What is it about the Corgi that makes them so endearing to thousands of dog lovers worldwide? Could it be their affectionate, playful nature? Or, perhaps because they are so smart and alert?
It’s probably all of these reasons and more! But, whatever it is, the Corgi has truly captured our hearts as its popularity only grows with each passing year.
We often refer to these noble dogs as the Corgi, but some people don’t realize that there are two separate Corgi breeds; the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
The Queen has always favored the former of these two, which may account for them being higher on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are placed at 13th out of two hundred, while Cardigans are at 68th.
So, what are these ‘official’ Corgi colors? To make it clearer, we’ve divided the colors by each breed: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, as both have unique color variations that set them apart.
First, let’s explore the Pembroke Welsh Corgi colors.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes in several standard color variations, all of which include white markings as part of their coat. Let’s break down each color variation:
1. Fawn
The fawn-colored Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a warm, light tan coat that radiates a gentle, earthy charm.
This color often appears with white markings on the chest, legs, and face, creating a soft and balanced look that highlights the breed’s signature features.
2. Sable
Sable Pembrokes feature a mix of red fur with black-tipped hairs, giving them a shaded and dynamic appearance.
The black accents add depth and texture to their coat, which is always complemented by their white markings.
3. Black and Tan
A striking black-and-tan coat sets this variation apart with its bold contrast.
The deep black fur is paired with warm tan patches, often found on the legs, chest, and face, along with white markings that enhance the overall pattern.
4. Red
Red is the most iconic and recognizable color for Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This vibrant shade ranges from light ginger to deep chestnut and is always accompanied by white markings that accentuate their bright and cheerful appearance.
Although these colors are listed individually, Pembroke Welsh Corgis never have a completely solid coat. Solid-colored Pembrokes were once more common in the past, but selective breeding has phased them out over generations.
Each of the modern variations is marked with white, adding a charming balance to their coat.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi offers an even broader palette of coat colors, including both standard and non-standard variations.
5. Red and White
This classic color combination features a vibrant red coat with white accents on the chest, face, legs, and tail tip. The warm tones make this variation a favorite among Cardigan enthusiasts.
6. Brindle and White
Brindle and white Cardigans display a unique striped pattern of red and black fur, creating a bold, tiger-like appearance. White markings add a crisp contrast to the striking brindle stripes.
7. Black and White
The black-and-white Cardigan is a timeless and elegant choice. The deep black coat is offset by clean white markings that highlight the breed’s sturdy build and expressive face.
8. Sable and White
Sable and white Cardigans share similarities with the Pembroke variation, featuring a rich mix of red fur with black-tipped hairs. The white markings provide a polished, refined look to their coat.
9. Blue Merle and White
The blue merle and white Cardigan is one of the most unique and sought-after variations. Its marbled mix of gray and black, coupled with white markings, creates an otherworldly and stunning appearance that’s truly unforgettable.
10. Non-Standard Colors In Cardigan Corgis
Cardigans also come in non-standard colors that, while not officially recognized, are still captivating:
White Merle: A light, marbled coat with white patches.
Gray and White: A soft and muted combination.
Sable Merle and White: A blend of sable tones with a marbled effect.
Red Merle and White: A speckled red pattern with white accents.
Liver and White: A rich brown hue paired with white.
Brindle Merle and White: A striking mix of stripes and speckles.
11. Cardigan Corgi Markings
In addition to their base colors, Cardigans often feature distinctive markings such as ticked patterns, brindle points, black masks, and tan points. These unique details add to their charm, ensuring no two Cardigans look exactly alike.
Whether it’s the classic Pembroke or the versatile Cardigan, each Corgi coat variation is as unique and lovable as the breed itself!
Bonus Fun Facts: Pembroke Vs. Cardigan
It’s a good idea to begin with a quick comparison between the two breeds just to give us a clear picture of the differences and similarities.
We’ll start with their name, Corgi, which is said to be taken from the Celtic meaning, dwarf-dog. The other names, Pembroke and Cardigan, refer to the regions of Wales where the breeds originated. Both are hardy breeds, developed as herding dogs in the rugged Welsh hills.
They were deliberately bred to be low to the ground, with the ability to dart in among cattle and nip at the heels of any that lagged behind or strayed from the path.
Despite the similarities and close proximity of the regions, they are not believed to be related, although it’s known that people did crossbreed them at various times. Because of this, the two were considered a single breed until 1934.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two, and has been around for at least a thousand years, but their ancestors were possibly brought to the UK as far back as 1200 BC.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was thought to have been brought to England by Flemish weavers in the early 1100s.
But, what’s the difference between them?
In truth, there’s not a great deal of difference in their size, although Cardigans are usually slightly bigger. This is because they have a thicker, denser bone structure, with an exaggerated bend in the front legs.
They also have rounded ears, while the Pembroke has pointed ears. In terms of their temperament, both breeds are extremely affectionate, and they will be ready to cuddle – although each individual dog is different!
The Pembroke is more likely to dive right into a situation as they are more outgoing. The Cardigan is more laid-back and will assess things before they go ahead.
Cardigans are not as energetic as the Pembroke either, but they won’t say no to a long walk when the opportunity arises. Both are happy dogs, with a good sense of humor and, at times, mischief. Overall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is more adaptable and independent whereas the Pembroke will relish every second it spends with you – it just wants to be by your side all the time!