Do you love the temperament of herding dogs? These pups can be extremely loyal, albeit a bit hyperactive at times – an adorable mix for many dog owners!
What could be better than a crossbreed of two of the best herding dogs – the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix?
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a descendant of two separate herding dog breeds, meaning its herding instincts are extremely strong.
While designer dogs can be frowned upon by some breeders because they ‘ruin the bloodlines,’ there are many advantages of choosing a hybrid breed over a purebred dog. This is usually due to hybrid vigor, which gives these pups better health.
Still, crossbreeds can be quite unpredictable in both appearance and temperament, as you can never know which parent breed they’ll take after more. This is why some dog lovers are unsure of what they can expect from a mixed dog.
Here is the available information about the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix:
Australian Shepherd And Corgi Mix
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix, also known as the Auggie, Augie, or Augi, is a crossbreed between the Australian Shepherd and the Welsh Corgi. Both of these dogs were bred to be used in the fields, so they have plenty of mutual characteristics.
The first record of this crossbreed was during the mid-1800s in America when farmers bred Australian Shepherds with other stock dogs.
Although it isn’t known who the first breeder who decided to crossbreed these two dogs was, it didn’t take long for people to want an Auggie for themselves.
While the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix, just like any other crossbreed, isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC), it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
To fully understand a crossbreed’s history, first, you have to know a little bit about the origin of its parent breeds.
The Australian Shepherd
Unlike its name suggests, the Australian Shepherd – also known as the Aussie – doesn’t originate from Australia. Instead, it was first bred in America.
Its ancestors were Spanish dogs bred by the Basque people from the Pyrenees region. These people brought them to the American West, and there the breed was mixed with several other canines to get the Australian Shepherd breed we know today.
It isn’t known why these dogs are called the Australian Shepherds. One theory is that they were named by Australian immigrants who originally used these pups for herding sheep and cattle. Despite this, they originated from the American West’s herding dogs.
Australian Shepherds became popular as they could easily handle high altitudes, which could be found in areas such as the Rocky Mountains. They had no issues with the thin air, and they could easily handle tough work.
However, the true reason behind the love for these puppies lies in rodeo circuits, as these events allowed these Shepherds to get some time on television. Slowly but surely, they became perfect family dogs and popular pets worldwide.
The Corgi
Just as is the case with the Australian Shepherd, no one really knows the true origin of the Corgi breed. These dogs are believed to originate from Wales, and the proof to this lies in their name; ‘Corgi’ is the Welsh word for ‘dwarf dog.’
These dogs were bred to herd cattle in Scotland. This is the reason behind their recognizable looks: Their short stature was there to keep cows from kicking them, and the lack of tail was so the cattle wouldn’t step on it.
However, as time passed, they were used more and more as family dogs. This was only increased when they became the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II, who used to breed them in Buckingham Palace.
Not all dog lovers know that there are, in fact, two Corgi breeds: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The biggest differences between these two breeds are in their coat color (Cardigans can come in many more colors than Pembrokes!) and that Cardigans have a tail, while Pembrokes don’t.
Australian Shepherd Mix With Corgi
When you mix these two dog breeds, you’ll get the Auggie – a dog whose appearance can be a mix of both its parent breeds – or your pooch might look more like one parent and less like the other one.
This is why picking a crossbreed dog is like a lottery. You can have a litter of puppies, and all will have a different appearance. Since this is a new breed, there is no way of knowing how the offspring will look. The same goes for the temperament and all other traits of the dog.
Because of this instability in appearance and behavior, no crossbreed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), as well as any other kennel club that is dedicated to purebred dogs.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Size
Mixed breed dogs can grow anywhere between the size of their parents. In the case of the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix, several things can impact this.
First off, it’s important to consider the size of the Australian Shepherd. These dogs come in both standard and miniature sizes, so this can greatly impact the offspring’s size.
In fact, if you breed a miniature Australian Shepherd with a particularly small Corgi, you might even end up with a toy-sized dog – but this is very rare. Still, we’ll talk about this later on.
Overall, most Australian Shepherd Corgi mixed dogs will be medium-sized. They will typically grow anywhere between 10 to 13 inches in height and weigh around 20–30 lbs.
Still, considering the size of parent breeds, Auggies can even reach a height of up to 23 inches!
How Big Will An Australian Shepherd Get?
