Corgis are a popular breed of dog that is often used as a family pet. They are small and have short legs, which makes them easier to pick up and hold. Corgis are known for their friendly personalities and love of children. But are corgis hypoallergenic?
This is a common question that people ask about them. It is because many people who have allergies to dogs cannot tolerate being around certain breeds of canines. So, if you have allergies but want to keep a pooch, then you may be wondering if corgis are okay for you.
The good news is this article will handle everything from the definition of hypoallergenic, why a dog can be hypoallergenic, and what to do if you’re allergic to this pup, among others. Let’s dive in!
So, Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?
The short answer is no. Corgis are not hypoallergenic. They shed a lot and pretty shed consistently. Their coats do not contain the fulminating dander that many people find to be so irritating. However, they do have loose skin, which can also cause irritation for some people.
On the other hand, the longer answer is that each person's body chemistry is unique, and what one person considers to be an irritant may not bother another person at all. So, that being said, if you know someone who is allergic to dogs, then it would be wise to introduce them slowly to a dog. Thus, they don't have an adverse reaction if they do develop allergies later in life.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Hypoallergenic is a term used to describe products that are negligibly likely to cause an allergic reaction. The word hypoallergenic comes from the Greek words hypo (under or below) and allergen -a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
The term hypoallergenic has no legal definition and applies only to the person using the product, not to the product itself. If you're allergic to something, you'll probably react when exposed to it again. But if you aren't allergic before you start using the product, then you won't be allergic after using it for some time.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
A hypoallergenic dog, also known as a non-shedding canine, is a pup whose coat does not shed or does very little. People who have severe allergies to dogs may find that they can live with a hypoallergenic pup, although it may be necessary to give up their pet if the allergies become too severe.
Hypoallergenic dogs are not necessarily non-shedding hounds. A non-shedding coat usually indicates hair type rather than actual shedding. Some breeds with coats that don't shed much still require frequent brushing and grooming.
Some of the "hypoallergenic" dogs include:
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Havanese
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Standard Poodle
- Giant Schnauzer
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Russian Black Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Miniature Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Miniature Mexican Hairless
- Standard Mexican Hairless
- Hungarian Puli
The term "hypoallergenic dog" generally refers to pups that have less dander than other hounds because dander is what causes allergy symptoms in most people. Dander is made up of dead skin cells and other materials that are released by your pet's body as part of its normal shedding process.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
Most hypoallergenic dogs have the following traits:
Hair Type
Most dogs with short hair are considered hypoallergenic, but the real factor is how much of the hair shaft is located in the outer layer of the skin. Canines with thick undercoats can shed more than those with thin, single-layer coats.
No Dander
The oil glands produce dander in your dog's skin. Dander doesn't cause allergies and isn't contagious to humans, so it's a good idea to avoid mongrels that have excessive amounts of dander. Some breeds have a higher rate of dander production than others.
Small Size
The smaller the dog, the less likely it will affect your allergies. Smaller puppies also tend to shed less than larger ones do because they have less fur and body surface area overall compared to their larger counterparts, like Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.
Low Odor Levels
Dogs that have low odor levels are more likely to be considered hypoallergenic by their owners. These pups will also tend to be less likely to attract fleas, ticks and other parasites that can intensify allergies. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how your canine's coat will smell before you adopt it.
What Can Be Done If You’re Allergic to Corgis?
Those allergic to corgis may have a hard time enjoying the company of these adorable little dogs. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your symptoms and make the experience more pleasurable for you and your corgi pal.
1. Wear a Mask When Around These Dogs
If you have an allergy to corgis, the best thing to do is wear a mask when interacting with or around them. It will aid in reducing your exposure to dander and other allergens that may be floating through the air. Wearing a mask is especially important if you're going out on walks or if there are other dogs in your home.
2. Avoid Coming into Contact with Corgis
It's essential to take this advice seriously since avoiding contact with dogs is often recommended for people with other types of allergies too. For instance, cat and dust mite allergies. If you know someone who owns a corgi, try to avoid coming into contact with them when with their pets—especially if they're not yet aware of your condition.
