When the smarts of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog combine to form the Cowboy Corgi, you might be in for a treat. This intelligent mixed breed is also full of affection, loyalty and energy, resulting in a great fit for your home.
To understand what these mixed-breed dogs are like and what you can expect in terms of their care, you can go through their profile below.
In Brief
Let’s first take a short look at some primary aspects of the Cowboy Corgi so that you can understand what to look forward to.
- Breeds: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Australian Cattle Dog
- Weight: Between 25 and 40 pounds
- Height: Around 13-20 inches
- Personality: Active, energetic, playful, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, alert
- Life Expectancy: Around 12-15 years
- Trainability: Smart and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Suitability: Active, adventurous and affectionate families
A Bit of Background
To understand how the Cowboy Corgi came about, it is vital to first delve into the history of its parents—the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog. You can read about these below, along with some information on how their hybrid version was created later.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their origins in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The origin of these dogs dates back to 1107 AD and are descendants of Spitz dogs, although there are many myths and legends surrounding these dogs too.
The actual story, however, involves weavers from Flanders (Belgium), who came to Wales in 1107 AD at the behest of King Henry I, bringing along their corgis with them. Back then, they used these dogs for the purpose of herding cattle and later began to be kept as pets by the royal family of Britain.
Queen Elizabeth II particularly loved these corgis and always kept them as her pets throughout most of her reign.
Officially, these corgis were first displayed in the year 1925, after which breed standards, clubs and societies were formed. Exports to the United States and other countries also took place, thus increasing their popularity around the world.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis were recently vulnerable but are now regaining popularity.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs (aka Blue Heelers) are also herding dogs. These breeds are native to Australia and date back to the 1800s, with breeding resulting from dogs imported from Britain with some local breeds.
The primary names in this regard are that of George Hall and Thomas Hall, who came to New South Wales in 1802 and carried out cross-breeding between Smithfields (the British imports) and local wild dogs called dingoes.
Other breeds like Dalmatians and Scottish Highland Collies were also brought into the mix until eventually, the term Australian Cattle Dogs, came about in the late 19th century.
The first breed standard of these dogs dates back to 1903 and was formed in New South Wales. Exports then took place, with the American Kennel Club (AKC) only registering these breeds in 1980.
Cowboy Corgi
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The origins of the parent breeds are quite clear and essential to understand. However, there is not much information available about the origins and history of crossbreeding between the two and how this led to the creation of the Cowboy Corgi.
Given the histories of the parent breeds, however, the Cowboy Corgi seems to have first been bred fairly recently, perhaps in the late 20th or early 21st century, with the purpose of domestication and, in some cases, herding.
Also Read: 17 of the Top Blue Heeler Mix Breeds You Don’t Want To Miss
Pedigree Information
Since the Cowboy Corgi came from the cross between two existing breeds, it is important to delve briefly into what that implies for this mixed breed’s genes and pedigree.
The Cowboy Corgi dogs contain a genetic make-up that comes from their parent breeds, resulting in what is known as heterosis.
This implies that these dogs are likely to have the positive health aspects of their parent breeds, with an increased chance of survival and worthwhile performance in terms of fertility and growth, among other criteria.
This hybridity, however, is likely to have its own downsides as well. For instance, the common issues that affect the parent breeds are likely to pass down to Cowboy Corgis as well, unless careful selection is carried out during the breeding process.
Ultimately, what health elements, appearances and personality your particular Cowboy Corgi will inherit can depend on the selection process along with the dominating genes of either of the parents.
The breeding conditions and safety levels are also some factors here, with poor and unhygienic practices leading to increased risks for the Australian Cattle Dog Corgi mix.
For this reason, if you want this kind of designer hybrid dog, you should ensure that you undertake your own research and find breeders that have a solid reputation.
Given that this is a recent and relatively under-researched breed, the AKC and other kennel clubs across the world do not officially accept and register these dogs into their organization, which can end up resulting in certain issues when it comes to their care and support.
There are, however, many independent resources and veterinarians that can help you out here.
Characteristics of the Cowboy Corgi
There are several ways in which the Cowboy Corgi stands out. Due to the combining traits of the parent breeds, there are many features that these dogs can display due to the mixed genes involved.
You can understand more about some specific features and requirements of this mixed breed through the following sections.
Also Read: Why Do Corgis Sploot?
Size and Overall Appearance
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact appearance of Cowboy Corgis, especially since there is no official breed standard and requirement that can result in a uniform look of these dogs.
Based on which genes dominate in the progeny, the appearance of your Cowboy Corgi can differ, being either more like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or more like the Australian Cattle Dog, often containing some features of both.
Generally, you can expect these mixed breeds to have short and slightly tapering ears and short legs like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The overall length of the body can be a combination of the two parent breeds.
The muscular appearance and sharp face of the Cowboy Corgi are inherited from Australian Cattle Dogs, with the tail either being docked like the Pembroke Corgi or long like the Cattle Dog.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is around 10-12 inches in height and 24-30 pounds in weight, while the Australian Cattle Dog is around 17-20 inches in height and 30-50 pounds in weight.
The Cowboy Corgi, then, can typically measure around 13-20 inches in height and 25-40 pounds in weight.
