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“Cowboy Corgis” are a mix between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog (also known as a Blue heeler or a Queensland heeler). 

Despite common misconception, a cowboy corgi is not a breed of dog.

They are “designer mutts”, similar to American Corgis or Doodles.

Cowboy Corgis are exclusively bred by irresponsible backyard breeders

These breeders use little-to-no forethought when they produce these puppies.

They simply pair their, often poorly bred pets together, and sell the puppies they produce for a side income.

Cowboy Corgi breeders pray on undereducated and uninformed puppy buyers.

By marketing their puppies as an off-brand breed of corgi, they can charge significantly higher prices than calling them what they truly are — mutts.

Most puppy buyers are completely unaware of the careless breeding practices that are used to produce these “Cowboy Corgis”.

Ultimately, it is the puppy buyer and the dog that suffer, since many of these dogs struggle with lifelong behavioral and/or physical health problems.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi x Australian Cattle Dog

While both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog are considered herding breeds, they have significant differences in their physical structures and temperaments.

Mixing those differences creates unpredictable offspring.

Appearance

Physically, The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and The Australian Cattle Dog have very few similarities. Mixing the two means a “Cowboy Corgi” can have any one of the following physical traits.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are low set, strong, and sturdily built.

• Height (to the top of the withers): 10-12 inches
• Weight: Approximately 25-30lbs
• Coat colors: Red, Sable, Fawn, Red-headed Tricolor, and Black-headed Tricolor. (never merle)

Australian Cattle Dog The general appearance of substance, power, and balance.

• Height (to the top of the withers): 17-20 inches
• Weight: Approximately 30-35lbs
• Coat Colors: Blue or Red (Color Variations: Speckled or Mottled)

Temperament

Both breeds are herding breeds. As such, they are known for being vocal, and sometimes bossy.

Per the breed standards:

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an Intelligent, Energetic, Outgoing, and Self-confident Dog. They can sometimes be sensitive in certain situations.

The Australian Cattle Dog is Cautious, Intelligent, Energetic, Loyal, and Protective.

Both being intelligent breeds, it’s not uncommon for them to outsmart their owners on a regular basis.

Because of this, these breeds are typically not good for inexperienced or first time dog owners.

When mixing the energy of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog, “Cowboy Corgis” are known for being overly energetic at times.

Left without an outlet for that energy, they tend to be destructive. Because of this, they do not make good apartment dogs.

“Cowboy Corgis” also tend to be nervy. They can be sensitive and reactive in unfamiliar situations.

Summary

In summary, the two breeds vary greatly, and when mixed together, will produce unpredictable offspring.

Based on the characteristics of the two breeds, we can assume that “Cowboy Corgis” will likely be energetic, loud, bossy, and intelligent.

They will typically range between 10-20″ tall and weigh approximatley 25-35lbs.

They can also come in a wide variety of coat colors.

The Unethical Breeding of Cowboy Corgis

Dog breeding might seem easy.

However, ethical dog breeding requires much more forethought and consideration than simply putting two pets together.

Responsible breeders consider the health, temperament, and structure of the dogs infront of them.

But, they don’t JUST consider the dogs infront of them.

Reputable breeders also examine the pedigrees of each dog.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of both families?

What are we looking to improve upon by breeding these two dogs together?

Responsible breeders use this information to pair the best animals that will improve the breed and carry the best traits forward.

Health Screening

Responsible breeders should also perform health screenings on their breeding dogs to ensure the puppies they are producing are free of congenital/genetic defects.

Typically, the parent club for each breed identifies the health screenings that are recommended for the breed.

Since Cowboy Corgis are a combination of two different breeds, this means they are susceptible to genetic diseases from both breeds and should be screened for such.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Genetic and Health Issues

Australian Cattle Dog Health, Education, and Wellfare

Backyard breeders typically skip OFA Hips and OFA Eye screenings (since those are the most expensive tests).

If a breeder does not perform those screenings, there is a good chance they are a backyard/irresponsible breeder.

Alternative Breeds to a Cowboy Corgi

Instead of purchasing a Cowboy Corgi, consider a responsibly bred purebred dog with similar traits.

Investing in a responsibly bred purebred dog ensures he or she will have predictable characteristics as well as breed specific health screenings.

There are many purebred dogs, produced by ethical preservation breeders, that would be a great alternative to cowboy corgi’s for you and your family to consider.

Responsibly Bred Alternatives to Cowboy Corgis:

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Australian Shepherd
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi

As a puppy buyer, you have the power to support preservation breeders and purebred dogs.

Backyard breeders will have no reason to produce these designer mutts if there is no one willing to buy them.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Corgis are the result of careless breeding practices by irresponsible breeders.

While some Cowboy Corgis do make good companion dogs, most are riddled with behvioral problems and/or health problems.

As a prospective puppy buyer, it is important for you to do your part.

Do not support these backyard breeders and their unethical breeding practices!

Do your due diligence, and find a dog breed that is ethically bred and right for you or your family.