If you are a crossbreed enthusiast who is after headstrong dogs, I suggest you include the extremely intelligent Cowboy Corgi at the top of your list.
Their herding instincts help them assess situations clearly, and make decisions pretty much on their own.
In fact, Corgis and Australian Cattle Dogs, which are the two breeds mated to produce these puppies, are way up the intelligence ladder. This trait is inherited by their offspring, the Cowboy Corgi.
If you are interested in this breed, this article contains all the essential information you need to know about this designer dog, including its appearance, behavior, health, pricing, and others. Let’s get to it!
7 Essential Facts Cowboy Corgi Lovers Need to Know
This section offers an overview of the reasons why Cowboy Corgis are one of a kind. Keep reading so you don’t miss any interesting facts about this adorable mixed breed.
1. Most of them have docked tails
A unique feature of Pembroke Welsh Corgis is their docked tail. When their genes are more dominant, their offspring with the Australian Cattle Dog are born tailless. The absence of the tail made this mix more interesting and fascinating.
2. They rarely bark
You don’t have to worry about noise when you have Cowboy Corgis for pets because they aren’t big barkers. In fact, some pet owners say that they’re one of the most unbothered breeds.
They got this trait from their Australian Cattle Dog parent because they don’t bark much except when playing.
3. They love adventures
Cowboy Corgis are the ultimate adventure seekers. They love just about any activity as long as it is entertaining.
You can bring them to a park and have them play off-leash, or you can have them tag along with your hiking trips. They will surely enjoy these activities no matter how exhausting, given their high energy level.
4. They have a strong herding instinct
Both the Cowboy Corgi’s parents belong to the herding group, so it is expected for them to inherit the same characteristic.
Hence, to avoid them dashing off smaller animals while walking outside, it is better to keep them on a leash.
At home, you might also observe them nip at other smaller animals, children, and slow-walking adults in an attempt to shepherd them.
If you want to watch them actually herd cattle, watch this video:
5. They are great watchdogs
Another trait that they got from belonging to the herding group is that they are extremely watchful and attentive.
They make sure that their owner, along with their family, is safe and protected. Once they sense that you are in danger, they will alarm you by nipping and making noises.
6. They remain small despite their heeler genes
If you expect them to grow the same size as the American Cattle Dog, you’re in for a disappointment. In terms of height and weight, they take after their Corgi roots. This is the main reason why you can keep them in your apartment.
7. They know how to outsmart their owners
As mentioned, the Cowboy Corgi is a fusion of two very intelligent parents, making them very smart designer dogs. However, due to their intelligence, they can be a bit manipulative and tend to outsmart their owners.
They need firm and confident owners because they assume the alpha role if they feel that their humans won’t put them up for a challenge.
What Is a Cowboy Corgi?
A Cowboy Corgi is a cross between a Cardigan or Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog or Heeler. It is a very smart, reliable, active, protective, and courageous herding dog. However, due to its inherited intelligence, it can also be manipulative and may tend to outsmart its owner.
Further, They are incredibly loyal, which makes them highly satisfying to own. Since this hybrid combines the genes of a Heeler and a Corgi, they have a natural tendency to herd or work.
Their herding instinct is attributed to their Corgi blood since this breed was originally developed to drive and herd cattle. On the other hand, Cowboy Corgis are also adept at working due to their Australian Cattle Dog lineage.
They can withstand tough weather and work in fields, so if you are outdoorsy and love to bask in the sun, hike, or run, you will find that Cowboy Corgis fit for your lifestyle.
Cowboy Corgi Appearance
It is hard to describe the exact appearance of Cowboy Corgis because it will depend on which of its parent’s genes are more dominant.
They can either look more like a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but they can also appear similar to an Australian Cattle Dog. Like other designer dogs, there is also no published breed standard for this pup.
I have visited some breeders of Cowboy Corgis I am acquainted with, and I have observed some common characteristics with these dogs.
Cowboy Corgis mostly have barrel-shaped bodies and the facial features of a Corgi, with upright and pointy ears, and some wearing a mask on their face. Usually, if they take after the tailless Pembroke Welsh Corgis, they have a docked tail.
Their coat is usually short and dense, while the colors are almost similar to that of the Australian Cattle Dog, which is either blue or red. They are usually speckled or mottled and come with tan markings.
Cowboy Corgi Size and Weight
Before getting to the size of a Cowboy Corgi, it is best to study first how big their parents are.
Typically, Pembroke Welsh Corgis weigh between 28 and 30 pounds and stand at 10 to 12 inches. Meanwhile, Australian Cattle Dogs, with their compact build, are around 35 to 50 pounds and 17 to 20 inches in height.
