If there is one thing I love the most about the Royal Family, it would have to be their love for Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
While I have never owned a Corgi myself, there is just something about this little loaf of bread that you can’t help but love.
Hi dog moms and dads, my name is Bri and I am a crazy dog mom! My American Bulldog, Bruce is the love of my life.
He was adopted at 8 years old and has been spoiled rotten ever since. I had many different dogs growing up, but this was my first American Bulldog.
While I was no stranger to dog hair, I have never had a dog that sheds quite as much as Bruce does. I find his fur EVERYWHERE from my bed and my couch to my clothes, and even my coffee cup.
It seems like no matter where I go, I take some of him with me. From what I have learned about Corgis, they are no different!
I wanted to learn more about Corgis in case I ever have the opportunity to bring one home. Part of that research was looking at how much they shed.
And so here we are! I created this Corgi shedding guide to help dog lovers everywhere learn more about this breed, especially those who are considering bringing home one of their own.
Who knows, maybe the Queen will read it! I am sure she could give me more information than anyone else.
Speaking of the Royal Family, let’s talk about the history of this breed to start us off!
History of Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Since the medieval times, people have been using dogs to help herd their cattle and sheep. This is where the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first discovered.
These little pups were bred for herding, but caught the eye of European royalty and soon became a staple in the family.
The most famous royal Corgi lover is Queen Elizabeth II, who is constantly surrounded by her beloved Corgis. She gets me.
However, these pups are not just popular for the rich and famous. They are a well-loved breed for families all over the world, and are constantly placing high in some of the most prestigious dog shows!
What is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s Coat Like?
Originally a work dog, Corgis needed a coat that would protect them from the elements as they worked in the fields.
Their coat is thick and weatherproof, with a double coat that has an under-layer to keep them warm and a top coat that is water-resistant.
They are soft around their ears and faces, but their backs and more broad areas on their bodies have a coarser outer coat. This is a trait that has been passed down over many generations!
Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Shed? How Much?
Corgis are classified as frequent shedders by the American Kennel Club. This comes as no surprise since they shed a considerable amount on a daily basis.
Their short hair sheds consistently throughout the day, even with regular grooming. They are a never ending supply of fluff.
When do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Shed the Most?
Corgis, along with all other dogs, have many factors that influence how much they shed.
To make it easier, I have broken these factors down into the main categories.
Let’s take a look.
Time of Year
Shedding season is a term that no dog parent should be new to. There are two times a year when all dogs shed the most.
These times include the transition from summer to winter and the transition from winter to summer.
During these times, Corgis and other dogs shed their summer or winter coats to make room for the next season’s growth.
This is vital to a dog’s health, as the winter coat helps keep them warm and their summer coat helps keep them cool. When I was a kid I used to chop my hair off in the summer, so basically I am a dog.
Now if I could only get someone to feed me and let me nap all day…
Stage of Life
This is one of the more unknown factors that influence how much a Corgi sheds. Puppies have their young, soft, adorable puppy fur that they eventually shed when they come of age.
Till that time comes, they will not shed nearly as much as they do when they are adults. However, once they do reach adulthood, their shedding becomes pretty regular.
When a dog reaches their senior stage of life, they might shed a little more than normal. This is completely natural, just like an old man starts to bald as he ages!
Diet & Exercise
Have you ever noticed a difference in your skin and hair when you eat healthier and get the proper amount of exercise? The same goes for dogs, too!
Corgis are extremely active dogs, and that means they need the right amount of nutrients to keep them going. Without these nutrients, you might start to see signs of an unhealthy coat.
The same is true for exercise. Corgis have short, stubby legs so staying in good shape is crucial. Improper exercise can lead to all sorts of secondary issues, and skin issues are a common example.
Pests and Skin Conditions
We all know that bugs like fleas and ticks can be a major pain for any dog, and Corgis are the same. These pests can cause major skin issues, even apart from excessive licking and scratching.
Diseases are often spread by these pests, so it is important to keep an eye out for them!
How to Combat Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shedding
Grooming is really the only way to help you maintain a shedding Corgi. Unfortunately for some, this means a good brushing session every day if possible.
