Do you have allergies but want to know whether Corgis are hypoallergenic?
You’ve found the right article!
Read on to find out:
- What causes dog allergies.
- What hypoallergenic means.
- Whether any Corgis are hypoallergenic.
- 7 tips to prevent or reduce allergic reactions when you have a Corgi.
- And many more…
Table of contents
Are (any) Corgis hypoallergenic?
Both Corgi breeds are not hypoallergenic. The Pembroke and Cardigan breeds have double coats, which they shed heavily twice a year. The protein found in dander is what triggers allergic reactions in humans. The pet dander can be found attached to dog fur.
Are Corgi mixes hypoallergenic?
Corgi mixes are not hypoallergenic. In fact, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. But there are breeds of dogs that make it easy for allergy sufferers. These are the breeds that can be bred with a Corgi. However, an allergic reaction varies from individual to individual.
You and allergy
Having an allergy is difficult. It affects a person’s quality of life as an allergic reaction can make them suffer.
A person with allergy usually experience the following:
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
- Wheezing.
- Itchy eyes.
- Runny or itchy nose.
Warning: A severe allergic reaction can cause difficulty in breathing.
Trust me, it isn’t easy living the day trying to relieve a very itchy nose.
Allergies can come from many stimuli. But the most difficult is having dog allergies when you love dogs!
In the United States alone, 37%-47% of households own a dog. That’s more or less 80 million. Almost 10% of the American population suffers from dog allergy.
Worldwide, dog allergies affect 10%-20% of the population.
What causes dog allergy
One thing you’ll have to live with if you’ve got a dog is having fur everywhere.
In every corner of the house, all over your clothes.
Even in your food and mouth!
Allergens
Allergens, or allergy triggers, have many sources. Pollen, dust mite, foods and mold are just some of them.
Allergens are harmless. But, these can trigger a response that leads to an allergic reaction.
The immune system releases chemicals that cause symptoms in your nose, eyes and skin.
And these allergens can be found around your home.
Lipocalins
Allergens are grouped into families of proteins.
One family consists of lipocalins. These are small proteins and are inhalant animal allergens.
There are 7 dog allergens, from Can f 1 to Can f 7. Can f comes from Canis familiaris.
Four of these, Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4 and Can f 6 are lipocalins.
When exposed to these allergens, you might experience symptoms of asthma. Or you might not experience symptoms at all.
This study found out that Can f 1 was a major dog allergen. Between 50%-75% of dog-allergic subjects were sensitized.
In this study, the authors noted that Can f 1 and Can f 2 could be found in dander. These are found in urine and feces as well.
Can f 6, on the other hand, is responsible for symptoms of asthma.
Does fur cause allergy?
Some people assume it’s the fur that causes allergic reactions.
The fur doesn’t trigger allergic reactions. It’s the protein that is attached to the dander (Can f allergens).
And dander is attached to a dog’s fur. So when a dog sheds, it releases dander.
Think of dander as the equivalent of dandruff in humans. Just harder to see since it’s microscopic pieces of dead skin.
Its size makes it easy to be transported through the air. It’s easy to inhale and enters the nose and lungs.
Not only that. Dander easily attaches to furniture and fabric. You can have dander on your clothes without knowing it.
Aside from dander, a dog’s fur carries other allergens such as dust.
Note: It really doesn’t matter whether you have a hairless, short-haired or long-haired dog. They all contribute dander to the air pollution inside your house.
Is there a hypoallergenic dog?
If you have allergies but love dogs, you’ll think about getting a hypoallergenic dog.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Some dogs shed less, others shed more. But all dogs have dander.
Besides, it’s not just the dander that causes allergic reactions. Allergens can also be found in dog saliva, urine and feces.
Corgis, truth be told, are far from being hypoallergenic. They shed like there’s no tomorrow.
What makes them shed so much is their double coat. I will be discussing this later on, so keep reading.
Pembroke vs. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
You probably heard of adorable Corgis as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite breed.
