Aussie-Corgi (Australian Shepherd & Corgi Mix): Info, Pictures & More
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Height:
10-13 inches
Weight:
20-30 pounds
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Colors:
Black/white, black/brown, white/brown, gray/black/white
Suitable for:
Active families with older kids, agility, working dog
Temperament:
Smart, loving, energetic
The Aussie-Corgi mix is a hybrid breed that crosses an Australian Shepherd with a Corgi. They are also known as Corgi Aussie and Augies, and they are challenging yet fun to have in your life. Australian Shepherds are known for being smart and hard-working dogs, while the Corgis are traditional herding dogs who need a job but are also playful.
So, if you want a dog who is playful and enjoys working, then this Corgi Australian Shepherd mix may be a great choice. This guide goes over what to expect from this breed to help you find out if it is the right fit for you. Or if you already have an Aussie-Corgi, you’ll learn how to better care for them.
Aussie-Corgi Puppies
If you want a puppy who will remain energetic throughout their life, then the Aussie-Corgi will fit into that category. They enjoy being around people but can sometimes have a difficult time adjusting to other pets in the home. They can be a challenge to train because you have to use the right techniques, or they can become stubborn and obstinate.
Overall, they don’t suffer from too many serious health issues, but it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your vet to watch for common diseases that can affect this breed. In that respect, they have a decent life span and can live for many years if taken care of and provided with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Three Little-Known Facts About the Aussie-Corgi
1. They take after the Corgi and are prone to barking.
Purebred Corgis bark — a lot. This is because they were bred to bark when on a hunt to alert their master. Thus, it can be a difficult task to teach your Aussie-Corgi not to bark at everything that moves. Early and consistent training can help lessen this bad behavior.
2. They can become bored easily.
Both breeds that make up an Aussie-Corgi are known for working and being active. They are smart, so when they don’t have anything to do to occupy their mind and release their energy, they become bored and destructive.
3. They aren’t recommended as a pet for first-time dog owners.
Because of their stubbornness and sometimes challenging ways, they aren’t the ideal dog to get if it’s your first-time training one. If you are intent on getting this breed, then you can always receive help from a trainer, but you will need to stay vigilant and consistent in your training.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Aussie-Corgi 🧠
Once you are around the Aussie-Corgi, you will enjoy their wit and energy if you are an active person. They enjoy being the center of attention, which makes them endearing to visitors and children. They have a stubborn and willful streak and can be vocal at times. However, when they are trained appropriately, they can be well-behaved.
They enjoy being with their family, and they are affectionate and loyal once a bond is formed. They may be shy around strangers in the beginning, but it won’t take long for them to warm up and begin vying for attention.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Aussie-Corgis is a great family dog and is ideal for families with older children. The herding instinct can be prominent in this breed, and they can nip the heels and try to herd the children when outside playing. Older kids can better respond when the Aussie-Corgi decides to “chase” someone around the yard. They are loving toward their family and can form deep bonds with each member.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
This hybrid breed has a difficult time leaving cats alone, as their instincts are to chase a cat whenever they see one meandering through the living room. They also can’t help but run the cat up the tree any time they are both outside. They aren’t mean to other animals, though, and they can be friends with other dogs and enjoy the socialization that having a friend can provide.
Things to Know When Owning an Aussie-Corgi
Owning an Aussie-Corgi has its advantages and disadvantages, so you will want to know how to care for this breed and what attributes may motivate you to get one for yourself.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The high-energy Aussie-Corgi needs a high-quality, small-breed food that contains a good amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to meet their nutritional needs. The more active your dog is, the more calories are required, so adjust food consumption to fit your dog.
When your Aussie-Corgi is a puppy, food that contains DHA is ideal for helping with brain and eye development, and as your dog ages, it’s good to provide food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin to protect their joints. Don’t forget to supply plenty of fresh water throughout the day so your dog can stay hydrated.
Exercise 🐕
Physical and mental activity is a high priority for this breed; when they don’t receive enough exercise, they become bored. They love the outdoors, so going for walks or to the park for them to run and play will keep them happy. If they are left at home by themselves too often, they can become destructive simply because they don’t know what else to do.
Providing puzzle games and teaching them tricks helps with mental stimulation, and they do well with agility and obstacle competitions.
- We reviewed the best clickers for dog training: see our top picks here!
Training 🦮
We’ve mentioned that they are difficult to train if you don’t have the right mindset, especially if you approach it from the wrong perspective. The key is to use plenty of positive reinforcement and to remain firm but fair at all times. They don’t respond well to punishment, and this can make them more stubborn.
Beginning training at a young age is ideal, and this includes socialization. As you socialize your pup, they learn how to interact appropriately with other people and dogs, so this is an important part of getting a well-behaved dog.
Keep training sessions short yet fun, so it is more like playtime. They enjoy learning, and the time spent teaching them will help develop an unbreakable bond between you and your dog.
Grooming ✂️
Their coats are dense and medium-length with a moderate amount of shedding, especially in the spring. Plan to brush your Aussie-Corgi daily to remove loose hair and to keep it healthy, shiny, and free from tangles. You can bathe them every three to four weeks and get them groomed whenever a trim is needed. Don’t forget about trimming their nails, brushing teeth, and ear cleaning, which should be done regularly.
- Related Read: Best Brushes for Corgis
Health and Conditions ❤️
Both breeds that make the Aussie-Corgi are fairly healthy, but they can encounter a few health issues, especially as they get older. Take your dog for regular check-ups to the veterinarian, and if concerns surface, make sure they are assessed before they worsen.
- Obesity
- Back problems
- Urinary stones
- Joint dysplasia
- Deafness
- Other vision issues
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Epilepsy
- Blindness
Male vs. Female
The temperament of your dog can be affected by their sex, especially if they are unneutered or not spayed. If your male Aussie-Corgi is overly dominant and aggressive, you may want to consider getting him neutered to mellow his temper. Females can be territorial and clingy, but it depends on their disposition because not all dogs will act the same, even when from the same litter.
Early training and socialization can help with behavioral issues that are seen by male and female Aussie-Corgis. Also, males will be more muscular and females smaller in size and build. Some people prefer one sex over the other, while some don’t care. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Aussie-Corgis are a great breed for active families with older children, and they make loyal companions for daily walks and visits to the park. To keep your dog happy, they will need plenty of attention and love. In return, they will be affectionate and a bond will be formed.
Training can be difficult but it is not impossible. All it takes is patience and a consistent schedule, especially when their stubborn side decides to show up. Learning about this breed can help you decide whether their general personality fits your lifestyle and expectations, or if you already have an Aussie-Corgi, it should help you care for them easier.
Related Reads:
- German & Australian Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits
- Are Corgis Good Family Dogs? What You Need to Know