Since their offspring have inherited the long body of Corgis and their short stature, they may fall anywhere between 28 and 35 pounds. In terms of height, they are about 12 to 20 inches tall.
Note that all of these may still vary depending on the percentage of the genes of the parents in your Cowboy Corgi. They may not be the first-generation cross, so their features are more unpredictable.
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About the Teacup Corgi
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Cowboy Corgis?
Unfortunately, top kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), Continental Kennel Club (CKC), and United Kennel Club (UKC) do not recognize Cowboy Corgis because they are a mixed breed.
If you want your dog to be registered, you can do it with organizations that cater to designer dog breeds, like the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
You can also choose to enroll your Cowboy Corgi in AKC’s Canine Partners Program, which will allow it to participate in different sporting events like AKC rally, obedience, and agility.
Are Cowboy Corgis Rare?
Cowboy Corgis aren’t that rare compared to other mixed breeds. Many dog breeders specialize in producing this dog, so getting one is not at all difficult.
However, it is still recommended never to deal with backyard breeders and puppy mills, even though they produce a lot of Cowboy Corgis.
Puppies from these breeders were raised in poor living conditions and are prone to many congenital problems and severe health issues.
READ MORE: Fluffy Corgi: All You Need to Know About the Long-Haired Corgi
Cowboy Corgi Temperament and Personality
The temperament of the Cowboy Corgi will be a good mix of both parents’ behaviors. However, the most obvious trait of this designer dog is its intelligence, to the point that it can be mischievous if not handled well.
These dogs are also courageous, independent, and adaptable. On the other hand, they can be friendly to strangers if they take more after the Corgi, while they can be more wary and protective if they inherit more of the traits of the Australian Cattle Dog.
Having a strong herding lineage, expect Cowboy Corgis to manifest territorial aggression toward other animals and to run after smaller ones when outdoors.
Though they are generally friendly and protective of children, they can also nip at them due to their natural herding tendencies.
Due to their active nature, they need constant physical and mental exercise to prevent them from getting bored and resorting to destructive behavior.
Needless to say, these dogs do require time, attention, and firm leadership to keep them behaving well and stay as great family pets.
READ MORE: Male vs. Female Corgi: Everything You Want to Know
Cowboy Corgi Lifespan and Health Issues
According to Cowboy Corgi breeders, a Corgi and Blue Heeler may live up to 13 years.
If you want your dog to exceed this expected lifespan, routine check-ups for potential diseases are recommended. This can help them get any appropriate treatment before any conditions get out of hand.
Meanwhile, here are the common health issues of Cowboy Corgis that you should watch out for:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia targets the development of the Cowboy Corgi’s hip joints, leading to limping over time. The symptoms of this disease are standing or jumping difficulty, stiffness, swaying gait, and a decrease in their motions.
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD): IVDD is characterized by the degeneration of the discs that separate each bone of the dog’s spine. Due to this, Cowboy Corgis may partially lose function in their limbs or have paralysis.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a clinical condition that greatly affects the photoreceptors of a dog’s eyes. If not treated early, PRA can cause night blindness or total vision loss.
- Deafness: Australian Cattle Dogs are commonly affected by this condition; that’s why some Cowboy Corgis also turn deaf. The signs that your dog is slowly losing its hearing capability are refusal to come when called, disobedience, excessive barking, increased sleep, and startle reflex.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Cowboy Corgis also have an increased likelihood of developing DM, a serious disease that affects their central nervous system. The common symptoms that your dog will manifest are posture issues, limb paralysis, and a decrease in muscle mass.
As mentioned, though your Cowboy Corgi may be prone to the mentioned diseases, there is a good chance that your dog can spend its lifetime without experiencing any of these, so long as they are given the right diet, exercise, and health care.
How to Take Care of Your Cowboy Corgi
When you decide to bring home a Cowboy Corgi, you are also assigning a big responsibility to yourself. You need to learn how to cater to their needs so that your companionship won’t become stressful. Here’s how you can work with their specific needs.
Food and Diet
You should feed your Cowboy Corgi three times a day with high-quality dog food. If you are unsure what will work for your dog, consult a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist who can recommend the best kibble that can be beneficial for your dog.
Cowboy Corgis are prone to being overweight, so you have to control their food consumption strictly. Only give them treats during training, and don’t let them manipulate you to give them more just because.
Remember that these dogs are very smart, and there are instances when they will try to outsmart you to get more food. Be very firm, lest you want the roles to be reversed.
You should also make sure that fresh and clean water is available for them all the time to keep them hydrated.
Cleaning and Grooming
You should give extra attention to your Cowboy Corgi’s coat because they are heavy shedders. You need to brush them for at least 20 minutes a day using a slicker brush to ensure that all of their loose furs and the dirt they got from playing are removed.
