The Auggie dog is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Corgi. An Australian Shepherd, aka an Aussie, is a medium-sized breed with fluffy brown or black hair which naturally grows in a “harlequin” pattern.
A Corgi, on the other hand, is a small English dog which got its name from the Pembroke Welsh variety because of its physical appearance. It’s also known as the “Corpach” in Scotland; this would be pronounced ‘cor-pa’. It’s significant to note that most owners aren’t keen on shortening it to “Corgi Dog” for obvious reasons.
What is an Auggie dog?
- Auggie dogs are a gorgeous variety of Australian Shepherd.
- They possess the same characteristics and temperament as the standard Australian shepherd, but they have a unique eye color that makes them stand out in a crowd.
- The origin of the Auggie dog is still a bit controversial.
- Some people believe they were popularized by designer dog breeders, while others believe they rose to fame because of a Hollywood starlet.
Are Auggies good dogs?
- Auggies are great dogs.
- They are extremely intelligent and highly trainable, which makes them great in a variety of environments.
- They are loyal to their families and will always be by your side.
- Auggies have been known to keep their owners safe from visitors and intruders, protecting the family at all times.
- If you have a fenced yard and the time to exercise them regularly, then an Auggie might be for you.
- Auggies were bred to herd sheep and cattle, and they’re known for their great vision and hearing.
- They are medium-sized dogs that require both physical and mental stimulation.
- They can be territorial and need consistent training to become loyal, obedient companions.
Australian Shepherd History
The Australian Shepherd is not actually from Australia. It was developed in the American west as a herding dog and named by ranchers who wanted people to think the dogs were imported from Australia, so they could charge more for them.
Australian Shepherds have variously been known as the Ovelheiro, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail Shepherd, and New Mexican Shepherd. They are closely associated with the Basque people, who migrated to Australia and then the Americas, searching for work as shepherds. As a result, Australian Shepherds were bred to adapt to harsh environments, to work long days, and be loyal guardians of the flock.
How big will an Auggie get?
They are large dogs, and they have a large appetite to match. As a puppy, an Auggie will eat more than he can handle — sometimes he won’t even finish his meal!
Auggies are typically medium-sized dogs, only growing to about 18-20 inches and weighing between 35-50 pounds. Female Auggies tend to be a bit smaller than males.
Do Auggies make good family pets?
- These dogs require a lot of exercise and love being outdoors.
- Their working heritage means they are high energy, so be prepared for some serious exercise if you decide to bring an Auggie home.
- As with any mixed-breed, the Auggie can inherit traits from either parent or be a mix of both parents.
- It’s important to do your research when considering any dog as a pet.
What Do You Need to Know Before Getting an Australian Shepherd?
Physical Traits
The herding dog’s most notable characteristic is its size. The Australian shepherd is a large dog — much larger than the average dog. Males should weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, while females should weigh between 40 and 60. The males should be taller than the females by 10 inches at the withers (the bone at the base of your dog’s neck). That’s not to say that females can’t be tall; just that it’s not common for them to be.
One of the most notable physical traits of the Australian Shepherd is its unique coat. This breed’s double coat features a thick outer layer of straight, coarse hair and a softer undercoat that comes in many varieties. The undercoat can be wiry or soft, straight or curly, and it’s often denser than the topcoat. The color ranges from red to Merle and is not always clearly marked.
Health
Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to some conditions:
- Hip dysplasia. This condition is a malformation of the hip joint that can lead to lameness or arthritis. Watch for signs of pain or discomfort in your dog’s hips, especially after exercise. Your vet can evaluate your dog’s hips using an X-ray. If your dog does have hip dysplasia, there are treatments available.
- Eye problems. Some Aussies suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness, and other eye diseases like cataracts, which can also lead to blindness. Your vet will check for these during routine eye exams.
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, which means they’re used to working all day long. They have a lot of energy, and they don’t know when to stop working.
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train if they have something to do — they get bored easily. They need intense exercise daily, or they can become destructive.
If you’re not going to be able to give them the exercise they require, then it’s best not to get an Australian Shepherd or any other high-energy dog breed.
Training
One of the most important things you can do for any puppy is to train them. This is especially true for Australian Shepherds. These high-energy pups require some training to ensure that they grow into happy and well-adjusted dogs.
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easily trained. They learn quickly and enjoy training sessions, so it’s essential to keep their lessons positive. Aussies respond well to positive reinforcement and may become depressed if punished. Use gentle corrections, like a “tsk” or a click sound, to mark mistakes and praise good behavior.
Training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home and may include housebreaking, crate training and basic obedience commands like sit and down. Australian Shepherds should also be socialized early — introduce your puppy to new people, places, and other animals, so he learns how to react in new situations.
Lifespan
The Aussie’s lifespan is about 12 to 15 years, which is a pretty good lifespan for a dog. Many Aussies live even longer. In general, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives.
This means that if you get one now, there’s a good chance that it’ll be with you for more than a decade. Most people would agree that this is enough time to make a new friend, and Australian Shepherds are very loyal and friendly dogs.
Conclusion
The Auggie dog is a combination of two well-known and beloved breeds. The Australian Shepherd Club of America describes the Aussie as “a herding dog with an exceptional sense of smell and superior intelligence.”
The Corgi, on the other hand, is a small Welsh breed who, according to the American Kennel Club, is “affectionate, charming, and playful.” With these ingredients in mind, it’s no wonder that the Auggie is one unique dog.
These dogs have lots of energy and are known to learn tricks quickly. They are excellent family pets, but can be easily distracted by other animals or even small children.
