Do Corgis Shed a Lot?

Editorial Team

Health & Grooming

26 December 2024

The problem with Welsh Corgis is that not only do they shed, but they shed CRAZY A LOT! At certain times of year, you might accumulate enough fur to launch your own corgi yarn business. We wish we were joking, but it really is that bad.

Make sure you consider the shedding issue very seriously before you commit to adopting a pup. You will have to put in the extra effort of grooming your corgi, as well as keeping your house fur and dander-free to avoid developing allergies.

Let’s look at the reasons why corgis shed, how to manage the shedding and other useful tips and practices for dealing with the crazy amount of fur.

Why Do Corgis Shed So Much?

Corgis have a double coat. As a herding breed of dogs that originated in a fairly cold climate (Western Wales in the UK), corgis developed a thick double coat to protect them from the harsh weather. Mother Nature truly is a genius, as this layered coat keeps the corgi cool in summer and warm in winter.

The double coat has two layers: a topcoat (aka outer coat) and an undercoat. The thick water-resistant topcoat repels moisture and dirt. The undercoat is dense and made up of finer hairs which act like goose down that helps regulate body temperature.

Factors Influencing Corgi Shedding: When Do Corgis Shed More Than Usual?

Seasonal Shedding Patterns

Most corgis shed a little every single day, however, the shedding becomes heavier during certain seasons. The so called “blowing of the coat” occurs twice a year in spring and autumn. It lasts for about two to four weeks each time.

At these times, your corgi’s hair moults in greater amounts. This is perfectly normal and healthy, and you shouldn’t worry about it. The only steps you can take to stay on top of this is to brush and groom your corgi more often than usual – and of course to get down to cleaning way more than before. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The Role of Diet

A healthy, balanced diet can significantly reduce your corgi’s shedding, whereas a poor one can lead to dry skin and brittle hair, and… even more shedding. Always feed your fur baby high-quality kibble or wet food that includes all the nutrients appropriate for its age.

Choose dog food that is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are great for a healthy coat and skin. You can also add fish oil and Omega-3 supplements into your dog’s food to boost coat health but do consult your vet first before adding any new supplements to your dog’s diet.

Environmental Stressors

External factors such as temperature and daylight hours can affect shedding. Corgis living in warm and hot climates may shed a lot more to regulate their body temperature by keeping cool. Additionally, if changes in the environment stress your corgi, it might begin to shed excessively.

Health Issues and Allergies

Excessive shedding combined with other symptoms might be a sign of underlying health issues. If your fur baby starts shedding even more than usual and you notice bald spots, red or irritated skin, or constant scratching, schedule a visit at the vet’s.

There are several health problems that can cause your corgi to shed more. These include skin parasites, allergies, hormonal changes, stress and even tumours. Let’s look at some of them:

1. Allergies

Corgis can develop allergies to things like pollen, dust, dirt, mould, flea saliva, and various ingredients in their food. Allergic reactions can lead to severe itching and scratching, heavy shedding and even hair loss and bald patches.

2. Parasites

Parasitic infestations from fleas, ticks, lice, or mites can also cause an increase in your dog’s shedding.

3. Stress

Corgis can get stressed by lots of things, such as loud noises, thunderstorms, environmental changes, new pets in the household, separation anxiety, and more.

4. Hormonal Changes

Has your corgi been spayed or neutered recently? Is she going into heat or is she currently pregnant? Such changes can cause hormonal imbalances, which can result in excess shedding. Most of the time, this will resolve on its own, but let your vet know if you’re concerned.

Treatment Options for Excessive Shedding

It’s important to pay your vet a visit on a regular basis even when your corgi is well, but if you suspect any health issues, it’s wise to schedule a consult as early as possible to rule out any serious concerns. Your vet will recommend treatments based on the cause of the shedding. This might include medicated shampoos, pest preventatives, dietary changes, or medications to address allergies or hormonal imbalances.

Grooming Techniques for Managing Corgi Shedding

Regular grooming won’t just make your corgi’s fur look dandy, it can also help to manage shedding, while keeping your dog neat, comfy and healthy. Here’s what steps you can take to ensure the best results:

1. Brush Your Corgi

Brushing helps spread the skin’s natural oils throughout the fur, keeping it moisturized and healthy. Get into the habit of brushing your corgi regularly – as often as daily if possible.

For best results, use a de-shedding brush that’s designed to detangle and remove dead hair or an undercoat rake that can reach deep enough through the double layered corgi coat. Don’t use harsh brushes that can damage the coat or skin of your corgi.

2. Bathe Your Corgi

Bathing your corgi is a good idea as long as it’s done with measure. If you start giving your pooch too many showers too often you will strip away the natural oils that protect its coat and skin. Not to mention that this will stress it out unnecessarily.

One bath every four to six weeks is more than enough but make sure to consult your vet about the frequency. Only use a suitable dog shampoo and if your corgi has sensitive skin, choose a product that won’t irritate it.

3. Visit the Dog Salon

If you are loath to give your pooch a bath – after all that’s never an easy endeavour especially with an unruly corgi – you might opt for a regular visit to the pet groomer instead. Groomers have the right tools and skills to deep clean matted fur in the best way possible. And in addition to giving your corgi a bath, they can also handle other aspects of grooming, such as hair trimming, nail clipping and cleaning its tooshie and ears.

4. Never shave your corgi

There are many curious and slightly absurd ideas circulating out on the Internet, such as the one proposing that you shave your corgi. Never shave your corgi – not only won’t this put an end to the shedding, but it can also seriously disrupt its natural coat, harm its skin and affect its overall well-being. If ever in doubt about grooming, talk to your vet first.

Fur Control in Your Home

Keeping your home free from corgi hair can be a challenge, but it’s a necessity if you don’t want to live with an abundance of allergens. Here are some things you can try to make things easier.

Cleaning Tips and Tools

Turn vacuuming into a regular biweekly routine and consider investing in a powerful vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair. Additionally, lint rollers can come in handy for quick clean-ups on furniture and clothing.

Protecting Furniture and Clothing

To protect your furniture and clothes from dog hair, consider using covers and throws, which can be easily removed and washed. Otherwise, your sofas and beds might get filled with dog fur and dander which will stay inside them for years.

Air Quality and Ventilation

By keeping the air in your home fresh, you can significantly minimize the number of allergens and the risk of developing allergies. Use air purifiers to reduce dander and open your windows daily to maintain rooms well ventilated.

For better or worse, the corgi is a naturally heavy shedder. If you have allergies to pet dander and fur, then that might not be the right breed for you. If, on the other hand, you’re unafraid of living with a very furry creature and believe you can manage the extra effort needed to groom it, then you might have found your new best friend. Either way, we hope this article will help you on your mutual journey.

To find out more about how to groom your corgi – beyond managing its big coat – check out our guide on How to Groom a Corgi.