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

Key Differences Between American Corgi vs Cowboy Corgi

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

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

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

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

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.