Don’t you love it when things that you think are cute and cuddly are actually also surprisingly practical? Just like finding out that your favorite teddy bear also doubles as a pajama holder or perhaps your cozy winter socks can also be used as gloves in a pinch.
Well if you’ve ever thought the same about a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, you’re in for a surprise! Many pet owners think these adorable, stumpy-legged companions are just cute fluff balls trotting around the house. While they are certainly cute, there is more to them that meets the eye. Let’s dig deep into one detail about Cardigans that often leaves prospective and current Corgi owners scratching their heads: their shedding habits.
Did you know that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of only two original Corgi breeds, the other one being their more famous relative, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi? While these two are often mistaken for one another (like the Olsen twins, but fuzzier!), the shedding habits differ somewhat between the two.
Shedding is a natural process for most dogs as it helps them to replenish their fur and maintain a healthy coat. You’ve probably heard stories about the infamous “Corgi snow,” when Corgi fur seems just about everywhere in the house. While this is certainly true for both types of Corgis, there is a slight difference in their fur shedding behaviors, with our spotlight today being on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Are you ready for the truth? Brace yourself, because it might just make you fetch the vacuum cleaner! Cardigan Welsh Corgis do shed. A lot. However, their shedding tendencies are tied closely to the changing seasons – much like some of us alter our wardrobes for summer and winter.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or Cardis as they’re affectionately known, have a double coat: a soft, light fur layer underneath the harsher, sturdier top coat. As seasons change, their fur adapts to the change in climate: in spring they shed their winter coat, and in the autumn, they forsake the lighter summer coat. The most intense shedding periods, known as “blowing coat,” typically last around three weeks.
Now, before you panic, there’s good news too. During the non-shedding season, Cardigan Welsh Corgis have pretty manageable shedding levels. This makes it easier for you to stay on top of fur control around the house. Moreover, understanding their shedding pattern not only benefits your home cleanliness but also provides wonderful insights into your Corgi’s health and well-being.
Now, everyone has a different tolerance for shedding. It’s essential to assess whether the Cardigan’s shedding behavior fits with your preferred cleanliness level. Those who suffer from allergies might struggle with the increased amount of dander in your home during the shedding seasons. Alternatively, you might just not appreciate the extra cleaning responsibilities. And that’s perfectly okay!
One way to manage the shedding is to incorporate regular grooming into your Corgi’s routine. Brushing your Cardigan Welsh Corgi 1-2 times a week during non-shedding periods, and daily during peak shedding periods, helps to keep their coat healthy, remove dead hair, and minimize the amount of fur decorating your furniture.
Professional grooming sessions also can help to control the shedding, especially during “blowing coat” times. Deshedding treatments, for example, are what you might call a “luxury spa day” for your dog. During this treatment, the groomer typically washes your Corgi with a special shampoo that helps to loosen up the dead undercoat, followed by a blow-dry and thorough brush. This process can significantly reduce the mess at your home and promotes a healthier coat for your Corgi.
While the Cardigan Welsh Corgi indeed sheds a lot, it shouldn’t discourage you from bringing home this furry friend. By managing their shedding and maintaining regular grooming, you can enjoy the joy, personality, and yes, the fluff, of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Remember, a perfectly clean house might be appealing, but none of those delicate furnishings will ever greet you with the same joy as your four-legged friend!
