Corgis are small but they have a thick double coat. This leaves new many new owners wondering how often they’re likely to shed.
If you have a corgi, you might notice that they tend to lose a lot of hair because of their double coat. This shedding is normal and keeps their skin and coat healthy. But, it can make for a messy home.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about corgi shedding and share my tips to help keep your house clean from unwanted fur.
How much do corgis shed?
Corgis are moderate shedders. They shed their coat regularly, but not as much as some dog breeds.
If you have a corgi, you may need to vacuum a few times a week and remove fallen fur from furniture to keep your home tidy.
Keeping your house clean with a corgi isn’t a nightmare. Yes, they do shed, but it’s not so much that you’ll spend hours each day cleaning up after them.
My routine involves vacuuming once or twice a week and using a de-fluffing tool on couch and bed covers to remove excess fur.
So, if you’re looking to buy a corgi and worried about the shedding, don’t stress too much. While there’s some work involved, it’s manageable.
Why do corgis shed so much? 4 reasons corgis why corgis shed
Corgis shed a lot because they have two layers of hair: a soft, thick undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. Outside this, 4 key factors why corgi sheds are temperature variations, health status, age, and diet.
The topcoat has guard hairs that repel moisture and dirt, while the undercoat is a dense layer that helps regulate their body temperature in different weather.
Both layers of hair work together to protect corgis from the weather. The undercoat sheds more than the topcoat, and it’s a bit tricky to clean off furniture and clothes.
If your corgi is shedding excessively, it could be due to other reasons. Here’s four possible explanations for why your corgi might be shedding more than other dogs.
1. Temperature changes cause corgis to shed
Corgis shed their hair in response to changes in temperature. Corgis shed more hair when the seasons change from cold to hot weather, as they naturally drop their winter coat.
In the winter, when the days are shorter and the air is cooler, corgis will grow a thicker coat to keep warm.
As the days start to get longer and the weather warms up, the corgi’s body will start to shed its winter coat in preparation for summer.
This shedding process is a natural part of a corgi’s biology and helps to regulate their body temperature and keep their coat healthy.
It is normal for corgis to shed more heavily during this time of year. I recommend you brush and groom your corgi regularly to help remove excess hair and prevent matting.
2. Illness or stress cause corgis to shed
Corgis can lose hair if they’re stressed or sick, just like people do. Healthy corgis usually don’t shed as much as those with health problems or certain conditions like allergies or hormonal imbalances.
If you see that your corgi is shedding more hair than usual, it’s important to notice and get help from a vet. Too much shedding, especially in big clumps, might mean there’s a health problem. Make sure to have your corgi checked by a vet.
Taking care of your corgi’s health early on is the best way to keep them happy and well. If you notice any changes, it’s a good idea to get help for your furry friend as soon as possible.
3. Age can cause corgis to shed
As corgis age, their shedding patterns may change. For example, young corgis go through a bulk shedding phase as they lose their puppy coat and grow their adult coat.
4. Diet can cause corgis to shed
A corgi’s diet can play a role in how much they shed. A healthy diet that includes all the necessary nutrients can help to support a healthy coat and reduce shedding.
It is important to work with your veterinarian to manage dietary concerns that may be contributing to excessive shedding in your corgi.
The 4 key factors that determine how much your corgi sheds:
- Temperature variations where you corgi lives
- Health status of your corgi
- Age of your corgi
- Dietary considerations for your corgi
Do all corgis shed?
Yes, both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed their hair all year round.
Corgis are moderate shedders and you should take this into consideration when working our whether or not a corgi is a good fit for your home.
Most corgis will lose small amounts of hair from both layers of their coat daily. To manage this, corgis do require regular brushing and the occasional bath to keep their coats clean and free of potential mats.
Certain corgi mixes tend to shed less than purebred corgis, because they have a genes that affect the coat.
For example, you may consider adopting a shih tzu–corgi mix or schnauzer–corgi mix. Both are less likely to shed. This is because these breeds are considered more hypoallergenic than corgis.
What months do corgis shed the most?
Corgis shed more in the transitional seasons: Spring and Autumn (Fall).
Shedding is a natural process that helps to regulate their body temperature and prepare their coat for the changing seasons.
Let’s look at what happens
Corgis shed in Spring
As the weather starts to warm up, corgis will shed their thick winter coat in preparation for summer.
- Southern Hemisphere: Spring is in September, October, November
- Northern Hemisphere: Spring is in March, April and May
Corgis shed in Autumn
As the weather cools down, they will start to grow a thicker coat for the winter.
- Southern Hemisphere: Autumn is in March, April and May.
- Northern Hemisphere: Autumn is in September, October, November.
