The corgi cattle dog, also called a cowboy corgi, is a hybrid dog that is a mix between the Australian cattle dog and the Pembroke Welsh corgi.

Cowboy corgis are small, cute, and very energetic dogs, and they are perfect for people who love taking long walks with their dogs and who live in an apartment or other small dwelling. They have pleasant personalities along with their energy, and if you’re going to get one, it’s good to learn a little about their personality and temperament first.

What Is a Cowboy Corgi?

Corgi cattle dogs are great dogs to have around, but they are generally not recommended for first-time pet parents. This is because when it comes to things such as grooming and exercising, they require a good bit of work and attention.

First-time owners might find it difficult to do everything they need to do to keep this dog healthy and happy.

Despite their being a little high-maintenance, however, they are dogs that are smart, playful, and a lot of fun to own. They are also quiet dogs that rarely bark, which means that you don’t have to worry about them keeping your neighbors awake at night.

If they do bark, it is almost always because they feel threatened by something or someone. Otherwise, they are quiet dogs.

These corgis rarely get past forty pounds and grow to roughly 13 to 20 inches, so they are indeed very small dogs. They are friendly and playful, so if you live on a farm and have a lot of room for them to run around, they’ll be very grateful. The cowboy corgi lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and they are very loyal to and protective of their owners.

How to Take Care of These Corgis?

Cowboy corgis expend a lot of energy throughout the day and therefore, feeding them dog food that is high in protein and fiber is a must. Your corgi should never be losing weight, but of course, if they start to gain weight, it’s a good idea to adjust their caloric intake and feed them a little less. You should feed them four times a day for the first five months.

Once corgis reach five or six months of age, you can feed them three times per day, but it should be reduced to once or twice a day by the time they reach one year of age.

It’s also important for you to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs, just to make sure that you’re feeding them the best food and feeding them often enough.

Cowboy corgis are easy to train, and social training is a must because corgis have herding instincts and therefore need to start socialization training at a very young age.

Otherwise, they may nip at children and other animals in the home. Just make sure that you use treats and other positive reinforcement so the training is effective and not time-consuming.

Exercise Is a Must

As you’ve likely already grasped, corgis have tons of energy and therefore, they need lots of daily exercise. Not only that, but these are also very smart dogs, so they need constant physical and mental stimulation.

Walking them twice a day is the least they should be exercised, and if you decide to go swimming or hiking, you can take them along and provide even more opportunities for exercise.

In fact, the need for exercise is so great with cowboy corgis that it is recommended you do not get one if you cannot fulfill this very important requirement.

If corgis do not get enough exercise, they will become downright aggressive and maybe even destructive. When they’re not exercising, make sure that you give them plenty of toys so they can stay active as much as possible.

It is also recommended that you have two or three short interactive sessions with them every day, playing fetch with a ball, throwing a Frisbee around, or just rough-housing with them for a few minutes. It is impossible for them to get too much exercise, but too little exercise might change your dog’s behavior and turn them into someone you don’t even recognize.

Where to Find Your Corgi Cattle Dog?

Though not as expensive as Victorian bulldogs or pocket pitbulls, corgi cattle dogs cost from $500 to $1,500. This is not terribly expensive, considering they’re a hybrid dog.

You’ll want to find a reputable cowboy corgi breeder to find one, and if money is tight, you can often find one of these cuties at a local dog shelter. Whatever you do, make sure that the entity you’re buying it from is reputable.

Why is this so important? Because many times, if a corgi cattle dog is purchased from a breeder who doesn’t have the best intentions in mind, you could easily end up with one that has multiple medical problems. Never buy from a “puppy mill” because they usually have bad reputations.

Even when the shelter or breeder is reputable, make sure that you ask them:

• Where does this puppy come from?
• Who were the puppy’s parents?

The more you know about where the puppy comes from, the more likely it is that you’ll get a healthy corgi that will likely live for a very long time. Don’t be shy about asking a lot of questions regarding the dog’s heritage.

You deserve to get honest answers. If you have any hesitations whatsoever, it’s best not to buy from that particular store or breeder.

Do They Have Medical Conditions?

All corgi cattle dogs have at least some inherited medical issues, the most common of which is hip dysplasia. Since both of the breeds they come from — the Australian cattle dog and the Welsh corgi — are prone to hip dysplasia, there’s a likelihood that your corgi will have it, too.

If you are lucky enough to get DNA test results, you’ll be able to tell if the corgi is prone to this condition.

In addition to hip dysplasia, corgis are also prone to the following conditions:

• Progressive retinal atrophy: When the photoreceptors in the dog’s eyes cannot capture light, they can have night blindness, which can eventually lead to complete blindness. This condition can be determined with an optical exam at your vet’s office.
• Deafness: A condition known as congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness, or CHSD, is common in Australian cattle dogs, so it’s very possible it may occur in your corgi as well. It can result in complete deafness if left untreated.
• Intervertebral disk disease: This is commonplace in dogs that have stubby legs and long bodies, but if you make sure that your dog doesn’t become overweight, they are less likely to get it. Overweight dogs are always more likely to get intervertebral disk disease.

You can visit your veterinarian and have them check out the dog and they should be able to tell if the dog has any of these diseases or is likely to get them.

It is not the end of the world if it does happen, but a vet can ascertain the dog’s chances of having any of these problems, which means that you’ll be more prepared for them if they happen.

Physical Characteristics

One thing you should realize before adding a corgi to your family is that these dogs tend to shed quite a bit. They shed a lot on a regular basis, but they also fully shed their undercoats once or twice a year, causing even more dog hair to go everywhere. They are also not hypoallergenic, so if you already suffer from allergies, this is not the dog for you.

Corgis can be many different colors, but most of them get their color from their Australian cattle dog parent.

Because of this, they can be roan, sable, tri-color, or merle when it comes to their coats and their overall coloring. The merle pattern causes them to look like other breeds besides corgis, but they are still a darned cute dog that you’ll fall in love with quickly.

They Require Lots of Grooming

Cowboy corgis have a double coat and therefore lots of hair, so lots of daily brushing is a must. If you own a corgi, plan to brush their coat for a minimum of 20 minutes per day. This is the easiest way to keep in check their shedding, and it’s even better if you use a slick brush.

Baths are no problem because they love water, but you don’t need to bathe them more than once a month.

Other grooming tips include clipping their nails regularly, checking their footpads for dryness, and checking your dog’s teeth and ears every other day. Naturally, you can contact your vet if you have any concerns.

Conclusions

Cowboy corgis, or corgi cattle dogs, are playful, smart, energetic, and loyal. They are not for people who dislike being around active dogs, and in fact they need lots of exercise on a regular basis. They can be high-maintenance when it comes to their care, but they are a fun dog to have around and will enjoy accompanying you on any of your outdoor adventures, especially around water.