A Comprehensive Dorgi Dog Guide

Dorgi Introduction

Bringing home a new furry family member is one of the most exciting times of anyone’s life. Adopting a dog is just the start of all of the fun memories that are yet to come as a dog owner. Knowing about the breed you’re bringing home and what to expect can help minimize nerves and prepare you for this new chapter of your life.

Dorgis are adorable, loving companions that are the perfect addition to almost any home. They’re known to be affectionate, smart, and social, and also great with kids, making them great family dogs.

Dorgis are mixed-breed dogs that come from Corgis and Dachshunds. They’re small but full of energy, being a great apartment dog or companion for those with an active lifestyle. One unique thing about the Dorgi breed is that these dogs are hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making them ideal for those who have dog allergies but still want to have one in their home.

Dorgis have a variety of talents, including herding, racing, sighting, agility, and guarding their home. They truly are one of the most versatile breeds, being able to adapt to a high number of activities you may want or need them to do.

Dorgi puppies and adults are easy to train and love to be on the go with their owners. Given their small size and affectionate personality, those with kids who’re looking to adopt a fun family member should consider adding a Dorgi into their home. Dorgis won’t overwhelm or bombard small children since they are relatively smaller and lighter than most youthful family members that they might have.

One fun thing about Dorgis is the variety of color combinations that their fur may be. Different combinations of browns, black, and white can be found in this breed. Out of all mixed-breed dogs, the Dorgi is one of the most popular.

These little dogs don’t lack any physical activity that you might see in a larger dog breed, including speed. The Dorgi’s top speed is around 25 miles per hour, making them perfect to take on a run with you or play fetch with. They’ll have no problem at all keeping up or chasing after a high-speed ball that you might throw for them.

Dorgis are very vocal dogs, making them perfect for those who have an already loud household or want a good guard dog to warn them of visitors. They’ll be sure to stay on high alert and keep an eye out for anyone who may approach your home. 

Both Dorgi puppies and adults are relatively healthy dogs, though they may experience some health issues or conditions throughout their life, just as any breed is susceptible to. Some are more common than others in Dorgis, so it’s important to know, as an owner, what they’re more prone to and the symptoms of these typical Dorgi health issues. Both Dorgi puppies and adults can experience various health problems.

With a relatively long lifespan, you can look forward to many years alongside your beloved Dorgi. The typical life expectancy for a Dorgi is around 12 to 15 years, making them the perfect long-term addition to your home. They’re perfect to play a game with or just spend some time with on your couch after a long day. No matter what you’re doing, your Dorgi will love to be around you and interact with you as much as they possibly can.

This mixed breed exhibits many characteristics from both the Dachshund breed and Corgi breed, both physical and behavioral. Some herding and hunting instincts such as prey drive and a need for adequate stimulation have been passed down from parent breeds to the Dorgi.

Dorgis are very popular and have even been owned by some pretty famous people. No matter where you go, people will love to look at and pet your precious Dorgi. Their adorable small size, soft and thick fur, and sweet personalities attract friends of all sorts, both human and canine.

Dorgi puppies and adults may be small, but they have a huge appetite. Be sure to keep watch of when and how much your Dorgi is eating as they may tend to overindulge. Making sure your Dorgi is eating correctly and stays active, as they love to be, is the best way to keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible. With this unique mixed-breed, there’s a lot to learn as a new Dorgi owner.

History of the Dorgi Breed

There are a lot of rumors surrounding how the Dorgi breed came to be, and the story isn’t as clear-cut as some other breed origin stories. This breed is a Dachshund and Corgi mixed breed, which both have been around for quite a while.

Corgis are a short herding breed that originated in Wales. They’re believed to date back all the way to 1100 AD and were commonly found as working dogs on farms throughout the area. The Dachshund breed is also a very small breed, though longer than the Corgi breed from head to tail. This breed also was used for hunting as they’re considered hound dogs that originated in Germany many centuries ago.

The Dorgi Breed is thought to have been created somewhere in Europe around the year 1999. Both the Corgi and Dachshund breeds became very popular in this region of the world, initially, due to their hunting abilities but evolved to become beloved household pets by the 1900s. Dachshunds were even popular amongst royalty, including Queen Victoria’s court and Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, Princess Margaret. Corgis took up the same royal popularity King George VI was known to have one running around his home.

With parent breeds of such massive popularity amongst royal family members, it’s no surprise that the Dorgi breed followed in their footsteps. Members of this adorable breed were owned by Queen Elizabeth II and she can be credited with the popularization of the Dorgi breed. Many believed she started this breed, though there’s no evidence to support this. She did, however, bring them into the spotlight with her world-famous Dorgis named Vulcan and Candy. These dogs were well known and loved around the world after being spotted time and time again by the Queen’s side. Given their famous reputation, many all over the world went and sought out a Dorgi of their own to add to their household. Before Queen Elizabeth II’s public love of this breed, they weren’t quite as popular as they are today.

The Dorgi breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, though this isn’t unusual. The American Kennel Club doesn’t typically recognize mixed-breed dogs. Despite this, the Dorgi Breed is recognized by a number of organizations, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and Dog Registry of America. Many have pushed for the Dorgi breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, though it’s not known if this will ever happen. Given their massive popularity and fame, it seems more likely that, as time goes on, the Dorgi breed may receive recognition from the American Kennel Club. For now, they’re still recognized by other important organizations for the unique, lovable breed that they are. Dorgis have historically been housepets of the famous and royal, though some may work in fields and herding. No matter what type of lifestyle they live, the Dorgi is happy with almost any owner, royal or not. 

