Cortese - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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The Cortese is an adorable mix of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Maltese Terrier. This breed stays small due to the size of its parent breeds. The Cortese has a beautiful, long, and silky coat that can come in a variety of colors, such as white, black, brown, red, tan, and blue. They are known for being incredibly affectionate, happy, energetic, and intelligent. While they make wonderful companions for families, they may not be the best choice for security purposes due to their friendly nature. The Cortese gets along well with children and other animals, and although they are generally easy to train, they can occasionally be a bit stubborn.

In summary, the Cortese is a small and adorable mix breed with a lovely coat and various color options. Their friendly and loving temperament makes them great family pets, although they may not excel in guarding duties. They are good with kids and other animals, and while they are generally easy to train, they can have a stubborn streak at times.

Below, we look at Cortese dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cortese, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Corteses!

Dog Breed Cortese
Size Small
Weight 5-22 lbs (average)
Height 9-11″ (average)
Location United States
Ancestry Welsh Corgi and Maltese
Date of Origin 2000
Group Family pet
Life Expectancy 14-18 years
Price $600 – $800
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Maltese breed is believed to have existed since ancient times. Sailors picked up these dogs from the Island of Malta around 1500 BC. They were mentioned in early writings and appeared in ancient Greek art. The breed’s name comes from the island they originated from, and it is believed that they have Poodle and Miniature Spaniel blood in their lineage. While the Maltese is well-known for its pure white coat, it used to come in various colors. Wealthy women were particularly fond of these dogs and would carry them in their sleeves, brought to them by Crusaders returning from the Mediterranean. When the breed first arrived in England, it was called the Maltese Terrier, despite not resembling a Terrier or being related to one. Upon reaching the United States, it was called the Maltese Lion Dog due to its lion-like coat style. The American Kennel Club officially recognized and registered the Maltese in 1888, and it is currently the 33rd most popular breed in the United States.

The Welsh Corgi has two varieties: the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the most common and is the breed that was crossed with the Maltese to create the Cortese. The Cortese breed has ancestry from the Schipperke, Spitz, Pomeranian, Swedish Vallhund, and Keeshond. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales in the 1100s, which is how it got its name. Not much is known about its history, but it is believed to have been used for herding cattle, ponies, and sheep. Both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I owned Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1934 and are currently the 18th most popular dog breed in the United States.

🐕 Cortese Appearance

Your Cortese will be a little dog with a long coat, a fluffy tail that curls out over the back, short, stubby legs, and a long torso. They typically stand between 9 and 12 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 27 pounds. They may have almost any color for their coat, which is often brown, tan, or red with white markings. Depending on the paternity, their huge, fluffy ears might be erect or pendulous. They have an open, welcoming look and are always on guard. Their eyes seem like foxes because they are dark with black rims.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black, Brown
🐕 Coat Color Black, Brown, Red, White, Blue

Fun Fact: Cortese dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cortese

Because they enjoy being around humans, Cortese make great family pets. They do get along with other animals, but it’s important to socialize them early. Despite having a little bit of a stubborn character, they are eager to learn and simple to teach. However, training your Cortese should be simple if you provide positive reinforcement. youngsters under the age of five should be watched, even when they adore youngsters. The Cortese is a devoted and affectionate companion that enjoys lying at your feet or in your lap as you watch television and cuddling up next to you at night.

🤝 Are Corteses Friendly or Aggressive?

Cortese dogs are known for their friendly nature, making them a popular choice for families with children. They are comfortable around strangers and can easily get along with other dogs and cats. If you are looking to expand your furry family or participate in dog gatherings, the Cortese is a great option. Additionally, this breed is well-suited for elderly individuals, making them an excellent companion for older people.

This breed is known for being:

  • Active
  • Playful
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Responsive
  • Docile
  • Affectionate
  • Lively
  • Gentle
  • Going
  • Tempered
  • Sweet
  • Cheerful
  • Easygoing

🐩 Cortese Care & Maintenance

To avoid tangles and excessive shedding, you must brush your Cortese at least three to four times each week using a metal comb and firm bristle brush. When necessary, you can wash them, but avoid doing so too frequently since this might dry up their skin. To make brushing simpler, some owners hire a professional to groom their Cortese a few times a year. To avoid dental issues, people should brush their teeth many times each week. It’s also advised that people clip their nails as needed. Additionally, you should check for ear mites, wax accumulation, and redness and wipe their ears with a soft cloth or cotton balls once a week.

Cortese dogs have a moderate shedding tendency, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the type of breed they belong to. As for bathing, it is recommended to give Cortese dogs a bath every 6-8 weeks.

🍖 Food: We recommend 2 cups daily, costing you about $1.00 – $2.00 daily, or around $30.00 – $60.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Cortese dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 90 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Cortese dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Cortese Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Cortese Dog Breed can be:

  • Cataracts
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus

While minor concerns include:

  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

🤧 Important: Is Cortese hypoallergenic? No.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cortese.

⚡ Cortese Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Cortese a great choice for families with young children?
The Cortese is a great choice for families with young children because they are affectionate, playful, and love being around people. They enjoy the company of kids and are generally patient and gentle with them.

Is the Cortese breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Cortese breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are small in size and do not require a large living space. However, they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

How much exercise does a Cortese require compared to other breeds?
The Cortese requires moderate exercise compared to some other breeds. Daily walks and playtime should be sufficient to meet their needs. They are not as high-energy as some larger breeds but still enjoy activities and mental stimulation.

Is the Cortese breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cortese breed is known for being good with other pets. They are generally friendly and enjoy the company of other animals. However, early socialization is important to ensure they develop positive relationships with other pets.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cortese?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cortese include the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds have similar temperaments and grooming needs.

What are the common health issues that Corteses are prone to?
Like any breed, Corteses are prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues include dental problems, allergies, luxating patella, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help manage these potential issues.

Are Corteses known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Corteses are generally easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. However, they may have a stubborn streak at times, so patience and consistency are key.

Are Corteses more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Corteses can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized. They are a companion breed and thrive on human company. It is important to gradually introduce them to alone time and provide mental stimulation when they are left alone.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cortese that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Cortese that are suitable for people with allergies include the Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Poodle. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats and produce fewer allergens.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Cortese are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Dog sizes similar to the Cortese that are best for individuals or families with limited space include small and toy breeds such as the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Pomeranian. These breeds are compact and can adapt well to smaller living spaces.

Is the Cortese breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cortese breed is known to be good with children in general, but each dog’s temperament may vary. With proper training and socialization, the Cortese can be a loving and patient companion for children with special needs.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cortese?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Cortese are moderate. Their long, silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They are considered a low-shedding breed, but regular grooming is still necessary to maintain their coat health.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cortese dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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