“Cowboys don’t take baths—they just dust off”

“Real cowboys don’t take baths—they just dust off” is a jocular saying that has been printed on many posters. The line has been printed on many wall decorations for boys’ rooms and bathrooms.
 
“Cowboys don’t take baths every day” was cited in print in 1993. “Cowboys don t take baths, they just dust off” was cited in 2007.
 
     
Google Books
Texas Jewel
By Shannon Willow
New York, NY: Diamond Books
1993  
Pg. 124:
“Bath! I had one yesterday,” he protested. “Cowboys don’t take baths every day.”
 
Google Books
The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Card
By Linda LaTourelle and C. C. Milam
Mayfield, KY: Bluegrass Pub.
2007
Pg. 241:
KIDS WISDOM
Cowboys don t take baths, they just dust off.—Neil, age 6
 
Sweet ‘N’ Simple Quotes
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007
Cute Quotes
(...)
Cowboys Don’t Take Baths
 
Handprints
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007
Quote Ideas
(...)
God, please tell Mama that real Cowboys don’t take baths, they just dust off.
 
Twitter
Nikki Henry
‏@VardaoftheStars
“Dear Jesus, hear this prayer on my behalf. Please help my Mom to understand that cowboys don’t take baths.”
9:29 PM - 24 Dec 2009
 
Twitter
Lanny Akridge
‏@lansterman
Cowboys don’t take baths they just dust off. #quote
4:03 AM - 10 Jan 2010
 
Twitter
Caryn Haluska
‏@ihave7monsters
@TMBMT The daddy has a plaque that says ” Cowboys don’t take baths. They DUST OFF!”
4:34 PM - 17 Dec 2010
 
Twitter
Good Shopping
‏@GoodShopping1
Real Cowboys don’t take baths, they just dust off 5.5×28 vinyl lettering wall decal art home decor sticker: Real… http://bit.ly/sbsLG5
3:09 PM - 13 Nov 2011
   
The Huffington Post
Scott Mercier (Husband, father, friend and financial advisor)
Win Clean: Know Your Why!
Posted: 06/20/2014 1:21 pm EDT Updated: 08/20/2014 5:59 am EDT
As a boy, I remember that one of my favorite words was “why.” Why is the sky blue? Why do I have to go to school? Why is it bedtime? Why do I have to wear underwear? Cowboys don’t take baths, so why do I have to take one? My mom would patiently answer my endless questions. I was full of wonder and wanted to understand things.