Cardigan Welsh Corgi Grooming

The Cardian Welsh Corgi (or "Cardi" for short) has a medium-length, thick, double-layered coat that will require a fair amount of grooming. These dogs shed moderately (and heavily in the spring and fall), so much of the work will consist of brushing and hair cleanup.

See below for details on maintaining the Cardi's coat, including plenty of info about brushing and bathing. You'll also learn why shaving these dogs' coats is not a good idea.

In addition to coat care, a Cardi ill need regular maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush; clean the dog's ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution; and if your Cardi's nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim--which you can do with standard nail clippers.

Overall Cardigan Welsh Corgi grooming needs are moderate--and much of the work will involve maintaining these dogs' thick, double-layered coats. The coats shed seasonally (a fair amount for must of the year, but heavier during the spring and fall shedding seasons), so consistent brushing will be necessary to minimize the shedding and to avoid tangles.

Brush your Cardi 2-3 times per week with either a pin brush or a slicker brush. First wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle. Then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle, first try working it out with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb. (During shedding season, daily brushing is best; some owners also like to use de-shedding tools during these periods to help with dead hair collection.)

Bathing a Cardigan Welsh Corgi will need to happen every 2-3 months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order. For your Cardigan Welsh Corgi bath, make sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue will cause further skin irritation.

And Cardigan Welsh Corgi haircuts aren't necessary. It's also important to note that shaving a Corgi to reduce shedding (and to help keep the dog cool in summer) is not recommended. A shaved Corgi coat will still shed, and the dog won't have its double coat to protect against heat or cold. Plus, the coat will be uneven when it does grow back. Once again: shaving a Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not a good idea!

Though owners can learn to perform all aspects of Cardigan Welsh Corgi grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Cardigan Welsh Corgi at home.