People looking for a loyal, affectionate, and smart dog for their family have plenty of choices that fit that description.
Two breeds, in particular, often pop out at the very top of the list. Australian Shepherd and Corgi each have a history of being used as herding dogs and helping humans.
So you know they both come with characteristics that will make them valuable and beloved family members.
Both breeds share some fantastic qualities, but when choosing a dog you should be more focused on their differences.
It’s not a question of which dog is better, but which dog is right for you.
I’ll compare Australian Shepherd vs Corgi to point out the main features and traits that make each of these breeds suitable for certain owners and their lifestyle.
| Attributes | Australian Shepherd | Corgi |
| Good For First Time Owners | No | No |
| Good Guard Dog | Not The Best Choice | No |
| Apartment Friendly | Possible With Enough Exercise | Yes |
| Good Family Dog | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate To High |
| Barking And Howling | High | High |
| Height | 18-23 inches (46-58 cm) | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
| Average Life Expectancy | 12-15 Years | 12-15 Years |
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Australian Shepherd – Dog Breed Information
Although their name might fool you, Australian Shepherds actually originated in the United States. It’s not completely clear how they’ve had “Australian” attached to their name.
Appearance
Aussies are medium-sized dogs featuring a solid build and a bit more on the long than the tall side.
They have dropped ears and while some are born with a naturally bobbed tail, most feature long and full tails.
Australian Shepherds can have a wide range of coat colors including black, blue, and red, blue, and white merle.
Males reach 20-23 inches (52-58cm) height and 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg).
Adult females can be 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) high and weigh 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg).
Australian Shepherds have a dense, lush, and wavy double-coat. So, perfect for cuddling.
Their medium-length coat is water-resistant and serves to protect them in harsh weather. However, it can get dirty very quickly and can take longer to clean and dry.
Aussies do shed a lot, but nothing too extreme. Their heaviest shedding period is in spring when they lose their winter coat.
Temperament
Originally used to herd sheep, they’re extremely agile and hard-working.
Some of the old habits remained, as they sometimes tend to treat humans as their herd and try to establish dominant herding behavior, especially around children.
However, with proper early training, they can become great companions and caring family dogs.
They also sometimes struggle to get along with other animals, especially those smaller than them.
Aussies enjoy various activities and love playing, long walks, and even swimming.
Due to their high intelligence, Australian Shepherds are fairly easy to train. They are able to pick up and learn training tasks in only a few sessions.
They can be taught to perform various specialized assignments and are often capable of performing them on their own.
Corgi – Dog Breed Information
Corgi rose to fame as the preferred pet of the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II has bred generations of these dogs.
Appearance
They’re small-sized dogs originating from Wales where they were used as cattle herders. Even their name was derived from Welsh words for “dwarf” and “dog”.
Even though they’re rather small, Corgis are quite sturdy and athletic. Their body is almost twice as long as it is high.
Due to their build, pricked ears, and pointy muzzle, they look a bit similar to foxes.
Fully grown males are 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) high and weigh 31 pounds (10-14 kg).
Females grow 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) and can weigh from 24 to 28 pounds (11-13 kg).
They have a thick waterproof double coat. The under coat is soft, while the outer coat is more coarse.
The color usually features various shades of red with white markings on the chest, neck, and feet, but can also be black and tan.
They shed quite a lot daily and even more during the heavy shedding period in the late spring. They require brushing at least once a day.
Temperament
Despite their small stature, corgis are feisty and fearless little dogs. Like most herding dogs, they have an abundance of energy and love to work and play.
For such size, they’re surprisingly agile and quick and can keep up with humans on a run or bike ride. The Corgis are loyal, love their family, and are not afraid to show it.
They want to be involved in family activities as much as possible and love spending time with kids.
However, their herding instinct sometimes comes to the surface, and they like to practice their skills by nipping the children or other pets.
The Corgis live to please their owners, which makes them easy to train and socialize. They’re intelligent and willing to engage in training.
This breed responds to positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Still, they can be stubborn sometimes and try to get things their way.
Australian Shepherd vs Corgi – What are the Differences?
Due to their similar heritage, these two breeds have many similarities. They’re both active, hard-working, and energetic.
Nevertheless, when deciding which dog is right for you, you should consider what separates them. The most obvious thing is the size.
Due to their size, Corgis are a better choice for people living in the apartments.
With their constant need for activity and love of running, Aussies fit better on farms or, at least, households with large backyards.
Another factor to take into account when considering living arrangements is how vocal they are. Corgis bark a lot and often, but nowhere as near as Australian Shepherds.
These guys are one of the most vocal breeds and they love to be vigilant and bark to alert owners of anything they see as a threat.
Besides, they often bark just for the fun of it. Something to keep in mind if you live in a densely populated neighborhood.
Corgis and Australian Shepherds are both great with children and enjoy spending time with them.
Still, the Corgis have an above-mentioned nipping issue which can turn into a problem if not dealt with on time.
Due to their obedience and responsiveness to training, Corgis are likely a better choice for novice owners.
Australian Shepherds are also highly trainable but have an independent streak that can sometimes create problems for inexperienced owners.
Conclusion
Each of these breeds can name a wonderful family pet. With proper socialization and training, they’ll become your trusted companion and a friend to your children.
However, whichever you feel is more suited for you, be prepared to invest extensive amounts of time and energy.
Neither of these dogs is for couch-bound people. They require companionship, attention, and constant activity.
The dilemma of Australian Shepherd vs Corgi mostly comes down to personal preference and living conditions.
For those looking for an authoritative, energetic, and hard-working outdoor dog, the dominant Australian Shepherd should probably be the No. 1 option.
If this is your first time owning a dog, go for a much easier-to-manage Corgi.
