Auggie

Get to Know Auggies

• “Big Dog Brain”: Auggies often display the intelligence and problem-solving skills of an Australian Shepherd, but in a shorter, more compact Corgi-like frame, making them deceptively clever and trainable.
• Excel in Dog Sports: Despite their small size, Auggies are agile, energetic, and fast learners—often performing exceptionally well in agility, obedience, and even disc or rally competitions.
• Natural Herders: With both parent breeds being herding dogs, Auggies may instinctively try to herd other pets, children, or even their owners, making early training important to manage this behavior.
• Many Have Heterochromia or Striking Blue Eyes: Thanks to their Aussie parent, Auggies frequently inherit bright blue or differently colored eyes, giving them a unique, attention-grabbing appearance.
• They’re Often Born with a Natural Bobtail: Like some Australian Shepherds and Corgis, Auggies may be born with short or naturally bobbed tails, though others may have longer tails depending on their lineage.

Breed History

The Auggie is a designer mixed breed dog that combines the traits of the Australian Shepherd and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. While it doesn’t have a long-established breed history like its parent breeds, the Auggie likely emerged in the early 2000s in North America, part of the growing trend of intentionally crossing purebred dogs to create companion animals with specific temperaments and appearances. The Australian Shepherd contributes intelligence, trainability, and strong herding instincts, while the Corgi brings boldness, charm, and a compact frame. Both parent breeds were originally developed for herding livestock, and their union in the Auggie often results in a dog that is highly active, clever, and loyal, making them especially popular with families and individuals seeking a smaller, energetic companion with a working-dog mindset. Though not recognized as an official breed by major kennel clubs, the Auggie has gained popularity through word of mouth and social media for its playful personality, fox-like appearance, and big-dog attitude in a smaller, more manageable size

Personality and Behaviour

• Playful & Affectionate: They form strong bonds with their families and love being involved in all household activities. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or tagging along on outdoor adventures, Auggies are happiest when they’re with their people. Their friendly nature also makes them great with children and other pets, especially when socialized early.
• Highly Intelligent & Alert: They have inherited sharp instincts from both the Australian Shepherd and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They’re quick learners and enjoy mental stimulation, making them excellent candidates for training games, puzzle toys, and canine sports like agility. However, their smarts can also lead to boredom if not kept mentally engaged, which may result in mischievous behavior or excessive barking.
• Strong Herding Drive: This instinct can show up in behaviors like nipping at heels or circling people and animals. While this instinct is usually manageable with proper training, it’s something potential owners should be aware of. With the right balance of structure, exercise, and attention, the Auggie is a well-rounded, loyal, and endlessly entertaining companion.

Care

• Exercise: Auggies have high energy levels and require consistent daily exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. Long walks, playtime in the yard, and mentally stimulating activities like fetch, agility, or herding games help keep them physically and mentally fit. Without enough exercise, Auggies can become restless or develop unwanted behaviors such as barking or chewing. They're ideal companions for active families or individuals who can match their enthusiasm.
• Grooming: Grooming needs for an Auggie are moderate, especially if they inherit the thicker double coat from the Australian Shepherd parent. Weekly brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat looking its best, with more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding periods. Regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care are also important to keep them healthy and comfortable.
• Training: Auggies are highly trainable thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Early socialization and obedience training are important to manage their herding instincts and ensure polite behavior around strangers and other animals. Their love of learning makes them excellent candidates for dog sports and ongoing training throughout their lives.