Australian Shepherds are dogs that are longer than they are tall. Males can reach a height between 20 and 23 inches, while females are somewhat shorter. They’ll rarely be taller than 21 inches.
As for their weight, most males will weigh 50–65 lbs, while females are approximately ten pounds lighter.
How Big Will A Corgi Be?
While Corgis are also considered medium-sized dogs, they are still quite a bit smaller than Australian Shepherds. Most Corgis will be around 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 22 and 30 lbs.
Corgis, just like Australian Shepherds, are longer than they are tall, so despite their small height, they can still take up a lot of space.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Appearance
Photo from @piper.paisley.paws
Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a dog who has, just like its parent breeds, an elongated yet fairly short body. Depending on the genetics, it can have short, Dachshund-like legs, just like its Corgi parent.
The head, ear, and muzzle shape will remain more or less the same throughout the litters, as both the Aussie and the Corgi have more or less the same appearance.
These dogs have long, dense, silky coats that experience a moderate amount of shedding.
However, this can increase during the shedding season in winter and summer, so you can expect to do quite a lot of grooming at this time. Daily brushing is necessary, while bathing can be done every few months.
Australian Shepherd Corgi mixes are usually tri-colored, such as red tri color as their Aussie parents, but they can come in virtually any color or pattern you can imagine, including brindle, merle, and two-color. Some are even single-colored. Their fur is usually a combination of brown, tan, black, and white.
Another common feature in these dogs is blue eyes or even heterochromia! This is because both Aussies and Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have blue eyes without the presence of a merle gene, just like Siberian Huskies and other similar breeds.
If you have an Augie, you should keep in mind that, while these dogs do well in both hot and cool temperatures, they aren’t overly resistant to either. Make sure to never expose your pooch to extreme weather conditions.
Is An Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Hypoallergenic?
Considering these pups have a double coat with a dense undercoat and a fairly long outer coat, they experience moderate shedding amounts. This means they cannot be hypoallergenic.
While it isn’t the dog’s hair that causes you allergy problems, but dander, urine, and saliva, hairs are the easiest way these allergens are spread around, all the way to your nose and eyes. This is why you might feel like it’s actually loose hairs that are giving you allergies.
Unfortunately, if you have severe issues with dog allergies, an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix isn’t the right choice for you. In fact, you might do better if you opt for some Poodle crossbreed, such as the Husky Poodle mix.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Personality
Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs have a friendly and energetic personality. They’ll be very excited to see you, no matter how long or short you’ve been away. This makes them adored by dog lovers all over the world.
These dogs are playful and spunky, and they’ll love being not just around people but other pets as well. There can never be enough playtime companions for Auggies!
These are very intelligent dogs, and with intelligence comes stubbornness and independent will. Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs know what they want, and they’ll do all they can to get it.
Fortunately, high intelligence also makes them trainable, so teaching them how to behave and socializing them shouldn’t be too difficult. Overall, with just a bit of effort, you can teach them how to behave around your family members.
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix will want to spend every possible moment with you and be a part of your every daily activity. Unfortunately, this also makes them prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
These pups are extremely curious, and they’ll try to help you no matter what you do. They’ll poke their noses in your business and try to show you the right way to do things. They might also guide you by barking – something they do quite often.
Keep in mind that Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs can be quite wary of strangers. If they aren’t properly socialized, they will be very shy.
Some might even be overly protective of their owners, barking at new people and animals and perhaps even starting a fight.
This type of behavior can be improved by socialization, but it’s essential that you start it from an early age. This way, your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix will know that strangers aren’t necessarily a bad thing.
Use plenty of positive reinforcement while training your Auggie puppy. These dogs will do anything you want them to, as long as they know this makes them happy!
Of course, every dog is an individual, and behavior out of this norm can happen. To fully understand the most likely spectrum of behaviors your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix friend can express, you need to understand the temperament of its parent breeds.
What Is The Temperament Of An Australian Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds have the true temperament of a herding dog who has to be pushy with livestock and cattle. These dogs will do their best to become dominant dogs in the household! This makes them not the best choice for first-time dog owners.
They are very loyal to their family members but can be somewhat shy with strangers. This is why they require early socialization and exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and experiences.
What Is The Temperament Of A Corgi?
Despite their cute appearance, Corgis behave like big dogs on short legs. These are loyal pets that will do anything for their owners, including protecting them from anyone or anything they consider a threat.