Intelligence of Dorgi Puppies and Adults

Given the herding and hunting instincts that Dorgis naturally have from their parents, they’re highly intelligent. Both Dorgi puppies and adults can be easily trained to do tricks, perform desired behaviors, and to work as needed. Dorgis are very task-oriented dogs who want to have a purpose and please their owners. Because of this, they’ll want to be involved in any activities taking place around your household. Dorgi puppies and adults will love to have a variety of toys and dog puzzles to keep them occupied and stimulated when you’re away.

Due to their high intelligence levels, Dorgis may become stubborn during training and daily tasks. They know what they do and don’t want to do, and sometimes can be stubborn when they know they don’t want to complete a requested command. When training, it’s important for owners to be patient with their stubborn Dorgi puppies or adults. Using positive reinforcement such as treats can help them become motivated when they know they’ll get a reward for cooperating.

A Dorgi’s intelligence level is similar to that of a two-year-old child, meaning that they can recognize a variety of words and perform some unique tasks. Dorgis can be taught an average of 165 words and signals and count up to around 5. They’ve even been known to be smart enough to trick other dogs or humans while playing for their benefit. Given their ample intelligence, Dorgis are great for guarding your home and your family.

Dorgi Cognitive Health

The cognitive health of Dorgi puppies and adults is nearly impeccable due to their natural intelligence, social tendencies, and active energy levels. Though, their cognitive health may be near perfect as Dorgi puppies and young dogs, this may not always be the case as they age.

Just like humans, Dorgis can show signs of cognitive impairment due to distinct changes in their brain functions as they grow older. This may result in memory loss and some major differences in their behavior, all symptoms of something known as canine dementia.

Canine dimentia is more common than believed amongst dogs of all breeds, including Dorgis. Canine dementia is caused by a build-up of plaque in the brain which is believed to be caused by an accumulation of abnormal types of protein. This plaque buildup and abnormal protein presence can lead to nerve damage which causes a loss of brain function, loss of memory, impaired motor skills, and forgetting behaviors that were previously learned.

Canine dementia can be difficult to spot, given its slow onset which makes symptoms difficult to notice, or even written off as unrelated to one another. Oftentimes, canine dementia overlaps with other age-related conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disorders, making it challenging to spot with other health conditions your dog might be facing.

No breed is known to be specifically prone to canine dementia and it isn’t believed to be an inherited disease. All dog breeds are equally at risk for developing this condition, though spayed females and all dogs over nine years old seem to be the most common dogs to experience canine dementia.

Canine dementia will have various impacts on a Dorgi’s life that is experiencing this condition. Dorgis with canine dementia may become confused or disoriented more often than they used to before. Dorgis with this condition may have a harder time finding toys or treats that they have dropped or even stop reacting to their favorite toys the same way that they used to. These can all impact a Dorgi’s livelihood and how fulfilled they feel when dealing with this condition.

When faced with canine dementia, owners can help their Dorgi still live the best life possible. Ensuring your Dorgi still gets out and does the things that they love is the best way to make sure they’re enjoying all that life has to offer.

There are, unfortunately, few ways to treat this condition, though diet has been linked to slowing the progression of canine dementia. Dog foods that have been specifically formulated for senior dogs include extra antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both shown to help improve brain function. This is a very promising way to help your Dorgi maintain normal brain function and fight off canine dementia as they age. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements is also a good strategy to help prevent and slow the progression of canine dementia.

Canine dementia is a cognitive health condition that is almost always seen in senior dogs and never in Dorgi puppies. Because of this condition’s onset occurring later in life, it’s beneficial to take preventative measures to help your Dorgi from experiencing canine dementia. Preventative measures are simple and easy to implement into your dog’s life.

The best way to prevent canine dementia is by stimulating your Dorgi’s brain, which can be done in a variety of ways. There’s an abundance of dog puzzles and food bowls that’ll make your dog work for his or her food. In trying to find a way to access the treat or food within these puzzles, your Dorgi will be stimulating their brain as they attempt new strategies and problem solve.

Socialization is another preventative measure when it comes to canine dementia. When your Dorgi is playing and socializing regularly, whether with other dogs or humans, they’re stimulating their brain. An active brain is a healthy brain, which is an important factor when it comes to avoiding canine dementia.

While canine dementia can be a serious condition for your Dorgi, there’re no studies that show specific links to a shortened life expectancy. Canine dementia may affect your dog’s quality of life as they age, but if they are otherwise healthy, this condition is almost never fatal on its own.

Canine dementia is a scary thing for any dog owner to experience. Though this condition can impact your Dorgi’s life, you can still provide many fun and loving years for your dog despite canine dementia.

Stress in Dorgi Puppies and Adults

Stress is a factor that can impact any dog or human’s life, including that of a Dorgi. What causes a Dorgi to get stressed can depend on a variety of things, but there’re a few typical reasons that a Dorgi may experience this. Most causes of stress in Dorgi puppies and adults are due to unknown people, places, animals, and things. Dorgi puppies and adults want to guard their families, and unknown environments and factors can be seen as potential threats.

