Pembroke Welsh Corgi Grooming

When it comes to grooming, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (PWC) won't require a ton of work. The main issue with these dogs' coats is that they shed a lot--regularly for most of the year, and profusely during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Some PWCs are known as "Fluffies"; these dogs have longer, fluffier coats, usually with some feathering in the neck, legs and tail. Corgi Fluffies don't really need extra grooming, though.

Overall, these dogs will need brushing 2-3 times per week (and daily during shedding season), mainly to help collect dead hairs. Baths are only necessary about every six weeks, and haircuts aren't required at all, though some owners trim their PWCs' coats to keep them looking neat.

See the sections below for more details on brushing, bathing, and other maintenance--and learn exactly why shaving a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is never a good idea.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi grooming doesn't take a huge amount of work--but since these dogs shed a good bit, much of the maintenance will involve caring for their coats, particularly to help keep the shedding under control. Grooming Corgis will be a daily task when they blow their undercoats during the spring and fall shedding seasons, but otherwise they'll need brushing 2-3 times per week. Baths are usually necessary every six weeks or so (unless your Pembroke spends a lot of time outside, in which case it'll probably get dirty and stinky more easily); many owners like to also bathe their Pembrokes in the middle of shedding season to help remove dead hairs.

Haircuts aren't required at all--and are forbidden, in fact, if the dog is to be shown. A lot of people do have their Pembrokes' coats trimmed--especially if the dogs are "Fluffies," and have longer coats with lots of feathering--to keep them looking neat and tidy. And while some learn the Corgi grooming and shave methods for themselves, many owners leave the haircuts to professional groomers. Regardless, it's a good idea to visit a pro at least once. The groomer can give your Pembroke's coat a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Pembroke Corgi in general.

Caring for your Pembroke's coat will require the use of a few Corgi grooming tools, too: a pin brush, a greyhound comb, de-tangling solution, a de-shedding tool, canine shampoo and conditioner, and a hair dryer will all be great to have.

Whether they're Pembroke "Normies" or Pembroke Welsh Corgi "Fluffies"--dogs with longer, fluffier coats that usually have more feathering--dogs of this breed will require brushing 2-3 times per week (and daily during shedding season). The best dog brush for Corgis is a pin brush, and a greyhound comb will be nice to have on hand as well.

How to brush a Corgi: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle (with a bit of de-tangling solution mixed in, if desired). Then starting at the shoulders, use the pin brush to give the Corgi a brush throughout its entire coat, going section by section in the direction of hair growth. (For more info on dealing with mats or tangles, see the Getting Out Tangles section below.)

These dogs shed a good bit--which means tangles and mats can form fairly easily, especially during shedding season. Two ways to deal with tangles:

• Use your fingers. Though not necessarily the most effective method, removing tangles only with your fingers is preferred. The best way is to separate the clumps bit by bit by hand, going one hair strand at a time if necessary. If desired, you can use scissors to cut stubborn mats in halves or even fourths to make the hairs easier to reach.
• Use a de-shedding tool. During shedding season, the use of tools like the Furminator for Corgi dogs can be helpful--in part because the tools remove dead hairs before they have a chance to develop into tangles. The fine, curved teeth help remove the hairs without damaging the dog's skin. Use any de-shedding tools according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Do Corgis smell? They can, especially if they spend lots of time outdoors, when they can get into dirty or smelly objects. So how often should you bathe a Corgi? Bathing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi every six weeks or so is good; some owners like to bathe their dogs during shedding season, too, to help with the removal of shed hairs. Regular bathing will turn your "Corgi smell" into a fresh, clean one!

Choosing the best shampoo for a Corgi is important as well. It's better to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans can irritate a dog's skin. And while a multitude of dog shampoo products are on the market, the best Corgi shampoo includes brands like EarthBath, Burt's Bees, and Buddy Wash. Some owners also use canine conditioner on their Corgis to keep the coats soft and shiny.

Before your Corgi bath, be sure to give the dog a thorough brushing. Your Pembroke might be small enough to bathe in the kitchen sink; otherwise a bathtub (or an outdoor plastic pool using a garden hose) will be fine. First wet the coat thoroughly, then apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back. Lather well, moving downward as you go. (And don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail!) Use a washcloth to clean the dog's head, face, and ears; rinse completely, then repeat the whole process with conditioner if desired.

Towel-dry the coat next. If your Pembroke has a fluffier coat, use a pin brush and a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting to finish drying--otherwise, letting the coat air-dry will be okay. Complete the bathing by giving the dog another quick brush-through to make the coat look clean and neat.

Do Corgis need haircuts? The short answer is no. Exceptions can be made, of course, if yours is a "Corgi Fluffy" with longer, fluffier hair; lots of owners trim their Fluffies' longer hairs--but only to keep the coats looking neat and tidy. A proper Corgi haircut simply isn't necessary.

And can you shave a Corgi? Well, you certainly can--but doing so is not recommended. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have double-layered coats--and shaving any double-coated breed isn't a good idea, for several reasons: first, a shaved Corgi will have an uneven coat when the outer coat grows back in. Second, many owners believe that giving a Corgi a "summer haircut" by shaving its coat short will help keep the dog cool--and the idea is a myth. Double coats on dogs act as natural insulators and regulate dogs' body temperature, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter. Shaved Corgis will be much more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn. It's also a myth that if a Corgi is shaved, the dog will shed less. Since it's the undercoat that sheds, unless the dog is shaved bald (which is never a good idea!), the undercoat is still there and the dog still sheds

In a nutshell: leave those clippers put away--and let your Corgi's coat stay natural!

Aside from its coat, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi will need its paws regularly maintained:

• Nails: If your Pembroke's nails "click" when the dog walks or runs on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Using regular nail clippers, trim Corgi nails as close to the toe as possible. Make sure not to cut them too short, though, as doing so can cut into the nail's "quick" (the blood vessel running through the nail), making it bleed and be painful. (Bonus: if you're feeling creative, you can leave the dog's nails a bit longer and add some fabulous Corgi nail art!)
• Toe Hair: If the hair between your Corgi's toes gets too long, it'll collect dirt and debris and even get infected. Use regular scissors to trim the hair even with the toe if it gets too lengthy.
• Paw Pads: A Corgi's paw pads can become dry and cracked, especially if the dog walks or runs a lot on hot asphalt or on snow and ice. Apply commercial paw pad moisturizer (available at pet stores) to keep the pads soft and moist.

Your Corgi will also require regular maintenance in these areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Corgi teeth need regular brushing to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Corgi bad breath. Use a regular toothbrush to brush your Corgi's teeth twice a week--but be sure to use canine toothpaste, as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If your Corgi's ear canals collect excess dirt, grass, and other debris, they can get infected and the dog can even suffer hearing loss. The best way to clean a Corgi's ears is with canine ear cleaning solution, which you can get at most pet stores. Apply a liberal amount of the solution to the dog's inner ear, close the ear flap, and massage the ear with your hand for a few seconds. The dog will probably shake its head vigorously to remove the liquid--this is normal--and after that, use a cotton ball (never a Q-Tip!) to finish cleaning the inner ear.