The Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is a rare designer breed, created by breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. to create a medium-sized dog with high activity levels and a fondness for people.
These two breeds come from opposite sides of the world. Still, they unite wonderfully to create a fun-loving, energetic, intelligent breed that is excellent with people and other pets. They would be an excellent addition to an active family unit.
Image credit: boba.bella.bae
We know very little about the Corgi Australian Shepherd mix. Still, we know plenty about their parent breeds – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Shepherd. This article will explore their histories, popularity, and more to help you better understand the Shepherd Corgi.
Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 15–50 pounds |
| Height: | 10–13 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Brown, black, merle, white, red or a combination thereof. |
| Temperament: | Friendly, loving, energetic, active, intelligent, loyal. |
| Suitable for: | Active families with or without children, single individuals, Not suitable for the elderly or those with sedentary lifestyles, or those who live in apartments. |
What Does a Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Look Like?
The Shepherd Corgi will borrow its looks from both parent breeds as a designer breed. However, their actual physical appearance can be challenging to predict.
Most likely, your Shepherd Corgi will have the upright ears of the Pembroke Welsh, along with much shorter legs and a long body, just like the Corgi. Its coat type, coat colors, eyes, and face will likely resemble the Australian Shepherd.
Photo: Instagram
Australian Shepherds typically have a double coat and two eyes of different colors – blue and brown are a typical combination. They also have tapered muzzles, likely in any Australian Shepherd and Corgi mix.
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The History of the Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix
As a designer breed, the detailed history of the Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is a bit of a mystery. As with most mixed-breed dogs, tracking their breeding history or when they were created can be difficult.
Some are the result of accidental breeding, and others are experimentation by breeders. We know that the Corgi and Australian Shepherd both have histories as herding dogs and have friendly, gentle personalities that add to their appeal as a mix breed and individual breed popularity.
The History of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, despite having that name, is not Australian. Basque shepherds from Spain initially brought them to Australia when they settled in North Queensland in the first quarter of the 20th century.
From there, the Australian Shepherd was exported to the United States in the mid-20th century. The breed was further developed in California during that period, likely bred by colliding collies from Australia and New Zealand with American hunting dogs.
Their body shape made for a quick and spritely breed with boundless energy that, even if not herding, loved to run.
Despite the misnomer, the Australian Shepherd has maintained its namesake and is today one of America’s most popular herding dogs. America doesn’t have many native breeds, but the modern Australian Shepherd could be considered one.
How Popular Are Australian Shepherds?
A mainstay on mid-western farms since its arrival in the United States, the Australian Shepherd is loved for its energetic nature and strong herding instinct.
According to the American Kennel Club’s annual rankings, the Australian Shepherd was the 12th most popular dog in the United States in 2021.
Who Are Australian Shepherds a Good Dog For?
Given their high energy levels and need for intense exercise, the Australian Shepherd is undoubtedly a dog for only particular groups of people.
The Aussie will be one delighted dog if you have a house and yard, even a fenced yard. Likewise, if you have a farm and intend to use the Aussie breed for its purpose, then it would love to do nothing else all day but run and nip the heels of cattle.
Due to their exercise requirements, Australian Shepherds aren’t well-suited for the elderly or those living in apartments.
How Did Australian Shepherds Come About?
Australian Shepherds are thought to have been brought to Australia by the Basque, who settled in Queensland in the 1920s and 1930s. They were then exported to the United States, where they were crossed with American collies – but maintained their name – to create the modern Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherds are one of America’s most famous ‘working dog’ breeds.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Australian Shepherd?
The original crossbreeding of the Australian Shepherd took place in the mid-19th century when Australian Shepherds that had been exported from Australia were crossed with collies and various other dogs to create the modern Australian Shepherd.
Modern crossbreeding of dogs began in the 1990s and early 2000s, and it would be no surprise if the Australian Shepherd had been crossbred during that period. There are a few popular crosses of the Australian Shepherd. These include:
- Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix (Aussiedoodle)
- Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix (Aussie Retriever)
- Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix (Aussie Pit)
- Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix (Texas Heeler)
- Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix (Sheagle)
The History of the Corgi
The Corgi is yet another dog with a herding background. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first brought to Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1107 A.D., by Flemish weavers who relocated there from modern-day Belgium. Using primarily as a cattle herding dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi also needs plenty of exercise, like their Australian counterpart.
You may also have heard of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi – a Corgi breed derived from the original Pembroke Welsh Corgi – they were even classified together until 1925. In 1925, the Cardigan was finally recognized as a separate breed, as it was developed in the Cardigan region of Wales and had distinct physical differences from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
However, this article will cover Pembroke Welsh, the most popular Corgi breed.
How Popular Are Corgis?
Like the Australian Shepherd, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the most popular breeds in the United States. Despite their late introduction in the American canine landscape, being recognized as an AKC breed in 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become a great companion pet.
Bred with a herding background despite its size, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are now almost exclusively companion dogs.
In 2021, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi ranked as the 11th most popular breed in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Corgis a Good Dog For?
Given their popularity, it’s not a stretch to think that Corgis are excellent dogs for everyone! And while there is some truth to that, those who adopt or purchase Corgis must be aware that they can be energetic and spry and require moderate exercise.
Corgis make lovely family pets, so if you’re looking for an active, mild-mannered family dog, the Corgi may be your ticket.
