If you’re considering a Cowboy Corgi as a new member of the family, or you already have one, here’s the crucial information about this breed that will help you ensure a long and healthy life for your pup.
What’s a Cowboy Corgi and how do you make one?
A Cowboy Corgi is a mix between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, this little guy in size and shape takes from its corgi parent, while its color is that lovely mix that Cattle Dogs sport.
Their level of energy is super high since their Cattle Dog parent is an extremely active breed that requires intense physical activity in order to stay happy and healthy. Now, your Cowboy Corgi won’t need Olympics training, but they do need plenty of exercise.
Since both Corgis and Cattle Dogs are herding animals, their offspring is twice the fun and twice the instinct. That’s why Cowboy Corgis need a field to run and a human who can keep up.
To ensure your Corgi is happy, you will need to play with it every day, take it on long walks and ensure it has enough enrichment toys. And, playing fetch with them will be a real treat!
Australian Cattle Dogs
Unlike the Auggie, the Cowboy Corgi is mixed with an Australian Cattle Dog, not an Australian Shepherd. Australian Cattle Dogs are working dogs with an active mind and high energy levels. They’re a medium-sized dog (33 – 49 lbs) that’s sturdy and strong. They were bred to work cattle in the tough Australian Outback and have a typical lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
This breed is one of the smallest herding dogs and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. They’re a small dog in height but still sturdily built (24 – 31 lbs). Their faces have a fox-like quality to them and let’s be honest they’re super cute. These bundles of joy are known for having a pleasant and affectionate demeanor. Their typical lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Cowboy Corgi physical characteristics
Can we say CUTE and be done with it? Alright, alright, let’s get into some details.
How big does a cowboy corgi get?
Given that a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a true dwarf breed the Cowboy Corgis inherit their size from their Corgi parent. So expect your corgi to weigh between 24 and 31 pounds (assuming good health). They’re likely to be 10 – 12 inches in height.
Cowboy Corgi tails?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can naturally be born without tails but the lack of tail you see with the breed is due mainly to the breed standard and tail docking. It’s highly likely that due to the Australian Cattle Dog’s genes and the natural tendency for Pembroke Welsh Corgis to have tails that your Cowboy Corgi would naturally be born with a tail.
Appearance and grooming
The fur pattern is what really makes these dogs stand out. Each is completely unique so you can be sure your pup will be like no other.
The color will differ, but generally, they will be tri-colored or a dark brown color can be dominant. Some Cowboy Corgis have white masks across their snout and between their eyes, and others don’t.
The length of their coat can be short, medium, or in-between, it all depends on what they inherit. And, while we are discussing fur, we do need to mention grooming.
Corgis naturally have a double-layer coat and are active shedders. Australian cattle dogs are not year-round shedders and instead blow their coats once per year. Given the nature of their Corgi parent expect similar grooming maintenance to a standard Corgi though perhaps slightly less intense because of the Australian Cattle Dog influence.
You only need to brush them once a week and with a de-matting comb to remove any tangles. As for bathing, you can do that once a month or even once in six months, but do use that special shampoo for double-coated dogs.
Apart from fur, please take good care of your dog’s oral and ear hygiene, checking these areas regularly.
Intelligent Beings
Cowboy Corgis have active minds that they inherit rightfully from their parents! And that’s amazing for you because you’ll have a ton of fun watching them do incredible things, but because these dogs are so smart, they require structured training.
If you want to teach your Corgi tricks or just good behavior, you need to implement focused training. Sure, they are smart, but they can be somewhat independent or stubborn sometimes so this requires a great deal of patience from you.
Cowboy Corgis will have no issue in learning, so with a careful approach, you will soon have an obedient and amazing pup.
Food Lovers
Cowboy Corgis are real foodies. Their hardy appetite is cute and an added benefit when teaching them tricks. This, however, can be an issue as well. Be careful with the amount of food and treats you give to your dog to prevent obesity.
What are you waiting for?
Seriously, if all this info didn’t convince you to go and get your own Cowboy Corgi pup, then I don’t know what will. But if you do, we’re sure you will enjoy every second with your energetic little fur friend.