Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊd͡ʒi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "dogie" can be confusing for many people. This word is actually a variation of the word "doggie," which refers to a young or small dog. The spelling of "dogie" is derived from the phonetic pronunciation of the word, which is /ˈdoʊdʒi/. The "ie" at the end of the word is used to represent the sound of the long "e" vowel. This unique spelling has been used in Western American English since the early 19th century.
Dogie, also spelled dogy or dogey, is a term used primarily in American English to refer to a young or orphaned calf, particularly one that is left to fend for itself. The word originated in the American West, specifically in the era of cattle ranching and open-range farming.
A dogie typically refers to a calf that has been separated from its mother or herd, either by accident or intentionally during roundups or branding. These young calves are often vulnerable and require special care to survive in the harsh environment of the open range. They may lack the protection and guidance of their mother, making them more susceptible to predation, starvation, or exposure.
The term "dogie" is believed to have its origins in the Spanish word "dogal," which means a rope or lasso used for tying cattle. Over time, "dogal" transformed into "dogie" in American English.
Dogie is closely associated with the image of cowboys and the romanticized cowboy culture in the Western United States. The word evokes notions of toughness, resilience, and the self-sufficiency often attributed to frontier life.
In contemporary usage, while the term dogie may be less prevalent due to changes in cattle-raising practices, it remains a part of the Western vernacular and can still be encountered in literature, western films, and cowboy folklore.
The word "dogie" originated in the American West, particularly among cowboys and ranchers. Its etymology can be traced back to the Spanish term "dojito" or "dojitito", which means "little dog" or "puppy". This Spanish word was used to refer to an orphaned or stray calf. Over time, "dojito" evolved into "dogie" through anglicization and regional dialects. The term eventually became widespread in Western cowboying and remains a part of cowboy lingo today.
