Yes, both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed all year round. This is due to their double coat, which helps them stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also have peak “blow-out” shedding seasons in spring and fall. To minimize the impact of daily shedding, aim to brush your Corgi at least three times a week.
When I was deciding what type of dog to get, investigating which breeds shed a lot (and which don’t) was an important part of the process.
My boyfriend can be quite allergic to certain dog and cat breeds, so we didn’t want to bring home a dog that would set off his sneezing.
So it was a big surprise to everyone (us included!) when we ended up re-homing a Corgi… a breed that sheds frequently.
It’s a good thing Corgis are so cute!
In this article, I’ll explore commonly asked questions about how much Corgis shed, whether they are hypoallergenic, and how often they should be groomed.
I’ll also provide 5 tips to help Corgi owners stay on top of shedding (and keep their homes clean and tidy!).
Let’s go!
Key Takeaways
- Corgis have a double coat of hair, which is why they shed a lot. The soft undercoat keeps them warm and the outer layer provides additional protection against the elements—perfect for when Corgis were originally used as herding dogs.
- You should brush your Corgi at least 3 times per week and hoover regularly to keep on top of the shedding.
- Corgis are not hypoallergenic, so if you suffer from allergies you may want to look into other dog breeds.
Understanding The Corgi Coat
Pembrokes and Cardigans might look different but what about their coats?
Is there any real difference?
Do Pembrokes shed more than Cardigans or vice versa?
The short answer is: No.
They might have different coloring and markings, but both Pembrokes and Cardigans are both heavy shedders.
Check out this video to see just how much Corgis shed!
Why do Corgis have a double coat?
Corgis have a double coat for several reasons.
The outer coat is made up of long, coarse guard hairs that protect the dog from the elements, while the soft undercoat provides insulation and helps regulate body temperature.
The double coat also helps protect Corgis from insect bites and other environmental hazards.
Additionally, the undercoat sheds seasonally, which helps the dog stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
While the double coat is an essential feature of Corgis, it does require regular grooming to keep it in top condition.
Regular brushing and bathing can help keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.
When Do Corgis Shed?
We’ve answered the crucial question: How much does a Corgi shed, but what about when?
Corgis are year-round shedders and shed their coats on a daily basis.
Shedding is a natural process for all mammals. It just so happens that Corgis have a lot of hair to begin with, and so they have a lot more hair to lose.
They will start to shed between 8 and 13 months old.
Most of the hair that’s lost comes from the undercoat, the softer layer that keeps Corgis warm in winter and cool in summer.
In addition to daily shedding, Corgis shed excessively twice a year, in spring and fall. This is what is known as the ‘blow-out phase’.
During these peak shedding seasons that last 2-4 weeks, Corgis lose more hair than usual.
To manage Corgi shedding, groom them at least three times per week. During peak shedding seasons, daily grooming is necessary.
Choose the right dog food, feed them fish oil and flaxseed, and vacuum your home often to keep stray hairs at bay.
Season | Shedding Frequency | Peak Shedding Season |
Spring | High | March/April |
Summer | Moderate | May - August |
Fall | High | September/October |
Winter | Moderate | November - Feb |
Brush your Corgi 3-4x a week to keep on top of shedding! | ||
5 Tips To Reduce Corgi Shedding
You can’t stop a Corgi from shedding, but you can reduce its impact.
Here are 5 easy Corgi shedding solutions to try at home.
1. Brush your Corgi at least 3x per week
The simplest way to manage shedding is to brush your Corgi at least 3 times a week.
The soft undercoat is responsible for most of the stray hair found in your home, so that’s what we need to tackle with a good dog brush.
One of my favorite dog brushes to use is the Slicker Dog Comb Brush.
Here’s how I use it to get rid of as much Corgi hair as possible:
- Brush in sections, starting at the base of your Corgi’s spine around the butt area
- Lift the coat up until you see the skin and brush in sections
- Repeat this process, parting the hair and brushing one section at a time
- If your Corgi has very tangled hair, you can use a de-matting comb to work out any knots
If you do this process properly, it can take anywhere between 15-30 minutes. If you can’t commit to this level of grooming every single day, even a light groom (5-10 minutes) a few times a week is better than nothing!
2. Bath them each month
Bathing your Corgi using de-shedding shampoos and conditioners helps to remove dead hair and keep your Corgi smelling great.
Do this every 6-8 weeks for best results. Better yet, gently brush your Corgi’s coat while still slightly damp to remove all the newly loosened hair.
3. Take regular trips to the groomers
While this isn’t an absolute must (particularly if you’re consistent with washing and brushing your Corgi at home), taking regular trips to the groomers can be a great way to manage heavy shedding.
This is because groomers have a variety of tools and equipment that make de-shedding your Corgi a breeze.
