Why Different Coats?

[ColColt]

I've noticed there seems to be several different types of coats for Corgis. Some look like they are short and not much longer than half an inch or so while others seem to be much longer and of course, Fluffies even longer.

If you take a specific breed, say Border Collies or Dobermans, they all pretty much look the same. Why are Corgis different in looks and coats? I know there's a difference between the various coats like tri, R/W, Sable and the like, but; I mean the length of the coat and thickness.

[sutulu]

That is a really good question and I have wondered myself.

Tuck and Lulu are different breeds yet their coats are more similar that Tucks is to other Pems and Lulu is to other cardis (even those I have met that she is blood related to....).

I wonder, besides genetics and age, if the water they drink + food has anything to do with it.

I would describe Tuck and Lu's coat as sleek. It's not real coarse, it's not real fine or fluffy.

Looking forward to eharing thoughts.

Susan

[Sizzledog]

I think any breed with a longer coat at all will have more noticable differences in coat. In Dobermans, there actually are different coats - harsh coats, soft coats, dilute coats (which feel very prickly, almost like a terrier), etc.

With coated breeds (and as a Dobe owner, I consider corgis a coated breed!), I think it really depends on food, age, time of the year, gender, genetics, etc.

Also - Border collies have several coat types and textures. Smooth and Curly coats are also in existence for BCs... then again, virtually anything goes for a Border Collie, appearance-wise...

[Lauren]

Good question! I'm looking forward to hearing what other people have to say!

BTW, border collies can be either smooth coated or have a longer coat :WINK:

Smooth coat:
http://www.gis.net/~shepdog/BC_Museum/Permanent/SmoothWilloughby.jpg

Longer coat:
http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t058/T058574A.jpg

I think that, like corgis, the shorter coated shows up more on working farms (easier to maintain) and the longer coat is seen more in the show ring.

[ColColt]

I think that, like corgis, the shorter coated shows up more on working farms (easier to maintain) and the longer coat is seen more in the show ring.


That must be what's termed the "glamour coat". There's a wide variety even here on the fourm, I've noticed. The only border Collie's I've seen personally look more like the second pic, Lauren.

[Lauren]

I never really noticed a difference in the border collie coats until a person on another forum I'm on had a longer haired one from show lines and then got a smooth coat from working lines :SMILE:

[Lauren]

The only border Collie's I've seen personally look more like the second pic, Lauren.

In person I've never seen a border collie that looks like a well bred border collie, mainly just a bunch of BYB bred ones in pounds :(

[LuvMyFluffy]

Plus, you need to add in that they look different while blowing (shedding) their coats. I just talked to my cousin this week, and asked if she has any dog shows coming up. She told me her dogs have no hair, meaning they are all blowing their coats, so they don't like to show during that time.
Gizmo, doesn't blow his coat like a regular coated corgi. He sheds, just not in chunks, and he still keeps that mane and butt hair all year round.

[manymuddypaws]

I think Susan is partially right with the food thing- but mostly it is genetics. Wicca has a softer coat- which is incorrect for the breed standard- Sam has a more typical cardigan coat- slightly coarse. Wicca's sister has a HORRIBLE coat- it is very harsh and dull. She is fed a good food, and has always had a weird coat. Her "brother'" who is fed the same food has a coat similar to Wicca's just a bit longer. There are lots of Cardis out there with a longer coat- I can tell almost from looking at it- if a dog is out of Coedwig lines- from what I have seen they all have a thicker, longer coat. It's strange- but that is genetics for you.
-amanda

[CorgiMum]

I agree that is is mostly genetics, and then with that what the dog is fed. Monty has a beautiful thick coat that I associate with the 'traditional' corgi coat. Dylan on the other hand has a thinner coat. He does not have the undercoat (fur) that she has. But his guard hairs, they drive me nuts, he sheds them like a porcupine.:EEK:

[annawolfsong]

Sometimes coat in a Pembroke has to do with Fluff Factor. If you have two fluff factor parents you get a fluffy. If you have one Fluff Parent you get possible fluffies in the litter but maybe none at all. If both parents are Fluff Free you can get a much smoother and less glamorous coat.

Agatha is Fluff Factored, boy howdy! Thick luxurious coat. Teddy, Taffy's Brother is a Fluffy, long coat, very silky and much more difficult to maintain. Taffy is Fluff Factored but not quite as glamorous as Agatha just a nice Corgi Coat. Aurora is *not* fluff Factored and while her coat is plush it is not as glamorous as her sister YoYo.

HTH

AnnaMarie
www.princessofpink.net