The Auggie dog is an attractive mix of two popular breeds that are known for being gentle and affectionate family dogs. That said, it’s not surprising that Auggie dogs are famous among owners looking for companion dogs.
Moreover, the Auggie dog has an unpredictable yet alluring appearance because it inherits an interesting combination of traits from its parents.
If you are curious about this hybrid dog, read through this guide to learn about its origin, size, appearance, and health issues.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 14 – 17 inches |
| Weight: | 35 – 40 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, fawn, red, sable, red or blue merle; with or without markings |
| Temperament: | Smart, protective, energetic, affectionate |
| Suitable for: | Families with children and other dogs; active dog owners; owners looking for watchdogs or herding dogs |
What Is an Auggie Dog?
The Auggie dog, also known as the Aussie Corgi mix, is an eye-catching hybrid produced by mixing an Australian Shepherd with a Welsh Corgi. Aussie Corgis are medium-sized dogs with the traits of a good companion dog, herding dog, and watchdog. They are smart, athletic, and loving people-pleasers.
The Auggie may descend from either the Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi. However, it is more common among the Auggies to have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi parent.
Furthermore, this Australian Shepherd Corgi mix can be produced by either a standard or miniature Australian Shepherd parent. This gives slight variations to this hybrid when it comes to size.
Both parents of the Corgi Aussie mix not only rank high in popularity in the American Kennel Club (AKC) but also among dog owners. That said, it’s easy to see why the Auggie is also popular among designer breeds.
Currently, it is registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Auggie Dog Origin and History
Unsurprisingly, the origin of the very first Auggie is unknown. Nevertheless, its parents have a well-documented origin and history that can shed light on the identity and lineage of this mixed breed.
The Australian Shepherd is a descendant of European herding dogs — the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Border Collie. This breed was refined by the indigenous Basque people during their residence in Australia in the 1800s.
In search of greener pastures, the Basque people went to California, where the Aussie dog first appeared in the United States. The breed later evolved into the modern Aussie Shepherd until it was recognized by AKC in 1993.
On the other hand, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from a native dog breed in Flanders, a place that is now called northern Belgium. It later developed into the modern Pembroke Corgi dog breed in Wales.
The lineage of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is composed of cattle and sheep herders that reestablished the Flemish agrarian culture during the reign of Henry I of Britain.
With the interesting history of the parent breeds of the Aussie Corgi mix, it’s not surprising that this pooch also bears the intelligence, agility, and instinct of both its unique lineages.
Auggie Dog Appearance
The appearance of an Aussie Corgi dog depends on how genetics play out. However, regardless of that, you can expect this pooch to be a beautiful dog that bears telltale signs of its Corgi and Aussie Shepherd origins.
If an Auggie has a dominant Corgi gene, it will have a low-set body, short legs, upright ears, docked tails, and a cheerful expression.
It may also sport a short or long double coat and may include colors such as red, fawn, or black & tan with white markings.
In contrast, if an Aussie Corgi looks a lot like an Australian Shepherd, it will have a solid body with a smooth gait, bobbed tail, and a short or medium outer coat. It may come in tri-color, black, red, blue merle, or red merle.
Aside from these basic characteristics, an Aussie Corgi may also inherit tan points and white coat markings. Likewise, they may also have heterochromia, which is common in red or blue merle Aussie Shepherds.
Auggie Dog Size and Weight
Based on the size and weight of the Australian Shepherd and the Corgi, the Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is expected to stand between 14 and 17 inches tall and weigh 35 to 40 pounds.
The Aussie Corgi is considered a medium-sized dog that reaches its full-grown size around 12 to 16 months old.
The size of the Aussie Corgi also depends on genetics. If born from a toy-sized or mini Aussies or a teacup Corgi parent, an Auggie mix is likely to be smaller than usual.
Nevertheless, whether an Aussie Corgi has standard or mini-sized parents, it is suitable for apartment living, just like its Aussie parent.
Auggie Dog Temperament and Personality
In general, it’s challenging to predict the behavior and personality of the Corgi Australian Shepherd mix. However, since both its parents are friendly and curious dogs, you can expect a similar set of traits from the Auggie.
This mixed breed is an energetic, welcoming, and playful dog. It is also affectionate and patient with small children and other dogs — a trait it inherits from its Australian Shepherd parent.
These traits make the Aussie Corgi a perfect match for an active family or an active, outdoorsy person.
Another quality of the Aussie Corgi is its intelligence and strong herding instinct, which means it can be trained for a specific job from small tasks around the house or watching a herd of cattle or sheep.
Because of this instinct, it is innately protective and can alert you about the presence of strangers. It can also be very vocal, which is a helpful trait if it is a watchdog of a large property.
