Corgi shedding and grooming: keeping the coat under control
A corgi loses hair all year round and blows its undercoat twice a year. How to brush, bathe, and look after nails, ears and teeth.
A Pembroke has a double coat: a harsher outer coat over a dense, soft undercoat. It keeps the dog protected from rain, cold and sun, and the price is hair around the house. With a good grooming routine, it is easy to keep under control.
When a corgi sheds
It loses some hair all year round. In spring and autumn comes the big moult: for two or three weeks the undercoat comes out in handfuls. Bitches often shed more heavily after a season and after whelping.
Brushing
Day to day: two or three times a week with a slicker brush and a metal comb.
During the moult: every day, with an undercoat rake. A bath in lukewarm water and drying with cool air help push out the dead undercoat.
Fluffies: extra attention behind the ears, on the trousers and on the ruff (more in our guide to the fluffy corgi).
We keep our corgis in their full coat. Shaving a double-coated dog upsets the way the coat grows back and takes away its natural protection from the heat.
Bathing
A few times a year is enough, or after a meeting with mud, using a dog shampoo. Dry the coat thoroughly, right down to the skin, because a damp undercoat leads to irritation.
Nails, ears, teeth
Nails: trimmed every two or three weeks. Corgis have opinions about this, so get yours used to the clippers from puppyhood, always with a reward.
Ears: a check once a week, cleaning when they are dirty.
Teeth: brushed with dog toothpaste a few times a week.
A question about grooming?
We are happy to tell you which brushes and combs we use ourselves. Write to us, and if you are thinking about a corgi of your own, have a look at our Puppies section.