Do you like both the Corgi and the Australian Shepherd? If you are torn between these two adorable breeds, just get them both or have an Aussie-Corgi instead! Read on to learn more about this lovable mix before adopting or buying one.
Auggie dog Breed History
We can also call Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix dog as Auggi, or Augie, and sometimes they’re known as Aussie-Corgi. Aussie-Corgis are considered as designer hybrid dogs. This means they are a mix of two purebred dogs of different breeds, the Welsh Corgi and the Australian Shepherd.
The Welsh Corgi, or simply the Corgi, has two types, the Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh. The first ever Corgi was bred in Wales, United Kingdom in 1925. Originally, they had been bred to herd cattle.
On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd, or the “Aussie”, has no clear origins. It is believed that the breed was developed in the Western part of America back in the 19th century. They are descendants of shepherd-type canines from Australia from back in the 1840s.
The two breeds both belong in the group of herding dogs, which are known for their smartness and hard work. Mix the Corgi with an Australian Shepherd and you will get a fantastic pet that will please you with his funny antics and intelligence – the Aussie-Corgi.
Aussie-Corgi: Recognitions and Other Names
The term Auggie is acknowledged by the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club. The breed is also referred to as the “Augi,” according to the International Designer Canine Registry.
A hybrid is not considered to be a dog breed. Regardless of that, they are recognized by several associations, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Dog Registry of America.
Auggie Coat Type and Color
Most Augies are tricolored. It is usual to see an Aussie-Corgi with a combination of black, white, and tan coat. There are some with only two colors, such as black and white or tan and white. It is also possible to find a black and tan Augie with very minimal white spots.
In some Augies, the dominant color is black and there are only small spots of tan and white. You can also find a few Augies with a mostly white coat and minimal tan or black spots. Some of them have a merle or a pattern on the skin along with the two or three colors. This is either a blue merle or a red merle that they inherit from their Australian Shepherd parent.
Merle is a standard color for Australian Shepherds. These swirly patches do not only appear on the coat but also on the body, nose, and paw pads. They can also modify the dark pigments of the eyes. Merle dogs may have odd-colored eyes and they should not be bred between themselves because double merles have a big chance of becoming blind or deaf and sometimes both.
If you have an Augie with fawn or a very light red coat, this was likely derived from the Corgi parent. It is also possible for your Augie to have Sable or black-tipped hairs or to appear black-headed or red-headed like the Corgi.
How to Groom and Bath Aussie-Corgis
The length of their coat can go from medium to long, with the fur growing randomly across their body. They shed a lot because they have slightly dense double coats. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet’s coat clean and free from skin irritations:
Brush – due to their long coat, you have to brush your auggie weekly in order to prevent mats and tangles. Use a wire slicker brush because it is effective in removing loose hair. As a double-coated dog, it is normal for your Augie to shed his coat once or twice a year. When choosing a brush for your pet, always look for one with smooth pin heads so your Aussie-Corgi’s skin doesn’t get irritated. During the shedding season, it helps to use a de-shedding tool which gets rid of dead hair without damaging the topcoat.
Bath – It is recommended to bath your Aussie-Corgi every 4-8 weeks. You can do it every 2 weeks during the shedding season. For canines with double coats, vets suggest using a shampoo that penetrates through the fur easily but is also not difficult to rinse. Keep your dog’s skin healthy by using a shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals such as dyes and parabens. Use a hypo-allergenic shampoo especially if your pet is prone to skin irritations and allergies. Avoid using an anti-shedding shampoo because it is harsh on their coat and skin.
Supplement with fatty acids – nutrition plays a big role in your pet’s skin. Low-quality dog food may not have the sufficient nutrients your dog needs to have a healthy coat. Vets recommend giving dogs fatty acids, such as Omega-3. This fatty acid does wonders to a dog’s skin as it prevents itching and dryness. More than that, it can boost a dog’s immune system and decrease the effects of allergic reactions.
Tip: Since your pet has the tendency to shed frequently, it helps to have a hair collection tool at home. This makes it easy to clean-up different types of surfaces such as furniture and fabrics. This tool can be very handy especially during the change of seasons.
Aussie-Corgi Personality
There are a lot of things to love about an Augie. They are highly intelligent, outgoing, and they are ideal as family pets because they are loving and will please you with their friendliness. When raised properly and trained positively, you will surely have a well-behaved pet.
It is not so surprising to see an Auggie playing with children. Like the Corgi, it is very amicable with kids. The Australian Shepherds may not be as affectionate as the Corgi but they are still good around young children. They may get their parents’ natural herding trait so just keep an eye on that child-herding feature.