Watch this video of an excited blue merle Australian Shepherd Corgi mix running around the apartment:
Auggie Dog Lifespan and Health Issues
On average, a Corgi Aussie mix has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, despite its long life, it may encounter some health issues that are genetic or lifestyle related. These health problems may shorten its lifespan.
Some of the health concerns common in Auggie Dogs are listed below:
- Hip Dysplasia: Canine hip dysplasia, which is characterized by a loose attachment of the thigh bone to the pelvis, is common to many breeds, both large and small dogs. Both the Australian Shepherd and Corgi are prone to this condition. Hence, the Aussie Corgi dog is also likely prone to this physical condition.
- Epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a genetic neurological disorder typical in Australian Shepherds that causes random seizures and may be inherited by an Aussie Corgi. While there is still no way to prevent epilepsy, small changes in lifestyle or surroundings can help manage it. In more serious cases, treatment is also available.
- Von Willebrand Disease: The canine Von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder commonly affecting the Corgi breed. It is characterized by a deficiency in a protein that forms platelets. While some carrier dogs may not show signs of this disease, others may experience hemorrhage, bruising, and excessive bleeding.
These health problems can be concerning for any dog owner as they cause discomfort to dogs. While genetic issues are out of your control, regular checkups can detect them early on so you can prepare for treatment.
For most dogs, simple changes in the environment or lifestyle can manage some of these health concerns. For example, keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of hip dysplasia.
How to Take Care of Your Auggie Dog
The Australian Shepherd Corgi mix needs quality care to meet its needs and get the best quality of life possible. As with any dog, an Auggie needs a balanced diet, proper hygiene, and regular exercise and training.
Read along to learn more about taking care of an Auggie dog.
Food and Diet
An Australian Shepherd Corgi mix needs to eat nutritious dog food daily. Depending on physical activity and size, its daily caloric needs should consist of a proper portion of carbs, protein, and fat.
On average, an adult Corgi Aussie mix needs 2 ¾ to 3 ¾ cups of dog food every day. But if your pooch is a working dog or has a very active lifestyle, it may consume up to 5 cups of dog food daily.
Also, since the size of an Aussie Corgi may vary, the recommended food quantity for this mix differs with every dog.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Corgi Australian Shepherd mix is a heavy shedder like its parents. Its coat may range from short to medium double coat that needs regular and proper upkeep to stay manageable.
While this mix doesn’t need frequent visits to a professional groomer, it needs routine maintenance to keep the coat neat. Daily brushing is required to reduce shedding and avoid matting.
Trimming the hair on the body, face, legs, and ears is also recommended. However, it’s best to avoid shaving the coat since it exposes the dog’s skin to harmful radiation from the sun.
Aside from the coat, the nails also need trimming from time to time. Cleaning your dog’s eyes with a wet cotton ball and ears with a damp cloth should also be part of their routine maintenance at least once a month.
Training and Exercise
For smart dogs, daily training with mental stimulation is required. An Australian Shepherd crossed with Corgi makes a suitable working dog as it enjoys learning small chores or dog puzzles during training.
If it takes on the Aussie’s energy and barking level, strict obedience training may be needed. Meanwhile, if you notice that your dog does not do well being alone, crate training helps them adapt more quickly.
In terms of exercise, an Aussie Corgi is not a couch potato and needs daily physical activity for at least an hour. This outdoorsy, agile dog may enjoy running in a wide open space or playing fetch like its Aussie parent.
Because it has training and exercise needs, an Aussie Corgi mix may be challenging for busy or first-time dog owners. Hence, it’s important to think about taking care of this mix before bringing home one.
How Much Does an Auggie Dog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
If you are planning to have an Auggie dog for a pet, puppies from reputable breeders cost between $800 and $1,200. But for Auggie dogs with rare qualities, expect to pay more.
Aside from the actual cost of an Auggie puppy, you also need to prepare for the initial expenses of owning an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix.
A summary of the costs is found in the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
This breakdown of initial expenses is for a medium-sized dog and provides a good estimate of the amount of money that you need to prepare when taking home an Auggie dog.
But one way to save money is by getting pet insurance to cover routine and emergency visits to the veterinarian.
Places to Find Auggie Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you have decided to buy a Corgi Aussie mix, the next thing to do is choose where to get one. Commonly, the first choice among dog owners is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder that conducts health testing.
Here is a list of reputable breeders where you can find a Corgi Aussie mix puppy for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace has a list of reputable breeders for both the Corgi and Aussie across the United States. These breeders are distinguished for their quality breeding practices and have puppies with Champion bloodlines. Reach out to them to see if they have an Australian Shepherd Corgi mix.
- Good Dog – Good Dog is an online site where quality breeders list their available puppies for sale. These breeders are assessed for their breeding practices, which ensures that the health and behavior of the puppies are prioritized. You may find Australian Shepherd mixes, such as the Corgi Australian Shepherd mix, on their website.
