Blue Merle Corgi: Complete Guide

Blue Merle Corgi

If you’ve ever spotted a Blue Merle Corgi, you already know how beautiful they are. Blue Merle Corgis usually sports a gray and/or black marble pattern coat and some may have blue eyes. So, is the Blue Merle Corgi the right canine companion for you?

To answer this question, it’s important that we understand their genetics and find out what is causing that Blue Merle pattern. If you plan on getting a Merle Corgi, are there health consequences you should be aware of?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Blue Merle Corgi, including the gene that causes this coat pattern, common health issues, physical appearance, temperament, exercise and grooming requirements, dietary needs, and whether they make great family pets. Let’s first begin with a brief overview of this adorable dog.

Table of Contents

Blue Merle Corgi: Breed overview 

Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi puppy
Blue Merle Corgi puppy

Here is a summary of what to expect from a Welsh Corgi Blue Merle:

Blue Merle Corgi
PurityPurebred
PurposeCompanion dog
AKC RecognitionYes
SizeMedium
Weight25-38 pounds
Height10.5-12. 5 inches
Coat ColorsBlue, White, Red, Gray, Black
Child FriendlinessHigh
Canine FriendlinessModerate
Training DifficultyModerate
Grooming UpkeepModerate
Exercise NeedsModerate-High 
HealthModerate
Lifespan12-15 years
Puppy Costs $1,200-$10,000
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Can Corgis be Blue Merle? 

Corgi Blue Merle puppies
Blue Merle Corgi puppies

Yes, Corgis can be Blue Merle but only for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and not the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The coat of the Merle Blue Corgi is caused by a dominant dilution gene that creates mottled patches of color. One of the more striking characteristics of the Blue Merle Welsh Corgi is their blue eyes which can either be present in one eye or both.

Related Article: Corgi Dalmatian Mix (Complete Guide)

What type of Corgi is a Blue Merle? 

Only Cardigan Welsh Corgis can be Blue Merle. Blue Merle Pembroke Corgi is probably a hybrid of a Pembroke Corgi and a Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi or an Australian Shepherd.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs Pembroke 

The Cardigan and the Pembroke Corgis are two distinct breeds.

The main difference between Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke is that Cardigan Welsh Corgi is larger and heavier with a fox-like tail while Pembroke Welsh Corgi is smaller with a linear and rectangular body and a tail docked close to the body.

Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi 

Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a unique-looking dog that is gaining popularity because of its coat pattern.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Blue Merle basically has a black coat with some splotches of color. The coat of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi colors Blue Merle white markings around the neck,  chest, legs, and tip of the tail. 

The Corgi Cardigan Blue Merle is an intelligent breed with a stubborn streak because of its high prey instinct.

Welsh Corgi Cardigan Blue Merle also has some downside concerning the Merle gene which is connected to some health side effects.

You may also like: Corgi Boxer Mix (Complete Guide)

Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Blue Merle is a hybrid dog. The gene responsible for the Merle pattern is not present in the original gene pool of the Pembroke.

The Welsh Corgi Pembroke Blue Merle is most probably crossed with a Cardigan Corgi, a Collie, a Shetland Sheepdog, or an Australian Shepherd.

Pembroke Corgi Blue Merle has a lot of health issues like blindness and deafness, which is why they are not bred by responsible breeders. 

Blue Merle Cowboy Corgi 

Blue Merle Cowboy Corgi is a hybrid of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi with an Australian Cattle Dog that has the Blue Merle gene.

Blue Merle American Corgi 

An American Corgi is not a purebred dog but rather a cross between the Pembroke and the Cardigan Corgi. The Blue Merle American Corgi gets the Merle pattern from the Cardigan Corgi.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi history 

Originating from the Cardiganshire region of Wales, they are believed to have descended from the Teckel hound family and were mainly used for cattle herding. Together with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, they were considered one breed until 1934 when they were recognized as separate breeds with different lineages.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi history

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated from members of the Spitz family of dogs. They were brought to the Pembrokeshire county of Wales by Flemish weavers in the 12th century.

They come in red, sable, black, or tan that may or may not have white markings. The Merle gene is not part of their ancestry, so the Pembroke Blue Merle Corgi is not considered a purebred dog but rather a hybrid.

You may be interested in: St Bernard Corgi Mix (Complete Guide)

Are Blue Merle Corgis recognized by AKC? 

Yes, the Blue Merle Cardigan Corgis are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

Blue Merle Corgi genetics 

The dominant Merle gene is responsible for the color dilution in Blue Merle Corgi Cardigan. If a parent has that dominant gene, then it is very possible that the resulting offspring would have lighter patches of fur.

