The Auggie is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Corgi, and typically, the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Friendly, energetic, and playful, these mixed breed herding dogs make great companions for the whole family.
Auggie is sometimes spelled as Augi, Auggi, or Augie, and sometimes they’re known as Aussie-Corgi. Despite their status as a “designer dog,” you may find Auggies at general dog shelters or rescues. Adopt! Don’t shop!
These affectionate, curious, frisky pups would do best with a family who can give them both the attention and the play they crave. They do very well with people of all ages, as well as other pets, so they’d fit right in with most families or even single owners as long as they get enough attention.
Apartments would be more challenging homes for them, because of their high energy level, so a house with a backyard would be a better fit. Although their truest sense of purpose is to herd, Auggies are also wonderful companion dogs and quick to alert of any danger or change in environment.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:10 to 13 inchesWeight:20 to 30 poundsLife Span:12 to 15 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Auggies are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Corgi or Australian Shepherd parents.
- Auggies are often tri-colored, but they can also have just two colors or even one. Their coats are typically a combination of black, tan, brown, and white.
- These dogs shed moderately most of the year, but when the seasons change for winter and summer, they shed quite a bit while growing in their new coats.
History
As with most “designer dogs,” it is difficult to pin down the exact timing of this mixed breed’s origin, but many believe they appeared in the 1800s.
The Australian Shepherd, itself, is a relatively recent purebred from mid-19th century America, when farmers bred Australian sheepdogs with other hard-working stock dogs.
The Corgi, on the other hand, is an ancient dog, dating back at least to the 11th century in Wales. The Corgi’s low stature was ideal for nipping at heels of cattle, for herding purposes, and the sleek frame enabled them to get away without being kicked.
The very strong herding instinct in both the Australian Shepherd and the Corgi makes for a natural combination of both skill and physique in the Auggie.
Although the Auggie is considered a “designer dog,” you can find them at both regular shelters and breed-specific (Australian Shepherd or Corgi) rescues. Remember, when you adopt, you save two lives–the one you take home and the one you make room for–not to mention improving your own life.
Size
Auggies are generally considered medium-sized dogs. This can vary, especially based on the size of the Australian Shepherd–standard or miniature. Also, if this is a second generation Auggie, or if the Corgi is also particularly small, you could even end up with a small dog. However, in general, you are looking at a medium-sized dog.
The height of an Auggie is typically between ten and 13 inches, and the weight is generally between 20 and 30 pounds.
Personality
Auggies have that great happy-go-lucky, friendly, energetic, “So excited to see you!” personality that many people commonly associate with dogs. Spunky and playful, they love being around people and other animals.
As with many dogs with high intelligence, the flip side is a bit of stubbornness and strong will–knowing their own mind, per se. However, they are quite trainable, so early training and socialization should help them learn how to work best with your family.
Auggies will want to be around their family all the time and see exactly what they’re up to–they are highly curious. They will want to “help” you with their herding ways, so just be prepared for some nose bumps and other cute guidance. They might also bark a lot–their way of being helpful and alerting you. But again, this can be curbed with early training.
Auggies are very affectionate and loyal. They’re friendly, but they might be a little shy around strangers, at first.
Health
Both Australian Shepherds and Corgis are pretty healthy breeds, so the Auggie is pretty healthy overall, too. However, there are some health conditions these dogs can be prone to, which is one reason why annual vet check-ups are so important to maintain optimal health.
Some of the more common health issues Auggies suffer from include:
- Obesity
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Back problems (the Corgi’s long spine and stout body, mixed with a propensity for obesity from over-eating, is the source of spine risks)
- Urinary stones
- Joint dysplasia
- Drug sensitivity
- Other eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Care
As with all dogs, keeping up with annual vet check-ups is important to detect any health issues early. Your vet can also help you develop a plan of care to keep your Auggie in prime health.
Auggies are extremely active, energetic, curious dogs, and they will need lots of exercise and play. This is great news, because they can also be prone to weight gain, thanks to their Corgi genes, so lots of exercise will help to keep that weight off.
Preventing weight gain is especially important for this breed, because the elongated spine and stout legs from their Corgi side–that your Auggie will likely exhibit, to some extent–makes the spine more delicate and easy to injure, especially if carrying around extra weight.
In general, checking ears and teeth regularly will keep up your Auggie’s best health. Brush their teeth two to three times a week. Clipping nails one to two times per month is also ideal. Besides shedding, Auggies are fairly low-maintenance for their care routine.
Feeding
An ideal Auggie diet should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy. The Corgi side of the Auggie has a tendency to overeat, leading to obesity, so be careful to give a regimented amount of food. They can also be sensitive to different foods and develop allergies, so take note of your Auggie’s stool to see how they react to food.
As with all dogs, the Auggie’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Auggie’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Auggies are often tri-colored, but they can also have just two colors or even one. Their coats are typically a combination of black, tan, brown, and white.
With dense, long, silky coats, Auggies have a moderate level of shedding during most of the year, but when the seasons change for winter and summer, they shed quite a bit while growing in their new coats. Daily brushing will help avoid tangles and mats in their longer fur, and it will also reduce the amount of hair around your house. Bathing is only needed once every few months.
Because their coats change twice a year, they do pretty well in both hot and cold temperatures, but it also means they don’t do excellently in either–they are pretty moderate with temperature tolerance, so be sure to watch your dog for signs of discomfort–panting and lethargy in the heat, or shivering in the cold–and take them inside if needed.
Children And Other Pets
Auggies are very friendly dogs who have a naturally protective nature, due to the herding background of both parents. Extremely playful, Auggies are wonderful with children, although it’s still important to use common sense when teaching children to avoid hurting the dog–pulling ears, poking eyes, etc.
Auggies also get along well with other animals, as long as those animals can put up with the Auggie’s natural herding instinct. Auggies may chase and herd, generally with a bump with the nose or using the body to steer the animal or person, including children. This is harmless and shouldn’t cause any physical injury, but it may stress out some very small prey animals.
Still, it’s never a bad idea to supervise interaction between dogs with other animals or children, and even small, prey-sized animals like guinea pigs can get along with herding dogs who are trained and socialized, as you can see in many viral internet videos.
As with any dog, early socialization and training are key to your Auggie living up to their full social butterfly potential. This will also help with any stubbornness they may have, though with their intelligence and trainability, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Auggies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Corgi breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Australian Shepherd Rescue in Michigan
- Pet’s Second Chance