Corgis usually lose more fur during certain seasons, so you have to brush and groom them often.
This helps get rid of extra hair and stops their fur from getting tangled.
When does a corgi puppy start shedding
Corgi puppies usually begin shedding their fur around 6 months old.
Corgis are born with a puppy coat. Corgi adults have a double coat – a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.
The shedding process occurs as the puppy’s adult coat begins to grow in.
During the shedding process, it is common for corgi puppies to lose a significant amount of fur. This shedding will typically continue for a few months until the adult coat is fully grown in.
How do I stop my corgi from shedding?
It is not possible to completely prevent a corgi from shedding, as shedding is a natural process that helps maintain their coat’s health and cleanliness.
Despite this being a healthy thing, it can be annoying to have fur all about the house. Fur often gets into places you least want it including the furniture, the carpet, and even among the pillows and blankets that rest on your bed.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimise shedding, and these are outlined in details below. These are outlined below.
How to reduce your corgi’s shedding? 4 steps you can take now.
While you cannot stop your corgi shedding, you can reduce the amount of fur that they shed through grooming, diet, and healthcare.
Here are some tips to help you reduce the impact of your corgi’s shedding on your home.
1. Regularly groom your corgi
To minimise shedding, it is important to groom your corgi regularly. This will keep loose fur off your floor and out of your house.
Grooming your corgi will help to remove loose fur from their coat and keep their skin and fur healthy.
To groom your corgi, start by brushing their coat. You can use a slicker brush or shedding blade to gently remove tangles and mats from your corgi’s fur.
Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth and be gentle to avoid hurting your dog.
By regularly grooming your corgi, you can help to prevent excessive shedding and maintain the overall health of their coat and skin.
2. Feed your corgi a high-quality diet
Feeding your corgi a high-quality diet can support the health of their coat and skin, which can in turn help to reduce shedding.
A diet that is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals can help to nourish the skin and promote a healthy, shiny coat.
There are several factors to consider when selecting a high-quality diet for your corgi.
One important factor is the source of the protein. Look for a diet that includes a named source of protein, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient. This will ensure that your corgi is getting enough of this essential nutrient.
Other important nutrients to consider include healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to nourish the skin and promote a healthy coat. Look for a diet that includes ingredients such as fish oil, which is rich in these essential fatty acids.
Proper hydration is also important for maintaining the health of your corgi’s coat and skin. Make sure your corgi has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
3. Keep an eye on your corgi’s health
If your corgi is shedding excessively, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues that could be causing the shedding.
If you notice any changes in your corgi’s coat or skin, or if they seem to be shedding more than usual, it may be a sign of a health issue.
In this case, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and get proper treatment. They will be able to give you guidance that will keep your corgi healthy and reduce the amount they are shedding.
4. Keep your home clean with regular cleaning
While this doesn’t change how much they shed, regularly cleaning and vacuuming can have a big impact on your home.
Regular cleaning will help remove loose fur from your floors and furniture.
Use a lint roller or a damp cloth to remove fur from furniture and other surfaces. This will help to keep your furniture and other surfaces fur-free.
You should also wash your corgi’s bedding and toys regularly. This will help to remove any accumulated fur from your corgi’s sleeping and play areas.
The 4 best ways to keep your house clear of fur:
Grooming, good diet, scheduled vet check-ups, and regular cleaning.
Should I shave my corgi?
No, it is not recommended to shave your corgi.
Shaving your corgi’s coat can disrupt the natural shedding process, and it is not a good way to help maintain healthy fur.
Rather than shedding regular length hair, your dog may shed shorter spikes of hair that are more difficult to remove from your home.
Shaving your corgi’s coat can remove the protective outer layer of fur, leaving their skin vulnerable to sunburn and other environmental irritants.
This can be especially problematic for corgis, as they have short, stocky bodies and are prone to overheating.
If you are concerned about shedding or if you need to groom your corgi for a specific reason, such as for a medical procedure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian or a professional groomer.
They can provide guidance on the best grooming options for your corgi and help you to maintain the overall health of their coat and skin.
Final thoughts on corgi shedding
Corgis are a breed that is known for shedding, and it is not possible to completely stop a corgi from shedding. There are however steps you can take to minimise shedding and keep your corgi’s coat and skin healthy.
These include regularly grooming your corgi, feeding them a high-quality diet, and maintaining their overall health.
It is also important to keep your home clean by regularly vacuuming and sweeping your floors, washing your corgi’s bedding and toys, and using a shed-control shampoo when giving your corgi a bath.
If you have any concerns about your corgi’s shedding or grooming, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian who can tell you what to do for your specific dog.