Aside from their hair, their nails should also be checked to prevent breakage. You should also attend to their dental needs regularly.
When it comes to bathing, it is not that required unless they roll into something unpleasant while playing. Otherwise, it may be done once every three months.
Training and Exercise
Cowboy Corgis have high energy levels, so daily exercise is necessary. They love playing frisbee, running, swimming, flyball, and other activities that are really intense.
If you don’t have time to provide them with their exercise needs, the breed may not be for you as they need a lot of attention.
Since this dog loves working, which it got from its parents’ genes, you should also give it tasks to do at home. This will keep it occupied, which can prevent it from being destructive.
When it comes to training, early obedience classes are highly recommended. Early socialization is necessary as well because they don’t go well with other pets they aren’t familiar with.
How Much Does a Cowboy Corgi Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Cowboy Corgis are common and are fairly cheap compared to other designer dogs. Their price usually ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on their age and gender and the location and reputation of the breeder you are buying them from.
Of course, if their parents are from AKC champion bloodlines, they will also be a bit more costly.
Here are the other expenses that you have to prepare for once you bring them home:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
Observing this list, you can save on future expenses if you purchase high-quality items that are sturdy enough to last the dog’s lifetime. This is better than having to keep repurchasing cheap items that can be easily destroyed by your dog.
Places to Find Cowboy Corgi for Sale and Adoption
When searching for a good source of healthy and quality Cowboy Corgis, always ensure that you only deal with reliable breeders. These breeders can answer all your questions about the dog and can offer health guarantees as well.
Here are some credible sources of Cowboy Corgis that you can check out:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC is the country’s premier organization for breeding purebred dogs, and the breeders posting in its marketplace uphold the breed standards and exercise ethical breeding practices. However, since it focuses on purebreds, you can check with breeders of Australian Cattle Dogs and Corgis if they also have Cowboy Corgis available.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an online advertising source for reputable breeders of purebred and mixed-breed puppies, including Cowboy Corgis. It also ensures a safe and stress-free delivery process for your puppy and that each pup advertised on its site is well-socialized and has a health guarantee.
- Herding Pups – This breeder is located in North Central Alabama, and you can visit them personally or check out their website to have a good look at their litter. They require a $150 deposit to have a puppy reserved, which is deducted from the total price of the puppy once acquired.
It is always a good option to adopt. If you decide that bringing home a Cowboy Corgi from a rescue or shelter is what will work best for you, here are some suggestions:
- East Coast Corgi Rescue ECCR – This rescue is based in Washington, D.C., and is composed of a network of volunteers who want to help rehome Corgis and Corgi mixes, including Cowboy Corgis. Their adoption fees range from $250 to $600 and would depend on age and health status.
- Southeast Corgi Rescue (SECR) – This is a non-profit rescue that caters to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. They also help rehome Cowboy Corgis and other mixes. You can be assured that dogs from SECR are vetted, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
- All Herding Breed Dog Rescue – Based in Illinois, this state-licensed, non-profit organization focuses on rescuing herding breed dogs from high-kill shelters, whether purebred or mixed breeds. Its rescues are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and given heartworm, flea, and tick preventive medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cowboy Corgis Shed?
Both the Cowboy Corgi’s parents are heavy shedders due to their double coats, so this mix is also not suitable for people with extreme allergies.
You should brush them from time to time, especially during the two seasons when they shed the most.
Can a Cowboy Corgi Be Left Alone?
Leaving Cowboy Corgis unattended is a bad idea because they easily get bored, and they may resort to destructive behavior. So if you have a busy lifestyle, you may need to think twice if the Cowboy Corgi fits your lifestyle.
On the other hand, just ask someone to take care of them or bring them to a daycare. You can also subject them to crate training to address their separation anxiety tendencies.
What Are the Two Types of Corgis?
The two types of Corgis are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. They are actually separate breeds, and the main feature that differentiates them from one another is the tail.
Pembrokes do not have one, while Cardigans do. However, both can be used to produce the Cowboy Corgi.
Final Thoughts: Is the Cowboy Corgi Right for You?
Cowboy Corgis have tons of energy, are intelligent, and are also great watchdogs. Owners with active lifestyles will definitely match their boundless outdoorsy energy.
They’ll be glad to keep you company as you jog around your neighborhood or do more extreme activities like hiking.
If you are still unsure if the Cowboy Corgi is the right pet for you, take your time and weigh your options. But if you are ready to bring home one, ensure that you only deal with reputable breeders who can give you the healthiest and the best quality puppies.
Do you think the Cowboy Corgi fits your preferences, lifestyle, and environment? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