How Did Corgis Come About?
Corgis were first brought to Wales by Flemish weavers, dating back to 1107 A.D. when they were used for herding purposes by the new arrivals to the Welsh countryside.
Until 1925, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis were registered as a single breed, despite the Cardigan being developed in the Cardigan region of Wales and having distinct physical differences between it and the Pembroke.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Corgi?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a prevalent breed among those who crossbreed dogs – known for their natural herding instinct and friendly and pleasant personality. The Pembroke Welsh has doubtlessly been crossbred throughout the years.
Unfortunately, before the 1990s and early 2000s, very little is known about crossbreeding dogs in the United States, but the Corgi was likely crossbred pre-1990 when crossbreeding gained tremendous popularity.
There are lots of different popular crossbreeds of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These include the Corgski (Corgi/Siberian Husky), Dorgi (Dachshund/Corgi), Corman Shepherd (Corgi German Shepherd Mix), and of course, the most popular – the Auggie.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the essential parts of preparing to own a dog is ensuring that you are the right person/people to own one.
Ask yourself what you’re looking for in a dog. Ask yourself whether you can handle the responsibility that comes along with it. Finally, ask whether the dog you and your family desire fits your household well.
One of the worst things that can happen to dogs is that they are re-homed, often after spending weeks, months, or years, in shelters or unhappy homes – only to find a ‘forever home,’ only for it not to be a forever home after all.
Research your prospective dog’s temperament well. If they’re an active, excitable breed – like the Aussie Corgi – make sure you can handle that excitability and energy. Make sure you have the necessary land and space to give your dog a healthy amount of exercise and feed them well – all of this increases their life’s happiness and life expectancy.
But before you go through the process of getting a dog, you want to ensure that you’re the right person for that dog and that the dog will be happy in your home.
What is the Temperament of the Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix?
The Aussie Corgi is a very even-tempered dog. The Australian Shepherd’s boundless energy is tempered well by the Corgi’s more relaxed demeanor. You can expect your Auggie to be nearly attached at your hip for the first few months of its life, and despite being on the smaller side, it does have a protective streak.
Its Corgi parent can be thanked for its effervescent friendliness with almost anyone, including other people and their pets. Great for meeting new people but not so good for establishing boundaries.
If you notice your Auggie being too overzealous, employ some training techniques to help them understand their boundaries.
Is The Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Friendly?
Yes! The Corgi Australian Shepherd is an amiable dog, which is why it’s so popular!
Is The Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Easy to Train?
You may expect your Corgi Australian Shepherd mix to be challenging to train, given its vibrant energy – and while this may be true initially, the Australian Corgi may also surprise you.
Training is always beneficial to a brand-new puppy and should be done with positive reinforcement techniques rather than harsh admonishment.
How Much Can A Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is between 12 – 15 pounds.
How Tall Can A Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Get?
The average height of a Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is between 10 and 13 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Corgi Australian Shepherd. These include the Jack Russell Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier, and the Schipperke.
Does the Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Shed?
Being that your Corgi Australian Shepherd will likely inherit an Aussie coat – that being double coated, you can expect your Corgi Australian Shepherd mix to shed moderately year-round.
Although you should also anticipate a ‘blowing’ of their coat twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall, as they prepare for summer and winter.
These coat types will require coat grooming once a week and other kinds of coat maintenance, including oiling and frequent washing.
How Much Exercise Does A Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Require?
Being from active parents, you can anticipate that your Auggie will require a great deal of exercise. If you live on a farm or with a house & yard and want to give your Corgi Australian Shepherd the best life – consider fencing the yard and letting your Auggie run freely!
If you can’t have a fenced yard, make sure you walk your Auggie religiously – once a day for about 45 minutes. Lots of exercise will significantly increase their life expectancy and overall health.
How Long Can a Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Have?
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (eye condition)
- Cataracts (eye condition)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (blood clotting disorder)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (back and spinal cord issues)
- Epilepsy (neurological disorder)
- Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (spinal cord disease)
How Can You Find a Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy For Sale?
It’s worth noting that purchasing a mixed-breed puppy shouldn’t necessarily be your first choice. Instead, consider adoption as your first option!
Thousands of dogs are languishing in kennels across the United States and are looking for great homes to go to. Adoption is a much cheaper option than breeders, often costing only a few hundred dollars, sometimes less.
You can check out your local vet clinic or animal shelter to find your own Auggie to adopt! However, if in-person options fail, consider giving AdoptAPet.com a try – the site allows you to search your local area for your desired breed.
How Much Does a Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy Cost?
Before you consider purchasing a Corgi Australian Shepherd mix puppy for sale – know that one could cost upwards of $1000 from a reputable breeder. You can pay much less than $1000 for a Corgi Australian Shepherd, but beware of puppy mills!
Check out our article to learn more about the differences between buying from reputable breeders versus puppy mills.
Is the Corgi Australian Shepherd Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you are looking for a spunky, active, energetic companion that’ll run you ragged and simultaneously shower you with love, consider adopting or purchasing a Corgi Australian Shepherd mix!
However, if you’ve already decided after reading our article that the Corgi Australian Shepherd isn’t for you – no judgment here, maybe you’re not in the right place for such a dog – consider reading our other mixed breed guides to see if there is one that would be more suitable.