When two herding dogs are mixed, expect an offspring with a boundless well of energy! That is exactly what happened with the lively Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix.
But first, who is this breed?
What is an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix?
It might not be hard to crack that an Australian Shepherd Corgi is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Both breeds are really popular! The smart, work-oriented and exuberant Australian Shepherd Corgi ranks 17th in the list of 196 of the American Kennel Club’s most popular dogs. While the affectionate, alert and smart Pembroke Welsh Corgi is at the 13th spot!
This energizer-bunny breed also goes by the names Aussie-Corgi, Augi, Corgi Aussie or even Corgherd.
History of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
There are many mixed or designer breeds with an unknown history and such is the same as the Aussie-Corgi. Despite that, both parents are well celebrated over the times:
Australian Shepherd
No, this breed did not hail from the land down under. It is, in fact, born and bred in the farmlands of the United States in the 19th century! Bred by cattle and sheepherders, their lineage includes Basque Shepherd Dog and Pyrenean Sheepdogs crossed with a Collie. With capable herding dogs in their genes crossed with hard-working stock dogs, they were able to create not only an agile canine but also an energetic and playful dog.
They rose to the ladder of fame due to the rodeo circuit being aired over television. Due to this fame, they are aptly referred to as “cowboy’s herding dog of choice”.
In 1993, the Australian Shepherd was welcomed by the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) herding group.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
In 1925, the adorableness of a Corgi was witnessed first in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Although some would say that they were born as far back as the ancient times and were even depicted in old works of art!
The name “corgi” is the Celtic word for “dwarf dog” and it fits very well its physique.
Back then, Corgis were originally bred and employed as sheep and cattle herders as they are short enough to nip at the heels of animals but still amazingly agile to deflect retaliation. But the breed became extremely popular in 1933 as Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II got its first Corgi named Dookie. Since then, the Royal Palace has been without this cute furbaby.
In 1934, Corgis were recognized by the American Kennel Club as part of the herding group.
Because Aussie-Corgi is not a purebred, it is not recognized by AKC. It is, however, recognized by various groups:
- American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
- Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
- International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
How Does an Australian Shepherd Corgi Look Like?
With both adorable parents, an Aussie-Corgi can only be cute! Of course, though, it can look anywhere between an Australian Shepherd and Corgi.
If the Aussie gene is more prevalent, the offspring will be larger with a streamlined body and medium height; but if the Corgi gene is stronger, the pup will be smaller with a rounder body and a signature short legs (that is still longer than its parent).
The Aussie-Corgi will also likely have a broad and round face with triangle ears that can either stand upright like a Corgi’s or fold over like an Aussie’s. Its brown or blue eyes can be round like a Corgi’s or almond-shaped like an Australian Shepherd.
Expect this cute little head to have a rounded muzzle. It can be with a tail, a partial tailor without a tail at all.
Its double-coat will be soft, dense, silky and weather-resistant and can come in black and white; black and brown; white and brown or gray, black and white.
Size of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
Male Australian Shepherd is 20 to 23 inches tall and slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches are females. It can weigh from 50 to 65 pounds if male and 40 to 55 pounds if female.
On the other hand, a Corgi is on the smaller side at only 10 to 12 inches in height and up to 30 pounds only for males and 28 pounds for females.
An Aussie-Corgi will be anywhere the size of its parents. As a small to medium dog, it can grow from 10 to 13 inches and weigh 20 to 30 pounds.
Grooming an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
An Australian Shepherd Corgi mix has a double coat and will shed moderately throughout the year. During warmer months, the shedding is heavier.
Its undercoat will be dense while the topcoat is silkier and water-resistant. To keep an Aussie-Corgi’s coat smooth and free from tangles, daily brushing is needed. Invest in tools like a sturdy brush made of natural fibers and do not forget to brush also its chin and legs.
During the shedding period, a deshedding tool will also come in handy while keeping their top coat in good condition. Schedule a visit to a professional groomer once in a while, too.
An Aussie-Corgi will only need bathing only when it is dirty or once every month. Use also a vet recommended shampoo such as those without parabens to ensure that it will not irritate their skin.
Its teeth need daily brushing to prevent cavities. Inspect also its ears and paws regularly. Do not forget its nails also especially when it is already clicking on the floor.
The Temperament of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
First, let us take a look at the temperament of each parent:
Australian Shepherd – is a very hard-working dog with a “can do” attitude but happy-go-lucky, too! Because they are used to working with their owners, they form a deep and loyal bond with them. With the nature of their work, they are the kind of dogs without needing a leash, versus a hound who will go after anything that is moving!
They love to be with their owners very much but they are also wary of strangers. Even so, they are not aggressive type.
As a herding dog, they love to herd children and any pets they see!
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – well-adorned and loved by their family, Corgi’s are very playful and goofy. They love to be the center of attention, are very active and competitive. Like the Aussie, they also have the habit of herding animals and kids by nipping at their ankles. Expect the Corgi also to bark often.
