American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: What’s the Difference?

Written by August Croft
Updated: November 7, 2023
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There are a number of different Corgi varieties, including the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi. If you haven’t heard of either of these two Corgi variations yet, now’s the time to learn all that you can about both of them. What do these two dogs have in common, and what might they different in terms of their appearance and behaviors? 

In this article, we will compare and contrast the American Corgi alongside the Cowboy Corgi so that you can get a true understanding of both of these crossbreeds. We will discuss their ancestry and behavioral differences, as well as their own distinct life spans and appearances. Let’s get started and talk about the American and Cowboy Corgi now! 

Comparing American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi
The American Corgi is a crossbred dog between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a crossbreed between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog.
American CorgiCowboy Corgi
Size10-12 inches tall; 20-30 pounds13-20 inches tall; 25-40 pounds
AppearanceComes in a unique merle coat and has a smaller body shape. Typically does not have a tail, but can be left intact; typically has blue eyesBody shape of a Corgi with the face and markings of an Australian Cattle Dog. A unique blend of both dogs combined, and never has a tail
AncestryNon-purebreds crossbred between Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Australian Cattle DogsNon-purebreds crossbred between Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Australian Cattle Dogs
BehaviorSimilar in disposition to either Pembrokes or Cardigans, but often has a great deal of health issues as well as behavioral issuesAlert, extremely active, and often nips at your heels or herds young children. Very loyal and extraordinarily intelligent, given its crossbreeding
Lifespan10-12 years12-14 years

Key Differences Between American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi

american corgi vs cowboy corgi

While it will depend on the individual genes of each and every Cowboy Corgi, they are typically larger than American Corgis.

©Liudmila Bohush/Shutterstock.com

There are a few key differences between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi. First off, the American Corgi is a crossbred dog between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a crossbreed between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an Australian Cattle Dog. This means that the Cowboy Corgi grows slightly larger than the American Corgi on average, along with a few other differences that we will discuss now. 

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: Size

cowboy corgi

American Corgis reach 10 to 12 inches tall, while Cowboy Corgis range in height from 13 to 20 inches tall

©J. Marquardt/Shutterstock.com

When you mix a notoriously short-legged dog with an athletic and capable dog breed like the Australian Cattle Dog, you can get some mixed results. However, the Cowboy Corgi grows larger in both height and weight than the American Corgi overall. While it will depend on the individual genes of each and every Cowboy Corgi, they are typically larger than American Corgis. 

For example, American Corgis reach 10 to 12 inches tall, while Cowboy Corgis range in height from 13 to 20 inches tall. There are also some weight differences between these two breeds. The Cowboy Corgi averages anywhere from 25 to 40 pounds, while the American Corgi averages 20 to 30 pounds. 

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: Appearance

american corgi vs cowboy corgi

The American Corgi has a merle coat, while the Cowboy Corgi comes in a unique spotted coat that resembles the coat of the Australian Cattle Dog.

©Kalinina Maria/Shutterstock.com

Both the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi are highly prized for their unique coats and physical appearances. The American Corgi has a merle coat, while the Cowboy Corgi comes in a unique spotted coat that resembles the coat of the Australian Cattle Dog. Additionally, the American Corgi may or may not have a tail present, while the Cowboy Corgi never has a tail. 

Otherwise, these two dogs can look extremely similar in appearance. Both are uniquely spotted and speckled, with thick fur and short legs, as well as erect and triangular ears. However, the Cowboy Corgi often has slightly longer legs compared to the stubby legs of the American Corgi. 

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: Ancestry and Breeding

american corgi vs cowboy corgi

Overall, the Cowboy Corgi has fewer health issues compared to the American Corgi, given all of the risks involved when breeding merle coat dogs.

©Best dog photo/Shutterstock.com

The primary difference between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi has everything to do with their ancestry and breeding. Both of these dog breeds are extremely modern and may be considered designer dogs by a great number of people. This is because they are purposely crossbred with other dog breeds to achieve certain goals. 

For example, the American Corgi is a cross between the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, while the Cowboy Corgi is a cross between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Australian Cattle Dog. Overall, the Cowboy Corgi has fewer health issues compared to the American Corgi, given all of the risks involved when breeding merle coat dogs

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: Behavior

There are a few differences in the behaviors of the American Corgi versus the behaviors of the Cowboy Corgi. Both of these dogs are lovely when it comes to families and children, though the Cowboy Corgi is more likely to herd young children compared to the fun-loving American Corgi. Additionally, the Cowboy Corgi is prized for its extreme loyalty and intelligence, while the American Corgi is far more laid-back and less alert overall. 

American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi: Lifespan

american corgi vs cowboy corgi

The American Corgi lives for an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Cowboy Corgi lives for an average of 12 to 14 years.

©NARIT OLANPRUEK/Shutterstock.com

A final difference between the American Corgi and the Cowboy Corgi is their comparative lifespans. The Cowboy Corgi lives longer than the American Corgi overall due to its Australian Cattle Dog genes. The Australian Cattle Dog is an extremely healthy breed of dog, while the American Corgi may have more health issues overall due to its cross-breeding and merle coat gene risks. 

For example, the American Corgi lives for an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Cowboy Corgi lives for an average of 12 to 14 years. However, it all depends on the individual dog and whether or not you purchased it from a respectable and healthy breeder. No matter what, these dogs are extremely active and loving, though their designer origins may not be ideal.

Which Corgi has the Best Temperament?

Funny Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Playing In Green Summer Grass At Lake In Park. Welsh Corgi Is A Small Type Of Herding Dog That Originated In Wales. Summertime. Summertime Background.

This Corgi is a highly social breed and not only loves attention but loves spending time with their families, children included.

©Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock.com

The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes two breeds of Corgis – the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The two corgis highlighted above, the American corgi and the cowboy corgi are both mixed breeds and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. This doesn’t mean that they don’t make excellent dogs as well but the dog that is known for having the best temperament of the breed is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

This Corgi is a highly social breed and not only loves attention but loves spending time with their families, children included. Although the breed on a whole is highly intelligent, unlike the cowboy corgi, who due to its high instinct for herding might not be ideal for younger children, the cardigan Welsh corgi gets along very well with children and is known to be friendly and affectionate.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Liudmila Bohush/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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