Fluffy Corgis: Everything You Need To Know!
Fluffy Corgis are long-haired Pembroke or Cardigan Corgis, the cause of which is the FGF5 recessive gene. Fluffy Corgis (or ‘Fluffies’ as they’re also known) share the same personality and health conditions as a standard Corgi. The only difference between the two (besides hair length) is that Fluffies require more grooming.
So you’ve spotted a fluffy Corgi on social media.
Their adorable fluffy feet and scruffy ears.
Now you’re wondering whether this is a special breed of Corgi and how you can possibly get one, right?
Keep reading to find out more about these Corgis, what causes their unique look, and whether they’re ethical or not.
Let’s go!
Key Takeaways:
- Fluffy Corgis are the result of a recessive gene (FGF5 gene), making them a rare variation of the breed
- Fluffy Corgis are considered a ‘Very Serious Fault’ by the American Kennel Club, which may disqualify you from participating in dog shows (depending on where you live)
- Fluffies typically shed less than standard Corgis
What Is A Fluffy Corgi?
A fluffy Corgi, or ‘fluffies’ as they’re also known, is a Pembroke or Cardigan Corgi with longer hair than your average Corgi. The cause of this fluffiness is a genetic mutation: the recessive FGF5 gene.
This ‘fluff gene’ must be carried by both parents for their offspring to express the fluffy trait. It’s important to note that parents might not necessarily be fluffy themselves but can still be carriers of the fluff gene.
According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) official Breed Standard, fluffies are a ‘Very Serious Fault’. For this reason, they are not a recognized Corgi breed.
According to the AKC, Corgis are supposed to have a medium-length, short undercoat with a coarser, slightly wavy outer coat. Fluffies, however, have a coat of extreme length with ‘exaggerated feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, underparts and hindquarters’.
Despite differences in appearance, there isn’t much difference at all when it comes to the personalities of fluffy Corgis vs. non-fluffy Corgis.
What Does A Fluffy Look Like?
First things first, let’s take a look at what a Fluffy Corgi looks like.
Fluffy Corgi: Physical Characteristics
The most distinguishing feature of a fluffy Corgi is their unusually long coat. This makes them stand out among other Corgis with standard coat lengths.
Like all Corgis, they have a double coat: one dense undercoat and another, longer overcoat. This double coat helps to keep them warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
In terms of size, fluffy Pembrokes are very similar to their standard Pembroke counterparts. Male fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically stand between 10 and 12 inches tall and weigh around 27 pounds. Females tend to weigh around 25 pounds.
Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis, on the other hand, have a slightly larger frame with males measuring between 10.5 and 12.5 inches and weighing between 30 to 38 pounds, while females range from 25 to 34 pounds.
When it comes to appearance, apart from their fluffier coat, fluffy Corgis share many physical features with regular Corgis. They have an adorable face, pointed ears, and a sturdy, low-set body. Their nails require trimming every few weeks to avoid overgrowth and to maintain optimal paw health.
Personality and Temperament
Fluffy Corgis, which can be either Pembroke Welsh or Cardigan Welsh Corgis, are known for their smart and energetic temperament.
In addition to being social and affectionate, these dogs are also quite agile, with a history of herding and working alongside humans in various tasks.
Their intelligence makes them quick learners, and they’re usually eager to please their owners.
They make excellent dogs for first-time owners and families!
