Corgi Grooming: Managing the Fluffy Double Coat

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Corgis are famously fluffy and famously hairy. The sturdy double coat protects them in all weather, and the key to living with it is regular, well-timed grooming. See also the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

The coat

Corgis have a dense, soft undercoat and a medium-length, coarse outer coat. Shedding is constant, with heavy blowing in spring and autumn. See double-coat grooming.

Brushing

• Two to three times a week with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. See how to use an undercoat rake.
• Daily during blowing coat. See dog blowing coat.
• Comb to check for loose undercoat.

See how to brush a dog properly.

Do not shave

Corgis should not be shaved. The coat insulates against both heat and cold, and shaved Corgis often regrow patchy, fluffy coats. See should you shave a double-coated dog.

Bathing

Bathe every six to eight weeks, or when dirty. A bath followed by thorough blow-drying releases loose undercoat. See how to bathe a dog at home and best high-velocity dryers for dogs.

Feathering and trimming

Trim feathering on the back legs, the "pants," and tidy the feet and tail. Keep it neat, not short. See how to use grooming scissors on a dog.

Belly, legs and paws

Short legs mean the belly and legs often drag through mud. Wipe after walks and check for burrs. Trim hair between the pads. See how to remove burrs and sticky debris from dog fur and how to trim hair between dog paw pads.

Nails

Corgis' nails grow fast and long nails affect their back and legs. Trim every few weeks. See how to trim dog nails safely.

Ears and teeth

Check ears and brush teeth. See how to clean a dog's ears and how to brush a dog's teeth.

Back health

Corgis are prone to back problems because of their long spine and short legs. Keep your dog lean and use gentle handling. Avoid lifting by the front legs. See how to groom a senior dog.

Hair management

See how to reduce dog shedding at home.

A weekly Corgi routine

• Two or three times a week: rake and brush, then comb.
• Weekly: wipe the belly and legs, check the ears and trim stray feathering.
• Every two to three weeks: trim nails.
• Every six to eight weeks: bath and blow-dry.

Corgi coat colors and variations

Pembroke Corgis come in red, sable, fawn and tricolor, and Cardigans in a wider range. Some have a fluffy coat that is longer than the breed standard, sometimes called fluffy Corgis. They need the same care, but with extra brushing for feathering. See how to prevent dog hair matting.

The takeaway

Brush and rake regularly, never shave and keep the belly, legs and feet clean. Corgi fluff is manageable with a routine.