COAT COLOURS
Colours are clearly defined in the breed standard as red, fawn, sable, and black & tan with or without white markings. There is no colour preference in the breed. There are no other acceptable colours within the breed standard.
A corgi's coat colouring can be influenced by other colour genes such as the masking gene (Em) which gives them a black mask on their face or the saddle tan gene which produces red-headed tri colours. A corgis exact coat colouring may express very different than the colour chart shown below. For example, there are several different variations of the sable colour, and only one type is shown below. There is even variation in red-headed tris as some are capped and some are not. Some corgis change colour over time. For example, many red and white corgis have black in their coat as puppies, which fades away as their adult coat grows in. We test all of our puppies for their coat alleles so we can give you the best estimate as to what colour we expect them to be as adults.
Colour Faults: Bluies, Mismarks, Whitelies
Bluies: Coloured portions of the coat have a distinct bluish or smokey colour. The dilute gene responsible for the bluie coat colour has been linked to alopecia.
Mismarks: Having white on parts of the body that are unacceptable to the breed standard. For example: between the withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters, or on ears.
Whitlies: Have a body colour of white with red, sable, or black markings.
COAT TYPES
Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically have a medium-length double coat. This means they have a harder top-coat that lies on top of a softer under-coat. Their coat sheds dirt, doesn't tangle, and protects the dog from temperature extremes.
In Pembroke Welsh Corgis some puppies are born with a longer and softer coat and they're called "Fluffies". The Fluffy coat is soft and silky to the touch. The specific gene that causes Fluffies in corgis is called the "fluff-gene" and is the result of a recessive coat gene. Fluffy corgis are not known to suffer from any unique health problems, they simply have longer hair. Aside from coat types, Standard and Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the exact same. Fluffy coats can range from a feathered flatter coat (referred to as a glamour coat) to a thick plush coat. Fluffy coated corgis are considered to be a breed fault in the show ring, and are therefore not usually bred intentionally. This is because corgis are part of the herding group, and the fluffy coat was deemed undesirable in contrast to the medium-length double coat for their original purpose as herding dogs. Fluffies occur naturally in registered Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and despite their sparse numbers they have grown increasingly popular in the last few years. For most pet owners, buying a standard or fluffy coat is an aesthetic preference.
STANDARD VS. FLUFFY COAT
- STANDARD COAT -
Pros:
- Weather resistant double coat that repels dirt and water
- Hair doesn't tangle
- Double-coat protects dog from temperature extremes
Cons:
- Coat is rough to the touch
- Standard coats typically shed more in comparison to fluffy coated corgis
- FLUFFY COAT -
Pros:
- Beautiful long feathered hair
- Coat is soft to the touch
- Fluffies typically shed less in comparison to a standard coat
Cons:
- Long hair can get tangled. Without regular brushing small mats can form in places like behind the ears and between legs
- Fluffy coats don't protect the dog in extreme heat like a standard coat does