Do Corgis shed? Yes, Corgis do. They are year-round shedders. Corgis shed on a daily basis because they are double-coated dogs. Corgis are the dog of the short-legged breed having a fox-like head. The name “Corgi” came from the Welsh language, “Cor” means “dwarf” and “Gi” means “dog”. So the meaning of “Corgi” is a dwarf dog. They are famous for leaving pieces of fur on all your clothes, home, and furniture. Their shedding varies with weather and they shed frequently in summer and winter. In summer, they shed the most because they want to keep their body cool. Their double coat is the reason for shedding. The shedding of the corgis can be managed by regular maintenance, brushing, diet, shampoos, supplements, de-shedding products, and grooming.
Coats of Corgis
Corgis have double coats of hair. These coats protect them from the harness of weather in winter. The outer coat or topcoat is hard and the inner coat or undercoat is soft. The topcoat is known as guard coat and it is responsible for providing protection to Corgis while the undercoat is softer and is responsible for keeping the corgis warm in the winter season. Corgis lose a layer of their coats in the summer season. The softer undercoat sheds two times in a year, in spring and autumn.
How much do Corgis shed a day?
Corgis shed a lot. Corgis have double-layer coat which is weather resistant. Corgis shed their coats on a daily basis and they are year-round shedders. Corgis shed more in the winter and the most in the summer in order to keep their body cool. In winter, corgis shed to make way for thicker coats. Corgis are a medium-sized breed and they shed more than larger dogs. Shedding is common in all double-coated breeds. If corgis have longer coats, they need brushing and grooming every week.
When do Corgis shed their coats?
Shedding is different between individual Corgis. The shedding of the Corgis can start between 4 months to 1 year of age. Shedding is the natural part of their biology. Corgis shed their coats daily but there are two times in a year when Corgis shed the most as compared to the other times of the year. They shed frequently in summer and winter and in summer and winter their shedding is called “blowing their coat”. The guard coat sheds in the autumn and its regrowth starts in the winter season.
Summary
Do Corgis shed? Corgis are double-coated dogs and they are year-round shedders. The meaning of the name “Corgis” is a dwarf dog and it came from the Welsh language. Corgis leave pieces of their fur everywhere and they are famous for it. They consist of a double-layer coat. The outer coat is called a guard cot and the inner coat is called an undercoat. These double-layer coats protect them in winter and summer. Corgis shed more in the winter and the most in the summer. They shed the most in the summer because they want to keep their body cool. The shedding is natural in the Corgis and it starts between 4 months to 1 year of age.
Why do Corgis shed?
Shedding is normal in dogs in fact shedding is natural it is common in all mammals. Some animals shed relatively more than others. Corgis fall within the category of heavy shedding animals. There are many reasons for their shedding. Some of the reasons are mentioned below that why Corgis shed more as compared to the other breeds.
The double coat of Corgis
Corgis contain a coat having two layers. Topcoat which is also known as guard coat consists of “guard hair” which protects the undercoat and the undercoat is responsible for protecting the skin of the Corgis. They shed both of their coats on regular basis.
Imagine, if you have two layers of floof, you are going to shed a lot. This is the basic reason for their shedding. There are about one hundred double-coated dogs and they all are notorious shedders except the Samoyed.
Seasonal changes
The hair cycle of Corgis adapts to the different seasons of the year. The inner coat is water-resistant and insulated due to these two characteristics this coat protects the dog from cold. So the inner coat should be more developed than the outer coat during winter. The inner coat is not required in the summer and therefore the inner coat sheds during the summer and a long and dense outer coat grows in summer. Similarly, the outer coat sheds during the autumn, and the inner coat grows for the coming winter season.
Improper diet
Just like human beings, Corgis need proper food. Diet can affect their shedding. Improper food and diet can cause Corgis to shed more than normal. According to Dr. Roy Cruzen DVM, improper diet is the number 1 cause of frequent shedding in dogs.
