The Corgi is a great house dog in the herding breed category. They’re lively, affectionate, and athletic. If you’ve been considering this canine for a companion, you probably have a lot of questions among them being, do Corgis Shed?
Corgis shed heavily and blow their double coat twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and continue to shed moderately throughout the year.
But before that deters you, let’s take a closer look at how the Corgi’s coat evolved and how to manage their coat to minimize shedding.
Corgi History
Historical documents record the Corgi as early as 1100 CE when Flemish weavers traveled with their dogs into Wales. Corgi folklore paints a sweet picture of fairies who used the Corgi as war horses for the Fey. I know this doesn’t have much to do with shedding, but it’s a fun Corgi tale!
While the Corgi is small (under 30 pounds), it’s a working pup. You wouldn’t expect it but they are very agile and quick, which is why they were used for herding.
The Corgi is a hearty breed with compact stature and a long history of herding livestock in a variety of outdoor environments. Corgis have double coats which help protect them and keep their body temperature regulated. Double coats can produce more loose fur than single coats.
Do all Corgis Shed?
Corgis shed year-round. For this reason, they’ve been categorized as heavy shedders. You will not get out of the house without taking some of your Corgi’s hair with you, ever!
Why do they Shed so Much?
The Corgi’s double coat accounts for the heavy shedding. The bottom layer of hair insulates the dog’s body temperature, meaning they’re warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The top layer of fur repels dirt and moisture. Both layers shed a bit daily.
How much do Corgis Shed?
Corgis will blow their coat twice a year, in fall and spring. What that means is that the undercoat cycles from winter to summer, or summer to winter similar to a Labrador Retriever. Once the process begins they’ll lose full-on tufts of hair for the next few weeks. Brushing the hair deters mats and leaves space for a new, healthy coat’s growth.
Unusual Shedding
Once you know your Corgi, you’ll have a feel for how much shedding to expect. When you notice more fur than you’ve seen in the past there can be a variety of reasons:
- Bathing: You can actually over-bathe a Corgi. Once every one or two months is fine. Or if your pup rolls in some unpleasant substance or starts to smell odd, it’s time to bathe!
- Health: Skin conditions or health problems may cause the dog to shed. If any skin condition persists, it’s best to check with your veterinarian.
- Nutrition: Do your research on what’s best to feed your pooch. An improper diet can lead to excess shedding.
- Soap: Ask for advice on the best shampoo to use on your pet. The wrong product can lead to skin conditions and shedding.
- Stress: Corgis do not like dramatic changes. If they’re in unfamiliar surroundings, for example, they may shed more.
How can I manage Corgis’ Shedding?
The key to managing your Corgi’s shedding is frequent brushing. Whenever they sit with you, pull out a brush and gently move through their fur. Every three days is a good standard for a time frame. When your pooch blows its coat, you need to brush and demat daily.
A slicker brush like these options on Amazon helps to move their fur back into its natural position. You can use this tool to identify mats or potential tangles in their fur. Here are some easy-to-follow grooming tips for Corgis.
- Line Brushing Technique – Line brushing is a method for grooming the excess hair from your canine’s coat. Basically, this is a bottom-to-top approach, starting at the feet. As you go, lift up hair with one hand, and comb.
- Spot Cleaning – Since it’s not good for your Corgi to receive too much bathing, you have the option of spot cleaning instead. You know that walk in the woods together? The mud and dirt travel home with your pooch. Tip: You can use baby shampoo for spot cleaning so long as you rinse it out completely. Spot cleaning is an ideal way to avoid full baths until it’s time.
- Shampoo Choice – Unless your Corgi has a skin condition, you really don’t have to buy a fancy shampoo to clean your dog while shedding. Harsh formulas will strip natural oil from the skin, so avoid those. If you can find an organic or natural blend, your dog’s coat will appreciate it. Remember, it may cost a little more, but you’re not bathing the Corgi often, so a little goes a long way.
- Grooming Tips – While you’re focusing on shedding, there are other elements to grooming your dog. Corgis benefit from ear cleaning and nail clipping too. Give yourself plenty of time with your dog, as they may find grooming stressful, and you need to show them a ton of love and patience. Pause periodically for hugs and kisses, teaching them grooming is an enjoyable activity. Encourage positive behavior responses with small treats.
Final Thoughts
The answer to the question of “do Corgis Shed” is a definitive yes, a lot. Nonetheless, if you provide your Corgi with proper grooming and cleaning, you can decrease the amount of random hair around your home. Just be patient, as there is a small learning curve here. Once you get into a pattern, it will become natural and part of bonding time with your Corgi.
