Are you thinking about getting a Welsh Corgi? They are an amazing, adorable breed! These fun-loving pups have the personality of a big dog in a smaller package. Corgis are a very popular and well-loved breed. You might be wondering if that sweet pup affectionately referred to as a “fluff butt” sheds.
Do Corgis Shed?
Yes, corgis do shed a moderate amount; both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed. If you are allergic to dogs, a Welsh Corgi is likely not the right dog for you.
Those with dog allergies are allergic to pet dander, which is released each time the dog sheds. To avoid pet dander, you might consider getting a hypoallergenic dog. If you have your heart set on a Corgi, you have the option of a hybrid dog, like a Corgi mixed with a hypoallergenic breed like a poodle, which can result in a dog that sheds less.
If you are not allergic to dogs but are concerned about the amount of hair that will be filling your house if you get a Corgi, there are measures you can take to reduce shedding. But the bottom line is that you will need to get used to hair; it will be everywhere if you get a Corgi.
How Much Do Corgis Shed?
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are considered to be heavy shedders. They will lose some hair every day, but their shedding is especially heavy twice a year as they transition between their winter and summer coats.
There are benefits to having a dog that sheds. Dogs that don’t shed require haircuts and frequent trips to the groomer, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Corgis do not require haircuts, and they can be easily groomed at home.
You can control your Corgi’s shedding with frequent brushing, an occasional bath, and a lot of vacuuming!
Why Do Corgis Shed So Much?
The main reason Corgis shed so much is because they have a double coat. Welsh Corgis were bred to be herding dogs who spent a lot of time outdoors. This meant that they needed coats to protect them from the elements, which is exactly what a double coat does.
A double coat consists of a coarse topcoat of “guard hairs” which repel against water and dirt and a soft undercoat that insulates and regulates the dog’s body temperature. As you can imagine, having two coats means more shedding!
Seasonal Shedding
Although Corgis shed year-round, shedding is the heaviest when the dog is transitioning between its summer and winter coats, or “blowing its coat.” Corgis will experience heavy shedding for a few weeks in the spring and again in the fall. During this seasonal shedding, Corgis will often lose hair in tufts.
The heaviest shedding occurs in the spring when Corgis lose their winter coat, which is then replaced with their summer coat. Daily grooming while your Corgi is blowing its coat will collect loose hair, prevent mats from forming, and encourage new hair growth.
Other Factors That Can Increase Shedding
A poor diet can cause excessive shedding. Just because dog food meets FDA requirements does not mean that it contains optimal nutrition for your dog. If you feed your dog a bargain brand of dog food, the nutritional content is likely lacking. This lack of nutrition can lead to increased shedding and a dull coat.
Learn About The Best Dog Food For Corgis
Stress and anxiety can cause a dog to shed more. If your dog suddenly starts shedding more (other than in spring or fall when it is blowing its coat), it may be due to stress. Any major environmental changes can cause stress and anxiety that increases shedding.
Another factor that causes increased shedding is temperature change. If you live in a moderate climate that never gets too hot or too cold, your Corgi will likely not shed as much. If you live somewhere with extreme hot and cold temperatures, your Corgi will shed more when temperatures change.
How Can I Decrease Corgi Shedding?
Regular brushing is the most important factor in managing your Corgi’s shedding. Corgis should be brushed at least once a week year-round, and while they are blowing their coat, you should brush them daily.
Many Corgi owners swear by the Furminator: a grooming tool specifically for dogs with double coats. However, using a Furminator or undercoat rakes can cut and damage your Corgi’s coat. The safer alternative is to use a metal comb or pin brush.
Line brushing is a technique that is the most effective way to prevent shedding by removing loose hair in a double coat.
Starting at the bottom of your Corgi, lift the dog’s hair in a small section about the width of your index finger. Brush in a downward motion until you can see the line where the hair meets the skin. Repeat with small sections of fur, working your way up toward your dog’s head.
Regular bathing can also help reduce the amount your Corgi sheds. However, do not bathe your Corgi more than once per week. Doing so can strip your dog’s skin of healthy natural oils on its skin.
Feed your Corgi high-quality food. Consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog’s food may not be meeting its nutritional needs. You can also give your Corgi nutritional supplements to increase skin and fur health and decrease shedding. Fish oil and flaxseed oil supplements will help your Corgi shed less and give it a beautiful, glossy coat.
Final Thoughts On Corgi Shedding
Do Corgis shed? The bottom line is yes, Corgis shed. Every Corgi is different, but in general, they are heavy shedders. If you cannot handle fur floating around and sticking to your clothes, the Corgi is probably not a good fit for you. Although, you might consider a hypoallergenic Corgi mix like the Corgipoo.
But if you, like so many others, cannot resist the adorable purebred Welsh Corgi, it is time to invest in a good vacuum cleaner! Brush and bathe your Corgi regularly and feed it a healthy diet, and you will be able to manage your Corgi’s shedding.
