Dogs are indeed a man’s best friend, but if you have a pet allergy, owning one can get difficult pretty quickly.
Welsh Corgis are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the US today, so many people with sensitivities to pet dander wonder if they are hypoallergenic.
When it comes to Welsh Corgis, it makes sense to find out if they are allergy-friendly before you bring one home.
Today we will be talking about everything you need to know about Welsh Corgis and their pet dander before you settle on a new pet for your home.
Welsh Corgis, are not hypoallergenic dogs, and they are also not particularly allergy-friendly. They have short hair and tend to shed both fur and dander on a regular basis.
Overall, they are considered a high to moderate shedding which makes them unsuitable for homes where there are concerns about allergies to dander.
Welsh Corgis make amazing pets, especially for homes that have children or elderly people. They are very sociable and tend to get along well with other dogs regardless of breed.
However, if you or someone in your family suffers from pet allergies, the Welsh Corgi is not going to be a good choice.
To find out more about Welsh Corgis and their shedding habits, keep on reading.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
Adding a dog to your family is a great way to bring smiles to your home and give a dog a loving, permanent home.
For homes where allergies are a problem, it is a good idea to choose a hypoallergenic dog breed to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction.
All dogs shed and create dander, which is what triggers allergies.
So while there is really no true hypoallergenic dog breed, there are some that are considered as such. These breeds of dogs usually have double coats and also have a minimal amount of fur and dander shedding.
Most hypoallergenic dog breeds will only shed once or twice each year and vacuum cleaners for pet hair will go a long way to help remove allergens from your home.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed
Welsh Corgis are herding dogs that originally came from the Pembrokeshire area of Wales.
There are two specific breeds of Welsh Corgi one is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi while the other is just the basic Welsh Corgi. Both are descendants of spitz-type dogs that came from the north.
The Corgis are short in stature and highly sociable. They are ideal pets for homes that have children over the age of 7 and also for elderly pet owners who prefer an easy-going companion.
Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are not hypoallergenic, and they are also not allergy-friendly dogs.
The AKC has listed 19 different breeds as being hypoallergenic and allergy-friendly while The Kennel Club has a whopping 31 breeds listed. Although Welsh Corgis are not among them, there are many other breeds to choose from.
The Komondor, Bichon Frise, Irish Water Spaniel, and the Russian Black Terrier are among some of the top favorites in the USA.
How Bad Do Welsh Corgis Shed?
Of the two Corgie types, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds the most.
This breed has a double coat that grows to be very thick. The inner coat of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is meant to keep them warm in cooler temperatures while the outer coat helps to prevent water and other elements from reaching their skin.
Both coats are shed on a regular basis, in fact daily, which means that they need a lot of grooming and maintenance to look their best. The end of the spring season is when they usually shed the most.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi also sheds but not as much as the former type. Instead of daily shedding, this breed will shed when the seasons change and can be easily maintained with weekly grooming sessions.
There Are No Dogs That are 100% Shed Free
Every dog that has hair will shed regardless of how little that may be. Even hairless dog breeds will generate dander even when they don’t have hair to shed. Pet allergies are triggered by pet dander which comes from shed skin, not from dog hair.
When choosing a dog for a home that has people with pet allergies or sensitivities, it is important to research how much dander the dog generates, not only how often it sheds.
Allergies are also triggered by dog saliva, and no matter what breed of dog you own, there is no way to avoid their licks and kisses.
Signs You Are Allergic To Your Corgi
If you think that you or a family member may be allergic to your Corgi, it is important to seek treatment or take steps to reduce exposure.
The symptoms of dog allergies will vary from person to person ranging from very mild to dangerously severe.
In some instances, it may take several days for a reaction to show up if a person has a low level of sensitivity.
Some signs to look out for are:
- Redness or irritation on the skin after being licked.
- Itching or swelling around the eyes or nose, or rashes anywhere on the body.
- If there is shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing within 30 minutes of exposure, chances are it is due to a pet allergy.
- Eczema flare-ups are common in children who are allergic to dogs, and,
- Those with asthma who are allergic to dander may suffer an asthma attack.
Ways You Can Prevent Your Corgi Giving You An Allergic Reaction
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is not to bring a Corgi pet home.
If you are not willing to give up ownership, or if your allergy is minor, you can take steps to lessen the symptoms.
- Clearing the nasal passages with saline or saltwater on a regular basis can help reduce irritation.
- Creating pet-free areas in the home such as in the bedroom or family room will also help reduce the chances of triggering a reaction.
- For Corgis, in particular, a dander reducing shampoo and using a product like Allerpet will also help reduce pet dander in your home.
- Regular grooming is essential to help cut down on shedding.
- Consider using HEPA filters in your home as well to remove allergens and dander from the air.
- It is also a good idea to train your Pembroke Welsh Corgis to stay off of the furniture and out of specific rooms to help reduce the severity of allergy attacks that occur.
Next Read: What Are The Best Foods for Corgis
