Borgi (Border Collie & Corgi Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits

The Borgi, a mix between a Border Collie and Corgi, is an unusual pairing of two very different breeds of dog. They are usually small in stature but large in character and come in a variety of different colors. They will usually have a long and thick double coat that comes from their Border Collie heritage, which means a great deal of shedding. They are typically high-energy pooches that love to play and run and will often retain their herding instincts, often attempting to round up other pets and even children! The two parent breeds are so different that it’s difficult to imagine what a Borgi will ultimately end up like, so it helps to take a quick look into the Borgi’s parent breeds.

Border Collies are widely considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dog and have a long and respected history of working and herding. They were first bred on the Scottish borders and quickly became popular dogs among farmers due to their high intelligence, incredible instincts, obedience, and amazing abilities at herding livestock. They are still widely used by farmers, but nowadays, have also become a popular companion breed. They are extremely athletic and energetic dogs and frequently compete (and win) in various dog sports, agility competitions, and sheepdog trials.

The Corgi is a small herding dog that originated in Wales and consists of two separate lines, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They are an active and intelligent breed that is eager to please and easy to train. They are low-set dogs with short legs, long necks, and a sturdy build. They are friendly and loving pooches who love nothing more than to cuddle with their owners on the sofa.

This unique combination of two very different dogs makes for a breed that is not for everyone but is still sure to bring much activity and joy. If you are intrigued and feel like the Border Collie Corgi Mix could be a good choice for you, keep reading to find out more!

Borgi Puppies

The Borgi’s parent breeds are both popular and highly sought-after dogs, and consequently, their offspring are popular too! They are sure to be loving and intelligent pooches that will quickly win over your family’s heart. These fluffy little hairballs are some of the most adorable puppies out there, and they are hard to resist if you do come into contact with one. As always, make sure you get one from a reputable and responsible breeder.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Borgi

1. They are champion herders.

Border Collies are the quintessential herding breed and the go-to dog for sheep farmers and as working dogs in general. But Corgis were also originally bred as herding dogs and have a long history as some of the best herding and working dogs in the world. This means you can be sure your Borgi will have an innate and highly skilled herding instinct.

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2. They are highly intelligent.

Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog in the world, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is no slouch either, coming in at number 11. There are several different ways to measure a dog’s intelligence, the most common criteria being command learning. Dogs are judged on how many repetitions it takes to learn a brand-new command, and the success rate at which a dog will obey a known command. Both Corgis and Border Collie rate extremely high in both categories. As such, your Borgi will likely inherit some of this genetic genius.

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3. Their parent holds Guinness World Records.

The Border Collie holds many world records, including some strange and amusing records too. They include the most Border Collies gathered in one place (576!), the fastest car window opened by a dog, and Chaser, the smartest dog in the world. Chaser (who has unfortunately now passed) had the estimated intelligence of a 2- or 3-year-old toddler. He could tell the difference between hot and cold, could remember different people’s names, and knew over 1,000 different words and commands.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Borgi 🧠

Borgis are sociable dogs who love to be around their owners, children, and other pets. These dogs are never aggressive, and their unique “smile” and friendly eyes will attest to that. Border Collies can be somewhat aloof at times with new faces but quickly warm up once they get to know them. Corgis are a bit more amenable to strangers, so your Borgi could lean in either direction. Did we mention that these dogs are intelligent? You will have no problem training these pooches, and they will learn commands quicker than you can come up with new ones.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Borgis are family-friendly dogs that love nothing more than to be around children — except maybe herding them! They are gentle and sweet dogs that will quickly win over any child’s heart with their even-tempered and obedient nature. They will be your child’s (and your) lifelong loyal companion.

These dogs are high-energy, though, and will require a massive amount of exercise. This is something to seriously consider before bringing one home.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Borgis are non-aggressive dogs that will make fast friends with other dogs. They are friendly and calm and provided that they are trained and socialized at a young age, will have no issue with other family pets. The worst that can happen is your Borgi constantly trying to herd your pet family into one place! Of course, with proper exercise and training, this can be somewhat mitigated.

Things to Know When Owning a Borgi

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

These highly active dogs have a fast metabolism and need a large amount of high-quality food to keep their engines running effectively.

We recommend a diet that is high in protein, as this is ideal for high-energy, active dogs. Most commercial kibbles will have high amounts of protein, but these are usually plant-based, which may not contain a sufficient amount or quality for your Borgi. They will thrive when this kibble is supplemented with high-quality lean-meats and canned food. We recommend the best-quality dry kibble that you can afford, as many cheap commercial dog foods include filler ingredients like soy, corn, and wheat, which should ideally be avoided. Borgis are best fed twice daily, as opposed to one large meal, as this will help their fast metabolism.