New people can be one cause of stress in Dorgi puppies and adults. Though they’re typically social dogs, some Dorgis may feel stressed because of new people or a lot of attention from strangers. Dorgi puppies and adults are highly intelligent, meaning they differentiate people they see every day from those that they don’t or hardly know. With a new person comes unknown factors, and they may struggle to differentiate friendly strangers from potential threats. This is why it’s important to socialize Dorgie puppies from a young age. Dorgi puppies that have been socialized regularly are less likely to become stressed due to meeting strangers.

New environments can also cause Dorgi puppies and adults to become stressed. Dorgis like routine and knowing what their surroundings are and whose with them. If you move to a new home or take your Dorgi to a new place, they may become slightly stressed about this change in scenery. This is because they’re unfamiliar with their current location and, therefore, feel they may not be able to recognize potential threats. Thankfully, as a Dorgi gets used to their new environment, this stress will typically decrease with time.

Other dogs may become another cause of stress in Dorgi puppies and adults. Dogs that bark or are on alert due to certain noises or things that they see can cause a Dorgi to become stressed. If they don’t notice or recognize what the other dog has been triggered by, stress about potential unseen threats can present itself. In addition, Dorgi puppies and adults may feel apprehensive about being near dogs that they aren’t usually around. As stated, Dorgis are usually social dogs, but they can become shy and stressed about meeting others, whether dog or human. This highlights the importance of socializing Dorgi puppies regularly so that they aren’t afraid of some harmless friends, furry or not.

Moving, loud, unknown objects can also cause a Dorgi to become stressed. Dorgi puppies and adults have natural herding instincts that cause them to take note of their environment, especially moving objects and loud noises that can signal predators or prey. When these objects are unknown to a Dorgi, they can become stressed and unsure if they are a potential threat. Something as harmless as a garbage truck when out on a walk or a robot vacuum that cleans your home can be confusing for a Dorgi. Their loud noise and sudden movements may cause Dorgi puppies and adults to become stressed, but with time, they’ll become used to them.

The best way to reduce stress in Dorgi puppies and adults is by normalizing the things that may be causing it. Taking them to new places and meeting new people is important, especially for Dorgi puppies. This will help alleviate fears of new activities and surroundings that may cause them to become stressed. The younger they’re able to normalize new situations, the less stressed they’ll be as adults when they encounter these unknown territories.

Since Dorgis are herding dogs, they may become stressed about a lot of activity from their family members. High activity levels, such as children running around, may cause your Dorgi to want to herd these moving objects, human or not. They may become fixated on others within their home and attempt to herd them, leading to unwanted nipping and other behaviors. This need to herd can be stressful for both your Dorgi and whoever is on the other end of this behavior. Nothing quite like your small dog trying to keep you in line to make you questions your life choices. 

The best way to avoid your Dorgi attempting to herd others within their home is by making sure they have an appropriate outlet to fill this instinctual need. Playing ball and frisbee are common activities for Dorgi puppies and adults, and they’re highly motivated by these outlets. These activities allow your Dorgi to react to a moving object, purse, and capture it without affecting anyone else in your home. By focusing on these objects, your Dorgi will not be stressed about trying to pursue other moving people or things within your household. If Dorgi puppies are taught what’s appropriate and what isn’t when it comes to herding from a young age, they’re less likely to herd others in your home as they grow older.

Dorgis and Anxiety

Similar to being stressed, Dorgi puppies and adults can also become anxious due to unknown people, dogs, places, and activities. As stated before, this is a highly intelligent breed. Because of this, they can become anxious when things aren’t as they usually are. They have the mental capacity to notice these differences in routine and surroundings, which can lead to worrying and anxiousness. You may notice your Dorgi becomes anxious when they’re on a new walk route or hear an unknown and unusual noise outside of their home.

It’s good to know the signs of anxiety in your Dorgi so that you can help calm them when they do become anxious. Signs of anxiety in Dorgi puppies and adults can include a few different things.

When the white part of your Dorgi’s eyes becomes visible due to their eyes being opened very wide, this may be a sign that they’re experiencing anxiety. Their eyes may even appear to be bulging out if they’re extremely anxious. Just think, the perpetually nervous stare of a pug. 

Whining and barking that aren’t because they need to use the restroom may also signal that they’re feeling anxious. Whining is typically the first verbal sign of anxiety for Dorgi puppies and adults, though this can progress to barking when the source of their anxiety hasn’t been relieved or addressed.

Ears are a signature part of the Dorgi appearance, typically being upright and alert. When you notice your Dorgi’s ears are facing back or even laying down backward, this is likely due to the anxiety that they’re feeling. Ears are a great indication of a Dorgi’s mood.

In addition to ear position, the overall stature of Dorgi adults and puppies can also indicate their mood, including when they’re feeling anxious. A Dorgi that is cowering down or even hiding behind you or another object is most likely experiencing anxiety. If you notice your Dorgi trying to run or hide, make sure they have a safe place to retreat to. Dorgi puppies and adults that are extremely anxious may turn to aggression as a last resort form of defense against whatever is making them feel this anxiety.

One of the most obvious signs of anxiety in Dorgi puppies and adults is the unwillingness to eat. They may feel too anxious to have an appetite, refusing treats or meals. If you notice any of these behaviors in your Dorgi, they’re likely feeling anxious. It’s important to find out the cause of their anxiety and help eliminate it, if possible, so that your Dorgi can be as happy as possible.

Dorgi puppies and adults are also very affectionate dogs and generally form an extremely strong bond with their owners. Because of this, they may develop separation anxiety when their owner leaves. Having an absent owner causes them to feel anxious about being apart and a strong desire to find a way to be near you again.