If quality food with necessary vital nutrients is not provided to Corgis, the Corgis shed a lot and they lose their fluffy, glossy, and long topcoat. According to American Kennel Club, omega-3 fatty acids should be provided to Corgis to save hair strength and to control excessive shedding.
Stress
Corgis are the dogs of habit. Major environmental changes can cause anxiety and stress in dogs. Stress is the important factor that can cause shedding in the Corgis. Corgis may get stressed by moving to a new home or changing surroundings (it might also depend on the personality of the Corgis). If your Corgi is frequently shedding in the off-season, then you have to find the stress catalysts in the life of your Corgi to prevent and control the excessive shedding in the off-season.
Hormonal changes
Hypothyroidism can cause hormonal imbalance in Corgis. Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone. The lack of the thyroid gland disrupts the overall function of the Corgis and it is also life-threatening. Hypothyroidism is the major cause of shedding in the Corgis. In Hypothyroidism, the coat sheds due to lower thyroid hormone level.
Pregnancy of the Corgis also causes hormonal imbalance. Mother Corgis receive fewer amounts of calcium and other nutrients to maintain their coats and hair growth. Mother Corgis also produce estrogen during pregnancy and estrogen naturally causes shedding in the Corgis. Spaying or neutering is the common solution to dealing with hormonal imbalance in the Corgis.
Dehydration
Dehydration is also the reason for heavy shedding. This is because water is the source of nutrients to the cells, organs, and skin of dogs. If Corgis feel dehydrated, they lose hair strength, and this can cause gradual shedding. Dogs are not able to tell us about their dehydration but they show some symptoms and these symptoms are given below:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dry eyes
Dry saliva
Dry skin texture
Increased panting
Increased drooling
Dehydration is not only caused by the lack of water but is also caused by heatstroke or vomiting.
Allergies and parasites
Allergies and parasites also cause shedding in the Corgis. Allergies and parasites can cause itching and these can be caused by many factors such as,
Food allergies
Dust allergies
Flea allergy dermatitis
Corgis can also be allergic to milk, soy, beef, egg, and chicken. These allergies can also cause diarrhea and nausea.
Flea allergies are also common in Corgis and these are the result of flea parasites. These types of allergies can cause skin irritation.
Scabies is also a common disease in Corgis. It causes severe itching.
Summary
Shedding is normal in all mammals. Corgis are heavy shedders. There are different reasons for their shedding. The double coat of corgis is the main reason for shedding. They shed twice a year. They need a proper diet like human beings and improper diet is the reason for their excessive shedding. Stress and anxiety also cause excessive shedding in them because they are the dogs of habit and environmental changes affect them. Hormonal changes during hypothyroidism and pregnancy also cause shedding in the Corgis. Dehydration is also another reason for heavy shedding in them. Allergies and parasites are also the other reason for excessive shedding in the parasites.
How to deal with the shedding of the Corgis?
You cannot stop the shedding of the Corgis but you can manage it. All you need to do is follow some methods and you can easily control the shedding of your Corgis. The tips to control the shedding of the Corgis are given below.
Regular baths
The effective way of managing the shedding of the Corgis is to bathe them regularly. Bathing wouldn’t stop the shedding but it will eliminate the ■■■■ fur and skin cells and will moisturize their coats. Bathing also helps in washing away stuck hair. Brush their hair before bathing to remove the tangles. Follow the given below steps before bathing:
Prepare lukewarm water
Prepare lukewarm water for Corgis to save them from the sudden shock.
Use a shampoo of good quality
Corgis have sensitive skin. Use a good quality shampoo for Corgis and try to avoid something chemicals that irritate the skin of your Corgis.
Dry your Corgis properly
Corgis don’t like being wet too long. After bathing, wrap their body in a larger towel and remove excess water from their body.
Proper nutrition
Proper diet prevents excessive shedding in the Corgis. If you want to control the shedding of your corgis, you have to provide good quality food with proper nutrition to your corgis. Use fish oil and omega-3 in the diet of Corgis if it is experiencing an abnormal shedding. These two things are best for healthy coats and skin. Deshedding pills are also available in the market and these pills control the shedding in the Corgis.