The Merle gene is not present in purebred Pembroke Corgis, so if you spot a Blue Merle Corgi Pembroke, you can be assured that it is a hybrid.

Blue Merle Corgi physical appearance 

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small dog with a sturdy and powerful body. Their length is proportionally long compared to their height with a tail that is long and fox-like.

The skull is somewhat wide and flat between the ears which are pointed, large and leathery. The eyes are medium to large in size and the color would probably be blue, gray, or a combination of both.

Blue Merle Corgi coat color and types

The coat is double-coated and medium in length. The Blue Merle pattern is marbled in black and gray tones that may or may not have tan or brindle points. There can be white flashings around the neck, top of the head, chest, muzzle, legs, underparts, and tail tip.

Fluffy Blue Merle Corgi 

A fluffy Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi has a longer coat compared to the regular Corgi. Blue Merle fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgi has more feathering on the chest, ears, underparts, and legs.

Blue Merle fluffy Corgi is also more expensive because the genes responsible for the long coat are recessive and are hard to come by.

Double merle Blue Merle Corgi 

When two parents carry the Merle gene, the offspring would be considered a Double Merle. 

Blue Merle with tan points Corgi

The coat can have tan markings around the ears, eyes, cheeks, legs, and tail.

Blue Merle Corgi size, height, and weight

The size of a Blue Merle Corgi is the same as other Cardigan Corgis. They would reach their maximum size, height, and weight at around 12 months and will continue to grow out until 14 months.

Weight (Males)Height (Males)Weight (Females)Height (Females)
3 months13 – 15 pounds5 – 7 inches10 – 14 pounds5 – 7 inches
6 months 23 – 28 pounds7 – 8 inches19 – 25 pounds7 – 8 inches
1 year30 – 36 pounds10.5 – 12.5 inches24 – 32 pounds10.5 – 12.5 inches
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Corgi Blue Merle temperament and personality 

Corgi Blue Merle is an intelligent and people-oriented dog. They were bred as herding dogs so they can be pretty energetic and may even have a stubborn streak because of their independent nature.

Do Blue Merle Corgis make great family pets? 

Yes, Blue Merle Corgis do make great family pets. They are affectionate and loyal to their families. They want to be around their family most of the time and are prone to separation anxiety. Cardigan Corgis are also excellent with other animals and pets

Blue Merle Corgi training

Training the Blue Merle Corgi is moderately easy.  They can be stubborn but are willing to learn because they just want to please their owners. 

When training your Corgi, being consistent and using positive reinforcement will help. All Corgi puppies should undergo obedience, socialization, and behavioral training.

You’ll want to start by training them at home where there is no distraction. Later, you can bring your Corgi out to the dog park so they can get used to seeing or interacting with other dogs, animals, and strangers.

Once your canine companions have mastered the above types of training, they will be well-behaved and well-socialized. They’ll know how to react or behave around other people, pets, and animals no matter where they are.

RELATED: Leash Training (How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash)

Blue Merle Corgi exercise requirement

Cardigan Corgis need a lot of exercise because of their high stamina. This goes back to their herding instincts and abilities. To keep your Blue Merle Corgi strong, an hour or two of daily physical and mental exercise is needed.

You can walk your Blue Merle Corgi around your neighborhood or play fetch or tug of war with him in your backyard.

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Spending time and playing with your Corgi is a great way to bond with him and allow him to get his daily exercise as well.

Blue Merle Corgi living conditions

Cardigan Corgis can adapt well to any living conditions, whether it be city or country living. They are very flexible and can be handled by novice dog owners.

Many Corgi owners who allow their furry companions to roam freely in their backyard will install a wireless dog fence to keep their dogs safe during the day.

Before getting a wireless dog fence, some canine owners will also install an electronic dog door so they’re able to program and customize curfew hours.

This way, whether you work from home or not, your furry family members are able to head out to the backyard for some sun and fresh air. If you do work from home, you’ll notice fewer interruptions.

Say goodbye to getting up and opening the door for your furbabies every time they want to head out to the backyard and say hello to more hours of concentration.

What’s great about the automatic dog door is that it is recommended for both homeowners and apartment renters or dwellers.

Blue Merle Corgi grooming and cleaning

Because their coats are relatively short, Cardigan Corgis are pretty much a low-maintenance dog. 

Grooming NeedsFrequency
BrushingDaily.
BathingEvery 3 – 4 weeks.
Teeth brushingSeveral times weekly.
Ear cleaningCheck weekly.
Nail trimmingAs needed.
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Corgis are known to be heavy shedders and brushing their coat daily can help to minimize shedding around your home.

Corgis’s fur can carry dander, saliva, and outdoor particles so when they shed (you can expect a lot of shedding), it can trigger allergic reactions in some family members that are sensitive to allergens.

