Dog breeders and scientists over the years have always tried to experiment with the genes of dogs in order to produce interesting breeds that have desirable traits from different dog breeds. Sometimes they are successful in their quest, but at other times, they are not. The Corgi Great Dane Mix is the result of one of those cross-breeding projects undertaken by breeders to combine the best of two unique dogs and we will be learning a lot about the novel mix created in this piece.
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Origin Of The Corgi Great Dane Mix Dog Breed
The origin of the Corgi Great Dane mix is not readily available out there, but the parent dogs from which the mix was created have been around for many centuries. The mix, as the name implies is made from crossing the genes of two contrasting, but very unique dogs – the Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi which is a smaller and feisty herding dog, and a Great Dane, often called the “Appollo of Dogs” as it towers over most dog breeds in size and height.
The breed is obviously an interesting mix of two different worlds in terms of size and several character traits. The actual way the mix turns out depends largely on which of the two parents has the predominant genes and this can swing either way.
Important Things To Know About The Breed
As a result of the interesting nature of the dog breeds that were put together to achieve this mix, many dog lovers easily pick an interest in it. Nevertheless, it is very important to take note of some important facts about the breed before you adopt one. Here are a few things to know about the Corgi Great Dane dog mix:
Health
This mixed breed dog is quite intimidating and strong, but they are not without their health challenges and issues. They are moderately sized with muscular bodies.
You have to watch out for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloating, as this is possibly their #1 killer disease. It may also suffer from hip/elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye/cataract issues, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Training
It is very important to start this dog breed’s socialization very early in its life, preferably from puppyhood. This is mainly because the Great Dane in them is known to be very aggressive if not socialized early enough.
Generally, they respond very well to early training as they like to please their owners. They also respond well to obedience training, and inappropriate behavior should be firmly corrected and stamped out from an early age.
Feeding
This mixed breed is known to have bloating issues, so, it is very important not to overfeed them or have them engage in rigorous exercise after feeding as this may lead to their stomach twisting. Feed them high-quality dog food, taking into consideration their age, size, build, metabolism, exercise levels, etc.
Never give your Corgi Great Dane mix any cooked bone or food high in fats. Feeding them with table scraps is occasionally permitted, but take note not to overfeed them.
Grooming
It is very important to bathe your dog regularly – weekly or twice a month, as the case may be. As such, it is good practice to brush their teeth and clip their nails regularly; and depending on which dog breed is the predominant one in their mix, they may shed hair a lot (or not) at least twice a year. In view of that, daily or very regular brushing of your dog’s coat is very required.
Exercise
It is very important to exercise your dog and let them “stretch their legs” as much as possible. A dog that is not well exercised will take out its “frustrations” on other activities – some of which may be destructive.
Take your Corgi Great Dane Mix out on walks around the block, or while you are out jogging or hiking have the dog tag along. Nevertheless, the Great Dane in the mix requires non-vigorous exercise while it’s still a puppy or less than 2 years old, in order to prevent damage to its not-yet mature bones and joints.
Temperament
The two parents that make up the Corgi Great Dane Mix are both very even-tempered dogs when socialized very early on in their lives and taken through obedience training as well.
The Corgi, though a herding dog, is very good with its owners and kids, while the Great Dane, though a large breed dog, can be couch potatoes and great with the family and kids when socialized early.
Do They Make Good Family Pets?
In the Corgi Great Dane Mix, you will have an alert, friendly, fearless, and energetic dog that loves its family members, ready to protect them at all times.
If it is socialized very early as a puppy and exposed to other humans and dogs, it would grow up into a well-mannered dog to have around and take on walks. If the family shows them affection, they will get loads of it back from the dog. Giving them firm and consistent obedience training from when they are still puppies will make this moderate dog breed easier to control as adult dogs.
Read Also:Â Schipperke Dog Breed: Characteristics And Facts
Other Facts You Need To Know
These facts are also worth noting about the Corgi Great Dane mix:
- Unpredictable Traits
Since the mix is not a pure breed dog itself, there is an unpredictability about the traits present in the mix. It may get the best or worst genes from the parent dogs, or further mix down the line.
- Complicated Health Issues
Both parents in this mix are known to have clear-cut health challenges, some of which lead to their early death. Such health issues may include bloating and degenerative myelopathy. So, be sure to find out about the history of the parent dogs before getting your puppy.
- Lifespan
The Corgi Great Dane Mix should have a lifespan that ranges from 7 to 12 years – all things being equal. However, certain factors like health, the level of care given to the dog, and other factors, can shorten this lifespan considerably.