Sable Corgis: The Foxy-Colored Charmers of the Corgi World
Have you ever seen a Corgi that made you do a double-take? With their striking sable coats, these foxy-colored Corgis are sure to capture your attention—and your heart. Often described as looking like a red fox or small wolf, sable Corgis have exploded in popularity in recent years. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve found myself utterly charmed by these unique pups. Let‘s take a closer look at what makes sable Corgis so special.
The Genetics Behind the Sable Coat
First, a quick genetics lesson. The sable coat color is created by the interaction of two genes: the agouti gene and the extension gene. The agouti gene (A) controls the distribution of pigment in each hair, while the extension gene (E) determines whether the dog can produce red pigment at all.
For a Corgi to be sable, they must have at least one copy of the dominant black allele (ay) at the agouti locus, and at least one copy of the dominant extension allele (Em). This combination allows the hair shaft to contain both red and black pigments in a specific pattern—the iconic sable appearance of black-tipped hairs over a red undercoat.
| Genotype | Coat Color |
|---|---|
| ayay EmEm | Sable |
| ayay Emem | Sable |
| ayay emem | Tricolor |
| ayat EmEm | Sable |
| ayat Emem | Sable |
| ayat emem | Black & Tan |
It‘s a common misconception that sable is a rare color in Corgis. While not as common as the red, black and tan, or tricolor seen in the breed, sable is a standard color included in the breed standard for both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. According to a study by the UK Kennel Club, approximately 8% of registered Pembroke Welsh Corgis and 5% of Cardigan Welsh Corgis were sable in 2020 (Kennel Club, 2021).
Royalty in Sable: Queen Elizabeth II‘s Corgis
The increased visibility of sable Corgis in recent decades can be partially attributed to some very special canine celebrities—particularly those belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was a lifelong Corgi lover, owning more than 30 Corgis and Corgi-crosses during her reign (Seward, 2022). Many of these royal pups sported stunning sable coats.
Some of the Queen‘s most famous sable Corgis include:
- Susan (1944-1959): The Queen‘s first Corgi, and the matriarch of the royal Corgi dynasty.
- Sugar (1952-1965) and Honey (1952-1967): Susan‘s daughters, who accompanied the Queen on her honeymoon.
- Whisky (2001-2018) and Willow (2001-2018): The Queen‘s last two pure-bred Corgis.
The Queen was frequently photographed with her sable sidekicks, which no doubt contributed to a boost in their popularity. In fact, following the Queen‘s death in September 2022, online searches for Corgis increased by 130% (Graham, 2022).
Social Media Sensation: Liam the Sable Corgi
In recent years, social media has also played a significant role in the rise of sable Corgi fame. One standout star is Liam, a sable Pembroke Welsh Corgi with over 500,000 followers on Instagram (@sablecorgi_liam).
Liam‘s account, run by his human family, showcases his adventures, cute antics, and the adorable bond he shares with his toddler sibling. Nearly every post featuring Liam‘s stunning sable coat receives hundreds of comments from adoring fans.
"Liam‘s unique coloring definitely catches people‘s eye," says his owner, Sarah. "We get stopped on the street all the time by people wanting to take pictures or ask about his coat. It‘s been amazing to connect with so many Corgi lovers from around the world through his account."
Grooming a Glamorous Coat
One common question about sable Corgis is whether their coats require any special grooming compared to other coat colors in the breed. The short answer is: not particularly!
Like all Corgis, sables have a thick double coat that sheds heavily. Regular brushing—at least weekly, if not more often—is a must to keep loose hair under control. A slicker brush and metal comb are essential tools for any Corgi owner.
It‘s also important to note that the sable coloration can change over the dog‘s lifetime. Sable Corgi puppies are born dark and will usually lighten up as they mature, with their final coat color emerging around 2-3 years of age. So, if you‘re set on a particular shade of sable, be prepared for some changes as your pup grows up!
Sable Corgis in Rescue
While sable Corgis have been rising in popularity, it‘s important to remember that they are still Corgis at heart—with all the breed-specific traits and challenges that come with that. Like all Corgis, sables are intelligent, active, and strong-willed dogs that require plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to thrive.
Unfortunately, not every owner is prepared for the commitment that comes with a Corgi. As a result, many sable Corgis find themselves in need of new homes. According to a survey by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, approximately 12% of Corgis in rescue are sable (PWCCA, 2021).
If you‘re considering adding a sable Corgi to your family, I highly recommend checking with local Corgi rescues first. Not only will you be giving a deserving dog a second chance, but you may also be able to skip the challenges of puppyhood and adopt an already-trained adult or senior dog.
Capturing the Sable Corgi Spirit
There‘s no denying that sable Corgis are incredibly photogenic. Their unique coloring and expressive faces make them popular subjects for photographers and artists alike.
If you‘re hoping to capture your own sable Corgi‘s beauty, here are a few tips:
- Use natural light: Sable coats look especially stunning in sunlight, which brings out the rich red and black tones.
- Get on their level: Corgi legs may be short, but their personalities are big! Crouch down to your dog‘s eye level for more engaging portraits.
- Embrace the action: Corgis are lively, energetic dogs. Use a fast shutter speed or burst mode to capture their playful antics.
- Focus on the details: Don‘t forget to zoom in on your Corgi‘s unique features, like their foxy face, fluffy butt, and of course, that beautiful sable coat.
Whether you‘re an amateur photographer or a professional artist, there‘s no shortage of inspiration to be found in these charming canines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sable Corgis are undeniably eye-catching, but it‘s important to remember that all Corgis, regardless of coat color, have the same potential to be wonderful companions. These brilliant, energetic, and affectionate dogs have been capturing hearts for generations. While a sable coat may have been what first drew your eye, it‘s the big personality in a small package that will keep you smiling for years to come.
If you‘re lucky enough to welcome a sable Corgi into your life, give that beautiful coat some extra appreciation! Your pup may not know how genetically unique they are, but they‘ll still appreciate the extra snuggles.
References
- Graham, G. (2022). Queen‘s death sparks corgi craze as prices for the dogs loved by the late monarch hit new high. The Telegraph. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/09/18/queens-death-sparks-corgi-craze-prices-dogs-loved-late-monarch/
- Kennel Club (UK). (2021). Breed registration statistics.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America. (2021). PWCCA rescue survey results.
- Seward, I. (2022). The Queen‘s Corgis: the story of Elizabeth II and her most faithful companions. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/19/the-queens-corgis-the-story-of-elizabeth-ii-and-her-most-faithful-companions