RELATED: Do Corgis Shed? 15 Tips to Manage Corgi Shedding!

Investing in a powerful, durable, and quiet vacuum cleaner can help. You’ll want a vacuum cleaner that can easily and seamlessly switch between carpet and hardwood floor and one that can also clean the air as it vacuums.

Is Blue Merle Corgi hypoallergenic?

No, Blue Merle Corgi is not hypoallergenic. They shed continuously throughout the year.

Want more information? Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?

Blue Merle Corgi food and diet

An adult Cardigan Corgi would need 1.5 to 2 cups of well-balanced and nutritious dog food daily over two separate meals.

Check out: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Blue Merle Corgi health problems

Blue Merle Corgis are most prone to blindness and eyesight problems due to their Merle gene. The Merle gene dilutes the melanin in the Corgi’s eyes which leads to these eye and hearing problems.

If you have a Corgi or another dog breed, it’s important to know what health issues they are predisposed to or most susceptible to. We highly recommend that you speak with your dog’s breeder or veterinarian to find out.

The sooner you find out what health problems they are prone to, the better because you’ll know how to better take care of them.

If none of the options above are possible, the third-best choice is to use a dog DNA test. I’ve personally used Embark dog DNA test to find out what health problems my two pups are predisposed to. The health detection results came back within 2 weeks.

What’s great about this doggy DNA test is that it can also identify the specific dog breed of your canine companions. This is very helpful if you have a mixed dog breed.

In general, Corgis are healthy but it does not mean they are not prone to health problems such as: 

1. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy 

Canine degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects the spinal cord and it can lead to loss of mobility and muscle control in dogs.

2. Hip Dysplasia 

Some Corgis are prone to hip dysplasia because they have short legs and when the hip joints do not grow normally, it can result in pain and mobility problems. 

3. Deafness

Due to chromosomal abnormality, Merle dogs are prone to hearing loss. 

4. Microphthalmia 

Characterized by a smaller eyeball, this condition causes discomfort.

You may be interested in: Dog Sleeps With Eyes Open (Should You Be Concerned?)

5. Willebrandā€™s disease 

An inherited bleeding problem caused by a specific amount of protein causing the blood vessels to break easily. 

How long do Blue Merle Corgis live?

Blue Merle Corgis can live up to 12 to 15 years

Blue Merle Corgi breeder 

Looking for ethical and reputable Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeders is the most important factor when trying to buy a dog. These responsible breeders should first do exams like genetic tests before releasing the puppies to the buyers. They should also allow you to check the whelping areas and health documents.

In case you come across Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeders, practice caution and do a background check of the breeders

Also Read: When Is A Dog Too Old To Breed?

Blue Merle Corgi puppies 

As soon as you bring home your Blue Merle Corgi puppy, begin to socialize it with other pets and children in your home. Corgi Blue Merle puppies are smart so you should not have a hard time teaching your dog basic commands and potty training

Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies

If you are bent on searching for Blue Merle Pembroke Corgi puppies, you have to set aside a bigger budget. That’s because a Blue Merle Pembroke Corgi puppy is hard to find. Plus, you may be in for more expenses in the future because of possible health issues

Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies

Before bringing home your Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi puppy, be sure that you have all the necessary supplies that are essential for the health of Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi puppies. These supplies should include age-appropriate puppy food for Cardigan Corgi Blue Merle puppies, a crate, and chewing toys.

Handy Hint: Check out How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps where we also list the best dog crate and pet gate for your Blue Merle Corgi.

Blue Merle Corgi cost 

No idea how much is a Blue Merle Corgi? On average, a Blue Merle Corgi puppy price is around $2,000 but can go up as high as $10,000. Blue Merle Corgi price varies and it also depends on their bloodline and breeder

Blue Merle Corgi for adoption 

In the USA alone, there are over 3 million dogs that enter rescue centers every year. So, if you’re budget-conscious and prefer to adopt or rescue, why not adopt from one of these two rescue centers: 

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi National Rescue Trust (cardiganrescue.org) 
  • SaveaRescue (savearescue.org)

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale

If youā€™re all set to own an adorable Blue Merle Corgi, allow us to share with you a list of Corgi Blue Merle puppy for sale from trusted breeders.

We cannot promise you that there are available Blue Merle Welsh Corgi puppies for sale, but you can either fill out a reservation form or check their website from time to time if they already have available Blue Merle Corgi puppy for sale. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale California 

If you are a resident of California and are interested in finding healthy Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale near me, San Diego Corgiā€™s (sandiegocorgis.com) is one of our recommendations.