What she owns are Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs. She had her first Pembroke, Dookie, in 1933.
But there’s another breed of Corgi, and that’s the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Pembroke and Cardigan are two different breeds. They hailed from different parts of Wales. And they also have different histories of ancestry.
The Pembrokes were found in Pembrokeshire in southern Wales. The Cardigans were found in Cardiganshire in southwest Wales.
According to AKC, the Pembroke’s ancestors came with the Flemish weavers from Belgium. The dogs were specifically bred to herd cattle and sheep.
The Cardigans, on the other hand, originated from Central Europe. The Celts brought these dogs to Britain around 1200 BC.
Corgis, in general, have very short legs. In fact, the word corgi means ‘dwarf dog’ in Welsh. Because that’s how they appear.
The only differences between the two, physically, are their ears and tails. A Pembroke’s ears have a rounded point and the tail is docked.
A Cardigan has larger, rounded ears and a tail.
Both of these breeds have thick double coats to protect them from the elements.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Between the two breeds, the Pembroke sheds regularly.
And they are heavier shedders than the Cardigans.
Since they shed daily, it means more maintenance work. Brushing your Pembroke daily will help manage shedding.
They will shed like crazy at the end of spring or at the beginning of summer.
This is the blowing of coat. It means they shed their undercoat to prepare for the changing of the season.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
A Cardigan doesn’t shed as heavily as the Pembroke.
They shed when seasons change. And this means they only require a bit of grooming.
In fact, you only need to brush their coat at least once a week.
When a Corgi sheds
Corgis have short, double coats.
A double coat means they have a soft inner coat and a more versatile outer coat.
The inner or undercoat keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. The outer coat protects them from rain, mud and debris.
Sometimes a fluffy Corgi appears in a litter. Their coat would be longer and softer.
Corgis are among the dog breeds that shed heavily. According to a former breeder, a Corgi starts shedding between 8 to 13 months.
But some Corgi owners observed their Corgis starting to shed before that.
Warning: Prepare when a Corgi sheds coat in spring. They are shedding their winter coat in preparation for summer. The winter undercoat they shed is very fluffy and dense.
Don’t forget to also check out: Yes, Corgis Do Shed! 15 Tips To Deal With Corgi Shedding
Before getting a Corgi
Do you have allergies but consider getting a Corgi?
Before getting one, there are several things you need to know.
- Allergic reaction to a Corgi depends on the individual. Some will have allergic reactions, some can tolerate dander. The reactions may be mild or serious.
- Corgis are heavy shedders. And they don’t stop shedding all year round. With a lot of fur being shed, it’s easy to trigger allergies.
- You may not have an allergic reaction to a Corgi now. But one day you may suddenly have symptoms of asthma or allergic rhinitis.
I can’t tell you why you should or should not get a Corgi. But if you have allergies, the best I can say is go see a doctor.
7 tips that can help prevent or reduce allergic reactions
#1: Go to an allergist
Having an allergy can prevent you from having a normal life. It affects your day-to-day activities.
And most of all, it can prevent you from enjoying having a dog.
In such a case, an allergist is your best ally against allergies. They can help identify allergy triggers.
And they can help you prevent allergy problems through treatments.
They will carry out tests to detect allergens. It could be skin tests, blood tests or elimination tests.
They can also make a treatment plan based on your situation. So you can manage your allergy and live with a Corgi at the same time.
Depending on your situation, they may prescribe medications or immunotherapy. You may opt to have allergy shots as part of immunotherapy.
Usually, the allergy is improved over time.
#2: Get your Corgi from a reputable breeder
If you plan to buy a Corgi puppy, don’t go to just any Corgi breeders.
Many of the Corgi breeders these days are backyard breeders or puppy mills. Their priority is to cash in on the breed of the moment.
That said, they wouldn’t think about the dog’s temperament or health. They only care about breeding as many puppies as they could sell.