While not as aggressive toward strangers as Australian Shepherds, they can have issues with territorial aggression, especially with animals they don’t know.
Corgis are intelligent, strong-willed dogs that require a confident owner who knows how to be the pack leader.
Corgis are known for nipping at heels, especially of young children. This is the result of their strong herding instincts. Also, as they are very intelligent, they tend to get bored easily – and this is where problematic behavior can occur.
Is The Auggie Good With Kids And Other Pets?
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a friendly dog with a protective nature. Since they are playful, they make excellent playmates for kids. They can also make excellent watchdogs for your children.
However, it would be wise to avoid leaving Auggies alone with small children. These dogs can herd little kids, which can lead to nipping of their heels. While rarely painful, this type of behavior can scare children or even leave them traumatized.
Also, while Auggies are small dogs, they might still knock a small child over accidentally during a chase.
Before introducing kids to your Australian Shepherd Corgi dog, you should always teach them how to behave around pets. Auggies can be quite intolerant of children touching their eyes, noses, or paws.
At the same time, kids should know not to scream around dogs, as they have very sensitive ears and can hear much better than humans. If you can hardly stand your kid yelling, imagine how it feels to a little pup!
When it comes to other pets, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix usually can get along with other animals. However, there can be some issues if these pets don’t put up with your Auggie’s herding instincts and dominance.
Some small prey animals might feel disturbed by Auggies nipping and nose bumping. While this is harmless, it will stress them out, especially if they’re tiny and sensitive, such as guinea pigs or hamsters.
Still, all pets can become friends with the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix as long as you keep your pup socialized. Socialization is the key to peaceful living inside the community.
As for other dogs, same-sex aggression is common in Auggies, especially if your pooch is not spayed or neutered.
If you plan on having more than one dog in your household, try not to keep two dogs of the same sex. If you have to – keep in mind that two males usually get along better than two females.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Lifespan
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is an overall healthy breed. This is because it, together with other crossbreeds, has something called hybrid vigor. This helps them stay safe from most genetic defects.
Because of this, the average lifespan of an Auggie is 12–15 years. This is much longer than most other dog breeds, even breeds of more or less the same size.
While it’s impossible to precisely predict how long any dog will live, looking at the lifespan of its ancestors can help you arrive at a basic estimation.
How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live For?
Australian Shepherds are a healthy dog breed that doesn’t have too many genetic defects. While you can never know whether your dog will get sick, some breeds are generally healthier than others.
The average life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd dog is 13–15 years, which is a long time for a medium-sized dog.
How Long Do Corgis Live For?
Corgis are among the cutest dog breeds out there. At the same time, they are among the healthiest. This allows them to have a lifespan of 12–15 years!
While many small dog breeds have a shortened lifespan because of their size, Corgis are achondroplastic, meaning they are considered a ‘true dwarf’ breed. Their size is the result of their genetics – not dwarfism or some other anomaly.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Health Problems
While the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a fairly healthy breed, all dogs are prone to certain health issues. Sadly, the same goes for Auggies.
The only way you can be sure your doggy is healthy is to take it for annual checkups with your vet. This way, you’ll find out in time if your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix has a health problem that can endanger his quality of life.
Here are some of the most common issues your pup might face:
Obesity
As mentioned before, Corgi puppies love eating! These dogs can be voracious eaters, and this can quickly show. The same goes for their offspring, the Auggies.
To prevent obesity, you should only feed your dog with high-quality food and give him regular exercise. Walks around the park aren’t enough – you should also dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to games of fetch or frisbee.
Deafness And Blindness
Unfortunately, deafness and blindness are common conditions in these dogs. While this can occur from many eye problems and conditions, it can also be the result of a specific merle gene.
Both Australian Shepherds and Cardigan Welsh Corgis can come in the merle pattern. This unique gene is fairly harmless while it’s heterozygous, but if your pooch happens to be a double merle, his hearing and sight can be damaged.
This is because the merle gene dilutes not only the coat color but also the top layer of his skin. This includes the skin of the ears, which is covered with nerve endings, as well as the pup’s retina.
If your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix turns blind, deaf, or both, don’t panic. Dogs don’t think about this the same way as humans do, and they can still lead a happy and long life as long as some adjustments are made.