Itā€™s a family-owned business and all of its puppies are cared for inside their family home. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Colorado

Allegro Cardigans (allegrocardigans.wordpress.com) has been in the business of breeding Corgis for almost two decades. Some of the dogs they bred have successfully competed in agility and herding competitions. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Florida

The Corgi Lady (thecorgilady.com) has healthy Corgi puppies for sale that have been dewormed, vaccinated, and given their first heartworm and flea control medications. 

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Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Texas

Hat Creek Corgis (hatcreekcorgis.com) raise their corgi puppies at home for proper socialization. The reservation fee is $515 which is a non-refundable deposit. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Arkansas

K Heart Ranchita (kheartranchita.com) has male and female blue-eyed Merle Corgi for sale. Price range is from $1,800 to $2,500. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale in Oklahoma

Quirky Corgis (quirkycorgis.com) is a good place to get your Blue Merle Corgi because all pups are genetically tested before releasing them to their forever homes. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Indiana 

Feather Stone Kennels (featherstonekennels.com): These are professional Corgi breeders who carefully pick the parents to produce show-quality dogs. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale Washington

The mission of Uptown puppies (uptownpuppies.com) is to link ethical Corgi breeders with dog buyers like you. 

Blue Merle Corgi puppies for sale UK

Pets4Homes (pets4homes.co.uk) has a listing of healthy Corgi pups. Check out their website for the breedersā€™ contact information. 

Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies for sale 

Itā€™s difficult to look for Blue Merle Pembroke Corgi puppies for sale simply because these pups should not exist at all. In case you find sellers, we warn you that they could be unscrupulous Corgi breeders.

Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi puppies for sale 

When looking for Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies for sale, donā€™t rush, instead, take your time to review the breeders. Don’t get tempted to settle for the lower-priced puppies because these pups may be products of puppy mills.

Here are two websites of Cardigan Welsh Corgi Blue Merle puppies for sale that we have reviewed and assessed:

The Perfect Corgi (theperfectcorgi.com) is a great place to find healthy puppies plus they offer financing options to interested buyers. You can fill out a waiting list form and state your color of preference such as a Blue Merle Cardigan. 

In American Kennel Club Marketplace (marketplace.akc.org), you can search for puppies by typing in Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies for sale near me and you will be directed to breeders within your area. 

Blue Merle Corgi for sale 

In this section, we will give you links to where to find adult Blue Merle Corgis for sale. Though most of these breeders sell puppies, some of them have adult Blue Merle Welsh Corgi for sale. The price of Corgi Blue Merle for sale varies depending on where you get the dogs. 

Blue Merle Corgi for sale Michigan

Hydrenagea Hills Farm (www.hydrangeahills-h-h-corgis.com) has Blue Merle Corgis for sale starting at $3,500. You may also inquire if they have available fluffy Blue Merle Corgi for sale.

Blue Merle Corgi for sale Texas

There is Blue Merle Corgi for sale in Texas, check out the website of Lone Star State Corgis (lonestarstatecorgis.com) for more details. 

Blue Merle Corgi for sale Indiana 

If youā€™re from Indiana and in search of Blue Merle Corgi for sale near me, PETSIDI (petsidi.com/corgi-puppies-for-sale-indiana) is one of the places to visit. 

Blue Merle Cowboy Corgi for sale

Check the website of Blue Heeler and Corgi Lover (blueheelerandcorgilover.com) for adult Blue Merle Cowboy Corgi. 

3m Blue Merle Corgis 

You can go to the FB page of Running M Blue Merle Corgis (Facebook: runningMbluemerlecorgis) for available adult dogs.

Blue Merle Cardigan Corgi for sale

The price range of adult Blue Merle Welsh Corgi Cardigan is around $2,000 at Hat Creek Corgis (hatcreekcorgis.com)

Royal Ridge Corgis (royalridgecorgis.com) also have Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgi for sale of varying ages. 

Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi for sale

Try Buckeye Puppies (buckeyepuppies.com) as there may be breeders selling the rare Blue Merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 

Blue Merle Corgi: Pros and Cons 

ProsCons
Smart.Have separation anxiety.
Great companion.Needs a lot of exercise.
Sociable.Can be very vocal.
Generally healthy.Moderate to heavy shedders.
Given the proper training, they are kid-friendly. Prone to weight gain.
Easy to groom.Tendency to attack small animals.
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Is the Blue Merle Corgi right for me?

A Blue Merle Corgi is the best canine companion for you if you want an exercise buddy who can keep up with your energy. But if you have allergies, the Blue Merle Corgi may not be the right dog for you because of how much they shed.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Resources:

https://cardiganhealth.com/research/

https://cardigancorgis.com/cwcca/breed/colors/

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