If you want to know the differences between a Cardigan and a Pembroke, check out this handle table to compare and contrast:
 Pembroke Corgi |  Cardigan Corgi | |
Personality | Outgoing and enthusiastic. Loves being around people and other animals. | Friendly and affectionate. Can be a little more reserved than their Pembroke counterparts. |
Intelligence | Ranked as the 11th smartest breed. | Ranked as the 26th smartest breed. |
Appearance | Pembrokes are typically sable, red, fawn, and ocasionally black and tan. | Cardigans usually come in black and white, blue merle, brindle, red, or sable colors. |
Tail | Most Pembrokes are born with long, bushy tails that are docked when they are a few days old. A minority of Pembrokes are born with a natural bobtail. | Cardigans are born with long, busy tails. |
Size | Up to 30 pounds (male) Up to 28 pounds (female) | 30-38 pounds (male) 25-34 pounds (female) |
Height | 10-12 inches | 10.5-12.5 inches |
Training required | Highly intelligent herding dog. They learn fast if trained consistently. | Highly intelligent herding dog. They learn fast if trained consistently. |
Barking | Prone to barking, though this can be managed with consistent training and early socialization. | Some are less prone to barking than Pembrokes due to their more reserved nature. |
Shedding | Heavy shedder (daily basis). Requires grooming at least 2-3x per week. | Heavy shedder (daily basis). Requires grooming at least 2-3x per week. |
Energy levels | Athletic dog that requires at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. They aren’t suitable for a sedentary lifestyle. | Cardigans also require at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Puzzle toys are a great supplement to daily walks. |
Health risks | Prone to spine- and joint-related heath problems like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and hip dysplasia. | Prone to spine- and joint-related heath problems like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and hip dysplasia. Cardigans at higher risk of eye disease progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) than Pembrokes. |
First-time owner | Great for first-time owners that would prefer a more boisterous and outgoing Corgi. | Great for first-time owners that would prefer a calmer, more reserved Corgi. |
Good with other animals and children | Pembrokes make great family pets because they’re loving and playful. Training is important to keep their boisterous streak in check. | Cardigans are generally calmer around children (compared to Pembrokes). They get along well with other animals as long as they’re introduced gradually. |
Ideal home | As long as they get enough daily exercise, Pembrokes are just as happy living in an apartment as they are in a big house with a garden. | Cardigans are also just as happy living in an apartment as they are in a house with a backyard. |
American Kennel Club | Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). | Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). |
Price | $2,000-$3,500 | $2,000-$3,000 |
What’s The Difference Between A Fluffy Corgi And A Regular Corgi?
Here you can see the obvious difference between a fluffy corgi (like Marcel Le Corgi) and a non-fluffy Corgi (my rehomed Corgi Winston).
The main difference between a fluffy Corgi and a regular Corgi is in their coat. A fluffy Corgi has a denser and longer coat, which can make them appear bulkier than their normal counterparts.
For this reason, fluffies require more grooming than regular corgis to prevent matting and tangles. The good news is that they shed significantly less. With regular brushing, fluffies mostly only shed heavily for a couple of weeks at a time, twice per year, and lose minimal fur the rest of the year.
Besides their coat, fluffies and non-fluffy Corgis have many things in common. They’re intelligent, energetic, and social dogs that make excellent companions for first-time owners and families.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) views the fluffy coat differently when it comes to show standards. Pembrokes and Cardigans with fluffy coats may not be allowed in the show ring, as their coats don’t meet the AKC’s breed standards for Corgis.
 Standard Corgi |  Fluffy Corgi | |
Purebred | Yes, recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Yes, but considered a ‘Very Serious Fault’ by the American Kennel Club. |
Appearance | Pembrokes are typically sable, red, fawn, and ocasionally black and tan. Cardigans usually come in black and white, blue merle, brindle, red, or sable colors. | Fluffies come in the same colors as their non-fluffy counterparts. The difference is that their hair will be longer. |
Coat | Medium length; short, thick, weather- resistant undercoat with a coarser, longer outer coat. | A coat of extreme length with exaggerated feathering on ears, chest, legs and feet, |
Size | 28-38 pounds (male) 25-34 pounds (female) | 28-38 pounds (male) 25-34 pounds (female) |
Height | 10-12.5 inches | 10-12.5 inches |
Shedding | Heavy shedder (daily basis). Requires grooming at least 2-3x per week. | Very heavy shedder (daily basis). Requires grooming at least 3-4x per week. |
Energy levels | Athletic dog that requires at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. They aren’t suitable for a sedentary lifestyle. | Athletic dog that requires at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. They aren’t suitable for a sedentary lifestyle. |
Health risks | Prone to spine- and joint-related heath problems like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and hip dysplasia. | Prone to the same health issues as non-fluffies. However, some breeders question the ethics of trying to breed Fluffy litters as this increases inbreeding, which can lead to higher frequencies of genetic defects. |
First-time owner | Great for first-time owners who are aware of the shedding and requirement to brush regularly. | Great for first-time owners who are aware of the shedding and requirement to brush regularly (multiple times per week) |
Price | $2,000-$3,500 | $2,000-$3,000 |
Do Fluffy Corgis Shed?
Yes, fluffy Corgis shed. But as long as you groom them regularly, fluffies actually lose less hair than regular Corgis!
Fluffy Corgi Grooming Tips
Fluffy Corgis need special care when it comes to grooming because their coats are usually longer and thicker than non-fluffy Corgis. Here are some top tips to keep your fluffy’s coat in top condition!
- Brush the coat regularly
I recommend using a slicker brush to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles. The technique called “line brushing” works great for fluffy Corgis. Start from the bottom of the fur and brush upward, following the direction of the fur growth.