Hip Dysplasia And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common orthopedic issues in canines, no matter the dog breed.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket is abnormally formed, and elbow dysplasia is due to incorrect growth of the bones. This can result in lameness and arthritis.
While these conditions are genetic, they can be increased or decreased by environmental factors. This is why it’s important that you ensure your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix gets the right amount of exercise and eats proper food, as obesity and lack of movement can increase the risks.
Back Problems
Back problems are fairly common in dogs with short legs, such as Corgis. This is caused by the way their spine is formed.
Most of the time, back problems can be resolved by ensuring your dog goes on his regular daily walks. If mild issues occur, you can treat them with painkillers. However, more severe cases require surgery.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that affects the dog’s spinal cord. It is most prevalent in older dogs, but dogs with elongated bodies might get it in adulthood.
The disease begins with weakness and loss of coordination in the back legs. As it progresses, the dog may no longer be able to walk. This is why it’s important to treat it in time.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common neurological issue in dogs. It causes seizures that can vary in severity and how often they appear.
Most of the time, epilepsy can be kept under control with medication. Sometimes, however, it can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as a brain tumor.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a progressive genetic disease that affects the eyes. It damages the dog’s vision until it slowly turns him entirely blind.
The progression of blindness can happen in a span of a few months up to two years. It isn’t curable, but the process can be slowed down with eye drops.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a specific protein. It leads to prolonged bleeding after trauma, excessive bleeding from a minor wound, nosebleeds, and similar.
While this disorder isn’t curable, it can be kept under control with the help of medication. However, if left untreated, it can lead to internal bleeding and death.
Drug Sensitivity
Many Collie-type dog breeds, such as Australian Shepherds, have a specific genetic mutation that makes them very sensitive to certain drugs.
If you use these medications with an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix with drug sensitivity, it can lead to a reaction similar to a severe allergy.
The medications that can cause neurological illnesses or even death in these dogs include, but are not limited to, various pain medications, anti-cancer drugs, several antibiotics, as well as some anti-parasitic drugs.
While Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs aren’t as commonly sensitive to drugs as Aussies, it is still important to get your pup tested, just so you can rest assured you’re allowed to give him all the necessary medication without any issues.
How To Feed Your Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix
One way you can help your dog live a long and healthy life is to take care of his diet. All dogs should have an adequate diet filled with all the right nutrients.
In the case of the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix, you should look for high-quality dog foods formulated especially for a small to medium-sized dog breed with high energy levels.
Because of their Corgi genes, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs tend to overeat. This can lead to obesity and other weight-related health issues. You have to be careful of the amount of food they eat, so you can rest assured they’re not eating too much.
Also, Auggies can be sensitive to certain types of food. Food allergies are quite common with the Australian Shepherd breed, so you should always be careful when introducing new foods.
As is the case with all dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix’s dietary needs will change as your dog goes from puppyhood to adulthood and then as he enters his senior years.
If you are unsure of which brands and types of food you should give to your pooch, you can always consult your veterinarian. Also, don’t be afraid to look at websites such as Amazon as there are plenty of affordable options there.
Toy Aussie Corgi Mix
As mentioned before, Australian Shepherds come in a standard and miniature size. You can, in fact, breed a mini Aussie with a Corgi, so you can get a mini Australian Shepherd Corgi mix.
Miniature Australian Shepherds rarely grow to be taller than 18 inches. As you can see, this is still taller than a Corgi, but there is a significant size difference between them and a standard Aussie.
If you want a herding or working dog that stays small, then a mini Australian Shepherd Corgi mix might be the best dog for you. These pups have all the traits and capabilities of a standard herding dog, but they are ‘in a small package.’
Other than the possible size difference (due to the Corgi’s small stature, even a standard Australian Shepherd Corgi mix can end up being quite tiny), there really aren’t that many differences between the two crossbreeds.
Corgi Poodle Australian Shepherd Mix
Some breeders like to add Poodle to the mix to create a dog that sheds less. While it’s not rational to expect any Corgi mix to be hypoallergenic, you can expect to see less shedding this way.
This mixed breed is usually created by breeding a Poodle with the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix.
The biggest downside to this crossbreed is how unpredictable the litter can look.
Because there are three different dogs, all with different appearances, there are no rules whatsoever for the appearance and characteristics of the puppy. Because of this, breeding these dogs is tricky and rare.
