Tri-Color Corgi: Pictures, Facts and History
By Lorre Luther
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Pembroke Welsh Corgis are beautiful medium-sized dogs known for their friendly personalities and energetic enthusiasm. Most top out at around 10–12 inches due to their relatively short legs! The average male weighs around 30 pounds, and 28 pounds is the average for female dogs.
Although corgis are at risk of developing certain genetic diseases, they tend to be reasonably healthy, with most living for 12–13 years. These powerfully built, family-friendly dogs get along well with other pets and love being in the middle of an active family life.
There are two tri-colored corgi variants: red and black. Red tri-colored corgis have rusty coats, white tummies, and black highlights. Black tri-colored corgis usually have dark fur on their backs, white stomachs, and bright facial highlights. Read on to learn more about these tri-color corgis.
The Earliest Records of Tri-Color Corgis in History
Welsh Pembroke corgis have a long and storied history. The breed traces its origins to 12th-century Flanders, where country folk skilled in weaving used the dogs to herd cattle and sheep on their farms.
The ancestors of modern corgis came with these artisans when they moved to Wales at the invitation of King Henry I. Over time, border collies displaced collies as the most popular farm dogs. And corgis have since become popular companion animals, a trend that gained momentum in 1934 when Princess Elizabeth was given her very first corgi, Dookie.
The breed arrived in the United States around the same time and promptly gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition. Corgis have been consistently popular in the United States, but the breed was listed as vulnerable in the United Kingdom in 2014. It’s since made a comeback, partly due to the breed’s association with the royal family.
How Tri-Color Corgis Gained Popularity
Welsh Pembrook corgis have been popular companions for centuries. The breed’s roots rest in 12th-century Flanders, where they were used to herd sheep. These adorable, energetic dogs crossed the English Channel in the 12th century and eventually became a feature in Welsh life, gaining notoriety as loyal, intelligent herders.
The breed was first introduced to the United States in 1934 when Mrs. Lewis Roesler brought her two corgis, Little Madam and Captain William Lewis, from the United Kingdom to New England.
Queen Elizabeth II was a dedicated corgi fan who owned more than 30 corgis during her reign. And her two favorites, Muick and Sandy, had the eyes of the world on them as they waited on the steps of Windsor Castle to say goodbye to their royal owner in the fall of 2022. In 2021, corgis were the 11th most popular breed in the United States.
Formal Recognition of Tri-Color Corgis
The breed first gained recognition in the United Kingdom in 1928 when it was acknowledged by The Kennel Club (KC), and in 1934, the AKC officially recognized the corgi. Corgis reached an all-time level of popularity in the United Kingdom during the 1960s, but interest in the breed declined over time. The KC listed the species as vulnerable in 2014, and there were only 274 corgis registered in the United Kingdom. Those numbers have since rebounded thanks in part to the release of the series The Crown.
Interest in the breed in the United States has remained steady over time. According to AKC registration numbers in 1968, corgis were the 50th most popular breed in the United States, but by 2004, corgis had risen to 25th on the list. The corgi reached an all-time popularity high in 2021, when it was the 11th most popular breed. The Canadian Kennel Club also recognizes the breed.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Tri-Color Corgis
Can’t get enough when it comes to corgis? We understand! Read on to learn more about three unique facts about these amazing dogs.
1. Corgis’ Short Legs Come From a Genetic Trait
These adorable dogs have cheery personalities, exceptional herding abilities, and short legs, the latter resulting from a specific genetic alteration. Corgis share the short-leg gene with Basset hounds and dachshunds.
Although the breed has been subjected to selective breeding to create its signature physique, the initial mutation that gives these dogs short legs was most likely a spontaneous variation. The breed is closely related to Swedish Vallhunds, Schipperkes, and Norwegian buhunds. Corgis often have back problems due to their short legs.
2. They’re Really Good at Agility Competitions
Corgis are herders, and their instincts still inspire them to dart about and keep smaller creatures in line. Because they were bred to run and dart between livestock, these dogs are incredibly agile and traditionally do quite well in agility competitions, with several consistently winning AKC meets!
Not only are corgis surprisingly fast, but they’re also able to turn corners on a dime and maneuver with stunning precision, thanks to their low centers of gravity and innate desire to round things up! Their all-around farm dog heritage makes them excellent watchdogs.
3. There are Two Types of Corgis
There are two distinct corgi breeds: the Pembroke Welsh variant and the Cardigan Welsh type. While the two closely resemble each other, they’re quite different! The two breeds don’t even share ancestors as Cardigans are descended from dogs brought to the British Isles by Celts around 1200 B.C., with the ancestors of modern Pembroke’s arriving much later in the 12th century.
Pembrokes tend to be more outgoing; they’re usually happy to engage with new people and are comfortable in most environments. Cardigans are slightly larger and a bit mellower than their Pembroke cousins. The two were bred in different parts of Wales.
Do Tri-Color Corgis Make Good Pets?
Pembroke Welsh corgis make lovely pets! They were the 11th most popular dogs in the United States in 2021 and are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. These dogs have a winning combination of charm and enthusiasm. And the energy they bring to life is centered, warm, and never overwhelming or demanding. While these dogs love their humans and enjoy spending time with people, they don’t usually become too needy.
Although they’re loving and good around kids and other animals, untrained corgis sometimes insist on herding smaller critters. Good training goes a long way to controlling this natural corgi behavior.
Corgis have double coats, so they’ll be fine when the temperature drops. It also means these dogs are prone to shedding and require regular brushing. They generally require moderate exercise, and most enjoy training as it allows them to run about and use their intelligence.
Conclusion
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are incredibly popular pets and for a good reason! They’re athletic, energetic, loyal, and fun. The AKC recognizes Corgis as a breed with tri-colored variants in the breed standard. The dogs are adaptable and sweet and are up for adventures or happy to cozy up as you read a book before bedtime.
Featured Image Credit: Brett Sayles, Pexels