Fatty meats, dairy, and sugar are also off-limits to most dogs in general and for Borgis too. These foods can cause digestive issues and allergies in your dog and eventually lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Most dogs need around 25-30 calories per pound per day on average to maintain a healthy weight. Depending on their age, size, and energy levels, Borgis will need to get anywhere from 700-1,500 calories a day.

Exercise 🐕

The herding and working heritage of Border Collies and Corgis means that your Borgi will require regular, directed exercise to stay healthy and happy. A minimum of 2 hours a day is recommended, but the more, the better. Exercise should also be split into two or three sessions throughout the day if possible, with varying levels of intensity.

Due to their incredible intellect, Borgi’s brains need regular exercise and stimulation too, and they will love ball games, fetch, running activities, and any games that can mimic herding. Borgis have a ton of stamina, and you’ll be hard-pressed to tire them out. Weighted vests are a great option, and they will help your dog burn off excess energy in less time. No more than 10% of their body weight should be added, though, as this is more than enough to tire them out and help them gain muscle strength.

Training 🦮

As you can well imagine, training a Borgi is no problem, and they will love the process. They are notoriously easy to train, have quick learning skills, and should ideally be trained from a young age.

The most important factor in training these high-energy and high-intellect dogs is consistency. The intelligence of both parent breeds means that they will quickly notice shifts in their daily routine, and this causes confusion, distress, and unruly behavior. Border Collie Corgi Mixes are ready for basic training at an early age, but intensive training should be left until they are around 7 or 8 months old. Training sessions that are too long can cause your dog to become distracted and frustrated, and this can undo most of the hard work that you and your dog have put in.

You can be sure that training a Borgi will be a joyful and rewarding experience that will aid in forming a tight bond between you and your pooch.

Grooming ✂️

Borgis have thick, medium-length coats and will require regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting and knotting. During the summer, Borgis will shed frequently and will require daily brushing. They will also likely require trimming occasionally.

We recommend regular nail trimming to prevent breakage, which can be painful for your Border Collie Corgi Mix and can even lead to structural injuries in the future, as it can drastically change the way they run and walk. Brushing their teeth a few times a month is highly recommended, as this will help prevent plaque build-up and dental disease. We recommend bathing only when absolutely necessary, as frequent bathing can cause skin and hair issues due to the depletion of your dog’s natural oils. If you do need to bath them, it’s best to try and find the mildest shampoo possible, made specifically for dogs, as this will help keep their natural skin and coat oils intact.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Borgis are a fairly healthy breed but can suffer from conditions commonly found in their parent breeds.

Border Collies commonly suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are painful joint issues that can eventually lead to arthritis. Hot spots are a type of skin dermatitis that is common in Border Collies too.

Corgis are prone to intervertebral disc disease and Von Willebrand’s disease, which is a disorder that prevents the blood from clotting. Some are prone to epilepsy, as well as degenerative eye issues like retinal atrophy.

Hybrid vigor is a common benefit that mixed breeds can inherit, making them less susceptible to many of these issues. It is also widely recommended to neuter males and spay females, as these procedures are quick and simple but can have massive health benefits for your dog. For males, it can help prevent cancer and will reduce aggressive behavior toward other males. In female Borgis, it can assist in the prevention of uterine infections and cancer.

 

Male vs. Female

The last question to consider on your Borgi quest is whether to get a male or female. Remember that within any breed of dog, personality and temperament can vary greatly between individual animals. There are small differences in male and female Borgi dogs to be aware of, but these are most noticeable if they are not spayed or neutered.

The males are often slightly bigger and heavier and less prone to mood swings. They are also more likely to be affectionate than females, with more of a playful streak. Females can also be affectionate and playful, but this is only when they feel the inclination. Spayed and neutered Borgis are likely to have an almost indistinguishable temperament.

Final Thoughts

Borgis are a highly intelligent, high-energy, and fun-loving breed that is sure to keep you fit and active! They are people pleasers that love to be around their owners and are friendly with other dogs and pets. The only issue is that they may try and herd them!

The Border Collie Corgi Mix’s high intelligence is one of their biggest selling points, making them easy to train and respond to commands. If they are trained correctly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-behaved and obedient pooch.

If you are an active person who loves running, cycling, and hiking or are just a general lover of the outdoors, the Borgi will make a perfect companion for you on your adventures.

• See Also: Corillon (Corgi Papillon Mix): Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

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Featured Image Credit: kjungmann, Shutterstock