The tricolor cardigan corgi is a stunning breed, and if you're thinking of bringing one home, you're in for a treat. They're a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and short stature, typically weighing between 25-38 pounds.
Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a mix of red, black, and white colors. This unique combination is known as a tricolor pattern.
Tricolor cardigan corgis are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent companions. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing to prevent matting.
Their short stature and sturdy build make them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.
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Corgi Heritage and History
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest breeds in the British Isles, with an ancestry dating back over two thousand years. They descended from the German Teckel lineage, which also gave us the Dachshund, and arrived in Wales in roughly 1200 BC.
Their ancestors were brought to Wales by the Celtic tribes of central Europe, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was specifically found in the rough, rocky terrain of Cardiganshire in southwest Wales. They worked with farmers to take the cattle to grazing land and to guard the barnyard.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, on the other hand, arrived in Wales with the Vikings and is descended from the Nordic Spitz breeds. They were found in the flatter, easier terrain of Pembrokeshire in southern Wales.
Except for a brief period in the 1930s, the two corgis have never been interbred, and it wasn't until 2006 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the names of the two breeds as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Corgi Characteristics and Traits
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history, dating back to Flanders around the 12th century. The breed was used to herd farm animals and was quite popular.
They're known for being in a great mood, enthusiastic, and enjoying time with their human families. They get along well with children, other dogs, and pets.
With a strong herding instinct, Pembroke Welsh Corgis may try to herd other animals, including children and pets. This behavior can be trained out with proper guidance.
Moderate amounts of grooming and exercise are necessary for the tri-color Corgi. Daily brushing can keep their double coat healthy and prevent tangles.
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Cardigan vs. Pembroke: Physical Qualities
The Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis are both adorable breeds, but they have some key differences in their physical qualities.
Cardigans are slightly larger than Pembrokes, with male Cardigans weighing up to 38 pounds compared to the Pembroke's 30 pounds.
Their tails are also distinct - Cardigans have a long, foxlike tail, while Pembrokes have their tail docked close to their body.
Cardigans have a more varied coat color palette, with options like brindle, black and white with brindle or tan points, red and sable with white markings, and blue merle.
Broaden your view: Welsh Corgi Tail
The basic structure of the two breeds is also different, with Pembrokes having oval bone and a squared-off rear end, giving them a more linear and rectangular feel.
Cardigans, on the other hand, have round bone and a sloping rear, making them feel curvier.
Their double-coated fur requires little grooming besides regular bathing and brushing, which is a plus for any dog owner.
The acceptable coat colors for Pembrokes are limited to red, sable, and tricolor with white markings.
Cardigans are also less restricted in their white markings than Pembrokes, which can be a fun aspect of their appearance.
Corgi Characteristics
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century in Flanders, where they were used to herd farm animals.
Their popularity soared when Prince Elizabeth in England received a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Dookie, cementing their status as a beloved breed.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their great mood, enthusiasm, and love for being around their human families, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
They get along well with other dogs and pets, but do have a strong urge to herd, which needs to be trained out of them to avoid any issues.
Daily brushing is essential to keep their double coat healthy and prevent tangles, as it sheds heavily in the spring.
One to two hours of heavy activity, including two daily walks, should suffice for their exercise needs, considering they're small dogs.
Corgi Recognition and Popularity
The tri-color Corgi, also known as the Welsh Pembroke Corgi, has a long history of recognition in the canine world. They were accepted into The Kennel Club (KC) in the United Kingdom before being accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.
Their tri-color coats, which come in two variations, are recognized by the AKC, and they are also recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in Canada.
Suggestion: Pembroke Tri Color Corgi
Formal Recognition
The tri-color Corgi has a rich history of formal recognition. They were accepted into The Kennel Club (KC), a UK-based organization, prior to being recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.
The AKC recognizes two color variations of the tri-color Corgi: red-headed tri-color and black-headed tri-colors. Both are officially recognized by the organization.
The tri-color Corgi is also recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), which accepts both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and its tri-color variations.
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3. Great Competitors
The tri-color Corgi is a great choice if you want a dog that will put on a show when well-trained. This athletic and energetic breed is well known in competitive agility circles and is one of the world’s foremost herding dogs.
Many Pembroke Welsh Corgi champion herders have proven their skills, and they’re a very competitive breed.
Fun Facts and Trivia
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a breed that's been around for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest herding breeds. They're known as the "yard-long dog" due to their long tail and medium-length coat.
Corgis are built "long and low" and stand at about 10 or 12 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh about 30 pounds and boast short strong legs and muscular thighs.
One of the best things about Corgis is their love for physical activity - they need regular daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A long walk or a job to do, like hunting for a hidden toy, is perfect for them.
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Their thick coat is weatherproof, but it does require daily brushing and extra baths during shedding season. Trimming their nails and keeping their ears clean is also a must.
Here are some fun facts about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed:
- Their coat comes in many colors and patterns, including red, brindle, blue merle, and black, usually with white markings.
- They're known for their intelligence and love to herd, obey, track, and participate in agility activities.
- They're extremely loyal family dogs and can live in a variety of settings, but they do need regular daily physical and mental stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tri-color Corgis purebred?
Yes, tri-color Corgis are considered purebred, specifically Red-Headed Tricolor or Black-Headed Tricolor, which are two of the recognized colors in the breed.
How much does a tri color Corgi cost?
A tri-color Corgi's price typically falls within the range of $1,000 to $3,000 from a reputable breeder. This cost may vary depending on factors such as bloodline, health clearances, and breeder reputation.
Sources
- The Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs. the Pembroke ... (akc.org)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis - Dog Breeds (embarkvet.com)
- Colors of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (cardigancorgis.com)
- 12 Beautiful Corgi Colors & Patterns (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Tri-Color Corgi: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
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