The Corillon: Big Love in a Small Package

Are you dreaming of a dog that packs a lot of personality into a pint-sized body? You may have met your match in the captivating Corillon! This designer crossbreed combines the iconic looks of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi with the elegance and agility of the Papillon. The result is an utterly charming canine companion that will keep you laughing and your heart bursting with affection.

What is a Corillon?

The Corillon is not a purebred dog, but rather a relatively new mixed breed developed by crossing two unrelated breeds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Papillon. Breeders aim to achieve the best traits of both parent breeds in one compact, clever package. However, the genetic lottery of crossbreeding means each individual dog may favor one parent breed more heavily in looks and temperament.

Since the Corillon is such a new "breed," it is not recognized by major breed registries like the American Kennel Club, which considers it a mixed breed. There are no official statistics on Corillon numbers. However, the rising popularity of Corgis and Papillons in recent years has led to increased interest in "designer dogs" that combine their qualities. Searches for Corgi mixes climbed 49% from 2019 to 2020 according to British pet insurer Bought By Many.

The American Canine Hybrid Club, one of the few registries that recognizes Corillons, states that this cross has been bred since at least 2014. They may also be called Corgillons or Corgipaps.

Corillon Size and Appearance

So what does this cute combo look like? As a mix of two distinct purebreds, Corillons can vary quite a bit in appearance. They typically have the elongated body, short legs, and pointed ears of a Corgi mixed with the delicate frame, fluffy coat, and butterfly-like ears of a Papillon. Most Corillons stand 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 12 to 25 pounds. Here‘s how that compares to the parent breeds:

As you can see, an individual Corillon‘s size depends on which parent breed it takes after more. Some may stay quite petite like a Papillon, while others end up sturdier and slightly taller like a Corgi.

The Corillon‘s coat comes in a wide variety of colors and markings including fawn, sable, red, black and tan, and parti-color (white with patches of color). Their coats range from medium to long in length, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail. Regular brushing is a must to prevent mats and keep shedding under control. Prepare for more hair around the house seasonally when these dogs "blow coat," an inherited trait from their Corgi side.

The Corillon‘s head is a blend of its parent breeds, with a flattish or slightly domed skull, a moderate muzzle, and almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with mischief. And then there are those ears! Corillons may have upright "party hat" Corgi ears, enormous upright butterfly Papillon ears, or something adorably in between. Petite paws, a fluffy tail, and a wrinkly forehead complete this breed‘s irresistible look.

Corillon Personality and Temperament

As a cross between herding and companion breeds, the Corillon‘s temperament is an interesting study in contrasts. Lively and affectionate, humorous and whip-smart, this dog seems to run on endless reserves of enthusiasm. They absolutely adore their families and want nothing more than to be in the thick of household action at all times.

The phrase "small dog syndrome" may have been coined with Corillons in mind. They seem blissfully unaware of their petite size, approaching the world with outsized confidence and a touch of bossiness. These dogs have no trouble making their needs and opinions known, and they‘ll keep you laughing at their antics. Corillons crave attention and affection. If deprived of your company for too long, they may express their displeasure through barking or destructive chewing.

That said, Corillons come by their smarts and stubbornness honestly. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally bred to herd cattle, nipping at their heels to drive them along. A strong work ethic and independent problem-solving skills were prized. In contrast, the Papillon‘s ancestors were pampered lapdogs to European nobility dating back to the 16th century. Their job was to be an attentive, portable companion. Both breeds are highly intelligent, but approach tasks with distinctly different attitudes – one bossy, one biddable.

So where does that leave the Corillon? With the right training, their intelligence shines through as a willingness to learn and a knack for quickly picking up new commands. They can excel in dog sports like obedience, agility, and rally with the right motivation (read: plenty of tiny training treats). However, they may have a stubborn streak a mile wide and will walk all over a wishy-washy owner. Consistent positive reinforcement is key to molding a magnificently behaved and trustworthy Corillon.

Exercise and Living Needs

Don‘t let the short legs fool you – Corillons are lively, energetic dogs that need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Plan on at least 45 to 60 minutes per day of walks, play sessions, and brain games. Access to a securely fenced yard is ideal for off-leash zooming and herding practice, as these dogs love to chase anything that moves. Keep an eye out for any digging or escape artist tendencies, as Corgis and Papillons are both known for those habits.

Despite their high spirits, Corillons are adaptable to many living situations as long as they get enough attention and exercise. They are small enough for apartments if walked daily, but also enjoy a yard. Due to their strong attachment to people, they aren‘t suited to long periods alone. Crate training is recommended to keep your Corillon feeling safe and prevent destructive behaviors while you are gone.