When getting a Corgi, health is of utmost importance. You don’t want a puppy with a slew of health problems throughout its life. Remember…
Corgis are prone to orthopedic issues
If you get a puppy from a backyard breeder, you might end up spending more. Let’s say a puppy is cheaper with backyard breeders.
But when the puppy gets sick, there is a lot to spend on. You might end up spending more than the price of a puppy from a legit breeder.
A Corgi owner shares that her Corgi came from a puppy mill. She advises everyone against doing what she did.
Her dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 1 year old. She ended up paying for surgeries, monthly rehab, vet visits and exams.
But the most difficult out of all this? Seeing her dog in pain. And she knew her dog would never be able to fully enjoy being a dog.
Learn from this Corgi owner and find a reputable Corgi breeder. But mind you, this can take time.
Unless you already know a breeder who has Corgi litters around the time you’re looking.
Sometimes, it can take months or a year to find a healthy Corgi puppy. Use this time to research about the breed and prepare for ownership.
Consider a Corgi mix
If you can’t stand fur, you might consider getting a Corgi mix.
Depending on the breed of the dog mixed with Corgi, the dog may shed less. That’s assuming the fur gene is inherited from the other breed.
Designer dogs have become quite popular among pet owners. These are a cross of two purebred dogs.
For example, a Corgi can be bred with another dog such as a Poodle. A Poodle is among AKC’s list of hypoallergenic dogs.
There are Goldendoodles as well, bred since the 1960s. They were bred for people needing hypoallergenic service.
Note: A Corgi mix can still be bad for your allergies. There’s no telling until you have the dog with you. Ask the breeder if they have Corgis that are more hypoallergenic than others.
#3: Get your Corgi used to brushing
Grooming will be a big part of keeping your dog’s shedding at bay.
Though it will not eliminate shedding completely, shedding will be more manageable.
It may be a few months before you need to do regular brushing. But getting your dog used to brushing will make it easier once you need to do it.
Some dogs don’t like to be brushed. It could be an entirely new experience. As such, they might run away or snap at the brush once they see it.
But your dog can learn to love being brushed. It just needs the right approach.
Consider doing the following:
- Introduce the grooming tools to your dog. Set them near your dog so they’ll be comfortable seeing them. Place treats around or on top of the tools. This encourages your dog to investigate these things.
- When your dog is used to seeing the tools, work on touching their body with the bristles. Remember, this could be a new experience for your Corgi. So work slow. Once you’ve touched their body with the bristle, immediately give them a treat.
- When your dog is comfortable with the brush touching their body, start brushing. Do light brushing at first, giving your dog a treat after each stroke. Eventually, do a few firm strokes before giving your dog a reward.
#4: Brush your Corgi regularly
Once your Corgi starts shedding, regular brushing begins.
This is a cute Corgi being brushed:
Regular brushing vital to manage shedding and prevent allergic reactions.
If you have a Pembroke, give them a once-over daily. Do this before fur ends up all over the house.
It also prevents mats from appearing on your Corgi’s fur.
If your dog is a Cardigan, brushing once a week is enough. Brushing can help keep their coat shiny, healthy and tangle-free.
Note: Do your brushing sessions outside. Unless you want to see tumbleweeds of dog hair in all corners of the house. And wear something you’ll never wear again. Your Corgi’s fur will be everywhere! While you’re at it, you can also wear a mask to prevent inhaling dander.
Should you shave your Corgi?
Definitely not!
I know, it’s advantageous in many ways. Who wants to deal with fur when you have allergies, right?
But it’s not good for your dog to be shaved, even if it’s summertime.
Their double coat is designed in such a way that it regulates their temperature even when it’s hot. Or cold.
Without their coats, they’re at risk of heat stroke and sunburn. In addition, they might have difficulty cooling themselves down.
Brushing is one of the best things you can do for them and for yourself.
#5: Use the right tools
Using the right tools can make brushing a piece of cake.
You don’t need to have an arsenal of brushes and whatnot. What you need are few good quality tools to groom your Corgi.
You actually need just two for brushing your Corgi: a de-shedding tool and a double-sided brush.
