These 6 Dog Breeds Are Similar to Corgis, According to a Vet
Sometimes, it’s the smallest dogs that have the biggest personalities, and corgis are a perfect example. Standing anywhere from just 10 to 12 inches tall, you can easily spot them by their short, adorable legs and long bodies, but this popular breed is beloved for plenty of other reasons besides their cute and cuddly appearance.
“They were originally bred to herd cattle, so even though they’re short, they have a lot of energy and a strong work ethic,” says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian and small-animal clinician at Embrace Pet Insurance. “They’re also known for being pretty vocal,” she says, and are smart, fast learners, confident and love having an engaged companion.
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For active families or any household that wants a small, lovable dog to call their own, the corgi is undoubtedly a great pick. And clearly, there’s no shortage of reasons why they’re such a standout breed. Because of how iconic corgis are, though, you might be surprised that there are other dog breeds out there that share similar features and personality traits to them. We spoke more with Dr. Vasudevan to learn about which dog breeds are corgi look-alikes, and which have similar characteristics to the charming pup too.
6 Similar Dogs to Corgis
“If you love the corgi personality, I’d look at other herding breeds and confident, intelligent small dogs,” Dr. Vasudevan recommends. Below, she runs through her top picks of the dog breeds that are most similar to corgis.
1. Dachshunds
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“Dachshunds are probably one of the closest matches in body shape” to corgis, Dr. Vasudevan says. Like corgis, this fellow iconic breed is famous for its long body and short legs, which is also why back health is a focus for both dogs.
These breeds are at risk for back problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), she warns, so “keeping them at a healthy weight and avoiding repetitive high-impact jumping can help protect their backs over time,” she advises.
Related: 6 Dog Breeds Similar to Dobermans, According to Vets
2. Swedish Vallhunds
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“Swedish Vallhunds look a lot like a corgi,” Dr. Vasudevan says, thanks to features like their “long body, short legs, upright ears and a fox-like face.” Another thing the two have in common is that they’re both herding dogs. Because of those herding instincts, however, families should keep in mind that they might try to herd children and other pets (meaning they might chase or nip at running children).
3. Shetland Sheepdog
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Personality-wise, Dr. Vasudevan names the Sheltie as a breed that’s similar to corgis. “Shelties are intelligent, trainable and very responsive to their people. Like corgis, they tend to be alert and vocal,” too, she says.
4. Cardigan Welsh Corgis
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It’s no surprise Cardigan Welsh corgis make the list because Dr. Vasudevan says they’re commonly mistaken for Pembroke Welsh corgis (the breed people typically think of when they hear the name corgi).
Even though Cardigan Welsh corgis seriously look like Pembroke Welsh corgis, they have a few key differences. In comparison, “they tend to have a longer tail, slightly larger build and more rounded ears,” Dr. Vasudevan says.
5. Miniature Australian Shepherds
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Another dog breed that shares similar corgi traits is the miniature Australian shepherd. According to Dr. Vasudevan, the two are both intelligent and energetic with a desire to have a job to do.
6. Miniature Schnauzers
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Finally, miniature schnauzers have a lot in common with corgis. They’re also a confident, alert breed that are intelligent with a tendency to bark. “They do best when they have opportunities to learn, play and use their brains,” Dr. Vasudevan says.
Source:
Dr. Nita Vasudevan is a veterinarian and small-animal clinician at Embrace Pet Insurance.
Related: 6 Dog Breeds Similar to Chihuahuas, According to a Vet
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Nature
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