They can probably go a day or two without, but you will definitely notice more fur if you let that happen. Otherwise, there is not a lot you can do to reduce the amount they shed.
However, it is important to note that dogs shed for a reason! That being said, it would not be healthy to change how much they shed, and especially not to stop it all together.
Many Corgi owners rely on the help of a professional groomer, which is definitely a great way to go if you want some extra help with the shedding.
They will be able to give your dog a good shedding treatment, which usually consists of a bath and a very thorough brushing to get as much of the dead hair out that they can.
This will help make brushing your Corgi easier between grooming sessions, and in turn will make maintaining their shedding much easier for you!
Plus, there are some great tools you can use to keep their shedding maintained too.
Let’s take a look at those tools next.
Equipment Help to Combat Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shedding
Vacuum cleaner
I will always recommend the Dyson pet hair vacuum. We bought ours when we got Bruce, and in the past two years I have never seen it fail.
The vacuum is cordless and comes apart with several different attachments. These attachments make jobs like vacuuming furniture and stairs so much easier it is unbelievable!
Plus, it is literally made for pet hair so you know it will work. I also like how easy it is to clean. You just release the latch over a trash can and the mess falls right out!
Lint Roller
Plus they are really a pain to get off! We prefer a reusable lint removing brush, such as the Magik Brush with a two-sided surface that you never have to replace!
It is so easy to clean and gets all the fur off of your clothes and furniture. Plus we love that it is reusable, which means less waste is being thrown out!
A heavy duty brush
I do not know how it works, but this brush is able to get to every loose hair in a dog’s undercoat and remove it without pulling or scratching too hard.
Bruce thinks he is just being pampered when we brush him with his Furminator brush!
It is super easy to clean, too. You just push a button and the blade pushes all the fur off the end of the brush. And that’s that!
Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis Considered to be Hypoallergenic?
Haha, heck no. To be specific, hypoallergenic technically means that dog is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. This is literally not possible for any dog, at least not completely.
All dogs shed pet dander, or dead skin cells. These are actually some of the most allergy-prone triggers a dog has!
However, even if dogs could be completely hypoallergenic, a Corgi would never fit anywhere close to that category. They shed so much that they could not even be classified as a small percent hypoallergenic!
Do Some Pembroke Welsh Corgis Shed More Than Others?
Yes, and no. This question is a bit complex because it really depends on the dog and the situation.
Each dog is different, even if they are the same breed. One dog might be experiencing different health conditions that change how they shed compared to another.
One factor that could also be considered under this topic is where the dog lives. Cooler climate Corgis will shed less because they adapt to keeping that warm coat.
Vice versa, Corgis in a warm climate will shed more to stay cool during those warm summer months. This is really the only reason one Corgi would shed more than another.
Otherwise, they are pretty consistent breed-wide!
Health Reasons for Increased Shedding in Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Unfortunately, excessive shedding in dogs is not typically a good sign. There could be underlying complications, such as cancer or internal organ issues causing hair loss.
Otherwise, it could be a result of certain skin conditions like we discussed earlier, such as mange. It could also be a result of allergies which is much easier to treat!
It is so important for dog parents to pay attention to how their dogs shed normally. This could really help you notice when they are shedding more than normal, which could help your dog feel better, faster.
It could also save precious and life-saving time if there is something more serious going on that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
I try to keep a sharp eye on Bruce’s habits, but it can be hard to tell sometimes.
Final Thoughts: Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Shed?
Corgis are little bundles of joy that are well worth the effort of maintaining their shedding habits.
As long as you are willing to put in the extra work, there is no way you would not be happy you brought one home!
The only thing that I would recommend is to make sure your family does not have any serious allergies to animals before bringing a Corgi home. If they do, a Corgi might not be the right choice for your family.
Unless you just make your family member take lots of allergy medicine, which is fine too! Either way, it is important to do your research before bringing home any new dog.
Hopefully this do Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed guide was helpful for those of you who might be thinking about bringing home a sweet little Corgi! Happy Pup Parenting!