Since the Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix is quite a new breed, its temperament will likely be a combination of its parents. It will also be a smart, loving, energetic, playful and outgoing dog. It is an all-around companion that is very loyal and will stand by its owners every step of the way.
Due to their herding genes, an Aussie-Corgi is advisable with older children already as they have the tendency to nip at small ones as if herding them.
They are also not recommended for first-time owners because it is quite willful. They also tend to be demanding and will love that their masters waited on their cute little butt. An easier breed is recommended for first-time owners, instead.
Exercise Needs of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
With both active parents, this dog breed is not for the couch potato. Its exercise needs are very high! It requires an owner with an active lifestyle.
In fact, the recommended daily exercise for an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix is two hours or more of walking, running and playing! It loves to play and run wild in wide-open spaces! It is also very game to play frisbee or catch!
Just like any dog, if the Aussie-Corgi does not meet its exercise needs, it can get bored and might exhibit unwanted and aggressive behavior. Even on rainy days, this dog needs to work its endless energy off! The right exercise will also make it healthy and happy.
With strenuous exercise needs on a daily basis, an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix is not suited for apartment-style or small dwellings. It needs enough space to run and be free!
Training an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
Ranking the intelligence of dogs, an Australian Shepherd is 42nd in a list of 137. Aussie has an average working or obedience intelligence and they can perform a new command with 25 to 40 repetitions. In terms of a known command, they can follow it with a 50% success rate.
Aussie also excels at obedience and they are eager to please their owners. Because they are easy to train, they are a perfect working dog and can often be seen as service, competition dancing partner, agility, seeing eye and search and rescue dogs.
The little Corgi is higher on the list at the 11th spot. It is considered very smart and can understand new commands with just 5 to 15 repetitions. For known command, they can follow 85% of the time.
While indeed super smart, the spunky little Corgi is a bit headstrong. They are great dogs but they just love doing things their way with that known bark.
With this, training the Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix can be an extra challenge, but nevertheless, not impossible. So here are a few tricks in training this pooch:
- Do it consistently, every day. Make sure that the command taught to him is consistent and if there are other people at home, they should also use the same to avoid confusing the dog. Before also going on to the next trick, make sure to complete the first one first.
- Train using positive reinforcement. This means giving praise through words or actions. Reward their good deed by scratching, patting and taking them for a walk at the park. Treats are nice once in a while, too. But make sure it is healthy and low in calories to prevent obesity.
- Start them young. Train a dog while at puppyhood, if possible or as soon as it arrives home.
- Find a quiet place where distractions can be avoided.
Since it is also a smart mix, provide it mind stimulating games and tricks!
These are areas the dog should be trained at:
- Potty training. Be patient with this but this will ensure a cleaner home!
- Crate training. Check that their crates are large enough for them to sit, stand and even stretch out.
- Obedience training. There are many commands but start with the basic five first such as come, sit, stay, heel and down.
- Socialization. A socialized dog adapts well to other people and pets and they are confident and outgoing. Expose them while young to other people, animals, sounds and different experiences while they are still young.
Feeding an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
A high-energy dog needs high-quality meals, too! To meet its nutritional needs, food rich in protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates is required. For pups, make sure that the food is rich in DHA beneficial for his brain and eye development.
And of course, it also needs lots of freshwater by its side all the time!
Check with the vet the right amount of food for its age, size and activity level.
Health Issues of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
Below are some of the health risks involving an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix. They have a high risk of inheriting these diseases that may require surgery or long-term health care needs:
- Cataracts- both parents are prone to this eye condition
- Central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA)- which can lead to blindness
- Degenerative Myelopathy- a disease targeting the spine which can lead to paralysis
- Epilepsy- because both parents are prone to this, the Aussie-Corgi is prone to this, too. It is often characterized by drooling, twitching and shaking muscles.
- Hip Dysplasia- malformed hip socket that can be painful for dogs
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)- affecting the disk of the dog’s spine
- Patellar luxation- or dislocation of the knee caps
- Von Willebrand’s disease- or the inability of the dog’s body to clot blood
The Lifespan of an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
An Aussie has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years while a Corgi is expected to live from 12 to 13 years.
With proper diet, right exercise, a regular visit to the vet and tender loving care, Aussie-Corg’s life longevity is from 12 to 15 years.
How Much is An Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix?
The purebred parents are high in demand. As such, the mix of these two has a price tag of $800 to $1,200 for pups. Only deal with a reputable dealer and never buy from puppy mills or pet stores.
An adoption is also a great option. There is a lot of Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix at local shelters or animal rescues.
Conclusion: Is An Australian Shepherd Corgi The Right Dog For You?
Do not get an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix if:
- An active lifestyle is not your thing. This dog needs lots of exercises and will not do well just lounging at home.
- Space is an issue at home since this breed needs daily doses of the run and walk!
- Just a first-time dog owner. This dog is challenging to train.
But if the issues above do not concern you and very well reflect your lifestyle, an Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix might be the one for you! Go ahead and love one, for life.
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