Looking for a super active dog, cowboy corgi can just be the one for you.
Cowboy corgi is a designer breed developed by crossbreeding Pembroke Welsh Corgi with Queensland Heeler. They are highly energetic, loyal, and intelligent dogs.
They have the traits of herding as both the parent breeds are shepherd dogs. Being a crossbreed, they are not recognized by any major kennel club including AKC.
Cowboy corgi at a glance
| Size | 13 – 20 inches |
| Weight | 26 – 38 lbs |
| Temperament | Highly energetic and loyal |
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| Price | $800 to $1,200 |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| Popularity | Low |
| Grooming | Low |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Cowboy Corgi Appearance
Cowboy Corgis are in between the size of Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Queensland Heeler.
Like corgis, they have a long barrel-shaped body with upright pointy ears. Eyes can be brown or blue in color.
They have a short dense double coat which is mostly between fawn and white. They shed regularly on average but will shed heavily once or a couple of times a year when their inner coat blows out.
A cowboy corgi can grow to a height of 13 – 20 inches and weigh approximately 26 to 38 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.
The temperament of Cowboy Corgi
Exercise and energy requirements of Cowboy Corgi
They are highly energetic just like any other herding dogs. They need lots of exercise and playtime for both physical and mental stimulation. Just think about them like dogs on steroids (not literally.. 🙂 ).
If they don’t get enough exercise, they may get bored and think of something by themselves which could be destructive to humans.
Though small in size, you should still not keep them in an apartment. If you do stay in an apartment, ensure you are giving your dog enough opportunities to play and run outside and vent out his energy.
They are up for any challenges related to physical activity. So if you want to go for a hike, do jogging, or want to play in a park, you would find a perfect partner in them.
Intelligence and Training
These dogs are quite intelligent but due to their independent thinking, they can be obstinate as well.
They would easily learn the training commands with their intelligence but making them follow may prove difficult. Firm and consistent training will help here.
Loyal Family Dogs
They are highly loyal dogs who can act aggressively if they perceive someone as a threat. Early socialization is good to keep this in check.
They would bark and alarm when they get threatened by seeing a stranger.
They are a good family companion dog for active families. They will gel well with children given they have early socialization and training. Young children should also respect the dog.
Their herding instinct remains which means they will try to chase smaller animals like a squirrel. They may also nip the smaller children to drive them.
Training may help them to control this behavior but still, if a squirrel runs near them, they will most likely chase it as their recall is high.
Care required
Nutrition:
You should give high-quality dog food that is light in calories as they are prone to get overweight. Take the advice of the vet who may advise based on the age, size, and activity level of the dog.
We would recommend – Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food
Grooming:
As both Corgi and Australian Queensland heelers have a double-coat and shed heavily, they also shed heavily.
He is not the dog for the folks who are allergic. Daily brushing is recommended for them. As their coat is short, you can use a brush glove for the same. This would also help to increase the bonding between you and him.
We recommend HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves for them.
Weekly once vacuum is also recommended to ensure you don’t see his fur lying here and there.
Exercise:
They come from the pedigree of herding dogs and hence they are indeed very active. These dogs would require a couple of walks every day. They are not for folks who love to be idle on the couch.
If he is not given enough mental and physical stimulation, he may get bored and may find creative ways which could be destructive. Lesser than recommended exercise may also result in him becoming obese.
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Training:
He is quite an intelligent dog who would learn training commands quickly but he is independent as well and it would not be easy to make him follow. Early firm and consistent training would be required.
Health
They are generally healthy dogs but may become prone to the health issues of Corgi or the Queensland Heeler. Keep a watch below.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This may cause the dog to first become night blind and slowly lead to day blindness.
- Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic disease in which the hip and thigh bones don’t fit properly.
- Deafness. This is a genetic disease prone to Queensland Heeler and the dog may be prone to it if Queensland Heeler genes are more dominant.
- Slipped disc. Corgis are dogs with long bodies and this is passed to them genetically. This makes them prone to rupture in the spinal disc.
Where to find a cowboy corgi puppy?
As this is a crossbreed, it would be difficult to find a reputable breeder for them. Instead, you can look at the rescue centers. You should first start with a corgi rescuer.
If you do get your heart out for a cowboy corgi puppy at a breeder, do check out his lineage. Check the area for cleanliness and lightning where puppies are kept.
Talk to past owners who have got puppies to form the breeder. Also, look for medical records to reduce any defects of genetic defects or diseases.
Parent Breeds
Here are the parent breeds
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a shepherd dog originally bred in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They have a short height and long body. They are known for their energy, intelligence, and being obstinate at times. Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle, sheep, and horses.
Pembroke Corgis have a double coat that can be red, sable, black, tri-colored, or fawn, usually with white markings. They shed a lot two times a year when their inner coat blows out. Corgis are also prone to overeating.
They can grow to a height of 10 and 12 inches and weigh approximately 28 pounds. The average lifespan of Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 12 to 15 years.
Queensland Heeler
Queensland heeler is a herding dog bred in Australia and known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energy. They used to drive the cattle by nipping at the heels while being athletic enough to be safe.
Queensland heeler or Australian cattle dogs are short-coated medium-sized dogs. They are highly loyal and would always tend to stay close to their owner. This is why they are also known as Velcro dogs.
They are born in white color which later changes to blue-gray or red color.
Queensland heeler has a double coat and can grow to a height of 18 to 20 inches and weigh approximately 30 to 50 pounds. Their average life span is around 12 to 15 years.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quite Intelligent | Sheds a lot |
| Highly loyal | Require a lot of exercises |
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