What is a Cowboy Corgi? 12 facts you should know

If you’ve seen a patchy-looking Corgi and had to look twice, we can confirm that you weren’t imagining it. What you probably set eyes on (and couldn’t get them away, no doubt) was a Cowboy Corgi. Sadly, these aren’t western versions of Queen Elizabeth’s beloved pooches galavanting around the desert with horses. Instead, they’re a mix between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle dog. Produced is a high-energy, stout bundle of fun who’s filled with confidence and brains. So if you’re pet sitting one soon or you’re after a Cowboy Corgi house sitter, ride on (sorry, read) for 12 facts on these small yet mighty fluffballs.

What is a Cowboy Corgi?

Cowboy Corgis are a mixed breed of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Australian Cattle Dog. Not currently recognized by the AKC as a distinct breeds, their herding parents have produced an often stout, always spunky and rather vocal offspring. Getting their build from their Corgi parents and herding instincts for both, Cowboy Corgis are compact canine packages that aren’t afraid to unleash their herding instincts in and outside of the home. Intrigued? Let’s get into the facts…

1. They’re fab watchdogs

Their Corgi parents have a surprisingly loud, deep bark - we can imagine it was pretty effective when the cuties were herding! But now, Corgis and their Cowboy Corgi offspring will use their mighty bark (that seems to erupt from nowhere) to get their pack members’ attention - whether it’s for snuggles, cuddles or yet another treat, they won’t hold back until they get what they want. Plus they can be pretty protective, so along with their alertness and (almost) booming bark, they can make for surprisingly effective watchdogs. Of course, if this isn’t a trait you’re looking for, positive reinforcement-based training from a young age can help to prune the behaviors you’re after. Just don’t expect to completely avoid their natural instincts.

2. They’ve got heaps of energy to burn

Full-grown Cowboy Corgis might come in small packages, but they’re bursting with energy and won’t be happy sitting in all day. It makes sense, if we think about their parentage - both their Corgi and Australian Cattle dog parents were bred to herd, so they needed heaps of energy to get on with their daily activities and fulfill the expectations of their masters. So while your Cowboy Corgi won’t appreciate seriously long walks (unlike a Husky, let’s say), their high energy needs have to be met by pet parents who are up for play time and regular, daily walkies. Plus, their high intelligence means they’re up for at-home stimulation too, so get hold of a puzzle toy or two to keep these cuties occupied.

3. They’re born to herd

Both parents are members of the American Kennel Club’s herding group, which means they were originally bred to herd. So while you're probably not adopting a Cowboy Corgi dog for herding purposes, don’t be surprised if your new cutie finds something (or someone) at home to herd (trust us, it’s a pretty entertaining sight to behold). While it does have the funny factor, constant attempts at herding (i.e. nipping at your heels) can get pretty annoying, and might even frighten small children. The solution? Start training at an early age, establish consistent boundaries in and outside of the home, and keep your pooch busy and stimulated so their herding dog instinct isn’t kicking in every two seconds.

4. They’re brainy

Like many herding dogs, Corgis and Australian Cattle dogs are pretty high on the intelligence spectrum. And it makes sense, if we think about their past. Both dogs were bred and pruned by humans who needed to create a dog that would respond to commands and learn fast. So, it’s no surprise that Cowboy Corgi dogs are on the brainy side, too. While their fast-learning brains have their perks, it does have a flip side. Cowboy Corgis have the brains to decide not to respond to your commands, and can be pretty stubborn about the whole thing. How to avoid these rather irritating behaviors? Set up a consistent, positive reinforcement-based training routine when they’re puppies and stick to it.

5. They’re bundles of fun

Slight stubbornness aside, Cowboy Corgis are up for fun-filled, active days out with their humans. So don’t be fooled by their stout, stocky bodies - Cowboy Corgi dogs are surprisingly athletic, enjoying outdoor activities just as much as indoor. It’s safe to say that with a Cowboy Corgi in your pack, you won’t be stuck for an excuse for walkies, hikes or social meet-ups with fellow pet parents. Along with their love for active fun, these cuties also enjoy more brain-based challenges like agility, nose work and indoor problem solving.

