Dogs with long bodies, short legs, and expressive faces have a charm that’s hard to resist. Take the Corgi, for example — small in size but packed with strength, personality, and purpose. Originally bred for herding, these low-set dogs were built for agility, endurance, and sharp decision-making.
Their short stature allowed them to move swiftly underfoot and through tight spaces, making them excellent working dogs. At the same time, their bold and affectionate nature made them beloved companions.
In this blog, we’ll dive into dog breeds that share this distinctive look and lively spirit — compact, courageous, and full of character, just like the Corgi.
Dog Breeds That Look Like Corgis
Here are seven dog breeds:
1. Dachshund
The long body and short legs of Dachshunds, which gave them the nickname “wiener dogs,” were purposefully developed to help them dig into burrows and drive out animals like badgers during hunts. These dogs share striking physical similarities with Corgi breeds because both have elongated bodies and short legs.
Their irresistible cuteness comes from this trait combined with their bold exploration of their environment. They come in three different coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.
The Dachshund is known for its spirited and independent personality. Often described as curious, clever, and playful, these little dogs have a strong sense of smell and a natural love for exploration. They’re always eager to sniff out new adventures and investigate their surroundings.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, with their exceptional sense of smell and signature long ears, share the Corgi’s low-to-the-ground build, though they’re a bit larger. Known for their calm, gentle temperament, Basset Hounds make loyal and affectionate family companions. According to PetMD, these hounds possess a powerful sense of smell that ranks second only to that of other dogs.
These hounds possess over 220 million scent receptors, enabling them to function as highly sensitive sniffing devices. Their tracking abilities have made them highly valued throughout history.
Bassets share a visual similarity with Corgis that have been enlarged, featuring extended ears, but are two distinct breeds. Their gentle nature and social behavior make them excellent family dogs, while a delightful stubborn streak complements their kindness.
3. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund earns the nickname “Viking Dog” due to its historic origins from the Viking era. Their similar herding history and compact build explain why they look like Corgis. The Swedish Vallhund breed originated from herding livestock, much like the Corgi. Their herding instincts shine through their fast reactions, combined with their sharp intelligence and nimble movement.
They find the greatest joy in performing tasks that are tailored to their abilities. The small frame of a Swedish Vallhund belies the substantial power delivered by their strong muscles and deep chest. Their short limbs do not limit the Swedish Vallhund’s remarkable agility and energy, which is similar to that of Corgis.
4. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
According to WebMD, with origins dating back over a thousand years in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands as the oldest of the two Corgi breeds. These dogs initially served as cattle herders when they were selectively bred.
Cardigan Welsh corgis have deep chests, which give them a distinctive silhouette and demonstrate the strength and endurance necessary for cattle herding.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis exhibit a variety of coat colors, including both black and white patterns, as well as blue merle and brindle shades. Each dog stands out because its appearance is visually striking.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis enjoy active lifestyles and excel in agility and obedience training due to their agile nature. Despite having short legs, Cardigan Welsh corgis demonstrate impressive speed when they move.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
People frequently mistake Shetland Sheepdogs for miniature Lassies because they look very similar to Rough Collies. Because Shelties maintain a small stature while holding breed distinction, they stand out as special animals. Shelties originate from herding roots and were explicitly bred to manage small livestock such as sheep.
These dogs exhibit comparable herding instincts, which enable them to keep their groups organized, whether they are handling sheep or people. Shelties show affectionate behavior towards their families, with whom they enjoy spending time. They are cherished as family pets because their playful, gentle ways with children perfectly reflect their welcoming, family-friendly nature.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians demonstrate an assertive and spirited character, which contradicts their small, toy-like size. They carry their confidence with them, much like Corgis, who appear bigger than they are.
Both Pomeranians and Corgis display a delightful fox-like look, which makes them stand out easily. They have a thick, double coat similar to that of Corgis, which contributes to their fluffy and adorable appearance.
The color range of other coats does not match their defining neck ruff, which gives them a miniature lion appearance. They have vocal personalities. They show their affection toward owners through expressive “talking” interactions, while their distinctive high-pitched bark alerts humans to unusual situations, which is an endearing trait.
7. Schipperke
The title “little captains” came to Schipperkes because they served as watchdogs on Belgian barges. These small sailors demonstrate territorial protection abilities that match those of Corgis. These small dogs possess robust personalities. With their spirited nature and lively energy, they display extreme confidence as though they possess the size of a much larger dog.
Although they have a small stature, they maintain a solid build that resembles the muscular structure of Corgis. These small creatures maintain a surprising level of strength and energy.
They naturally fulfill watchdog duties identical to the protective instinct found in Corgis. These dogs maintain constant vigilance as they monitor their environment to alert you whenever they sense something suspicious.
Conclusion
If you select a dog breed that possesses the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s delightful nature, you will find other breeds that are equally lovable and trainable while maintaining high energy levels. Different breeds exhibit unique temperamental characteristics, with some dogs displaying reserved behavior and others showing bold and adventurous traits.
Their short legs and long bodies create their distinctive look, but it is their range of personalities, from loving to watchful, that makes them beloved by their owners. These unique dog breeds stand out as excellent companions because they show great adaptability to family life with children and other pets.
These breeds exhibit a diverse range of characteristics, including their devotion to their owners and playful nature, as well as strong herding instincts in some, which can result in nipping behavior, and simple eagerness to please in others.
