Are Corgis Hypoallergenic? (What to Do If You Have Allergies)

So, you have allergies and you’re wondering to yourself: “Are corgis hypoallergenic?”

The short answer: No, they’re not.

The long answer: But it’s more than just whether or not they’re hypoallergenic.

Even if you have allergies, a corgi MAY not trigger them.

But there’s more to it than that. You should always consult your healthcare provider first BEFORE you do anything involving a corgi.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The definition of a hypoallergenic dog
• Why not allergy sufferers will react to dogs
• What you should do if you have allergies but want a corgi
• Corgis and shedding
• Other alternative breeds for people with allergies
• Other FAQs

Let’s dive in and see if a corgi is right for allergy sufferers.

Last updated: 7/22/21.

What exactly does it mean for a dog to be hypoallergenic?

You’ve seen this buzzword on mattresses, blankets, clothing, and even vacuum cleaners

To be hypoallergenic, all it really means is that there’s a minimal chance of an allergic reaction.

If you’re someone sensitive to allergies and you’re considering getting a corgi, you definitely need to do your research first before buying one only to find out he makes you sneeze, cough, and flare up every time you pet him.

And don’t forget to consider the possibility of your dog tracking in allergy triggering stimuli from the outdoors- especially if you’ve never owned a dog before.

There’s a lot to consider and at stake here because once you bring in a dog, it’s very difficult to sterilize and clean your home from all the dander.

So don’t rush through this just because the joy of dog ownership is blurring your vision. Think it through. Consider going to see the corgi at a controlled environment with a change of clothes so you don’t bring home the triggers.

So, are corgis hypoallergenic?

Corgis are NOT hypoallergenic. They’re far from it. This breed is a dubious shedder and will leave corgi fur (AKA “corgi glitter”) everywhere.

You’ll find their fur getting into areas you’ve never expected- even your food!

Remember though- there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. There ARE dogs that shed less (or not at all), but ALL dogs have some level of pet dander.

Plus, don’t forget that even if you have only mild allergies, your dog can bring in pollen, dust, and other particles that can cause an allergic reaction from the OUTDOORS.

These dogs will show no mercy and shed everywhere.

You’ll see corgi hair on your pajamas, work clothes, carpet, computer keyboard, couch, bed, and even on your closet which you thought would protect your clothes in the first place!

Even if you have other dogs or cats and plan to get a corgi, they have different stimuli in their fur.

Do corgis shed a lot?

Yes, corgis shed plenty.

They’re one of the most excessive breeds and top the list of heavy shedders. This makes it easy to trigger allergies with so many strands of hair everywhere.

Because of their excessive shedding, there’s no way to even remotely consider corgis hypoallergenic.

They blow their coat twice per year when the seasons change but ask any corgi owner and they’ll tell you there’s no letting up on the shedding.

So if you don’t like tons of dog fur everywhere or there’s someone in your home that has allergies, consider getting another breed. Corgis won’t do it. Sorry.

Note that there ARE some people who have allergies, but corgi fur won’t trigger them.

Allergies are a complicated situation and it’s important to see a doctor to get an assessment to see what’s causing it.

Just because you have allergies does NOT mean you’ll be allergic to corgis. It depends on the stimulus.

Are any corgis hypoallergenic?

There are two breeds of corgis recognized by the AKC:

• Pembroke Welsch Corgi
• Cardigan Welsch corgi

Both of them have thick, dense double coats that protect them from the elements. And both are them are crazy shedders. Therefore, all purebred corgis are not hypoallergenic.

These dogs were bred to herd animals, protecting their territory, and even swim to fetch from the lake.

Their fur will trigger many people who have allergies, but there will always be those who can tolerate the fur.

Some people have only mild and manageable reactions. Every single person’s reactions will be different, so some testing is needed to pinpoint the source.

What can be done if you’re allergic to corgis?

Allergies are usually managed by mediations, sprays, creams, or simply eliminating pet dander.