As descendants of herding breeds, it is a natch that the Aussie-Corgi has a penchant for playing and moving around. Because of that need to herd, most of them end up chasing pets and even children. Keep your pet occupied by playing a game of chase with him.
They are also friendly towards other pets because both breeds they come from enjoy being in a pack. If you already have dogs at home, you should not worry about adding an Aussie-Corgi to the mix.
Your Aussie Corgi mix dog will surely do well with other dogs especially if it was trained to socialize with them early in life. According to experts, puppies should be exposed to people, places, and situations, especially during the seventh week to the fourth month of age.
One of their parents, the Corgis, may be the smallest among all herding dogs but we cannot belittle them. They are one of the most active breeds that have ever existed and they run incredibly fast. Like Corgis, Aussies boast fast movements.
Aussie-Corgi Feeding
Nourishing your dog is part of responsible pet parenting. The thing is, there is no single formula when it comes to feeding dogs because every dog is unique. It is worth noting that some dogs are also more sensitive than others.
Many corgis are quite prone to allergies especially when it comes to food. When offering anything new to your pet, do it gradually because offering it in bulk may cause diarrhea. Commercial dog food is fine, as long as it is made of high-quality ingredients.
Kibble or dry dog food may also be given along with homemade raw food. Dogs love meat and will enjoy a serving of fruits and vegetables every now and then. A vet may recommend kibble if the dog has allergies to human foods such as beef, chicken, and grains.
Aussie-Corgi Ownership
Before considering an Aussie-Corgi, check first if they will be able to adapt to your environment. If you live in an apartment, you will not have a problem because these dogs are usually small in size. They like playtime and if you are planning to buy toys, consider the heavy-duty chew toys and the durable fetch ones.
As with any designer hybrid dog, getting an Augie from a reputable breeder can be more expensive than getting a purebred dog. The price for one can go anywhere from $700 to $1300. The puppies should have their core vaccines and must be dewormed. There is also the option to have the dewclaws removed and depending on the breed, the docking of the tail.
The breeder should also assist in registering the dog to the American Kennel Club, offer one-month free pet insurance and provide the vaccine record. A good breeder should also give you the relevant information that will help you in raising your pup. It will be of great help if they will provide tips in potty and crate training.
Auggie Health and Caring Tips
The average lifespan of this Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix dog is 12-15 years. The Aussie and the Corgi have almost the same life spans, although the Aussie may live longer compared to the Corgi. They are generally healthy but just like any dog, they need proper care to be in their top shape.
The Aussie-Corgi can be prone to certain medical conditions and some of these illnesses can be inherited from its parents. Here are the diseases and disorders to be aware of when you have an Aussie-Corgi:
Cataract – Both the Australian Shepherd and the Corgi are predisposed to cataracts so it is also likely for their offspring to have it. A dog with cataract has a white or bluish, and sometimes gray layer in its eyes. If your pet suffers from irritation in the eyes and it has an unusual discharge, it is best to seek your vet’s advice.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – These breeds are among those that are more prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy than others. The initial symptom of PRA is night blindness. Later on, dogs develop the dilation of the pupils. In the later stages of the disorder, the dog may become entirely blind. If these symptoms are all present, the dog should be taken to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis. The vet will need to check the retina cells through electroretinography.
Epilepsy/Seizures – The parents are vulnerable to having epilepsy so it is not impossible for pups to develop this condition as well. In dogs, it is often characterized by twitching muscles, drooling, and jerking. A dog having a seizure will collapse and will appear stiff. This is the leading type of chronic neurological condition among canines. If the Aussie-Corgi started losing voluntary control, the owners should bring it to the vet. Once confirmed, the vet will help lessen the length of the seizure episodes by suggesting emergency medications.
Hip Dysplasia – Keep an eye on hip dysplasia because it can also be passed on to the offspring of the Australian Shepherd and the Corgi. It is easy to spot since the signs are all related to the pet’s movements. A dog suffering from hip dysplasia will be reluctant to do his usual activities such as running around and jumping. If there is a noticeable change in his activities and ranges of motion, better schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.
Conclusion
The Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix dog is the perfect pet for you if you want a dog that is easy to train and will accompany you on your adventures. Coming from a lineage of herding dogs, your Augie is protective, alert, and normally has high energy levels.
However, don’t get an Augie if you want a hypoallergenic breed. They shed frequently and they may need medium to high coat maintenance. If you are pretty active, the Augie will be able to keep up with your lifestyle. The best thing about having a herding dog like the Aussie-Corgi is that you will have a loyal pet that is devoted to its owners.
