Cowboy Cam and I have officially committed to our very own ranch corgi! We’ve had her a few months now and she’s settled in beautifully. She’s wiggly, sassy, smart, and cuddly all in one. Quirt (Cuarta is her Spanish name) has the bluest eyes, a subtly red merle coat, and the cutest little nubby I’ve ever seen. She’s bold, affectionate, curious, and brave enough (we are still very cautious of cows) for now.

American Corgis

American Corgis are a cross between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. She’s sturdy with a fox-like face like her mom, Hattie, and has the expressions and sass of her dad, Hondo. We have loved how she’s ready for any ranch adventure and has discovered some new favorite barn snacks when we aren’t looking (alfalfa pellets and horse feed).

Life with Quirt

Quirt settled in nicely to crate training, and it helps that she’s so active during the day it tuckers her out. Her mornings start with a thorough yoga routine so she can stretch every stumpy leg, followed by dramatic yawns and velociraptor noises. She’s in the habit of climbing on to the bed after she goes potty for morning snuggles and then waking back up for breakfast.

Most days, she starts with helping us feed the horses, and bless her heart, she sometimes gets a little too close to the electric fence. If she’s not zooming around the barn aisle and up and down the alleyway, she’s content to ride on the tractor, the golf cart, and even enjoys car rides to town occasionally.

Growing Smarter Every Day

Corgis are famously intelligent, and Quirt is no exception. She mastered “load up” within days, and now she’s working on livestock sense and finding a place out of the way while we work horses. Training sessions with Quirt are full of laughter, and a few stubborn standoffs (she’s a corgi, after all, and she pouts), but her enthusiasm makes every bit of effort worthwhile.

Adventures Await

She loves greeting new people and loves kids, which can be a little difficult during some training sessions. She’s already made quite a few furry friends on the farm, like Mr. Dunlap, the tuxedo cat. They positively love each other. Some of the other dogs around here are a bit old and don’t care for her puppy energy, but she’ll win them over when she grows up, I’m sure.

She’s still wary around the horses, with good reason, and respectful of their and any other animal’s space for the most part. She’s under the assumption there is no personal space with her siblings; however, some friends bought two of her litter mates, and they get to play together a couple of times a week.

Why Quirt Is So Special

What I love most about Quirt is how she brightens even the dullest day. She’s a reminder to live in the moment, find joy in simple things, and never underestimate the power of a wiggling nub.

So here’s to Quirt—the tiny red merle whirlwind who fills the bunkhouse with laughter, fur, and unconditional love. Life’s a little messier with her around, but it’s also a whole lot happier.