We take Winston the Corgi to the professional groomers every 12 weeks or so. Not only do they thoroughly groom him, they also clip his nails, trim his butt, and give him a blow dry to get rid of any excess hair.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise
If you want to know how healthy your Corgi is, take a look at their coat.
The best way to guarantee strong hair follicles and skin elasticity is to feed your Corgi a nutritionally balanced diet or supplement their dog food with fish oils or omega-3s.
This will help keep their coat shiny and reduce shedding (as much as possible!).
5. Visit your vet
If you’ve noticed that your Corgi’s shedding has increased, it might be worth visiting your vet for a check-up.
There are a few reasons why this might be the case:
Nutritional deficiency
Without proper nutrition from dog food, a Corgi’s skin and coat will suffer. If you think their food might be the cause of excessive shedding, speak to your vet about alternative brands to try.
Allergies
Your Corgi may be allergic to pollen, dust, flea saliva, or ingredients in their dog food. Most allergies result in severe itching and scratching, which results in heavy shedding and potentially bald patches. If you’ve noticed your Corgi scratching more than usual, book an appointment with your vet to have them examined.
Stress
Dogs experience stress for a variety of reasons—separation anxiety, changes in the home, loud noises, and more. One of the side effects of stress is increased shedding. If you’re unsure what’s causing the stress or how to treat your Corgi effectively, speak to your vet.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, lice, and mites can cause parasitic infestations that result in increased shedding. To treat parasites, you’ll need to take your Corgi to the vet for an examination.
How To Reduce The Impact Of Shedding In Your Home
If you’re particularly house proud and the thought of Corgi hair everywhere fills you with dread, panic no more!
Follow these 4 tips to help minimize the impact of Corgi shedding in your home:
1. Vacuum regularly
One of the most effective ways to control shedding is to vacuum regularly. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove Corgi hair and dander from floors, carpets, and furniture.
Even better, get a Roomba! They are more expensive than other brands but can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to keeping on top of animal hair.
2. Embrace the fur
Instead of fighting the shedding, embrace it by using a lint roller or pet hair remover to keep your clothes and furniture free of hair. You can also invest in washable slipcovers for your furniture to make cleaning easier.
3. Invest in a lint roller
A lint roller is a must-have tool for any Corgi owner. Keep one on hand at all times to quickly remove hair from clothing and other surfaces.
4. Keep your Corgi off the furniture
While it may be tempting to cuddle with your Corgi on the couch, this can lead to more shedding and hair buildup on your furniture. Consider designating a specific area for your Corgi to relax in, such as a dog bed or crate.
My Favorite Tools To Help Manage Corgi Shedding
Item | Check out the price |
1. Brush | |
2. Lint roller | |
3. Nail clippers | |
4. Dog shampoo |
Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?
Because of their double coat and heavy shedding, Corgis are not hypoallergenic. If you’re prone to cat or dog allergies, this breed is likely to trigger your symptoms.
Interestingly, Winston the Corgi doesn’t trigger my boyfriend’s allergy symptoms very much. The same can’t be said for my parents’ pugs!
If you can, try to spend some time with a Corgi before getting one to see how much—if at all—they trigger your allergy symptoms.
Related questions
Now you know exactly how much a Corgi sheds, let’s take a look at some other common queries.
Are Corgis high maintenance?
Compared with many other dog breeds, Corgis aren’t considered high maintenance. They’re hardy little dogs that are very adaptable to most situations. That’s why they’re a great dog for first-time owners.
As long as they get enough human companionship and 60 minutes of exercise each day, they’re happy! If you’re looking for a lazy dog that prefers its own company, you might want to consider another breed.
How much shedding can I expect from my Corgi?
Corgis are year-round shedders and will shed their coat in some form on a daily basis.
Shedding frequency can vary depending on the individual dog, but Corgis typically shed more frequently in the summer and winter months.
Do Corgis shed more than German Shepherds?
Both Corgis and German Shepherds are double-coated breeds that shed all year round.
They shed about as much as each other!
What can be done to minimize the amount of shedding from a Corgi?
While shedding cannot be completely prevented, there are several steps that can be taken to minimize shedding.
Regular grooming and brushing can help remove loose fur before it falls out, which can reduce the amount of hair left around the house.
Feeding your Corgi a healthy diet and providing them with supplements such as fish oil and flaxseed can also help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Do corgis shed more during certain times of the year?
Yes, Corgis tend to shed more during the summer and winter months. During the summer, they shed their undercoat to stay cool, while in the winter, they shed to make room for a thicker coat to keep them warm.
How does Corgi shedding compare to shedding in other dog breeds?
From experience, I would say that corgis are quite heavy shedders compared to other breeds!
Should I shave my Corgi to help prevent shedding?
No, do not shave your Corgi.
Shaving a Corgi can actually damage their coat and lead to more shedding.
