what colours are corgis

What Colors Are Corgis: Unveiling the Breed's Coat Variations

By Nicole TaylorDecember 28, 2025

Ever marveled at the Cornwall-based and Welsh corgis' striking appearances, wondering what colors they can possibly come in? You're in for a vibrant journey as we delve into the wonderful world of corgi colors, straight from the Welsh and English Kennel Clubs' breed standards.

Before we dive into the rainbow of corgi colors, let's establish that these compact herding dogs typically stand no more than 12 inches tall at the shoulder, with a discernibly long body relative to their short legs.

Corgi Coat Colors: An Overview

Corgis are known for their diverse coat colors, primarily due to their unique pembrokeshire cattle herding history. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including red, black, tricolor, and even brindle. But let's break these down further to ensure we cover all bases.

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an image of dogs with different colors and names

It's essential to note that while most corgi coat colors are recognized by reputable kennel clubs, some are less common or considered faults. We'll explore these nuances throughout the article.

Red Corgi Coats

Red coats are the most common and prominent in both the Cardigan and Pembroke corgi breeds. This vibrant color ranges from a rich fox-red to a light fawn hue, sometimes with white markings on the chest, legs, tip of the tail, and chin.

the different breeds of corgis are shown in this graphic art printable poster

the different breeds of dogs are shown in this drawing style, and each dog has its own name on it's chest

the different breeds of dogs are shown in this drawing, which shows them's colors

Even the merle and brindle coat patterns can display red hues, creating a stunning and unique appearance. However, in the Cardigan corgi, red coats are less common and considered a fault in some circles, with many preferring the tricolor variety.

Black Corgi Coats

Black is a less common but still striking corgi coat color. It can appear either solid black or in combination with other colors to create a striking bicolor or tricolor coat. In the Pembroke corgi, black coats are more common and can even come with a silver or gold undertone, also known as a " jambes d'argent."

In the Cardigan corgi, black coats can be lustrous and deep, often paired with brown markings on the muzzle, ears, and around the eyes. This color combination creates a sharp and distinctive look, often seen in working corgis.

an info sheet describing the different breeds of corgis and how to use them

List of Popular Corgi Mixes With Pictures

four different colored corgi dogs standing side by side with their names on them

the dogs are all different colors and sizes in this page, which shows them standing or laying down

The beauty of Bicolor and Tricolor Corgi Coats

Now that we've covered the primary corgi coat colors, let's explore the beautiful combinations that make these petite herding dogs truly stand out.

Bicolor and tricolor corgi coats are multicolored, with clear distinctions between the colors. These striking combinations occur due to the interaction of different genetic factors, creating dazzling pups from the same litter.

Bicolor Corgi Coats

Bicolor corgis exhibit two main colors, oftencomprising a base color and a separate, contrasting color. The most common bicolor combinations are red and white, black and white, or fawn and white. These striking combinations can result in a beautiful and sleek appearance, with well-defined boundaries between the colors.

Tricolor Corgi Coats

Tricolor corgis proudly display three distinct colors, usually black, red (or fawn), and white. In both Cardigan and Pembroke corgis, black and red tricolor coats are recognized, though they might differ slightly between the breeds.

In Cardigans, black tricolor coats typically feature dark or seal points, with red tricolor troubling to exhibit more chocolate hues. Pembrokes usually have brighter and more vibrant tri-colors, with the black and red shades more pronounced.

The white markings in both breeds can range from minimal to extensive, but they typically cover the dog's chest, legs, part of the muzzle, and often the tip of the tail. Tricolor corgis are striking and distinctive, turning heads wherever they go.

Less Common and Recognized Corgi Coat Colors

While red, black, bicolor, and tricolor coat patterns are the most widely recognized and acknowledged, some less common hues can still be found in corgi lineages. These unique colors may sometimes be considered faults, but they contribute to the rich and diverse gene pool of these adorable herding dogs.

Let's explore some of these less common corgi coat colors and patterns, from the striking brindle to the captivating merle.

Brindle Corgi Coats

Brindle is a beautifully unique coat pattern characterized by its tiger-like stripes, formed by intermingling bands of darker and lighter colors. In corgis, brindle can appear in various shades, including red, brown, or black, creating a mesmerizing effect on the dog's coat.

The brindle pattern can be present in various degrees of intensity, from faint and barely discernible to prominent and bold stripes. Unfortunately, brindle coat patterns are considered a fault in both Cardigan and Pembroke corgis, according to the English and Welsh Kennel Clubs' breed standards.

Merle Corgi Coats

Merle is an attractive and intriguing pattern that appears as mottled or marbled patches of various colors throughout the dog's coat. Most commonly, merle occurs in association with blue eyes, but it can also lead to other surprising eye colors, such as amber or heterochromia (two different colored eyes).

In corgis, merle can exist in various combinations with other colors, creating an entrancing mix of hues. For instance, a blue merle corgi will feature gray-blue patches on an primarily white base, while a red merle corgi will display marbled patches of red and white.

It's crucial to note that some kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club, discourage breeding merle to merle due to the increased risk of producing deaf or blind puppies. Consequently, many reputable breeders opt for alternative colors and patterns.

In the vast realm of corgi colors, from the classic red to the rare merle, each coat creates a unique and captivating appearance. Whether you're a seasoned corgi enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of these spirited herding dogs, there's always more to discover and appreciate in the diverse and vibrant corgi coat palette. Embrace the color, celebrate the differences, and cherish the joy that each unique corgi brings into your life.