The best way to avoid separation anxiety in Dorgi puppies and adults is to ensure that they’re socialized from an early age. Dorgis who haven’t been socialized from an early age are more prone to separation anxiety. If you have a Dorgi puppy, this should be an easy task, but if you’ve adopted an older Dorgi, they may have already developed this condition. If this is the case with your dog, don’t worry as there are still ways that you can help combat their separation anxiety.

Many supplements are on the market for canine separation anxiety that have been shown to naturally minimize this condition. The supplements are a great alternative to medication and are generally beneficial for your dog’s mental and physical health.

Some supplements used for canine anxiety may include CBD, a naturally calming compound that won’t negatively impact your Dorgi. These CBD-based supplements are rising in popularity and can typically be found at your local pet store.

Separation anxiety can also be reduced in Dorgi puppies and adults through spending quality time with them. This will strengthen your bond and alleviate some of their anxiety about you leaving.

No matter the cause of your Dorgi’s anxiety, whether it’s unknown factors within their environment or being away from you as their owner, it’s important to recognize these situations and potential ways to fix them. Normalizing unknown things that make your Dorgi anxious or being alone will help them feel more at ease when these situations arise. Supplements, stimulating toys, and reassurance can all help calm your Dorgi down when they’re feeling anxious. It’s best to find what works well for you and your dog on an individualized basis and implement these strategies as needed into your life.

Allergies in Dorgi Puppies and Adults

Allergies can affect dogs just like they can affect humans. These allergies can be triggered by different allergens that include environmental factors, foods, and fleas. Dorgi puppies and adults are especially prone to skin allergies that are caused by various environmental factors, which can be difficult to pinpoint the exact one that they’re triggered by.

Dorgis experience skin allergies often due to their genetic disposition for this condition. They’re a breed that is more likely to have the genes that cause allergies passed down from generation to generation. It’s important to note that just because Dorgi puppies and adults commonly inherit genes for skin allergies doesn’t mean that this condition is inevitable. Plenty of Dorgi puppies and adults will live their entire lives without experiencing skin allergies. This condition is typically inherited from their Corgi parents, as this parent breed is more prone to skin allergies in comparison to the Dachshund parent breed.

Skin allergies can impact your Dorgi’s life by causing them to become itchy and uncomfortable. With skin allergies, your dog will feel like they have one or multiple itches that can never be fully satisfied. These itchy sensations are caused by a hypersensitive immune reaction to foreign substances which are known as allergens. These allergens are harmless things such as pollen, dust, grass, shampoo, and other environmental factors. Though not innately harmful, these allergens are viewed as a threat by your Dorgi’s immune system. This causes the immune system to attack these allergens, triggering an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions in Dorgi puppies and adults look much different from allergic reactions in humans. Humans typically experience sneezing, coughing, and even having itchy eyes when an allergen enters their body and triggers a reaction. In dogs, these allergens enter the body and cause them to have allergic reactions that make their skin become itchy and irritated. They’ll begin to scratch, rub, chew, or lick at these areas that become itchy to try and relieve the feeling.

Dorgi puppies and adults will typically experience itching due to skin allergies on their ears, legs, undersides, nose, and near their eyes. You may notice your Dorgi scratching excessively and rubbing these areas against furniture or their paws to try and alleviate the itchiness. Though these are the most common locations for Dorgi skin allergies, all areas can be affected. It’s important not to write off excessive itching just because it isn’t in a typical Dorgi allergy location. All excessive scratching can be a sign of skin allergies, regardless of the affected location.

Recurring and common ear infections can also be a sign of skin allergies in all dog breeds, including Dorgi puppies and adults. If you notice your Dorgi is constantly battling ear infections, consider getting them checked for skin allergies.

Allergies may be an uncomfortable condition for your Dorgi to experience, but it won’t shorten their life expectancy. Dorgis of all ages with skin allergies can still live a fulfilling, happy, and relatively normal life despite this condition. While Dorgi puppies may experience skin allergies, this condition is more likely to be seen around one to two years of age. Skin allergies can affect Dorgis later in life, as well.

There are a variety of treatments your vet can provide you with to help minimize or eliminate symptoms of allergies, as well as some dietary changes you can make. Fatty acid supplements such as omega-3s can greatly improve skin health and combat allergy symptoms. These supplements reduce skin inflammation which leads to a relief in itchiness. Fatty acids can also be found in fish oil supplements, which will improve skin condition, as well. Most dogs don’t mind the taste of these supplements, making them easy to incorporate into the diet of Dorgi puppies and adults.

Shampoos are another easy way you can help combat skin allergy symptoms in your Dorgi. These shampoos include naturally soothing and strengthening ingredients, such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and tea tree oil, that help minimize allergy symptoms. These powerful agents minimize inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and lead to less itching. They can be used regularly to clean your Dorgi and combat allergies through improved skin health.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent Dorgi puppies or adults from experiencing skin allergies since it’s an inherited condition. Dorgi puppies and adults who inherit the genes for allergies are very likely to experience them, but there are a number of ways to combat this condition. Through trying various strategies, you can find the method that works best for your dog and help them live a healthy, itch-free life.

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Gut Health of Dorgi Puppies and Adults

Gut health is an important aspect of overall health in all dogs, including Dorgi puppies and adults. If gut health is off, other aspects of health can be off because of it. Gut health issues can cause lethargy, breathing problems, and other conditions ranging from mild to severe. It’s important to know what to look for when it comes to common gut health issues in Dorgis. This will help your pup stay as healthy and happy as possible.