Aussie Corgi Mix Puppies
The Auggie has become a fairly common crossbreed. This means that it is possible to get a second generation of these pups, or even a third or fourth, which is fairly rare in most other mixed dog breeds.
Most Australian Shepherd Corgi mix puppies are born from a Corgi father and an Aussie mother. If it was the other way around, the Corgi mother might have issues giving birth to puppies who are the size of an Australian Shepherd.
Many breeders carefully choose dogs they’ll mate, looking at the exact features they want to pass on. This will usually include traits such as blue or two-colored eyes, specific coat patterns, and also size.
Some breeders mate Australian Shepherds with Pembroke Welsh Corgis to introduce the merle gene to the Corgi’s gene pool, but this is frowned upon due to health problems connected with the gene.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix For Sale
If you’re looking for the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix for sale, you might notice several places where you can buy these pups.
As they aren’t as rare as many other crossbreeds (but can still be tricky to find), you might see plenty of various options, both online and in person.
So, how can you know where to buy your Auggie from? We’ll cover some important facts about breeding the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix and purchasing them.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Price
While most unregistered mutts cost less than purebred dogs, many designer dogs tend to cost way more than their parent breeds.
Considering the price of a purebred Corgi, which is usually between $1,000 and $3,000, you might be worried about the price of its offspring.
Believe it or not, Auggies usually fall within the price range of $800–$1,200. This makes them less than their purebred parents, which is a rarity among ‘official’ crossbreeds.
While some rare and unique colors might cost more, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a fairly affordable working dog overall.
As they are fairly healthy, maintaining them should also be quite cheap. In fact, chances are, the biggest expense you’ll have are occasional visits to a professional groomer, as keeping their coat gorgeous and luscious can be tricky.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Breeders
The best place to get your Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix would be from a reputable breeder. While these dogs can be found elsewhere, you should always insist on buying them from registered breeders who know what they are doing.
Responsible breeders will conduct all necessary health tests and screenings of their dogs. This includes parents and puppies alike. This way, they can be certain their dogs are healthy, without any genetic issues that might plague their parent breeds.
Not just that, but reputable breeders usually do some basic training and socialization of their dogs. You’ll spend less time and money training your dog and avoid the risk of getting a pup with behavioral issues.
You can also get your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix from a backyard breeder. These people are usually dog owners who ended up with an unwanted litter of puppies they now want to cash in on.
While they mean well, backyard breeders don’t conduct the necessary health tests on their dogs. They sometimes don’t even know what they’re getting into and don’t provide their puppies with the necessary care.
Other places where you can purchase your Auggie are puppy mills and pet shops. They seem like affordable options, but things aren’t that simple.
Puppy mills are places that don’t really care about the health and well-being of the puppies or female dogs they have. Their only priority is to get a female dog who will birth as many puppies as possible and sell them as fast as they can.
This leads to dogs from puppy mills having a much greater chance of developing plenty of health and behavioral issues.
Many pet shops purchase dogs from puppy mills. This means the same issues apply to both locations.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix Adoption
The most ethical option would be to adopt an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix from a humane society or shelter. This is also the most affordable option, as you’re only required to pay an adoption fee, which can be as low as $50.
As Auggies are a fairly common crossbreed, they aren’t as difficult to find as, for example, Pomskies or Corgipoms. Chances are, shelters have several dogs to choose from.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that when you adopt, you won’t have any reliable way of knowing the dog’s background. This includes both its health and previous experiences.
The only way you can be entirely certain you know what you’re getting is to purchase from a reputable breeder.
Are Auggies Good Pets?
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is a loyal but slightly mischievous dog who will provide you with plenty of fun times! You’ll never get bored with this dog.
Although its stubbornness can sometimes get the best of it, these are happy dogs that will love being in your company. There is nothing that can make them happier than spending time with their owners, and they’ll want to be a part of everything you do.
While perhaps not the best choice for small children and prey animals due to their strong herding instincts, Auggies can make amazing pets for people who want an active companion who will be everyone’s best friend!
The most important thing with being an Auggie owner is that you always insist on being the pack leader. If the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dog starts thinking he is the alpha dog, you’ll be in big trouble.
Still, if you know how to train them properly, Auggies will make wonderful companions that everyone will love.
Read Next: Is A Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix A Thing?