Fur, Coat and Grooming Needs
The fur and coat are also similar to those of the two parent breeds. For instance, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a double coat that sheds quite a bit, with the coat colors commonly being fawn, red, sable, black and tan.
The Australian Cattle Dog also has a double coat, although the length is much shorter than that of the Welsh Corgi. Blue and red are the accepted colors, either of which can also be speckled, mottled and marked with other colors like tan and black.
Overall, the coat of the Cowboy Corgi resembles the Australian Cattle Dog more in terms of the colors, spots and markings, although the length is a bit long like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Cowboy Corgi has a lush double coat that can be useful for ensuring warmth. However, this can result in quite a bit of shedding too, which is why you will need to groom your dog frequently to prevent matting, dirt build-up or knots.
Note that this kind of shedding can make it tough for those who suffer from allergies.
Life Expectancy
Cowboy Corgis have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This is similar to the lifespan of the parent breeds since the Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live for 12-15 years while the Australian Cattle Dog can live up to 12-16 years.
Due to the vigor that these hybrid dogs have, the lifespan does not undergo many alterations due to the crossbreeding of the parent dogs.
However, if some problems arise during the breeding process or if there are some underlying genetic issues in either of the dogs, it is possible that these may get passed down to the Cowboy Corgis and result in a potentially shorter lifespan.
Some other factors may also end up shortening the lifespan of these dogs. For instance, neglect or abuse, improper and unhealthy food habits, insufficient or even excessive levels of exercise and others can end up affecting the health and overall lifespan.
Temperament
In terms of the personality of Cowboy Corgis, you can expect a loyal, friendly, affectionate, protective and watchful dog. These dogs are extremely alert and vigilant, owing to the herding origins of their parent breeds.
If the traits of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are dominant, it is likely that these dogs might end up being a bit loud and vocal, often barking quite a bit as well. The Australian Cattle Dogs, on the other hand, barely bark, so this could result in quieter progeny if those genes are dominant too.
Cowboy Corgis can also be highly active, playful and flexible, making them excellent options if you want to keep them as pets.
Note that there are some cases in which they might become stubborn. Their herding instinct might also cause them to nip at you or your children, which you might need to train them out of.
Also Read: Why Do Corgis Like Vacuums?
Training and Socialization
The parent breeds are both extremely smart and intelligent, with both ranking 10th and 11th on Stanley Coren’s list in The Intelligence of Dogs. This means that Cowboy Corgis inherit this intelligence and grow to be smart dogs as well, allowing them to be quite obedient and simple to train.
Teaching them new tricks and commands can be a smooth process with these dogs easily understanding what is expected of them. They can repeat your orders fairly soon and can also retain their knowledge for a long time.
Make sure you begin this kind of training from a young age so that they can absorb it better. This also applies to their socialization so that they can get along well with strangers, children and other creatures.
If left without training and socialization for too long, these dogs might become slightly aggressive and stubborn while also trying to outplay and get the better of you.
Note that these dogs are prone to separation anxiety, for which special training might be required.
Diet and Other Care Requirements
You should maintain a healthy and nutritious diet for your Cowboy Corgis, especially since they tend to be so active and energetic. As they age, you might need to increase their food portions a bit while also regulating the frequency with which you feed them.
Make sure you opt for food that is of good quality and contains plenty of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fibers. If you are cooking something for your dog, make sure the food suits their system well.
Apart from this, you should also keep your dog hydrated and keep track of potential allergies or illnesses. Visit the vet immediately if you notice some issues.
Your dogs should also feel safe and comfortable around you, for which plenty of care, affection and playing around can be essential.
Stimulation
Cowboy Corgis, just like their parent breeds, require plenty of stimulation. These are highly active and energetic dogs, making it essential to provide sufficient exercise on a daily basis.
You can do this in the form of outdoor games like catch, taking long walks or carrying out some jogging or running in the park. An active family, therefore, can be an ideal match for Cowboy Corgis.
However, make sure you do not overdo it either, as this can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Support exercise levels with good amounts of food and water too.
Mental stimulation is also important for these intelligent dogs. Toys, games, puzzles and tricks can keep them occupied and interested without them getting bored and restless.
Keep changing up these kinds of stimulation once in a while too.
Potential Health Problems
Generally, due to the advantages of hybrid species, Cowboy Corgis can be quite healthy. There are some cases, however, in which they might inherit the health concerns of their parents.
For instance, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to issues like hip dysplasia, monorchidism, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity and others.
Australian Cattle Dogs are also vulnerable to some health problems like deafness, blindness and skeletal issues.
To ensure that your Cowboy Corgis do not have these diseases, make sure you carry out health testing after they are bred. If you learn about these conditions later, make sure you have access to a reliable vet who can help you manage these issues.
Routine health check-ups are also a must.
Lifestyle and Routine
Cowboy Corgis need an active and loving environment, so make sure you can provide this to them before you decide to bring them into your home. It can help to establish a routine so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
Make sure you also figure out caring routines that match your schedules and let your dog sitters or friends know about any specifications that your dog might have.
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The Bottom Line
Cowboy Corgis, the progeny of Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Australian Cattle Dogs, are social, affectionate, active, energetic, outgoing and highly intelligent. They are fairly easy to train and quick to learn new things while also having the ability to repeat them for a long time.
Provide enough care, exercise, grooming and attention to these dogs while also seeking support for their health, well-being and training.