Thankfully, Dorgi puppies and adults aren’t known to have gut health issues, though they can still experience them. The most common gut health issues seen in Dorgi puppies and adults are caused by either obesity or a condition known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

One of the most common stomach issues for Dorgi puppies and adults to experience is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, also known as HGE. This disease occurs when a large amount of fluid enters the gut of Dorgi puppies or adults. Dorgi puppies and adults are prone to this condition due to their Dachshund parent breed who commonly develop HGE. They are also prone to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis due to their size, as smaller dogs are most likely to experience this condition.

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis symptoms include severe vomiting and bloody, loose stool. If your Dorgi is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to get them to the vet as soon as possible, as this condition can be fatal. It can also lead to hypoglycemia or hypovolemic shock.

Unfortunately, there is no cause known to lead to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Experts believe it may be caused by food allergies, parasites, bacterial infections, and even stress, though the exact cause still remains unknown. Despite unknown causes, Dorgi owners can still prevent their dog from experiencing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Ensuring Dorgi puppies and adults live in an environment with low-stress levels and have a balanced and healthy diet is the best way to prevent hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

A diet low in fat and high in fiber is the best way to prevent hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in Dorgi adults and puppies. Foods that are safe for Dorgi puppies and adults and are high in fiber include things such as beet pulp, flaxseed, pumpkin, apples, carrots, and brown rice. Fiber supplements can also be used to balance out your Dorgi’s diet and prevent hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Given that hemorrhagic gastroenteritis may be caused by bacterial infections, dog probiotic supplements can help combat this potential cause of the condition. These supplements balance the microbiome in your Dorgi’s stomach and combat infections through a healthy gut. Be sure to consult your vet before beginning supplementation.

Though this condition can be fatal, with proper treatment and care, dogs who experience hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can still go on to live a healthy, happy life. The prognosis for Dorgi puppies and adults who experience HGE is high, and less than 10% who receive treatment for this condition don’t survive it. Once treated, most Dorgi puppies and adults will still live a normal life expectancy. This condition can be recurring and more dangerous for younger Dorgi puppies and adults, making it very important for owners to be familiar with symptoms and vigilant about their onset.

In addition to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, obesity is another condition common in Dorgi puppies and adults due to their parent breed of Corgis being prone to it. Obesity can lead to a variety of gut health issues including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. These conditions can be very uncomfortable for Dorgi puppies and adults to experience (Don’t we know it!).

Obesity is easily avoidable through diet and exercise. Given the Dorgi’s love for food of all kinds, they may easily find themselves facing issues with weight such as obesity. Obesity in Dorgi puppies and adults is determined through a scale that scores where your dog is weight-wise between underweight and obese. This scale consists of numbers one through five, one being extremely thin and five being moderately obese. Receiving a score of five, which signifies that your Dorgi has developed obesity, means that they’re 40% above their ideal weight.

Dorgi obesity is a very serious condition that can cause gut health issues as well as other health problems. Though this condition can be scary and worrisome for owners, it can easily be prevented and combatted. Ensuring your dog is eating the correct amount of food, including treats (yes, every small nibble counts), and exercising enough daily is essential to preventing obesity and the health problems that can come with it. If you’re worried about your Dorgi’s weight and gut health, be sure to consult your vet about the proper diet and exercise that they should be receiving.

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Dorgi Eye Health

Eye health is an essential part of Dorgi puppies and adults having a high quality of life. Unfortunately, due to Corgi genes, Dorgi puppies and adults may be more prone to inheriting eye health issues. These issues can vary in severity, cause, curability, and age that they affect. As a Dorgi owner, it’s a good idea to know the various eye health issues that your dog may inherit, the symptoms, and possible ways to cure them. Your vet will likely examine your Dorgi’s eyes at routine appointments to keep a watch on any possible concerning signs and symptoms.

One of the most common inherited eye diseases that a Dorgi might face is progressive retinal atrophy. This condition is commonly passed down through the Corgi parent breed to Dorgi puppies and adults. Progressive retinal atrophy, essentially, genetically programs a dog’s eyes to go blind. This condition isn’t painful, but it also doesn’t have a cure.

The typical initial symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy are difficulty seeing at night and dilated pupils. Both of the symptoms commonly begin around three or five years of age, though Dorgi puppies and adults can have genetic testing performed to diagnose progressive retinal atrophy. Since this condition is inherited, there’s nothing a Dorgi owner can do to prevent it. It’s important to note that just because Dorgi puppies and adults are prone to progressive retinal atrophy doesn’t mean they’re destined to experience it. Some Dorgi puppies and adults won’t have the genes for progressive retinal atrophy, and some will, but they don’t ever lead to this condition. If you notice symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy, it’s best to discuss this condition with your vet ASAP.

Dorgis with progressive retinal atrophy can still live a very happy and fulfilling life. Most of the time, vision loss doesn’t onset until later in life. Blind Dorgis can still play and navigate their home by memory. They can also recognize owners and other animals by their smell and listen to verbal commands. While progressive retinal atrophy is a common diagnosis, it won’t shorten your Dorgi’s life. You can still live many fun-filled years with your Dorgi despite progressive retinal atrophy.

