Is the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix a good family dog?

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Built from solid herding stock, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is the perfect pet for farmers and energetic families.

Also named the Aussie Corgi, Corgherd, and Auggie (sometimes spelled as Augie), this is one hybrid you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to see what makes this fido so special!

History of the Corgi Aussie cross

As with many designer dogs, the Auggie’s origin story is largely unwritten. It seems likely that they may have been around for a while before intentional breeding started. There’s no way to know for sure, though.

Today, Aussie Corgis aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Still, associations for crossbreeds like the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) do acknowledge them.

However, we can get to know this mixed breed better by meeting its parents.

Australian Shepherds: a rancher’s dream dog

Australian Shepherds, or Aussies for short, got their start herding near the Pyrenees Mountains. They migrated to Australia with their owners, and later to the United States.

It was here in the Old West that Aussies solidified their place as outstanding cattle and sheepherders.

It’s also where the Miniature Australian Shepherd came to be. Smaller Aussie Shepherds were selectively bred to create a more compact herding dog, which is now called Miniature American Shepherd.

Both standard and Mini Australian Shepherds continue working America’s farmlands to this day. What’s more, they’re impressive to see in competitions.

From obedience to agility, Australian Shepherds never cease to amaze!

Meet the adorable Corgi

Corgis are rugged herding dogs, dating back at least 1000 years. Some historians hold that Corgis were first brought to Wales as long ago as 1200 BC! 

Did you know that there are two distinct Corgi breeds? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi used to be classified as one breed, but this changed in the 1930s.

The main difference between these two varieties is their appearance. (Cardigans have rounder ears and longer tails.) Most often, Pembrokes are used to create the Corgherd, but either Corgi breeds could parent an Auggie pup.

What does an Auggie dog look like?

You’ll notice that many Australian Shepherd Corgi mix dogs are built like Corgis with an Aussie coat.

Their fur is almost always two or more colors, but you’ll frequently see tri-color Auggies in combinations of white, black, tan, brown, or merle.

Corgherds have thick, medium to long double coats that drapes over their long bodies and short legs. Think of this hybrid as a fuzzy, cuddly bread loaf.

To make them even cuter, Aussie Corgis tend to have pointed, triangular ears. They’re either standing upright or folded over. And their eyes may be blue, brown, or both.

You can find Auggies with long tails, bobtails, or no tail at all. But regardless of your Aussie Corgi’s markings and physical traits, this pooch is certainly a head-turner!

How big will an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix get?

The Corgi Australian Shepherd mix classifies as a toy-to-small-sized dog. Full-grown Australian Shepherd Corgis can reach a height of 10-13 inches (25-33 cm) and can weigh between 20 to 30 pounds (9-14 kg).

Pups from a Standard Aussie could be on the bigger side, while pups from a Miniature Australian Shepherd will be more petite. Though they’re small, they can’t tolerate tiny houses or apartments.

Given a choice, they’d pick a spacious home with room to run. If you don’t have the luxury of wide-open spaces, you’ll need to be that much more diligent about exercising this hyper breed.

Temperament: What can you expect from the Aussie Corgi?

With Australian Shepherd and Corgi genes, the Corgherd is both spunky and determined. Their personalities are perfect for veteran dog lovers who can strike a balance between freedom and firmness.

Herders at heart, Auggies are bred to work. They’re intelligent, energetic, and full of fun.

Notice how Norbert, an entertaining and precious Aussie Corgi puppy, shows signs of curiosity and confidence.

In addition to being a dynamic pack member, Augies make fantastic watchdogs.

Think about it: herding dogs need to alert their humans of potential predators, right? So it only makes sense that your Aussie Corgi mix wants to protect you, too. Rest assured that your naturally-aloof Corgherd will bark at the first sign of danger.

The barking may be too much because they don’t always know when to turn off those herding instincts. Focus early training efforts on stamping out these potential problems for a well-rounded, family-friendly Auggie.

This is especially important for larger packs. Smaller housepets and toddlers are the most likely targets for inappropriate herding. And we don’t need to tell you how little they’ll appreciate being corralled against their will.

It’s also wise to teach your children how to respond if your fido forgets his manners. Training your Auggie should be a family effort, so this crossbreed may not be the best for homes with younger kiddos.

With the right structure, the Australian Shepherd Corgi mix is an excellent canine companion. They do require regular attention, though. This not only keeps them sharp training-wise, but it also strengthens your bond.

If you have the time and knowledge to put the Auggie’s smarts and sass to good use, this may be the dog for you!

Caring for your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix

Aussie Corgis aren’t exactly high maintenance, but they do require a little primping. So how much time will you spend taking care of this pup? Keep reading to see what’s in store!

Grooming your Auggie dog

Corgherds are NOT hypoallergenic. They’re shedding machines that require brushing several times a week, if not daily.

But beware! Bathing the Aussie Corgi too frequently can damage their coat, as can shaving them.

To keep loose fur from piling up, give your pup a waterless bath with a dry shampoo to avoid drying their fur or take them to a doggy spa for some professional pampering.

