Both Dorgi and Flat-Coated Retriever are originated from United Kingdom. Dorgi may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Flat-Coated Retriever. Dorgi may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Flat-Coated Retriever. Dorgi may live 5 years more than Flat-Coated Retriever. Both Dorgi and Flat-Coated Retriever has almost same litter size. Dorgi requires Low Maintenance. But Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate Maintenance
The Dorgi is a designer crossbreed whose origins are not entirely known, however it is a popular breed, being a mix between a Dachshund and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Dorgi itself is new breed and therefore has a short history, but both dogs used to develop the Dorgi – the Dachshund and the Corgi – have their own unique histories.
The Dachshund originated in Germany in the 1500s and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in the United Kingdom centuries ago.
The Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.
The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.
The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.
Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts
The Dorgi is known for his long body, short legs and the erect ears of the corgi. He is a small dog, measuring roughly 20-30cm in height and weighing in the region of 6 – 12kg.
Many people also refer to him as the sausage dog. The look of your Dorgi can depend quite a bit on whether he looks more like a Corgi or a Dachshund, so for instance the coat can be short and smooth, or thick and coarse.
They can surprise you with their looks, and some are born with long tails while others are born with bobtails. The coat comes in many colors too, from tan to brown to black and white or a mixture of these colors.
The Dorgi is full of the joys of life, just loving all the attention he gets from his human family. Of course, in return for this affection, he offers love, loyalty and plenty of fun and games.
He is an energetic breed too and is always ready to join in any games with the children in the home as well as with cats and dogs living in the home too.
Training and socialization will also be needed for the Dorgi who is intelligent and easy to train. He has wonderful behavior when trained, being obedient and relaxed around visitors to your home.
Social and sweet, this is one little dog who is guaranteed to make a wonderful pet and companion, as he loves human companionship and never wants to be left alone for too long. He is alert too, so while he is small and no real threat to an intruder, he is willing to do what it takes to protect his human family and to bark to alert you.
The Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.
The Dorgi is such a sweet little designer breed of dog that happens to also be low maintenance. Apart from being a little dog full of energy and attitude, he is loving and loyal as a family pet too, being gentle around children and making a splendid pet.
He isn’t going to eat you out of hearth and home either and he is a fairly healthy breed as well.
When you bring a Dorgi into your home, you’re bringing in a whole lot of happiness as he is an awesome family member who wants to be counted in on everything the do.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.
They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.
They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.
Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.
Because the Dorgi is a hybrid breed, he promises to be quite healthy, but on the other hand, it could be that he inherits some of the common health problems associated with either the Corgi or the Dachshund.
Obesity is always a problem with a small dog, as they’re so sweet, you just want to be popping treats into their mouths all the time. It is important to follow a healthy diet for your pet however if you want to stave off common dog disorders.
An obese dog faces a shorter life expectancy, and some of the major health issues that an obese Dorgi has to contend with is diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and cancer among others. Certainly better, healthier pet food choices can help save you money on vets fees.
Diabetes in canines is just as serious as in humans and its a glucose-insulin complication where the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin.
Sugars build-up in the blood and these can cause damage to your dog’s eyes, heart and kidneys. You may notice your pet gaining weight, being more thirsty, being tired and having cloudy eyes which could be indicative of cataracts. Take your pet to the vet as insulin shots may be required.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:
Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.
Your Dorgi’s coat will be shortish, and shedding is minimal so a good brush twice a week will be perfect for this pet of yours, and he will love the attention you give him while doing so.
He is an active breed so he will require regular exercise. Take him with you on your walks. Even if you have a small garden, he’ll love fetching a ball for you.
If you give your Dorgi commercially manufactured dog food, remember to be guided by the feeding recommendations to avoid obesity.
Its always a good idea to add in some raw meat to his diet to keep his nose wet and his skin free from being dry and itchy. You can also add in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken for variety.
Always ensure that a bowl of fresh water is constantly available.
He will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.
Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.
They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.