De-shedding tool
De-shedding tools are useful for removing the dead undercoat.
A regular brush won’t do the job properly. You can use it.
But you’ll have a dead arm from brushing and you’re not even half done.
Make sure you have a de-shedding tool for when your Corgi sheds heavily.
It’s important to get the dead undercoat out so your Corgi doesn’t feel hot in summer. It also prevents mats and tangles from forming.
Now, what kind of de-shedding tool you need depends on your preference. But you might find that the Furminator is a fantastic choice.
Here are the pros in using this tool:
- Comfortable handle.
- Different sizes depending on a dog’s weight.
- With a button to release hair collected in the brush.
- With stainless steel teeth that reach under the outer coat to remove loose fur.
Note: Get the largest size applicable for your Corgi so you don’t have to keep upgrading.
Double-sided brush
A double-sided brush is a 2-in-1 tool you can use between full grooming sessions.
You can easily switch between the sides, depending on what you need.
Use this Hartz detangling dog brush to regularly groom your Corgi. It helps reduce shedding so you can manage your allergies at the same time.
The bristle side of the brush works best for brushing your Corgi’s face and legs. The pin side is good for double coats and brushing out tangles.
#6: Bath your Corgi once a month
Corgis don’t need baths often.
Always spot clean your Corgi and you only need to bathe them once a month. Unless they’re dirty.
Warning: Bathing your Corgi too often strips natural oils that coat their coat. It could result to matting, skin problems and excessive shedding.
There’s no one way to bathe a Corgi. You can get them in a tub. Or you can use a hose.
Watch this lady give her Pembroke a bath:
A few pointers when giving your Corgi a bath:
- If the weather is fine, bath your Corgi outdoors. Otherwise, bath them in a tub indoors. Use warm water.
- Rinse and soak your Corgi in warm water.
- Apply shampoo in a line across your Corgi’s bath and squeeze out some into the water. Lather the shampoo and massage it onto the coat.
Note: Use shampoo for sensitive skin to protect your Corgi’s skin. This Burt’s Bees shampoo will do the job.
- Pay attention to the parts that easily get dirty:
- Ears.
- Legs.
- Neck.
- Paws.
- Stomach.
- Rear end.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry your Corgi using a towel.
- Only begin brushing when your Corgi is completely dried off.
#7: Keep your house clean
Managing your allergies will be easier when you have a clean home.
Thank goodness for vacuums, it gets the cleaning part done. With a Corgi in your life, it means constantly vacuuming every corner.
This is important to reduce pet allergens.
Also, wash fabrics around your home once a week. The curtains and couch covers, for instance, as these could easily carry dander.
It helps to keep your Corgi off your furniture. Otherwise you need to vacuum your furniture on a daily basis.
Foams can easily trap dander. So it helps to vacuum as often as you can.
Use vacuum with HEPA filter
HEPA means high-efficiency particulate absorbing. These are high efficient filters compared to regular vacuums.
This vacuum has an anti-allergen complete seal to capture 99.9% of dust and allergens in your home.
Use an air filter
Air filter works by removing dust and dander from the air. It can also remove airborne germs.
This LEVOIT Air Purifier with HEPA filter is a good investment. The product boasts of trapping as small as 0.3 micros and large pollutants such as dander and pollen.
Keep your Corgi out of your bedroom
You might want to cuddle your Corgi all the time. And I’m sure you’ll want them close to you at all times. Even at night.
However, it might be a good idea to designate a spot for your dog’s bed. That is, outside of your bedroom.
Making your bedroom off-limits to your Corgi helps reduce allergens in the room. You can get a good night’s sleep every night.
Wash your Corgi beddings regularly
Your Corgi will spend a lot of time on their bed. And they’ll probably groom themselves while on their bed.
As a result, their bed will have the most concentration of pet dander. And fur and saliva proteins. All these things contribute to allergens in the air.
As such, wash your Corgi’s bedding in warm to hot water weekly.