There’s no way to “get rid” of allergies, as they can surface at any time and may wane temporarily.

You could be a corgi owner for years and have no reaction. But then, one day out of blue, you start sneezing, getting a runny nose, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip. What happened?

Allergies can subside over time and rise up just as easily. It’s pretty painful to see someone have to give up their corgi because of their reactions.

That’s why you should always get tested before adopting or buying a corgi from a breeder. You need a sample of the corgi hair and then an allergy panel.

Your professional can determine the specific triggers and give you a plan if you really want a corgi, but suffer from allergies.

For those that have only mild reactions to pet dander, it may be possible to live with a corgi as long as proper precautions are taken.

Cleaning up your home by vacuuming, dusting, and using air purifiers may help reduce symptoms.

However, you should ALWAYS speak with your provider first before attempting anything with a corgi- including living with one.

Don’t take any chances because you don’t know how you’ll react. Sometimes, you may not have serious allergies until later on, which can be very dangerous.

Again, always consult with your healthcare provider first.

If possible, bring some corgi dander to get tested with your provider to assess your allergic stimuli reaction.

Consider a mixed corgi

There are plenty of corgi mixes available that may have lesser shedding compared to a purebred. You can do your research and on different mixed breeds.

As long as the fur gene is inherited from the other breed, the dog will follow similar shedding patterns assuming it’s a dominant trait. There may be mixed shedding, so you’ll want to be careful.

Adopting a mixed breed corgi proves to be much more effective in gauging the shedding.

Since the dog is already grown up (most likely), you’ll have a good idea of how much he sheds before you bring him home.

A mixed puppy definitely is harder to tell.

Unless the breeder has a genetic panel, you won’t know for sure how the dog will be when it grows up. This should be addressed if you have allergies 100%.

Which dog is best for allergy sufferers?

There are plenty of dogs that are more suitable for people with allergies, rather than corgis.

Although no dog is absolutely 100% hypoallergenic, some dogs rarely shed and this may make it easier to manage the environment and prevent/control any reactions.

Having lesser amounts of hair to clean up also makes it less of a chore. If dog fur annoys you or you can’t stand it, you’ll want to check out alternative breeds.

Corgis are not hypoallergenic

Although corgis are perfect and quirky in their own ways, such as being protective, playful, bold, loyal, agile, and extremely smart, they (sadly) don’t have the attribute of a low-shed coat.

These dogs do offer a bountiful amount of positives, but for allergy sufferers, there are plenty of other breeds with similar dog characteristics as corgis.

If you’re an allergy sufferer with a corgi, please leave your tips below for others to read!

Hypoallergenic dogs similar to corgis

For those who just can’t get a corgi because of their reactions, there are other breeds that far well for sensitive individuals.

And they have a similar disposition in terms of behavior and personality to corgis.

Here are some alternative breeds worth considering:

• Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
• Chinese crested
• Maltese
• Shih Tzu
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Basenji
• Afghan Hound
• Bedlington Terrier

Further reading

Here are some references you may find helpful on your quest for the perfect dog:

• Hypoallergenic breeds of corgis? : corgi – Reddit
• Are there any corgi owners out there with dog allergies? – Reddit
• Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic – AKC

Corgis are not for people with allergies

Unless you only have mild symptoms or have your allergies under control, you should probably look elsewhere because corgis are excessive shedders and can make your time together very difficult.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other breeds that can suit your lifestyle. Corgis aren’t the only breed that’s playful, loyal, smart, and bold. There are plenty of other alternatives you can consider.

It shouldn’t be a question of corgi vs. another breed they’re all DOGS. The best friend a person can possibly get!

So don’t feel bad if you can’t get a corgi. You may even run into serendipity with some other awesome, caring, and loving breed you’ve never considered before.

If you have allergies and an alternative breed to suggest, drop a comment below to help out others!

Thanks for reading.