Being a dog lover and an allergic person is a difficult combination. If you love dogs and someone else in your family has allergies, it may be even harder.
The solution in these situations is typically to get a dog that is hypoallergenic, and Corgis are a breed that certainly seems to be hypoallergenic. Corgis, however, are hypoallergenic. Or do they cause allergy sufferers the same problems as any other breed?
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Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?
In a nutshell, corgis are not hypoallergenic. They are one of the worst breeds you could own because they are notorious for having heavy sheds.
Dander, which causes the sneezing, will also accompany all that hair. Many people are allergic not only to the dander itself, but it can also transport other allergens, like pollen.
What’s worse is that Corgis are loving and active pets, so they’re likely to run around and get in your face, causing even more dander to be spread everywhere. In short, if you live with someone who has breathing issues, you should not bring a Corgi home.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
In the United States, there are almost 10% of people have a dog allergy. Nearly one-fourth of the population—over 80 million people—own dogs in the United States, making up the total number of households with dogs.
Finding a breed that is less likely to exacerbate allergies is a natural goal for someone with a dog allergy. Because of this, people frequently search for “hypoallergenic dogs” online.
There is no dog that is completely hypoallergenic, according to the American Kennel Club. They do, however, recommend 19 dog breeds that are more hypoallergenic than most other breeds.
The Schnauzer, Irish Water Spaniel, and Poodle are a few of the breeds.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Before examining whether Corgis are hypoallergenic—or any dog, for that matter—we must first gain a complete and in-depth understanding of the term hypoallergenic.
The term was first used by the cosmetics industry in the 1950s to refer to specific cosmetics and beauty items that were less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in consumers who were sensitive to other products.
You may have seen “hypoallergenic” written on a product’s label or the back of a product.
While being hypoallergenic means something is less likely or unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, it does not provide complete assurance that an allergic reaction won’t happen.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
You look for a dog that doesn’t shed a lot when you consider a hypoallergenic dog breed. Because of this, allergy sufferers adore Poodles and Doodles. Low shedding coat is what they have.
While dog hair can be an issue for people with dog allergies (as well as dog owners who don’t want to regularly groom their pooch or get the vacuum out every day), it’s only a portion of the issue.
When it comes to starting someone’s allergy to dogs, dander is one of the main offenders. Our mucous membranes (nose and lungs) are susceptible to the entry of microscopic fragments of dead skin that are airborne.
Dander, pollen, salvia, and other allergens are all common carriers in dog hair. As you can see, dog dander and hair are related.
For people with dog allergies, salvia can be another irritant, so a slobbery breed like the English Bulldog might not be the best choice.
How Much Do Corgis Shed?
The Pembroke Welsh corgi and the Cardigan Welsh corgi both possess what is referred to as a double coat. As the name implies, this coat has two layers: a longer, coarser outer coat and a softer, lighter undercoat.
One of the reasons the corgi sheds a lot is because of its double coat. The inner coat thickens during the colder months to offer better insulation. Your dog sheds it as the weather cools. The longer outer coat will also lengthen at the same time to keep your dog cooler in the summer heat. The cycle then continues as the cold weather returns. Corgis also tend to shed more frequently during particular times of the winter and summer, in addition to their typical year-round shedding.
So, if they have allergies, should potential dog owners rule out the corgi? The answer largely varies from person to person. A Corgi is likely to trigger typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose if pet dander is one of the allergens you strongly react to.
To ease the situation and perhaps even live comfortably with a corgi, there are some things you can do.
How to Minimize Allergy Symptoms?
Groom Your Pooch
Regular brushing of your dog’s coat with a brush is essential for detangling and preventing matting as well as removing loose hair from the coat to stop it from getting all over your house. (You should either have a family member or friend brush your dog for you to avoid an allergy attack, or wear gloves and a mask while doing so.) To find a high-quality dog brush for your corgi, check Amazon or your neighborhood pet store.
Feed Your Dog a Great Diet
The best way to prevent any excessive shedding is to give your dog a healthy diet. Ask your veterinarian if your dog’s current diet is nutritionally complete, and for an extra nutritional boost, consider introducing something like Native Pet’s Bone Broth to your dog’s routine. An added benefit: Your dog will enjoy the flavor.
Adjust Your Home
In order to feel comfortable at home, pet owners with allergies might need to make some adjustments. Don’t allow your corgi dog to share your bed. To collect dander and hair particles around the house, install special HEPA filters. Your furniture, floors, window blinds, and other areas where dander might be hiding should all be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
Try Allergy Medication
Allergy drugs or injections might be helpful for people who have severe allergies to dog dander. Find out from your doctor if you would benefit from receiving regular allergy treatments or allergy medication.
Consider a Mixed Breed
If mixed with another breed, are corgis hypoallergenic? Not always, but it can be beneficial. When compared to purebred Cardigan or Pembroke corgis, certain corgi mixes typically shed less. Because Shih Tzus and mini schnauzers are regarded as hypoallergenic dog breeds, you might think about adopting a Shih Tzu/corgi mix or a miniature schnauzer/corgi mix.
Anything Else to Consider?
Although some dog breeds are referred to as hypoallergenic and may be a good fit for some allergy sufferers, this does not necessarily mean that they will be the best choice for everyone who experiences allergies around dogs.
The same is true for people and dogs; they are all unique.
If you suspect you have an allergy to dogs or have asthma, it’s a good idea to speak with a local health expert before buying a puppy.
You can also ask a breeder if their dogs have a reputation for being more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds.
Conclusion: A Good Breed But Hardly Hypoallergenic
There are many reasons why Corgis are such well-liked puppies: they are loving, perceptive, and of course, adorable. However, if you have allergies, you should choose a different breed because they are as far from hypoallergenic as it is possible to get.
Anyone who has a history of having a negative reaction to animal dander should probably go with a breed like a Poodle.