Spay and neuter
If you remove the ovaries (spaying) and testicles (neutering) of your Corgis, you can overcome their shedding because this method finishes the risk of pregnancy and other behaviors that are the reason for abnormal shedding.
In females, shedding happens during their pregnancy. During pregnancy, their estrogen level increases, and they shed abnormally. Moreover, during pregnancy, the baby corgis get nutrients from their mothers and proper nutrients are not provided to the coats and coats shed because of lack of important nutrients.
In males, increased testosterone level is also a reason for excessive shedding.
Haircut
Having a haircut decreases the shedding and also it helps Corgis to maintain their body temperature. Haircut of Corgis is necessary before summer and winter to decrease their shedding. The shorter haircut is best before summer and it prevents the heat from trapping into coats.
Before winter, groom your Corgis to remove excess matting and this will decrease their shedding. You can also ask your local groomer to find the best hairstyle for your Corgis.
Brushing
Frequent brushing is good and it is helpful in decreasing the shedding of Corgis. Brushing is a good way of removing excess fur. Get the right brush for your Corgis and brush them at least 3 times a week.
FURminator is a de-shedding tool for dogs having double coats like Corgis. It is not like the other ordinary brushes, it reaches the undercoat from the topcoat. It lessens the shedding of the Corgis.
Exercise
Regular exercise naturally reduces the stress level in the Corgis. Exercise keeps the Corgis happy and calm. It reduces the shedding because the Corgis shed the most when they are stressed.
You can take your Corgis to the park for exercise. You can also play hide and seek, tug-of-war, and other indoor games with your Corgis. Make sure space is enough for Corgis to play and move easily. Let your Corgis play for 30 minutes to 2 hours and this will reduce stress.
Food supplements
Provide food supplements to your Corgis like fish oil. Supplements maintain the circulatory functions in Corgis and also help in maintaining their silky and long coats. Supplements reduce shedding in the Corgis.
You can give fish oil in the form of capsules. You can also give fish oil in the form of drops if your Corgis don’t like it in solid form. Visit a DVM for determining the right dose for your Corgis.
Don’t take your Corgis to the dirty place
Avoid taking your Corgis to a dirty place because dirt is a breeding ground for parasites. It can cause skin irritation beneath the undercoat of Corgis. Dirt can increase the shedding level because it can stick to the dirt fur of Corgis.
Keep your Corgis away from water puddles, muddy areas, and sidewalks (because they can attract a lot of dust from cars and other vehicles. You can also take your Corgis to daycare for playing because daycares are neat and clean and suitable for their playing.
Vacuum clean your house
Household dust is one of the allergens for Corgis. Vacuum clean your house once a week and focus on your carpets and couches because these are the area of fabrics and can gather dust more quickly.
Trim coat of Corgis
Trimming also decreases the shedding of your Corgis. A shorter coat lessens the shedding. Trimming can remove the ■■■■ hair and tangles. Make sure that the trimming scissor is stainless. Follow the given below steps for trimming your Corgis:
Get a grooming scissor
Brush your Corgis
Cut the coat from tips
Repeat the process until the coat will become symmetrical
Find out phobias of your Corgis
If your Corgis are terrified of bathing and grooming then it will be super hard to keep their skin and coat healthy. These types of phobias can increase the stress and anxiety level of Corgis. Exposed them to tools to make them comfortable and if it does not work, consult your local dog trainer or groomer.
Don’t shave your Corgis
Shaving is not the best option when it comes to Corgis. Their double coat is helpful in the summer and winter seasons. If you completely shave your Corgis, it can cause heatstroke or hypothermia, depending on the season.
Shaving can also change the direction of their hair growth. After their hair grows completely, they shed the most. Shaving can cause bald spots. Trimming is the best option when you want to reduce coats of Corgis.
