If Corgis are good enough for the Queen, that’s a statement for these beautiful dogs all in itself. No wonder they have so many fans.
But do Corgis shed? In a nutshell, yes, Corgis shed. And if you get one, will your home be filled with tons of fur that needs constant cleaning? To answer that, you should learn how much and how often they shed and what you can do to reduce that. We’ll answer all these questions and more, so let’s delve in:
- Corgi Coats
- How Often Do Corgis Shed?
- When Do Corgis Shed Their Coats?
- How Bad Do Corgis Shed?
- Reasons for Shedding
- How Do I Stop My Corgi From Shedding?
Corgi Coats
Generally, Corgis have medium-length coats, which are thick, double-layered, and weather resistant. The length varies from dog to dog, depending on their genetics. For example, Welsh Pembroke Corgis are far more likely to develop longer fur than Cardigan Corgis.
Double-layered coats have a thick and coarse top layer, covering or guarding the much softer and dense fur underneath, which feels a little like wool. That’s why these dogs shed a lot more than single-coated breeds, like the Jack Russell. Consider whether you’re ready to clean all that up before getting one of these royal puppies.
How Often Do Corgis Shed?
If you don’t want a big shedder, maybe Corgis aren’t for you. Due to their thick, double-layered coat, they shed every single day. Despite being all-year shedders, Corgis tend to leave even more fur during the summer and winter.
But the Corgi fur is far from special. All double-coated breeds, like Labradors and German Shepherds, shed this much. The good news is that Corgis have a medium-length coat, so the hair will be less visible than breeds like the Border Collie. That said, if you choose a long hair Corgi, you’ll need to be extra vigilant while grooming your pet. If you’re not home often, perhaps a Corgi isn’t the right breed for you as its fur needs daily attention.
Are there Corgis that don’t shed? No, but you can get a Corgipoo — a mix of a Welsh Corgi (either the Pembroke or Cardigan) and a Poodle.They’re low-shedding and low maintenance. The crossbreed may even be hypoallergenic, depending on whether or not its Poodle genes are dominant. Sadly, Corgis aren’t hypoallergenic, but there are many dog breeds that don’t shed.
When Do Corgis Shed Their Coats?
Generally, dogs shed the most in summer. They get rid of all the dead fur and reduce the coat’s thickness so that they can stay cooler during the hot months. They also do this to make room for new, warm, and dense winter coats.
Corgis shed daily, with more frequency in summer and winter. It’s a perfectly natural and healthy process. Also, dogs shed their fur to maintain its health. That helps them remove damaged hair to make place for new fur, keeping the skin beneath supple. Corgis shedding their fur is called “blowing their coat.”
But how much do Corgis shed out of season? Excessive shedding in spring or fall could indicate a diet or health issue. If you’ve noticed this, look out for any behavioral changes. If you see that, too, you should schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible to determine the root cause of the problem.
How Bad Do Corgis Shed?
Corgis are heavy shedders. The peak is usually throughout the shedding season, but it can happen more frequently if they’re exposed to any triggers. You should avoid specific triggers or stressing your pet to prevent extra shedding, but read more on that below. It’s all due to the Corgis’ gorgeous, thick coat.
The breed used to be a herder, and its double-layered coat kept it warm while working in winter and cool in summer.
Reasons for Shedding
If you have your heart set on a Corgi, you’ll still likely want to limit the shedding amount. So why do Corgis shed more than they need to? Here are some reasons:
Season Change
Corgi shedding occurs more frequently during summer and winter. That keeps the dog warm during cold months and cools it down during the hot ones.
Poor Nutrition
A poor diet leads to your Corgi shedding more than necessary. Be sure to keep your dog on a healthy diet with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. They support healthy skin and fur, and you can find them in food for dogs with sensitive skin. Alternatively, you can get a supplement after discussing it with your veterinarian.
Stress
Corgis feel stressed, too. It can be too much for them, especially when you’re moving home or changing their surroundings. A lot of noise can cause this, too, like road works or building projects nearby. Aging dogs can also experience a high level of anxiety due to confusion and memory loss.
Medical Issues
Many health concerns can cause excessive Corgi fur shedding:
- Allergies — Corgis are prone to this. If your dog shows any dog allergy symptoms, contact a veterinarian.
- Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of pet issues. Generally, that manifests in a skin condition, causing the fur to become patching and uneven.
- Bacterial infections, parasites, and fungal infections can also affect your dog’s fur.
For allergies, a home air purifier for pets can help you manage the dander. If you notice any changes in your dog’s fur, you should discuss them with a vet.
How Do I Stop My Corgi From Shedding?
You can’t stop a Corgi from shedding. But you can do your best to reduce the trouble. Read our tips below for help.
Do Corgis need to be groomed? They do, and it can be helpful, too. You can create a healthy grooming regime to prevent hair from falling everywhere and keep their coats healthy.
Should You Cut a Corgi’s Hair?
Since they shed a lot of fur, a cute Corgi haircut can help, and make them look tidy. And they’re not long-haired dogs, so they don’t necessarily need a professional groomer.
How to Groom a Corgi
Let’s look at some grooming tips for your Corgi:
Bathing
Bathing can help your dog shed, especially if you choose the right shampoo for that purpose. We like the 2-in-1 Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo & Conditioner on Amazon. It’ll help the hairs fall out, and you can easily collect them.
Brushing
You should brush your pet at least three times a week and possibly daily during shedding season. A good brush, like HERTZKO Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush on Amazon, can help you remove any mats and tangles.
Diet
Healthy dog food with omega 3 fatty acids is essential to prevent unnecessary shedding. An excellent option is Diamond Naturals on Amazon — specifically designed for the skin and coat.
Supplements
For proper Corgi maintenance and to ensure your dog’s getting everything it needs, try a supplement like Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil on Amazon.
Vacuuming
With a high-shedding dog, you’ll have to vacuum more often. The best device you can invest in is the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal on Amazon. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it.
Conclusion
So, do Corgis shed? Yes, they do. Most of it is natural and perfectly normal. That said, many health factors can cause excessive shedding.
Corgis aren’t high maintenance, but they do shed a lot, which can put many people off. But if you put effort into regular grooming and protecting their health, you’ll find the shedding a lot more manageable.