In addition to progressive retinal atrohpy, Dorgis can also be prone to cataracts. Cataracts are an inherited condition that can be passed down within the Dorgi breed, typically from their Corgi parent. These hereditary cataracts are never seen in Dorgi puppies and most commonly affect older Dorgis. Given the small Dorgi size causing their eyes to also be relatively small, this condition can be difficult to spot with your bare eye unless the cataracts are very advanced. Hereditary cataracts will appear in both eyes, though possibly at different times.

Cataracts can affect the life of your Dorgi by possibly clouding the entirety of the lens of the eyes, making them unable to distinguish anything in their vision besides extreme lights and darks. Thankfully, cataracts usually progress slowly enough for your Dorgi to adjust to its vision loss and they don’t cause any pain. Some Dorgis with cataracts may always have functional vision thanks to slow progression. If cataracts become severe, medical intervention can be performed.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid cataracts in Dorgis. This condition is inherited, meaning, if your dog has the genes for it, they’ll most likely experience it. Thankfully, even Dorgis with the most severe cataracts can still live normal, healthy lives with the help of their owner.

Dorgi owners don’t typically have to take many steps to adjust to having a dog with cataracts. If your Dorgi becomes blind from cataracts, which is the worst-case scenario, they can still easily cope with this condition and live a fulfilling life. Blind Dorgi puppies and adults will memorize the layout of your home. As with blindness in progressive retinal atrophy, Dorgis that are blind from cataracts can still interact with others, play, and do the things that they did when they had full vision.

The final common eye condition seen in Dorgi puppies and adults is distichiasis. This condition is caused by extra hairs located on the inside of the eyelid rubbing on the surface of the eyeball. Distichiasis is commonly inherited in Dorgis from the Corgi parent breed. This condition can be very painful and even lead to other eye health issues such as ulcers. Thankfully, this condition can be easily treated. Distichiasis won’t shorten the life expectancy of Dorgi puppies or adults and doesn’t lead to vision loss once treated. If you notice squinting, irritated eyes, or vision problems in your Dorgi, be sure to talk to your vet.

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Dorgi Ear Health

One of the cutest aspects of the Dorgi appearance is their adorable ears. Whether they take after the Dachshund ears, which lay down with long fur, or Corgi ears that are pointed and stand up, they’re sure to have that “aw” factor for everyone that they meet.

Dorgis can be prone to various ear health issues no matter the ear shape that they have. Most of these ear health problems aren’t severe, but they do need to be treated. One of the most common ear health problems in Dorgi puppies and adults is ear infections.

Ear infections are typically seen in Dorgi puppies and adults with ears that resemble those of their Dachshund parent. The longer Dachshund ear shape makes them prone to more ear infections. Since their ears hang low (and wobble to and fro) and cover the opening for the ear, not much air circulation is able to happen regularly. Because of this, their inner ear can become moist and ideal for unwanted bacteria growth that leads to ear infections. It’s important to note that these ears may be more likely to get infected, Dorgis with pointy ears that stand up can also still experience ear infections.

These ear infections can be caused by a number of factors including bacteria, allergies, and debris, along with some underlying conditions. Given the pointy Dorgi ear shape, they can easily get debris in their ear to cause an infection. Dorgi puppies and adults are prone to skin allergies, which can also cause ear infections. The most common signs of a Dorgi ear infection include shaking their head, crust on the inside of the ear, leaning to the side of the affected ear, and rubbing the ear with their paw.

Ear infections can be resolved easily and don’t impact a Dorgi’s life expectancy or quality of life once treated. They’re best-taken care of by a vet, but there are also ways you can help combat this condition at home. Cleaning your Dorgi’s ears is a good way to make sure that they don’t have buildup that can cause an ear infection. Since Dorgi puppies and adults are relatively low to the ground, fleas and other bugs may jump aboard and leave dirt. This dirt and waste produced by these bugs can add to the causes of ear infections.

Plus, feeding them a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids will help keep their skin healthy and combat allergies that can cause ear infections. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are a great thing to incorporate into the diet of Dorgi puppies and adults to prevent possible allergy-related ear infections in the future. As always, be sure to consult your vet before adding supplements into your Dorgi’s diet.

In addition to ear infections caused by environmental factors, Dorgi puppies and adults can be prone to hypothyroidism. This condition will cause ear infections and ear pains due to thyroid hormone reduction. Hypothyroidism typically has symptoms that’ll affect the skin and coat health of Dorgi puppies and adults, such as hair loss, flaky skin, and possible black skin patches. Along with those symptoms, chronic ear infections and irritation can be caused by hypothyroidism, as well

If you notice any symptoms of hypothyroidism including chronic ear infections, be sure to get your Dorgi checked out by a vet. These consistent ear infections and pain can be very uncomfortable for your Dorgi and may affect their quality of life. Ear infections and underlying conditions that cause them, such as skin allergies and hypothyroidism, can be managed or treated by a vet. With these conditions and ear-related symptoms, your Dorgi can still live a happy and normal life.

Unfortunately, besides regular cleaning, there’s little you can do as an owner to prevent your Dorgi from experiencing ear infections. Cleaning is the most foolproof way to make sure their ears are less likely to become infected from buildup. On the other hand, ear infections caused by allergies or hypothyroidism can’t be prevented. The only way to stop these types of ear infections is to treat the underlying condition that’s causing them. Once you do, you’ll likely see a dramatic decrease in ear pain and ear health problems.