- Take your fluffy to the groomer every 8-12 weeks
Take your fluffy Corgi to a professional groomer every couple of months to keep on top of shedding. They have a variety of tools and equipment to give your fluffy a proper de-shed, as well as trim their coat and clip their nails.
Do Fluffy Corgis Have Health Issues?
Fluffy Corgis are prone to the same genetic health conditions as regular Corgis. These include hip dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
These problems arise because Corgis have long bodies and short legs. These qualities—that have been selectively bred into Corgis—can lead to joint and back issues like those mentioned above.
In addition to genetic health problems, Corgis are also prone to obesity. They love their food so it’s important to maintain portion control and provide them with plenty of daily exercise to ensure they don’t put on weight.
I recommend exercising your Corgi for at least 60 minutes each day and supplementing physical activity with puzzle toys. Corgis are highly intelligent dogs and mental stimulation prevents them from getting bored or frustrated!
How To Get A Fluffy Corgi
Make sure you thoroughly research breeders before you consider getting a fluffy Corgi. You want to find a breeder that prioritizes the health of the litter above anything else i.e. personality or looks.
Fluffy Corgi breeders like Curbys’s Corgis DNA-test the parents and have them regularly examined by their vet to maintain good health. You can see the results of these tests on their website.
Remember: There is no guarantee that an entire litter of puppies will be fluffies, even if both parents are fluffy carriers.
In order for the puppies to be fluffy they have to have the fluff-gene passed down from both mom and dad. Because the gene is recessive, if they only receive it from one, they will carry the gene but not develop a fluffy coat.
No breeder can promise an entire litter of fluffy ‘affected’ puppies (those with long hair). Avoid any that do.
Should You Get a Fluffy Corgi? One Owner Shares Her View
Since writing this piece, Marcel and his owner Aurelie shared their thoughts about buying fluffies in the comments below.
“Breeding a recessive gene back on purpose […] increases the risks of bringing back more of the health issues that the breed is prone to […] and often increasing inbreeding (which is already bad as it is for corgis)” – Aurelie and Marcel Le Corgi
If a breeder happens to have a fluffy Corgi among the litter, great.
But I’d be wary of actively seeking out a fluffy Corgi breeder… particularly if you want to guarantee the full health and happiness of your future canine companion.
Popular Fluffy Corgis On Social Media
I have handpicked a few notable fluffy Corgis that have amassed a big following on Instagram.
@madmax_fluffyroad
@lecorgi
@hudsonthefluffycorgi
@cooper_fluffycorgi
Are Fluffy Corgis More Expensive?
Fluffy Corgis should not be more expensive than non-fluffy Corgis due to their ‘faulty’ breeding. However, because they are rarer than standard Corgis, you might find them to be more expensive.
Fluffies start at around $2,500.
Related Questions
What makes a Corgi fluffy?
A fluffy Corgi has a longer coat than a regular Corgi. This is due to a recessive gene mutation called the fluff gene, which causes excessive feathering on the chest, ears, feet, and legs.
Are all Pembroke Welsh Corgis fluffy?
No, not all Pembroke Welsh Corgis are fluffy. The fluffiness is a result of the fluff gene, which is a recessive trait and not present in every Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Fluffy Corgis can also come from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed, inheriting the dominant gene from one or both parents.
What is the average lifespan of a fluffy Corgi?
The average lifespan of a fluffy Corgi is similar to regular Corgis, ranging from 12-15 years. Their longer coat does not impact their life expectancy, as long as they receive proper care and nutrition.
Where can I find fluffy Corgi puppies for sale?
Finding fluffy Corgi puppies for sale can be a bit trickier than finding regular Corgis due to their rarity. To start your search, I recommend looking for reputable breeders who specialize in fluffy Corgis or reaching out to Corgi-specific organizations for their recommendations.
It’s essential to work with a trustworthy breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs, rather than aesthetics.
We personally always highly recommend staying away from breeders who breed fluffies on purpose as they are doing this for the wrong reasons (money esp if they charge more for them, since they are a fault to breed standards they should cost less or the same, not more) – fluffies that happen by accident because of the gene in normal coated litters are one thing, but breeding a recessive gene back on purpose also increases the risks of bringing back more of the health issues that the breed is prone to (as cited in your piece) and often increasing inbreeding (which is already bad as it is for corgis) and that’s never good for the dogs, DNA testing or not.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Aurelie and Marcel. We agree that it’s best to stick with the standard breed to give the corgi the best shot at health and happiness and have added your insight into the piece! ?