10 Dogs That Look Like Corgis (With Pictures & Facts)

Gaining attention as the preferred breed of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Corgis are delightful little dogs with sturdy builds and thick, fluffy coats. These herding dogs are prized for farm work and make great family dogs, but they have some behavioral traits that are challenging to manage.

If you love the Corgis’s appearance but prefer to adopt another breed, here are 10 similar-looking breeds to consider.

How Are Corgis Classified?

The Welsh Corgi includes two distinct breeds of herding dogs that originated in Wales: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Though similar, they have some differences in their size and weight.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi descended from the Spitz family of dogs, while the Cardigan Welsh Corgi descended from the Teckel family of dogs, where the Dachshund originated. Both breeds have achondroplasia, a dwarfism characterized by short arms and legs with an average body.

The 10 Dogs That Look Like Corgis: Pictures, History & Facts

1. Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a sturdy Viking dog used to herd cattle. They’re believed to share an ancestor with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, leading to the breed’s development. Like the Corgi, the Vallhund is built long and low to nip the heels of cattle and avoid kicks. They also share a thick double coat, smooth movement, and remarkable agility.

Vallhunds are smart, social dogs that have adapted to quieter modern lifestyles away from Viking longships. They’re suitable for suburban backyards as much as farms and enjoy spending time with their owners.

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2. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian has a strong resemblance to the Corgi but comes in a toy package. They have a foxlike face, a cheerful personality, and a big-dog demeanor, making them one of the most popular toy breeds. Like Corgis, they have a thick double coat with a frilled chest and shoulders, which come in various colors.

Pomeranians are active but don’t require a lot of space, so they’re a good choice for cities and suburbs with small homes that wouldn’t give Corgis enough room or exercise.

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3. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a graceful dog with an all-white coat ideally suited to cold climates. Though they resemble Corgis in their foxy face, they have a unique feature—a permanent smile with upturned corners that prevent drooling, ensuring they don’t get icicles on their faces.

Like Corgis, Samoyeds are smart, sociable, and impish dogs that need to stay busy and receive a lot of love and attention. Make sure that you have the time and energy to care for this breed.

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4. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful white dog that comes in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. Like Corgis, they have a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders, though much thicker than a Corgi’s, and a smiling face. Although Eskimo dogs are playful and friendly, they are prone to problem behaviors if they don’t have the outlets and attention they need.

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5. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium-sized Japanese breed used for hunting and companionship. These well-muscled dogs are energetic and good-natured, lending to their growing popularity.

The white markings, foxy face, and shades of red and tan bear a strong resemblance to common Corgi colors. Shiba Inus also have similar bold, confident personalities.

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6. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese breed that’s dignified, serious, and aloof. They have an independent streak like the Corgi and a lion-like look, though they’re a much larger breed. They can have rough or smooth red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream coats.

Chow Chows are also clean with virtually no odor and adapt to various environments, so they’re a good choice if you don’t have the space for a Corgi to get their herding energy out.

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7. Keeshond

The fox-faced Keeshond is like a medium-sized, fluffier version of the Corgi. They were developed to work canal barges in Holland but now make excellent companion dogs. They share many of the Corgi’s physical features in a full-sized dog body, including a foxy face, erect ears, a thick coat, and a plumed tail. One of their unique features is a “spectacle” look that makes them appear as though they’re wearing glasses.

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8. Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound fits the bill if you want a larger Corgi-type dog. As a robust spitz breed that sailed with Vikings, the Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog with a short body, deep chest, and muscular legs. These dogs are intelligent watchdogs and natural athletes, excelling at agility and herding trials.

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9. Schipperke

The Schipperke was a traditional “little captain” used on Belgian barges in the Low Countries. Like Corgis, Schipperkes are small but robust with curious, lively, and mischievous personalities. They were not used for herding but instead worked as ratters and watchdogs.

One of their distinctive Corgi traits is the foxy face. They also have a catlike hunting style that suits them for canine athletic competitions.

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10. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small Spitz dog. While they resemble the Husky and Malamute more than a Corgi, they have the same intelligent expression and playful personality in a compact package.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, a thick double coat, and striking color combinations. They’re also alert and energetic yet reserved with unfamiliar people.

Conclusion

Corgis are enjoyable, hardworking dogs but can be a handful for some owners. Since they were bred to herd, Corgis need a lot of training and exercise to stay happy. If you love the Corgi look but want a different type of dog, these 10 breeds provide a lot of Corgi-like appeal that may suit your lifestyle.

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Featured Image Credit: It’s me, Marrie, Pexels