In the lingo of the American West, by what name is a motherless calf known?

In the rugged vocabulary of the American West, a young, motherless calf is affectionately, yet poignantly, known as a "dogie." This term captures the vulnerability of these animals, who, without a mother's care, often face a tougher struggle for survival on the open range. It's a word steeped in the history of cattle drives and ranching life, reflecting the cowboys' close observation of their herds and the challenges inherent in raising livestock in vast, untamed landscapes.

The precise origin of the word "dogie" is a subject of some debate among etymologists, but a popular theory connects it to the phrase "dough-guts." During harsh winters, particularly in the late 1880s when many mother cows perished, orphaned calves, weaned too early, struggled to digest coarse grasses. This often led to their bellies appearing distended or "pot-gutted," resembling a sack of sourdough. Over time, "dough-guts" is thought to have evolved into the more concise and memorable "dogie." Other theories suggest derivations from the Spanish "adobe" or even "doggie," referring to a small, playful animal.

Life for a dogie was, and still is, particularly difficult. These calves often lacked the strength and nourishment of their mother-reared counterparts, making them runtier and more susceptible to illness. Cowboys on trail drives would often lament the presence of dogies, as these weaker animals struggled to keep up with the herd, requiring extra attention and effort. Despite the hardships, the term itself has become an enduring part of Western lore, even featuring in classic cowboy songs like "Git Along, Little Dogies," which evokes the long, arduous journeys of cattle drives and the care given to these unfortunate, yet resilient, calves.