. This will help them get used to the idea and encourages them to maintain their social behavior throughout their lifespan.

Corgidors are also very bold and confident despite their laid-back personalities. They can be very protective of their family, with very few leaning towards aggressive or high-strung. If pushed to enough fear, anxiety, or level of threat, a Corgidor may bite.

However, these traits come mainly from the Corgi side of the mix. Labradors are extremely friendly, outgoing, and loyal dogs. They are often used for service and therapy. With that in the mix, you have a greater chance at a friendly Corgidor than an aggressive one.

Size & Appearance

As we’ll discuss later, there are two lines of Corgis within the breed: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Corgi. In certain aspects, it can be very beneficial to know whether the Corgi half of your Corgidor is from the Pembroke of the Cardigan line. This is because the Cardigan Corgis can often weigh more than 10 pounds more than the Pembroke breeds.

Keeping that in mind, a Corgi Lab mix can end up with a weight anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. This number relies heavily on the type of Corgi in the mix as well as how much genetic info they get from their Lab parent.

In the same way, Corgis are usually no taller than 10 to 13 inches, while Labrador’s are much taller. A Corgi Lab mix’s height is often a big question mark because it can take after either parent.

Coat & Colors

Because there are so many different coat colors in this mix, Corgi litters are often varied and colorful with no set standard. In just one litter, you can find puppies with yellow coats, chocolate colors, brindle, sable, and many other mixes.

Corgidors are known for their intensely unique coats where one never looks like the other. They can also have longer coats, or shorter coats, depending on which parent they take after more. It’s quite true that no two Cordiors will look alike!

Exercise & Living Conditions

Despite the short leg gene that a Corgidor often inherits from its Corgi half, these pups love to stay active. Because both of their parents were bred for physical labor and activities, the mix enjoys running around, playing fetch, and swimming.

Since the Corgidor requires a high level of activity, it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re thinking about getting one. You should aim to get a house with a large backyard, and if not, be ready to take them on daily walks, long hikes, and trips to the dog park. Lots of play will keep these dogs happy.

Training

Corgidors are very smart dogs, which always bodes well for the training years. Even new pet owners will likely feel comfortable training these dogs, especially with their attitude of pleasing their masters.

As with any puppy, it’s vital that you start training you Corgi Lab mix from puppyhood. The key to success comes with consistency and positive reinforcement. Though your dog will be very smart, it will also be pretty easily distracted.

Training may seem easy in the comfort of your own home where nothing is new to him, but it will become more difficult if you try to train him in a busy park or even a backyard with birds and squirrels. Avoid training situations that lead to anxiety. Start in quiet environments and work up to busier ones as your Corgi Lab mix learns more.

Health

Both Corgis and Labradors are at risk for a series of health issues, so by the nature of breeding, so are Corgidors.

Labradors are at high risk for joint issues, like dislocations, improper development, and joint failure. They also can suffer from various eye disorders or conditions, such as retinal dysplasia, eyelash disorders, and blindness. They have also been known to develop diabetes along with some other ailments.

Due to their short legs, many Corgis end up having health issues related to the spine later in their life. They have also been known to contract conditions concerning their eyes, skin, and kidneys. In addition, you may see Corgis within the blood or hip joints. They are also prone to brain seizures.

As with all mixed breeds, it’s important to note the possible health risks from both parent breeds, as they can be inherited during the breeding process. However, there is no guarantee your mixed breed will get any of these conditions—just as there is no guarantee that they won’t.

Nutrition

A general rule of thumb with any dog breed is, the more active they are, the more nutrients and sustenance they will need. A dog who stays active and moves around a lot burns off more energy, meaning they need more food to replenish it.

We have already discovered that Corgidors need a lot of exercise and play. For that reason, they may eat more than you’re expecting. Many dogs tend to level out their appetite once they leave puppyhood, though.

Expect regular feedings, but monitor your dog’s appetite in relation to their activity levels. They may need as much as four and a half cups of food each day.

Grooming

Corgis shed frequently, and so do Labs. They are both double-coated breeds that shed year-round. Because of those traits of the parent breeds, a Corgi Lab mix will certainly be a shedder as well. Any dog who sheds should maintain proper grooming habits. You should brush a Corgidor once or twice a week, at the very least. Doing so will help control the shedding a bit and will leave their coats nice and manageable.

You Corgi Lab mix will have short to medium hair since both parents have short to medium coat types. In addition, both the Corgi and the Lab are pups who love the water, so not only may your pup like to swim, but it will have a waterproof, insulating undercoat.

If you find that your Corgidor does like to swim, you may want to include another step in your grooming routine. You should give your dog a good bath after they swim. Any chlorine they come into contact with can damage their coat and irritate their skin.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

When looking for a Corigdor breeder, you’ll want to look for breeders that have been breeding Corgidors regularly. A trend that’s known as “backyard breeding” has become popular as hobbyists look to cash in on the popularity of “designer dog” ownership. This means that owners are buying undocumented dogs, and breeding them. They then pass them off as coming from two purebred parents of different breeds.

A typical Corgidor puppy can fetch about $700 or more from a reputable breeder. You’ll want to meet the breeder and inspect both parent dogs. Both parents should have registered AKC papers.

Rescues & Shelters

Rescues and Shelters are a popular place to look, before buying a puppy from a breeder. There’s a chance you may be able to find a Corgi Lab mix, before paying the price you’d pay for a puppy at a breeder. Most rescue dogs will cost under $500 to adopt. They may come with some behavioral issues you need to address. But they are often easy to train with some time and dedication.

While there aren’t any Corgidor only rescues, you can search local Labrador Retriever rescues, Corgi rescues, or at your own local shelter. Adopting a rescue pup gives you the opportunity to save some money, and also save a life in the process.

As Family Pets

• Corgidors are playful and extremely dedicated to their families.
• They can be energetic until at least 3 years of age.
• The Corgi Lab mix needs attention, and gets attached easily.
• Corgidors prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time.
• The Corgidor likes to bark. Keep this in mind if you live in an apartment.
• These pups shed consistently and will need regular grooming.
• Corgidors need daily exercise for at least 60 minutes.
• The Corgidor is generally friendly with all strangers.

Final Thoughts

Like every dog breed, the Corgidor mix certainly holds its challenges. That being said, they are great dogs for active families with kids and a sense of adventure. With friendly personalities, smart brains, and plenty of enthusiasm, this mixed breed will keep you on your feet.

Just remember to keep up with your grooming and take advantage of those dog parks. A happy Corgi Lab mix is one with plenty of socialization, lots of exercise, and frequent grooming sessions.