- Puppy Spot – This marketplace is another reliable option to look for breeders since they check every member of their database through an annual screening process. To ensure the health of your dog, Puppy Spot offers a 10-year health commitment to all their puppies. This assures you that your Auggie puppy has a clean bill of health.
Aside from buying puppies, adoption is also a good option to get an Auggie dog. Here is a list of rescues and shelters where you can find Aussie Corgi mixes for adoption:
- Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) – This national rescue for Australian Shepherds is a good option for owners looking to adopt. Their dogs are altered and screened by a vet before being declared ready for adoption. You can check their website and see if they have available Auggies for adoption.
- Sunshine Corgi Rescue (SCR) – This rescue network for Corgis and Corgi mixes provides their dogs with health testing, vaccination, and microchip. They also assess the dog’s behavior while in foster homes before they are cleared for adoption. You can try looking for an Aussie Corgi mix in their listings.
- PuppyFinder – Puppy Finder is a platform that lists purebred or hybrid adoptable puppies from verified dog rescue organizations or individuals looking to rehome their dogs. Check their website to see if an adoptable Aussie Corgis is available near you.
If none of these suggestions works out, you can also search social networking sites such as Instagram and Facebook for reputable breeders.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Auggie Dog
To help you decide if an Auggie dog is the right match for you, read this section, where the pros and cons of owning an Aussie Corgi mix are discussed.
To start, here are the advantages of having an Auggie as a pet:
- Trainable companion: The Auggie is an intelligent dog that is easy to train. For dog owners who love the outdoors, this means you can spend quality time with your trained dog without too much effort or preparation. You can play fetch, frisbee, chase, or simply go jogging with the Auggie mix.
- Great family dog: A Corgi Aussie mix is a great family dog because of its affectionate and friendly nature with young children and other pets. It is not aggressive so long as it is treated kindly and with respect. Since it is also protective, it doubles as a watchdog for the family.
- Suitable in apartments: With the size of a Corgi Aussie mix, this dog is suitable to live in apartments as long as it also spends enough time outdoors for exercise. However, like the Australian Shepherd, this mix cannot live outside as it tends to feel lonely or bored.
Meanwhile, the following are some of the cons of owning an Auggie:
- Not hypoallergenic: An Aussie Corgi mix is a heavy shedder like its parents and, therefore, not hypoallergenic. It has a short to medium double coat that may cause irritation in allergy sufferers.
- High demand for training: Because an Auggie is a smart dog, its training should include exercises that stimulate the brain to keep it happy and satisfied. Otherwise, this dog may grow bored and resort to habits like digging, scratching, or chewing household items.
- High grooming maintenance: The high-shedding coat of an Auggie requires daily brushing, which may be difficult to maintain for busy dog owners. Also, it may need more frequent bathing than other mixed-breed dogs if it spends a lot of time outdoors.
Obviously, these disadvantages are only applicable to some dog owners who have specific preferences. Only you can determine if an Aussie Corgi is the right mixed-breed dog for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aussie Corgis Good Dogs?
Yes, Aussie Corgis are good and friendly dogs. Both its parent breeds are well-behaved and not aggressive toward other animals. As with any other dog, this mix will be hostile when placed in dangerous situations.
During training, it’s also important to conduct positive reinforcement to prevent offensive behavior from Aussie Corgis, such as biting, which it may inherit from the Australian Shepherd.
Are Auggie Dogs Good With Kids?
Yes, the Auggie dog is great around kids, similar to the Corgi or Aussie. This family dog is affectionate and patient with children. Although it has strong herding instincts, it can easily be corrected with training.
However, it’s still better to supervise kids when interacting with any dog.
Do Auggie Dogs Shed a Lot?
Since both its parents are known shedders, at the least, the Auggie dog may also shed moderately year-round, but its double coat sheds more heavily during spring and fall and requires high grooming maintenance.
Are Auggie Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No, the Auggie cannot be considered hypoallergenic since it is a moderate to heavy shedder. Therefore, it is not the best crossbreed to have for dog owners with allergies.
Fortunately, daily brushing of its coat can be done to reduce the amount of shedding.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Australian Shepherd Corgi mixes or Auggie dogs are hard-working dogs that have the qualities of a good family dog, such as intelligence, affection, playfulness, and a protective instinct.
Because of these desirable characteristics, Aussie Corgis are great dogs for active dog owners, families with young kids and other pets, or even dog owners living on a farm.
However, because an Aussie Corgi needs early training and requires daily routine maintenance for its thick coat, a busy or first-time owner may find it challenging to meet its needs.
Nevertheless, this mixed breed is easy to train and can even take on some tasks at home. The time that you’ll invest while at their young age is a small price to pay to have this well-rounded dog as your newest family member.
Are you bringing home this mixed-breed dog soon? Share your thoughts about the Auggie Dog in the comments below!