Summary
You can’t stop shedding of but you can manage and control it. There are different ways of controlling their shedding. Regular baths play a very important role in decreasing their shedding. Proper diet and supplements also decrease shedding. Brushing and trimming also lessen the shedding and a haircut are also helpful in controlling the shedding of the Corgis. Regular exercise is the natural way of reducing shedding. Don’t take your Corgis to a dirty place and also vacuum clean your house if you want to decrease their shedding level. Also don’t shave your Corgis because it can increase shedding and form bald spots.
Best food for Corgis
High-quality pet food is required for the proper development of Corgis. Puppies need more fats and proteins because they are developing growing. Adults need enough nutrients to maintain their life.
Best food for puppy Corgi
| Food name | Food type | Ingredients | Nutrients | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CANIDAE Grain-Free Pure Puppy Limited Ingredient Chicken, Lentil & Whole Egg Recipe | Dry dog food | Chicken, menhaden fish meal, lentils, peas, and potatoes | Proteins, Vitamins, and fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) | It is allergy-safe food. The whole egg gives an energy boost to puppies. It is good for sensitive stomachs. | It is expensive. |
| Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula | Dry dog food | Salmon, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, cassava flour, potatoes | Carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins | It is a grain-free diet. It does not contain corn, wheat, and soy. It digests very soon. | It is a little bit smelly. It may cause pain in the tummy. |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe | Dry dog food | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley | Vitamins, crude proteins, and fats | It contains DHA and ARA for proper development of eye and brain. It is rich in veggies and ingredients. | It can cause tummy pain. |
| VICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain-Free | Dry dog food | Beef, peas, sweet potato, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal | Vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, and amino acids | It is grain-free. It is gluten-free. It is best for dogs to have a sensitive digestive system. 77 % of it is made up of natural meat proteins. | It is not suitable for Corgis that are picky eaters. |
| Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage Grain-Free | Dry dog food | chicken meal, peas, pea starch, whitefish meal, and chicken fat | Calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega fatty acids | It is gluten-free. It contains real blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. | It may cause gas in puppies. Kibble may be too hard to chew for puppies. |
| Under the Sun Grain-Free Puppy Chicken Formula Canned Dog Food | Wet dog food | Chicken, chicken broth, dried eggs, salmon, and peas | Proteins | Its smell is good. | It is not suitable for picky eaters. |
| Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food | Wet dog food | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, and peas. | Proteins and DHA | It is affordable. It contains fruits and veggies. It is good for muscle growth. | It may smell bad. It is not suitable for picky eaters. |
Best food for adult Corgi
| Food name | Food type | Ingredients | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Limited Ingredient Recipe | Dry dog food | Lamb meal, brown rice, ground rice, dried plain beat pulp, and chicken fat | It is affordable. It is made up of natural ingredients. It does not contain corn, wheat, and soy. | It has an odor. |
| Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe | Dry dog food | Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, and peas | It promotes healthy weight control. It does not contain any fillers, artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. | It is not suitable for picky eaters. It has some dust particles. |
| Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces | Dry and freeze dog food | Chicken, chicken meal, peas, chicken fat, and tapioca | It is gluten-free. It is grain-free. It does not contain corn, wheat, and soy. | It is expensive. It may cause diarrhea. |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe | Dry dog food | Lamb meal, brown rice, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, and whole-grain wheat | It promotes healthy digestion. It contains 19.5% crude proteins. It contains 12.5% crude fat. | It is expensive. Its kibbles are crumbly. |
| Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free | Dry dog food | Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal | Made up of natural ingredients. It is grain-free. It is gluten-free. | It may cause loose stool. It can cause tummy pain. |
| Blue Buffalo Basics Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food | Wet dog food | Turkey, turkey broth, potatoes, flaxseed, and pea protein | It is grain-free. It does not corn, wheat, and soy. It is affordable. | It is runny. It is not suitable for picky eaters. |
Best dog food for senior Corgi
| Food name | Food type | Ingredients | Nutrients | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze Dried Raw Pieces | Dry and freeze dog food | Chicken meal, chicken, tapioca, chickpeas, and peas | DHA and proteins | It is made up of natural ingredients. It is rich in protein. | It is expensive. It may cause diarrhea. |
| Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food Trays | Wet dog food | Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, spinach, and tomatoes | Vitamins and minerals | It is grain-free. It is affordable. It does not contain corn, soy and wheat. | It is not suitable for picky eaters. |
| ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dog Food | Dry dog food | Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel | Vitamins | It is gluten-free. It is grain-free. It includes DHA. It contains fatty acids and calcium. | It is expensive. It may cause itching. It may cause bad breath. |
| Wellness Complete Health Senior Formula Canned Dog Food | Wet dog food | Chicken broth, chicken, whitefish, chicken liver, and ground barley | Proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants | It is affordable. It does not contain artificial flavors and colors. | It may smell bad. It is not suitable for picky eaters. |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How badly do Corgis shed?
