Not all crossbreeds enjoy the same popularity as the Borgi dog. The Borgi is a Corgi and Border Collie mix that makes for a good dog to run with. While you can often find the Borgi for sale, you may want to consider looking instead for a Borgi for adoption.
It’s not uncommon for Corgis to be used in designer dog breeding, and the Borgi is one of the most popular of the many Corgi crossbreeds.
They present traits common to both the Corgi and the Border Collie. This means a lot of energy and a strong herding instinct.
The Borgi is a good family pet. They are ideal for play, making them suitable for families with younger children. The Borgi will also be a good fit for an active owner. They are friendly and affectionate to people and other dogs.
But to truly understand the Borgi, one has to first look at its parent breeds.
Borgi origins: Where do they come from?
To understand Borgi history, we have to take a look at that of their parent breeds.
The Border Collie traces its origins to Northumberland. The breed was intentionally developed to herd sheep. They derive their name from the fact that they were originally bred on the border between England and Scotland.
Their herding capability, combined with their intelligence, set them apart as a breed. They have continued to grow in popularity since the 1800s.
Today, they are popular in dog obedience shows and dog sports, thanks to their ability to understand commands and learn a variety of skills.
The Corgi shares some of its personality with the Border Collie. They were initially bred in Wales, England, and there are two distinct types. These are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
It is believed that they share an ancestor with the Swedish Vallhund, a Swedish cattle dog. The Vallhund was introduced to Wales by the Vikings roughly one thousand years ago.
The breed was introduced to the US in the late 1930s. The UK Kennel Club had recognized the breed in the 1920s. The Pembroke Corgi is famously popular with HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
The resulting Borgi is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as it is a mixed breed. This means that there are no breed standards in place for it.
What are the physical features of the Borgi?
As a hybrid, the Borgi can vary somewhat in size. In general, they are considered a small-to-medium size breed. They can stand anywhere between 10 and 22 inches (25 -55 cm) and between 25 and 50 pounds.
They commonly have a long and thick coat, inherited from the Border Collie or a shorter double coat found in the Corgi. The pairing of Corgi and Border Collie means that the only way to get a clear idea of what to expect from a Borgi pup is to look into their parentage.
Their coats are usually similar in pattern to that of a Border Collie, but the color of the coat varies. It can be black, black and white, merle, range through to yellow, brown, or liver, often with white markings.
They may shed heavily when they are molting and are not a hypoallergenic breed.
In some cases, the pattern can be spotty or striped as well. Their eye color varies as well, from dark brown to light blue, with occasional heterochromia.
General Care of the Borgi
Energy
The Borgi is a high-energy breed. With both parent breeds being keen herding dogs, they will thrive if given work and regular activity. Alternatively, they will benefit from lots of playtime such as fetch or from a sport like agility.
Housing
The Borgi is a small to medium size breed. It can adapt to smaller living spaces, so long as it is given plenty of exercise.
But they will also thrive in a ranch or farming environment where they can herd livestock. They are good with children. With enough exercise, they will do well in any home.
Food & Diet Requirements
The Borgi typically has a fast metabolism. This is common in high-energy breeds. Their dietary needs will be met by a quality high protein diet.
Many popular dog food brands may contain a lot of protein. Still, these are usually plant-based, so be careful of food allergies. Speak to your vet about suitable kibble for your dog’s size, age, activity level, and any medical conditions it may have.
A Borgi will benefit from lean meats and canned foods added to their regular kibble. To accommodate their fast metabolism, Borgis should be fed twice per day.
Grooming
The length of the Borgi’s coat varies depending on which parent it takes after more.
Their medium-to-long coats require frequent brushing to avoid matting.
They shed most during the summer months. This will mean extra attention to their grooming routine, and they may also need occasional trimming, particularly in warmer climates.
Unkept nails can lead to problems and affect their mobility. It may alter the way that they walk permanently.
Bathing should be kept at a minimum. The breed may have a bit of a ‘doggy’ smell, but frequent baths may lead to skin irritation. Teeth should be cleaned twice per month.
Borgi Health
Exercise
The Border Collie and the Corgi are both adept herding breeds. This trait has been passed on to the Borgi, so their ideal environment will use this instinct. They are suited to group exercise with other dogs. If herding is not an option, frequent runs, hikes, or sports like cani cross are great for this alert and eager dog.
The Borgi’s intelligence requires stimulation. Games that require smarts will help keep your Borgi happy. They benefit from exercise being broken up into two or three sets per day. Games that mimic herding are the recommended way to go.
Concerns
The Borgi is considered a healthy breed. They benefit from being a mixed breed. But, there may still be conditions that they suffer are passed down from their parent breeds. This includes possible hip and elbow dysplasia.
They may also develop intervertebral disc disease, which is the atrophy of one or more spinal discs. It may lead to loss of function in the limbs, and in severe cases, complete paralysis.
Von Willebrand’s disease is a condition that prevents blood from clotting. The condition is only dangerous when a Borgi suffers a cut or laceration. It is tough to stop bleeding in a dog with Von Willebrand’s disease.
Personality Traits of a Borgi
The trainability of a Borgi: Temperament and Intelligence
The Border Collie is considered an ideal dog when it comes to training. The Corgi has a similar reputation. They are both brilliant dogs with strong herding instincts. The Borgi shares many of its parent breeds’ qualities and is easily motivated during positive reinforcement training.
They do great in obedience training, and they will also thrive in a variety of sports.
Their intelligence makes them natural problem solvers but beware of the Corgi independent streak, which may be passed on to your Borgi. They excel at training geared towards work and stimulating challenges.
The Borgi is mild in temperament. It does well in group activities and rarely shows signs of aggression to other dogs. This gentle nature is aided by early socializing. They are unlikely to attack other pets that they have grown up with but are liable to start herding them.
The Borgi makes for an excellent first dog for active children. They are energetic and loyal. They are smart enough to play any number of outdoor games.
Sociability with other pets
Besides herding all of your other pets into one place, the Borgi is calm and friendly around other pets. Still, socialization at an early age is always essential.
Your Borgi will easily befriend other dogs and is unlikely to cause a fuss with other pets, like cats, so long as it has been introduced to them from a young age.
Their affectionate nature might put the Borgi in danger around more aggressive breeds, as they will likely approach every dog in the dog park. Its high energy and busy character could frustrate less sociable dogs.
FAQS About Borgi
Conclusion
The Borgi is a great breed with a fantastic temperament. They have a lot of character and personality. A great pet for just about any active family: the breed comes highly recommended (remember to do your research on the parentage).
For anyone looking specifically for a herding dog, the Borgi is quite literally the product of two of the best breeds for the job.