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Corgi Bichon Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Corgi-Bichon-Mix

Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 10-30 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Colors: white, fawn, gray
Suitable for: An active owner looking for a playful, energetic, and loving companion
Temperament: Loving, Loyal, Energetic, Lively, Playful, Stubborn

The Corgi Bichon is a hybrid that combines the Pembroke Welsh Corgi with the Bichon Frise. Although this is a new hybrid, we do know plenty about both parent breeds, which means that we can determine many of the likely attributes of the resulting mix.

The Bichon Frise is a companion dog that has proven popular with royalty and the elite for centuries. In fact, so enamored with the breed was King Henry III of England, that he had a special basket around his neck so that he could carry his Bichon everywhere with him. Today, the Bichon Frise remains a popular companion dog, and he is usually a lively and friendly dog that will get along with people and animals alike.

The Pembroke Corgi was originally a hunting dog. His short stature meant that he was capable of darting between the legs of large livestock while nipping at the heels of cattle to keep them in line. He can be a little more reserved than the Bichon, especially around other dogs, but is also a playful dog that will get along with children and other human family members.

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Corgi Bichon Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Ensure that you choose a reputable breeder. Dogs from reputable breeders will come from screened parents that have been health checked and are less likely to develop social and emotional problems because the breeder will have started training and socialization from a very young age. They will have been kept in good condition, too, which reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems.

Even if you have had a Corgi Bichon before, you should meet with the breeder and meet the puppy before you commit to buying. This not only enables you the opportunity to get to know the breed, but it allows you to check the quality and condition of the puppies, look at screening and health check certificates, and ensure that the puppy has been well kept.

The Corgi Bichon breed may be found in local shelters. Again, you should meet the dog before adopting, but you are unlikely to be able to get information about the dog’s parents or health checks. Even if the former owner gave information to the rescue, this cannot be confirmed and there is no guarantee that the information is accurate or reliable.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Corgi Bichon

1. The Bichon Frise was used for bartering.

The Bichon Frise was a popular breed with sailors and seamen. In particular, Italian sailors took them on their travels and, as well as offering companionship while on the water, the dogs were used for bartering. They were especially popular with the Spanish and became especially loved on the island of Tenerife. There is even a Bichon Tenerife breed that is specific to the island. They were rediscovered by Italian sailors in the 14th century, who took them back to their homeland, where they became popular with the nobility.


2. The Bichon Frise is often described as hypoallergenic.

The Bichon Frise is as close as owners can get to a hypoallergenic dog, although no such thing can really exist. The Bichon does not shed, which means that he produces much less dander than other breeds. A person suffering from a dog allergy is allergic to a protein that is present in the dog’s dander. All dogs produce dander, hence why it is impossible to have a hypoallergenic dog, but those that produce less or shed less of it are less likely to cause an allergic reaction and are considered good breeds for allergy sufferers.


3. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed.

The Pembroke Corgi, with its distinctive short-legged look, dates back to around the 10th century. While some believe that he is a descendant of the Swedish Vallhund, others believe he is more likely to have descended from the Schipperke or Pomeranian breed. Regardless of his exact heritage, he was prized as an excellent herding dog and still competes in herding competitions today. However, he is just as likely to be found curled up in front of the fire or on his owner’s lap, because the breed also makes an excellent companion and family dog.

The parent breeds of the Corgi Bichon Mix
Image Credit: Left – Eudyptula, Shutterstock | Right – MolnarSzabolcsErdely, Pixabay

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Temperament, Personality & Intelligence of  the Corgi Bichon 🧠

The Corgi Bichon is a friendly and loving companion dog. He will usually get along with all people and animals, although he may be prone to chasing small animals when he sees them. He is independent so, while he is intelligent, he can prove difficult to train. He also has high energy requirements and will have a desire to roam.

Are Corgi Bichons Good for Families? 🏡

The Corgi Bichon is popular as a family companion, and he will get along with children. He will prefer older children because they will be more respectful, but primarily because they will be able to throw a ball or play.

His desire to wander means that the Corgi Bichon needs to be kept in a secure location. His yard should be fully sealed, fences and walls should be tall enough to prevent this surprisingly agile little dog from escaping, and you may need to walk him on his leash at all times. This is especially true if you are likely to come across any cats or other small animals, because your Corgi Bichon may view a running cat as a friend to play with.

Do Corgi Bichons Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Bichon Frise is known to be friendlier and more animal friendly than the Corgi, although both breeds can get along very well with other dogs and cats in their own family. You may have to take care when walking your Bichon cross, though, to ensure that he doesn’t chase fleeing cats and other animals.

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Things to Know When Owning a Corgi Bichon

The Corgi Bichon makes a good family pet and will usually get along with all family members, regardless of their breed or even number of legs. However, not all breeds are the right choice for all families, and it is important that you get the dog that fits your lifestyle and meets your requirements. Below are some relevant details of this breed to help you determine whether he is the right fit for your home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Corgi Bichon is a small breed but he does have high energy requirements. If these are being met, he will also have a relatively big appetite and will need good quality, protein-rich food. Feed your dog approximately one cup of food per day, split over two meals. Be sure to measure the amount you give and limit their intake because the Corgi, especially, can be prone to weight problems that are damaging to their health.

Exercise 🐕

The Corgi Bichon is a high-octane dog with a lot of surplus energy to burn off. Expect to provide approximately one hour of exercise a day. As well as walks, this can include time playing and partaking in any classes or events, like agility classes or flyball. If you lead an active life, be prepared to grab a leash and take your Corgi Bichon with you, because he will appreciate it and will thrive on exercise and time outdoors.

Training 🦮

A highly independent breed with a bit of a mischievous side, the Corgi Bichon can be quite a challenge to train. With that said, he is considered an intelligent breed. If you can keep training fun and exciting, your Bichon is likely to be much easier to train. Otherwise, he will lose attention quickly and will look for fun activities to fill his time. This breed may not be suitable for first-time handlers.

Grooming ✂️

Often described as being a hypoallergenic breed, the Bichon Frise parent breed sheds minimally. If your dog adopts the coat of the Bichon, he will need daily brushing to prevent knots, and he will need his hair trimmed by a professional groomer every 2-3 months to prevent hair from getting in his eyes and mouth and to keep him comfortable and cool.

Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. Bathe only when necessary, and trim nails approximately every month or when you can hear them clicking loudly on wood and solid floors.

Health Conditions ❤️

Generally a very healthy breed, the Corgi Bichon has a life expectancy of around 14 years. With that said, there are a handful of conditions that you should keep an eye out for. Seek veterinary tests if you believe your dog is showing signs of any of the following:

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia

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Male vs. Female

There are no known differences between the male and the female of this breed. The quirks of your Corgi Bichon will be derived more from their particular set of parents than from their sex.

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Final Thoughts

The Corgi Bichon is a friendly, exciting, and lively little cross of the Bichon Frise and Corgi. These two popular parent breeds will get along with all family members, and will usually get along with other dogs, although their insistence on playing may deter some dogs. The breed can prove a challenge to train, but this will be necessary if you want to prevent the incessant barking that the breed can be known for. Provide plenty of exercise, keep your training regiment fun and exciting, and be prepared to offer a comfortable lap on which your Bichon Corgi can spend some serious time.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

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