Ear health is an important part of the lives of Dorgi puppies and adults that commonly gets overlooked. Symptoms of ear health issues such as ear infections aren’t as obvious to the eye as some other signs of pain. Nevertheless, ear issues can be painful and should be treated immediately in order to make sure that your Dorgi is living the best life that they possibly can.

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Immune Health of Dorgi Puppies and Adults

Dorgi immune health is essential to their overall health and wellness. The immune system is the backbone of general health and fights off conditions that may affect all systems and organs. Unfortunately, sometimes the immune system can have its own problems within Dorgi puppies and adults.

Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system attacking its own body. This can manifest in a variety of conditions and symptoms. Corgis and Dachshunds can be prone to specific autoimmune diseases, meaning that Dorgis may inherit these same conditions. Some Dorgis may experience autoimmune diseases due to their genes, while others won’t.

One common autoimmune disease seen in Dachshunds that can be passed onto Dorgi puppies and adults is immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. This condition takes place when the immune system damages and destroys platelets, impairing clotting functions. This is especially dangerous when it comes to fighting off infections, which the immune system now hinders instead of helps. This condition can cause unexplained or spontaneous bleeding.

Some symptoms of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia include bruising, bleeding from the nose or mouth, and blood in stool, vomit, or urine, as well as anemia.

The best way to treat immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is through strategies that your vet will decide on. Thankfully, most Dorgi puppies and adults who receive treatment don’t have a shortened life expectancy. As long as they respond effectively to treatment, they aren’t at risk for life-threatening bleeding due to immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

As stated earlier, hypothyroidism is another autoimmune condition seen in the Corgi breed that may also affect their Dorgi offspring. Hypothyroidism is caused when thyroid glands don’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream of Dorgi puppies and adults. This is usually due to inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland, which is located in a Dorgi’s neck. This condition can reduce the metabolic state of Dorgi puppies and adults. This can result in hair thinning, flaky skin, lethargy, and ear infections or pain.

Some other symptoms of hypothyroidism in Dorgis can include unexplained weight gain, obesity, intolerance of being cold, mental dullness, and lack of energy. This is all due to hypothyroidism causing bodily functions to slow down. This condition isn’t fatal or life-threatening as long as it’s properly treated and managed.

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can negatively impact the life of Dorgi puppies and adults. Thankfully, this condition is relatively easy to treat by a vet, meaning that your Dorgi can be back to healthy and happy in a short amount of time. Symptoms such as hair loss and flaky skin may take a few weeks or months to resolve, but with proper treatment, they’ll eventually go away.

In addition to hypothyroidism being treated by a vet, you can also help combat this condition through diet and supplements. As always, consult with your vet before beginning supplementation or diet changes. Some agents are known to help improve thyroid function in Dorgi puppies and adults. These include Ashwagandha, mushrooms, kelp, and schizandra berry.

Dorgi puppies and adults typically like the taste of these supplements, making them easy to implement into your life as an owner. Long-term owners and Dorgis with hypothyroidism will have to do some adjusting once diagnosed with this condition. The main adjustments needed will be implementing a medication regimen that’s recommended by your vet as well as adding supplements and new foods to your Dorgi’s diet, if you choose to do so. Besides this, Dorgis with hypothyroidism will still be able to do all of the things that they love and live many treasured years alongside their human companions despite hypothyroidism.

The final autoimmune condition commonly seen in Dorgi puppies and adults is called pemphigus foliaceus (PF). This is a skin-related condition that’s passed down to Dorgis from the Corgi parent breed. PF causes scabs and ulcers around the eyes, ears, footpads, and nose of Dorgi puppies and adults. As with other autoimmune conditions, PF can be treated with the help of your vet. It’s actually the most common skin-related autoimmune disease in dogs and cats and, unfortunately, doesn’t have the best prognosis. 53% of dogs were found to live one year after a PF diagnosis, according to a recent study. Because of this severity, it’s important for Dorgi owners to keep an eye out for PF symptoms and scabbing, and to seek immediate medical treatment if they notice signs of this condition.

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Dorgi Joint Health

Joint health is another important aspect of overall health in Dorgi puppies and adults. Joints that are healthy allow Dorgi puppies to do all of the things that they love, such as running, jumping, playing fetch, and roughhousing, without discomfort or pain. Without healthy joints, these activities may become challenging for even the youngest and healthiest of Dorgi puppies and adults. Despite Dorgis being a relatively small dog breed, they can still experience joint health issues which are commonly believed to be a problem that only large dog breeds face. This makes it important for owners to know these conditions, what they look like, and how they can be treated.

Dorgis commonly face hip dysplasia as it’s inherited from their Corgi parent breed. Hip Dysplasia occurs due to abnormal growth in the ball and socket of these joints as well as insufficient coverage. This causes the joint to become loose and unstable, which can lead to Dorgi puppies and adults experiencing scar tissue around the joints that are affected by dysplasia. Essentially, when hip dysplasia is present, the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint of Dorgi puppies or adults.

Hip dysplasia can be very uncomfortable and painful for Dorgi puppies and adults who experience it. Some signs that your Dorgi may have hip dysplasia can include limping, decreased range of motion within the hips, obvious pain when walking, and avoiding high activity levels or walking fastly. If your Dorgi is refusing to take as long of walks as they used to or not keeping up with you when out and about, this may be a sign of hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is an important condition to discuss with your vet. They may be able to offer treatments that can correct the joint, manage pain, and ease inflammation. Hip dysplasia is common in many breeds besides Dorgis and doesn’t shorten their life expectancy. With the proper treatment and care, you can expect to have many fun, active years with your Dorgi doing all of the things that they love to do.

