Want to own a Corgi or already have one and want to know if Corgis are hypoallergenic dogs?
No, Corgis are not hypoallergenic dogs. They do shed as they have double coat. In fact, Corgis shed heavily during late spring when their inner coat blows out.
Shedding of hairs is natural for dogs as like with us humans. Their hair grows and then falls. The degree of shedding depends on the dog breed genetics.
Why Corgis are not Hypoallergenic dogs?
Almost 10% of USA population is allergic to Dogs. In contrast to popular belief, allergy is not due to the hairs that are shed but the dander and saliva of the dog. Allergic people have immune system that over reacts when they get in touch with dogs dander or saliva.
Here are a few reasons why Corgis are not hypoallergenic dogs.
Corgis shed
There are no dogs who will not shed at all. It is natural for dogs to shed. Some dogs may shed more while others may shed less. Hypoallergenic dogs are the ones that do not shed much and hence are suitable for folks who are allergic to dogs.
Corgis have thick waterproof double coat. They have a soft under coat and long hairs upper coat. In general, dogs who have double coat will shed more than the ones who don’t.
Corgis will shed all around the year but will shed heavily during late spring season when their undercoat blows out.
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Corgis produce dander
With more the amount of shedding, dander produced by the dog is also more. Dander are the skin flakes that comes off from the dead skin of the dog. These are the allergens that causes the allergy most of the times.
Less drooling
This is one factor where Corgis are better than some other dogs when it comes to being hypoallergenic. Corgis do not drool which is great. An example of a dog that drools a lot would be English Bulldog.
Drooling is the unintentional saliva that comes out of the mouth of the dog.
As Corgi do not drool, the chances of you coming in touch with the saliva of Corgis is quite less.
Alternative to Corgi – Corgipoo
If you are allergenic and in love with Corgis as we do, it is still not the end of the world. Designer cross breeds are quite popular since 90’s.
You can still own a nice stocky and short legged dog who is less allergenic by cross breeding your favorite Corgi with Hypoallergenic Poodle. Poodles are Hypoallergenic dogs. Check about this more here. https://yourdogsworld.com/b/are-poodles-hypoallergenic/ .
Corgipoo will be hypoallergenic if the poodles genes dominates on the coat. In case Corgi genes dominates, still, Corgipoo should shed significantly less than a Corgi.
How to protect dogs like Corgis from Allergy
If you are allergic and yet made up your mind that you want to own a Corgi. There are few things that you can do to help reduce your allergy to the dog.
Bathing your Corgi
Bathing your Corgi regularly once in four to eight weeks would help keeping his coat clean and removing dead hairs. This is important during spring season when he blows out his under coat. Choice of shampoo is important and you may take the advise of Vet. We would recommend an Oatmeal based Shampoo that may help in reducing the shedding.
Brush Your Corgi Regularly
Regular grooming of Corgi is good for the dog to remove any dead hairs. It will also build the bonding between you and the dog. Brushing your Corgi once every day is recommended.
We would recommend a slicker brush or a hand brush to groom him. You can also use a rubber glove brush from Amazon. Regular brushing alone should reduce significant amount of shedding.
Vacuum Regularly
As much you try to control shedding of hairs, dogs will still shed and you may not control all. Thus you should Vacuum your home and all the corners once in a week. This would help in keeping the home healthy and clean and aid in reducing the allergy.
Keep your dog hydrated
Dehydration in dogs can result in dog shedding of hairs. Thus keep Corgis water bowl full so that he can sip water when ever he is thirsty and remains hydrated.
Good Nutritive Food
Good Nutritive food will help your Corgi keeping his coat healthy. Food like Fish and its supplements or Olive Oil are rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids that keeps the dog coat healthy and magnificent. If your Corgis is not allergic to theses, this is a good home made remedy for dog shedding.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands after you pat, play or touch your Corgi would aid in reducing allergy. This may not always be possible but at least whenever you play with him or spend considerable amount of time touching Corgi would help.
Medications
There are few medications that are available over the counter in Walmart and other stores that block histamines that you may use. We would not recommend any medication even the OTC ones for longer tenure and suggest you speak to a medical adviser.
About Corgis
Corgis are known for their long body and short height. Corgi means ‘Dwarf dog’ in Welsh. They were originally bred as shepherd dogs in Wales. There are two distinct type of Corgi breeds.
- Pembroke Corgis have a docked tail and pointed ears.
- Cardigan have tail and more rounded ears.
- Cardigan Corgis are relatively larger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Corgis are highly loyal and intelligent as typical to Shepherd dogs but with their independent thinking, they can be obstinate as well at times. Corgis became quite popular when they became favorite pet of the Queen Elizabeth II. She once owned approx 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Corgis can bark and they are not for ones who look for silence. They are prone to obesity if they are not doing their required walks or exercise.