Auggie 101 - All types of Auggie Breeds
Meet the Auggie, a combination of two of the most popular herding dogs around, the Australian Shepherd and Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
According to Tindog, the Auggie’s popularity is exploding. These fur nuggets are said to be highly trainable and incredibly friendly. So is this special breed in your future? Let’s find out!
Highlights
A mixed breed that’s a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Welsh Corgi.
Other names include Augi, Auggi, or Augie, and sometimes they’re known as Aussie-Corgi.
Incredibly friendly, but packed full of endless energy.
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd, as we know them today, was developed in California.
The average lifespan of an Auggie dog is about 12-15 years.
The Auggie is not recognized by any major dog organization, however, both the Australian Shepherd and Corgi are.
Buying an Auggie from a private breeder is usually expensive, with most breeders charging a minimum of $1000.
History
It’s difficult to track down the origins of the Auggie because, while they are often considered a designer breed, they likely appeared decades before the term existed. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is quite an old breed with their origins traced back to the 10th century. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, is a much newer breed dating back to just the 19th century. However, we can trace their origins to pastoral dogs that lived in the 1500s.
Size
You might think with the size differences between the Corgi and Australian Shepherd that their offspring vary in size a lot. However, most Auggies are cross between the Corgi and Miniature Australian Shepherd.
The average Auggie stands 10-13 inches and weighs 20-30 pounds. This makes them about half the size of your standard Australian Shepherd. So while they will still have an incredible amount of energy and high exercise demands, their smaller size makes it easier to tucker them out.
Personality
A lover of life and energetic as can be, and while a little stubborn, they’re highly trainable. But hey, stubbornness is a trait often seen in highly intelligent breeds.
The Auggie does best in a household that can give them lots of attention or give them a task to focus on. This will greatly help keep them out of trouble that can arise from their herding instincts. Speaking of that, as a combination of two herding breeds, expect your Auggie to be 100% a herding dog. Herding dog breeds can be fantastic breeds and irreplaceable in many situations, however, their instincts to want to work are incredible. And these work instincts don’t always work best in the family home.
The biggest issue will be the Auggies desire to herd other animals and small children. Usually, they do this by tapping their nose or lightly nipping at the back of the heels to move the animal or person in the direction they want. This trait can be trained out of them when they are young, however.
Care
Along with the common annual check-up and well-balanced diet, the biggest thing that goes into caring for an Auggie is ensuring their exercise needs are being met. Not only can this mixed breed become nervous and stubborn when living a sedentary life, but they are also prone to gaining weight due to their big appetites.
Obesity isn’t good for any dog, but dogs like the Corgi and their offspring are more susceptible to issues resulting from excessive weight due to their long backs and short legs.
Feeding
All dogs need to have food formulated for them, but it’s even more important for high-energy breeds like herding dogs. The Auggie should be given a wet or dry kibble formulated for high-energy small to medium-sized breed dogs. You will likely have to practice portion control as they like to overeat, meaning food can’t be left down for them to nibble at throughout the day.
Coat Color And Grooming
Most Auggies have a multi-color coat, consisting of black, brown, tan, and white. Their grooming needs are considered average, with periods that require heavy grooming due to seasonal changes. Their coat is short to medium in length, fairly soft, and helps the breed live fairly comfortably in hot and cold regions.
Health
Herding breeds are known for their excellent health, as they have a long history of being bred more for health than appearance. Australian Shepherds are no exception to this, and the Corgi’s appearance is a result of their herding nature.
Health issues that the Auggie may be more prone to include:
Epilepsy
Deafness
Blindness
Back problems
Hip Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Eye Luxation
Obesity
Don’t let the number of these diseases alarm you, as all dog breeds are more prone to several health problems. The Auggie breed is considered healthier than the average dog breed.
Children And Other Pets
With training, Auggies are fantastic around children and other pets. Training is required, however, because of the Auggie's tendency to want to herd others. Especially those that are rambunctious, like children. Even with training, supervision is always a great idea, especially when around animals rabbit-size or smaller.
In most cases, Auggies like to herd by bumping their nose to steer you in the direction they want. Some will want to nip at the heels, however, which is a herding trait found in Australian Shepherds.
Rescue Groups
While considered a designer breed, it’s not terribly difficult to find an Auggie that needs adopting. Honestly, it will just take a little longer than it would if you went with a private breeder. And if you live in or near a major city, you might not even have to wait longer.
When looking for an Auggie, while finding one in a shelter is definitely possible, your better bet will be looking into breed-specific rescues. You’ll want to check for ones that specialize in individually saving Australian Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, and their mixes, the Auggies.