6. They go by various aliases

Like their Australian Cattle dog parents (and because of them), these cuties go by various names. While we can confidently say that they’re not going undercover, their name simply isn’t standardized because they’re not recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club. So, without further ado, here are the names you might have heard rather than Cowboy Corgi: Blue Heeler Cowboy Corgi, Blue Merle Cowboy Corgi, Blue Heeler Corgi mix, Corgi Blue Heeler, cattle dog Corgi mix, Red Heeler Corgi mix, Corgi Heeler and Australian Cattle Dog Corgi mix - and breathe!

7. They come in small packages

Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Australian Cattle dogs are on different ends of the spectrum when it comes to size, so it’s pretty natural to wonder where on Earth full-grown Cowboy Corgis sit on the size front. Well because the breed hasn’t been officially standardized, there’s a fair bit of variation with Cowboy Corgi puppies and the fully grown Blue Heeler Corgi mix size. With that said, Cowboy Corgis tend to sit on the smaller end, with most taking after their Corgi parents and staying under around 30 pounds. Unlike their cattle dog parents, Cowboy Corgis are also quite stout and stocky in stature, like their regal parents on the Corgi side.

8. They love their Sapien pack

Like their parent breeds, Cowboy Corgis make the perfect family dog. Great around children, it’s important to get your pooch used to the pack they’ll be living with from the start. Because, like with any dog, Cowboy Corgis will be happier around a pack they’ve adjusted to from the start. They’ll get on well with children young and old, but just be sure to always supervise them and teach children how to act safely around a dog. When it comes to the size of your pack, Cowboy Corgis will fit into a family big or small, thriving in any loving household that’s up for walkies, play time and of course, copious treats.

9. They’re not hypoallergenic

If you’ve got allergies, a Cowboy Corgi is pretty badly suited to you. Unfortunately, these cuties malt a fair bit (we’ll come onto grooming in just a tick), so if you’re not prepared to follow them around with a vacuum on the regular, they might not be the right fit for you. Both parent breeds have double coats, so we can’t really blame them.

10. They need daily grooming

And on the note of fur, these fur babies aren’t shy of a daily groom. That’s right, these double-coated cuties need a fair bit of grooming if they (and your home) are going to stay looking neat. Like their parents, Cowboy Corgis go through yearly shedding seasons, where their undercoat sheds as it prepares for the following season of weather. What does this mean for you? Well heaps of hair around your home to be frank, unless you’re open to daily grooming (and regular bathing) to help ease the hair to where it needs to be.

11. Loyal, loyal and loyal

It’s no shock to us that Cowboy Corgi pet parents have found these furry pals to be exceptionally loyal. Why? Well it comes back to their lovely parents. As you’ll know by now, Cowboy Corgis are the offspring of ex-herding dogs who were bred for their loyalty, intelligence and reliability in real work situations. Lucky for Cowboy Corgi dog pet parents, these cuties are seriously dedicated to their two and four-legged pack. Because of this, they can be a little wary of newcomers, so it’s important to socialize them from a young age, just to make sure they’re friendly towards strangers as adults.

12. They’re designer dogs

Unfortunately, Cowboy Corgis have got the ‘designer dog’ reputation. They’re not currently recognized by the AKC as an official breed because they’re a mix between two well-established breeds. So, like Doodle dogs and other new mixes, Cowboy Corgi puppies will probably be seen as designers for quite some time to come. Either way, if your intentions are to welcome a new furry friend into your pack, their breed recognition really is neither here nor there!

What about Corgis?

If diving into these facts on Cowboy Corgis wasn’t enough, why not learn about their parents? Explore everything you need to know about Corgi puppies for an eye-into this rather regal breed.