Corgis are heavy shedders and they are double-coated breeds. They have a thick double-layer coat. The coat of the Corgis is weather resistant. They shed on a daily basis. They shed more in shedding seasons (usually during summer and spring months).
How often do Corgis shed?
Corgis shed on a daily basis but they ■■■■ out their coat twice a year. They ■■■■ out their coat in spring and autumn. In spring, they ■■■■ out their undercoat which is not required in the summer season because of the warm weather. They ■■■■ out their topcoat in autumn for the better growth of undercoat for the winter season.
Do Corgis shed more than labs?
Corgis and Labradors are heavy shedders. They both contain short- to medium-length double coats that shed year-round. Corgis are usually 10 to 13 inches in height but the Labradors are much taller. They are 22.5 to 24.5 in height. It means the Labs shed more than Corgis.
Do Corgis shed more than pugs?
Both Corgis and Pugs shed a large amount of ■■■■ hair. They are year-round shedders and shed on daily basis. Some pugs are double-coated and some are single-coated. The Pugs having single coats shed less than the pugs having a double coat.
Is it good to keep a Corgi?
Yes, it is good to keep a Corgi. Corgis are small dogs having big hearts. They are loyal and friendly. They are affectionate dog breeds. They do well with all types of families and this makes them an ideal pet. They are also great watchdogs.
Why someone should not get a Corgi?
Corgis are prone to health problems and that is why you should not get a Corgi. They have many health problems like spine issues and skin allergies. Many of their problems are not life-threatening and manageable but if the owner of Corgi is not financially well-off then it is impossible for him or her to manage all the Corgi’s diseases.
Which food is not suitable for Corgis?
Corn, wheat, and soy are not suitable for Corgis because they are all artificial ingredients.
Some fruits and vegetables such that grapes, raisins, onions, cherries, and mushrooms are suitable for the Corgis.
Peanut butter is not suitable for Corgis because it contains xylitol which is toxic for all dogs.
What are the nutritional requirements of the Corgis?
A puppy Corgi requires at least 22% protein and 8% fats in their food. These proteins and fats are helpful in their growth and development.
An adult Corgi requires at least 18% proteins and 5% fat. These proteins and fats are helpful in becoming healthy.
Can Corgis eat apples?
Yes, Corgis can eat apples if apples are given to Corgis in the form of small slices. Remove the seeds of the apple before feeding it to Corgis because the seeds of the apple are toxic to all types of dogs including Corgis.
Are Corgis naturally aggressive?
No, Corgis are not naturally aggressive. In some circumstances, they show short tempers. For example, when they feel frightened. Fear can cause aggression in most dogs but it is the rear cause of aggression in Corgis.
Conclusion
Do Corgis shed? Yes, Corgis are the heavy shedders. They ■■■■ out their coat twice a year and also shed on a daily basis. Corgis have double-layered coats. Shedding is normal in all mammals and shedding is the part of nature of the Corgis. There are different reasons for their shedding like seasonal changes, double coats, malnutrition, stress, hormonal changes, and dehydration. You can’t stop their shedding you can control it with the help of different methods. Regular baths, Proper diets, haircuts, brushing, and spaying and neutering are the common methods to control the shedding of the Corgis. All the Corgis required a proper diet for development and growth.