3. Take Antihistamines
For those who do come into contact with a corgi, your doctor might prescribe an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Claritin (loratadine). These medications aid in relieving some of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. For instance, itching, swelling, and skin irritation.
You should start taking these drugs before going near a corgi so that they have time to kick in before your symptoms show up. Or, take them after coming into contact with a corgi to prevent any further reactions from occurring.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shedding
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for its double coat, which consists of long and soft guard hairs over a dense undercoat. This double coat protects them from cold weather and makes them susceptible to mats and tangles if not regularly brushed.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds year-round in large amounts, but especially during seasonal changes. It is because they molt their coats twice per year - once in the spring and the other in the fall.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shedding
Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not a high-shedding dog, but it does shed moderately. The hair of this breed is coarse, wiry, and medium in length. Cardigans shed only when the season changes, unlike Pembroke Welsh, which sheds year-round, so grooming is crucial for them to always look their best.
Consider a Mixed Corgi
We have seen that corgis are generally sweet, loyal, and playful. Understandably, some people may not want to go through the trouble of training and grooming a dog that can sometimes be stubborn and strong-willed.
A mixed corgi can also be a good choice for those who are looking for a small dog with similar traits as the purebred version. Although some mixed breeds inherit certain physical characteristics from their parents, they may not have all the same qualities as their purebred counterparts.
For example, some of the most common corgi mixes include the Corgi Doodle or Corgi Poodle mix and the Corgi Golden Retriever mix.
So, if you're looking for a dog that is great with children and other pets, consider a mixed corgi. It is often an excellent choice for families who are looking for a great all-around pet.
Corgis are naturally very social dogs. They love the company of their humans and other pets in the home. While they might not be as happy when left alone at home, they do enjoy spending time with their owners when they're out and about.
The mixed corgi will often be very protective of their family and home. This makes them great watchdogs as well as protectors of their family members when it comes to strangers entering the home or any other potential threat present.
Other merits of mixed corgi include:
1. It's Less Expensive Than Buying Two Purebreds
Mixed breeds are typically less expensive than their purebred counterparts. It is because they're more common and, therefore, more affordable, as well as less likely to have been bred for specific physical characteristics.
2. Mixed Breeds Tend to Have Fewer Health Problems
Purebred dogs are prone to many hereditary diseases and conditions, including hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Crossbreeds are often healthier than their purebred counterparts because they don't have the same genetic predisposition toward diseases that affect one breed in particular.
3. You Get More Variety in Size and Appearance
Purebreds tend to be similar in size and appearance. However, mixed-breed dogs vary widely in size, color, and coat type. If you want a large canine but don't want one that looks like every other large pup out there, then a mixed-breed corgi is worth considering!
Corgi Poo
This is a designer dog that is a cross between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Poodle. The Corgi poo is a very popular breed, with many people wanting one as their pet. They are small canines with a lot of personalities who are very loyal to their owners.
The Corgi poo has many of the same characteristics as the Welsh Corgi, but they have smaller legs and more rounded heads. The look of this designer dog is quite striking when you first see it, but if you look closely, you will see that there are similarities between the two breeds.
Corgi poos are intelligent, loyal dogs that make great family pets as they get on well with children as well as other animals. They're also very good at learning tricks, so if you want to teach your pet some new skills, this is the right bred!
Final Words
Hopefully, we have answered the question of whether or not corgis are hypoallergenic. Therefore, your task is to care for your dogs. But how do you make it easy to control them? That’s where the GPS dog tracker and activity monitor come in.
Our Fi Smart Dog Collar is a great way to keep your pooch safe and secure. The Fi collar comes with a GPS tracker and activity monitor that will let you know where your pet is at all times and will even tell you if it's moving or not.
This can be extremely helpful for owners of puppies who tend to wander off or go missing for long periods. It also allows you to monitor their activity levels to see how much exercise they get each day. Get in touch with us today to get your preferred membership or find out more about the Fi Smart Dog Colllar.