These dogs crave companionship and do best as part of an active household. They generally love children, but interactions between Corillons and small kids should always be supervised due to the breed‘s small size. Even a well-meaning toddler could accidentally hurt a Corillon by picking it up or tripping over it. And the dogs‘ herding heritage may lead to chasing or nipping at the heels of running children.

In a home setting, Corillons can be real clowns, always angling to be the center of attention and cracking you up with their goofy tricks and expressions. But they take the job of watchdog seriously, too, and won‘t hesitate to sound the alarm to strange noises or newcomers. Socialization from a young age is important for Corillons to learn how to meet new people and pets politely.

Corillon Health and Lifespan

The Corillon is overall a sturdy little dog, but there are some inherited health issues to be aware of. From the Corgi side, they may be prone to back problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This is related to the breed‘s chondrodysplasia, a form of dwarfism caused by a gene mutation that affects cartilage development and leads to those very short, bowed legs. Other issues that pop up in poorly bred Corgis and Corgi mixes include hip dysplasia, eye disorders like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and a blood clotting disorder called von Willebrand‘s disease.

From the Papillon side, Corillons may inherit orthopedic issues like luxating patellas and collapsing trachea. Papillons and their mixes can also have fontanel issues, where the "soft spot" on a puppy‘s head fails to close up. Both breeds are at risk of dental crowding and early tooth loss due to their small jaws.

Of course, not every Corillon will get any or all of these issues, but they are important to be aware of when selecting a breeder or rescue dog. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock for genetic health conditions and be open about what issues may occur in the puppies. Adopting an adult Corillon from a rescue allows you to see any existing health problems up front.

The typical life expectancy for a Corillon is around 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, preventative vet care, and an abundance of love, many can live even longer.

Corillon Grooming and Care

Grooming needs for a Corillon depend on the individual dog‘s coat type, but in general plan for regular brushing and period trims. Silkier coats can tangle easily, especially behind the ears and on legs, so they need a thorough going-over with a pin brush a few times a week. Thicker double coats shed more and benefit from frequent brushing and seasonal baths. Either way, Corillons look adorable with a fluffy lion trim around the head and ears.

Other basic care for a Corillon includes:

• Dental care: Brush your Corillon‘s teeth daily if possible to prevent tartar buildup and tooth loss. Dental treats, chews and toys also help keep teeth clean between vet cleanings.

• Nail trims: Trim nails every few weeks or as needed to prevent painful overgrowth and splitting. If you can hear nails clicking on the floor, they‘re too long.

• Ear care: Check your Corillon‘s ears weekly for redness, waxy buildup or signs of infection. Clean gently with a damp cloth or ear cleaner. Don‘t insert anything into the ear canal.

• Feeding: Feed a high-quality small breed dog food appropriate for your dog‘s age. Limit treats to 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain. Use a puzzle feeder to slow your Corillon down.

• Flea/tick/heartworm: Keep your dog on year-round preventatives as recommended by your vet for your climate. Do regular checks for pests after hikes or dog park visits.

Where to get a Corillon

Whenever possible, adopt don‘t shop! Although rare, Corillons do sometimes end up in shelters and rescues. Owners may underestimate their exercise and training needs. Contact breed-specific Corgi and Papillon rescue groups to inquire about available mixes. Adopting an adult lets you see your dog‘s temperament and training up front.

If you decide to work with a breeder, do thorough research to find one with a solid reputation. Expect a long waitlist and high price tag, as Corillons are trendy and still uncommon. Be extremely wary of websites offering Corillons and many other designer mixes. This often indicates a high-volume breeder. Insist on visiting the breeder in person, meeting the parents, and seeing health certifications before committing.

Fun Facts About Corillons:

• According to the Dog Name Census, the most popular names for Corillons and Corgi mixes include Groot, Dobby, Frodo, and Gimli – perhaps a nod to the breed‘s diminutive stature and enchanting history!

• Queen Elizabeth II famously kept Pembroke Welsh Corgis, so a Corillon could be considered a royal crossbreed.

• Papillons may be tiny, but they are fierce competitors in dog sports. The breed has won the prestigious Masters Agility at the Westminster Kennel Club show.

• Although known for their short stature, Corgis actually have legs and spines of average length for a dog their size. Their compact build comes from a form of canine dwarfism called chondrodysplasia.

In conclusion, the Corillon may be a small dog breed, but they have a huge zest for life that draws dog lovers in. Behind the adorable face and charming antics is a bright mind that needs plenty of direction and activity to thrive. With the right training and care, this crossbreed has the potential to excel as a fun-loving family pet or even a dog sports dynamo. Just be prepared for a dog that will keep you laughing and shower you with affection!