It’s important to note that, as with any inherited condition, just because a specific breed is prone to a health issue doesn’t make it inevitable. Many Dorgi puppies and adults will go their entire lives without experiencing hip dysplasia.

If you do find yourself with a Dorgi battling hip dysplasia, diet is another great way to ease the symptoms of their condition. Anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric, Ashwagandha, and kelp can help minimize joint swelling and the pain that it causes. Be sure to consult your vet before adding any new supplements or foods into your Dorgi’s diet. Studies have shown that dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient-rich diet had less severe cases of hip dysplasia than those who ate chicken-based diets. Some nutrient factors of fish-based foods may help slow the progression of hip dysplasia in Dorgi puppies and adults. Even with preventative steps, some Dorgi puppies and adults will still develop hip dysplasia. This can be due to solely genetics, or due to rapid growth at a young age. No matter the cause, Dorgi puppies and adults can still live a fulfilling life after this diagnosis is received.

Though this condition can’t be reversed, it can easily be managed and even prevented. One of the best ways to prevent hip dysplasia in Dorgi puppies and adults is by managing their weight. Overweight and obese dogs are much more likely to develop hip dysplasia than those who are at an ideal weight or close to it. This is due to the excess pressure and strain that the hip joint experiences due to the abnormal body weight. To prevent hip dysplasia in Dorgis, watching their diet and exercise is essential. Doing so will help ensure that their hip joint doesn’t experience unnecessary decay and pain.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia are similar to severe canine arthritis, commonly causing the two conditions to get confused for one another. Both of these conditions are commonly inherited in Dorgis from the Corgi parent, and they may be experiencing both of these joint issues simultaneously. Hip dysplasia and canine arthritis can affect both Dorgi puppies and adults, though they typically develop later in life. By following specific instructions from your vet and using vet-approved supplements, you can help your Dorgi live a normal, joy-filled life despite potential joint problems.

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Skin and Coat Health of Dorgi Puppies and Adults

One of the most beloved things about the Dorgi mixed breed is their beautiful coats. They can come in a variety of patterns, colors, and textures due to their very different parent breeds. These coats and adorable faces often gain the attention of many others when out and about as they are often just too cute to resist saying hi to. Thanks to their Corgi parent breed, Dorgi puppies and adults also have double-layered coats that help protect them from even the harshest of conditions.

Despite the beautiful and seemingly healthy inherited coat of Dorgi puppies and adults, they can still experience skin and coat health issues. Corgis may pass along seemingly sensitive skin to their Dorgi puppies, and it’s important for owners to be aware of the symptoms and causes of this condition.

Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itching, irritated skin, and poor coat health in Dorgis. Dermatitis can be caused by environmental factors such as plants, dirt, grass, and even bugs. It can also be caused by moisture when Dorgi puppies or adults come into contact with water. The final cause of dermatitis is nutrition that lacks essential nutrients and vitamins that are necessary for healthy skin.

In addition to dermatitis, fleas and other bugs can cause recurring skin problems in Dorgi puppies and adults. Thankfully these are very easy to manage and can be done with shampoos and medications that will rid Dorgi puppies and adults of all critters that may irritate their skin.

Certain environments and factors can lead to issues with skin and coat health within Dorgis. For example, a change in weather is something that can cause skin irritation. Though this is inevitable, it’s important to ensure your Dorgi’s normal environment is relatively stable day-to-day in order to avoid these skin and coat issues the best that you can. Low and high humidity can affect skin health by causing moisture dermatitis when highly humid or draining natural protective fats off of their skin during low humidity times. Thankfully, the skin impact that both of these relatively uncontrollable weather circumstances produce can be managed. Moisturizing your Dorgi regularly during low humidity times and lining their crate with crates during high humidity times can help offset these skin issues due to weather changes.

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In addition to weather, diet can greatly affect Dorgi skin health. Most Dorgi puppies and adults that suffer from skin and coat issues due to diet are experiencing this because they lack omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a tremendous impact on improving the skin and coat health of Dorgi puppies and adults. These supplements and food types can easily be added to the diet of Dorgi puppies or adults by their owners. This skin and coat health management is simple and won’t take a lot of steps or adjusting by an owner to be successful. Before adding supplements to your Dorgi’s diet, be sure to consult with your vet, as always.

An important thing to note about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your Dorgi’s diet is that they’re better added through smaller fish sources or supplements than sources that are from a larger fish. Smaller fish, surprisingly, have a higher concentration of omega-3s than larger ones.

If you have changed your Dorgi’s diet or added recommended supplements and don’t notice an improvement, they may be experiencing skin allergies. As stated before, Dorgis can inherit this condition from their Corgi parent breed, making it an important thing to keep watch for. Skin allergies can’t be reversed, but as with any other skin conditions listed, they won’t shorten the life expectancy of your Dorgi.

Nevertheless, it’s still important to combat these conditions the best you can so that your Dorgi can experience the healthiest, happiest life possible. Skin and coat conditions can cause your Dorgi to be uncomfortable and even lethargic. Managing and treating them will make sure that your Dorgi isn’t experiencing any unnecessary itchiness or discomfort. All Dorgi owners want to give their dog the most fulfilling life imaginable, and one of the best ways to do so is by making sure all aspects of their health are thriving, including their skin and coat.