The same but different.

[MelmoK]

So, the Corgis both started out as separate breeds before being interbred for some time and then finally being recognized as different breeds by the AKC in the 30's.

Why is it then that the two breeds have such different color variations? Cardis give us merles, brindles and more black and whites. Pems have three basic colors, being Tri, Sable and Red/White.

As they were interbred for some time it's easy to consider that Pems used to be found with the Cardi colors, why were these then considered undesirable and bred out?

It's overcast and boring here today so I've had far too much time to think.

[glencorgi]

So, the Corgis both started out as separate breeds before being interbred for some time and then finally being recognized as different breeds by the AKC in the 30's.

Official recognition needs to be given to the country of origin - which would be the Kennel Club in the UK. AKC recognition postdated that.

Why is it then that the two breeds have such different color variations? Cardis give us merles, brindles and more black and whites. Pems have three basic colors, being Tri, Sable and Red/White.

Because there wasn't as much interbreeding as one might think. Cardigans have five recognized colors - all found in their Tekkel ancestry. Pems reflect their Spitz heritage.

As they were interbred for some time it's easy to consider that Pems used to be found with the Cardi colors, why were these then considered undesirable and bred out?

Even tho' they were "lumped" as one breed, there was still a lot of separation between the two.

The nature of inheritance of brindle and merle are not such that they can stay hidden and then pop out down the line. The last reported brindle Pembroke that I know of was in the late 1930's early 1940's. If a merle or brindle Pem shows up today, then it will not be a purebred, it will be a mix.

Read the history on the PWCCA site http://www.pwcca.org
on the CWCCA site: http://www.cardigancorgis.com
and on Cardi Commentary - http://www.cardicommentary.de

Debbie

[MelmoK]

Thank you Debbie, I always enjoy a good read.