Of course, you don’t want to forget their nails, ears, and eyes.

Trimming Fido’s claws once every few weeks is usually sufficient, but you should check their ears and eyes every day. Remove any gunk with a clean cloth or a wipe, and alert your vet if you notice signs of irritation or infection.

Choosing the best dog food for your Aussie Corgi

Purebred Corgis eat ¾ to 1.5 cups of food a day, while purebred Aussies can scarf down up to 4 cups. Your Corgi Australian Shepherd mix will likely fall somewhere in the middle of that range.

Auggies are notorious for being bottomless pits. They adore food and are prone to overeating. 

Excessive weight gain can damage the Aussie Corgi’s short legs and long back. To keep them healthy, make sure that your canine’s daily calorie intake aligns with his age, size, and activity level. Slow feeders can help, too.

We should also mention that food allergies aren’t unheard of in this hybrid. If your Auggie shows signs of a sensitive stomach or allergic reaction, you may have to change his dog food to grain-free, chicken-free, or talk to your vet about how best to adjust his diet.

Exercise: how much do Auggies need?

Australian Shepherd Corgi mixes are smart and highly active. They’ll go completely stir crazy without 2 hours of daily exercise.

This doesn’t mean your Corgherd needs to run for 2 hours straight! You want to be careful not to put too much stress on their spine or legs.

Break up your fur buddy’s activity into 2 to 3 high-intensity sessions. Mix it up with a game of fetch, a trip to the park, or even a swim.

Most Aussie Corgis thrive in moderate weather, so take precautions if you live in warmer or cooler climates. Avoid overheating by walking your Auggie in the mornings and evenings.

Look for paw wax and cozy sweaters to keep your doggo comfortable when it’s cold out.

How long does the Australian Corgi live?

Auggie dogs are one of the healthiest crossbreeds who enjoys an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Staying ahead of any potential health issues is key to helping Fido reach that 15-year mark, though.

Be on the lookout for eye conditions, like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hip dysplasia and spinal problems are concerns, as well.

Australian Shepherd Corgi mixes may also be at risk for deafness, multidrug sensitivity, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Some of these conditions can be quite serious. Make sure your Corgherd comes from healthy parents, and consider seeking a vet with experience treating Aussies, Corgis, and their offspring.

How much does an Aussie Corgi mix cost?

As designer breeds go, Australian Corgis are pretty affordable! Most Auggie dogs are in the $800-$1200 price range. Given the popularity of this hybrid’s parent breeds, we might consider this a steal.

Remember that costs can still go up or down, depending on the breeder’s location and the kennel’s popularity, as well as the parent’s bloodline and puppies’ availability.

Equip yourself with comprehensive research and important questions to make sure you’re buying your Australian Shepherd Corgi mix from a reputable breeder.

Most responsible puppy sellers even offer that you set up an appointment to visit the pup and meet its parents and littermates. While you’re there, request to see the dogs’ medical records to ensure that proper breeding practices are followed and that all of them are healthy.

Choosing a reputable Australian Shepherd Corgi mix breeder

You’ll be pleased to know that finding well-loved Auggie puppies for sale isn’t difficult.

A unique feature of Auggie breeders is that they don’t always breed Auggies exclusively. You’ll notice that those with Aussie Corgi pups also breed purebred Corgis or Mini Aussies.

They may have litters of each variety at different times throughout the year. It’s worth giving them a call to clarify when or if they’re expecting a hybrid litter anytime soon.

To save you time, we’ve gathered a few potential Auggie breeders for you to check out:

• 3L Augie Puppies (Missouri)
• TNT Custom Corgis (Pipestem, WV)

Finding an Auggie for adoption

Rescuing an Aussie Corgi is a great way to save some cash and give a needy animal a loving home. It’s a win-win!

Local shelters and even vets’ offices are good places to start your search. Waiting on an Auggie to pass through your county animal rescue isn’t very efficient, though.

Take a look at breed-specific adoption organizations, as well. They’ll often foster hybrids, so you may have more luck going that route.

Here are some Aussie and Corgi rescues to help start your search:

• Aussie and Me Animal Rescue (Sarasota, FL)
• Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline (St. George, UT)
• Queen’s Best Stumpy Dog Rescue (North Hollywood, CA)

More dazzling Corgi and Aussie mixes!

There are tons of fantastic designer dogs out there, and the Auggie is only one of them. Here are other Australian Shepherd mixes and Corgi crosses to consider:

• Australian Shepherd Lab mix (Aussiedor)
• Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix (Australian Retriever)
• Corgi Siberian Husky mix (Horgi)
• Corgi German Shepherd mix (Corman Shepherd)

Will an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix join your pack?

Auggies don’t care if they’re darting back and forth across the backyard or rounding up your cattle. Aussie Corgis live for work and excitement, in that order.

This passionate determination is what makes the Auggie better suited for experienced owners and families with older children. A confident canine needs a confident leader, after all.

What are your thoughts on the exuberant Australian Shepherd Corgi mix? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.