Corgi

Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?

Being allergic to animals or food products is the result of genetic imbalances. We cannot predict if someone is allergic to a particular thing until they get exposed to it. A lot of people suffer from beast allergies across the globe. This is one of the biggest reasons why some of us cannot pet dogs. Some breeds have been proven hypoallergenic.

Corgis, unfortunately, does not belong to the group of hypoallergenic breeds. They have silky and shiny hair and they shed a lot. This makes them perfectly suitable for causing allergies. Although they are fluffy and insanely cute, people who are allergic to furs and furry animals cannot stay close to them. Staying in the same room with them can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, and in severe cases, rashes on the skin. Hence, if you are allergic to dogs, you should know which breeds are safe to hang out with. 

What are hypoallergenic dogs?

Classification of dog breeds based on their ability to spread allergens begun in the late 20th century. Breeds that have zero negative impact on your health with respect to allergic reactions (from dander) are known as hypoallergenic dogs.

Nevertheless, theoretically, no dog breed can be called completely hypoallergenic. Airborne dust sampling, Settling dust sampling and Reservoir dust sampling methods can measure the allergen spreading levels by various dog breeds. These allergens are later on analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) to characterize the allergen types and their respective levels.

Comparing allergen release from various dog breeds gives us the final stats regarding hypoallergenic dog breeds.

History of Corgis:

  • The Welsh Corgis or popularly known as Corgis, are of British origin. Corgi is a colloquial term, which actually means dwarf in Welsh. These are a small kind of herding dogs. As imaginable by their name, they originated in Wales. They were originally bred as shepherd dogs in Wales. Based on their area of origin, they are of two types; Pembrokeshire and Cardigan. 
  • These were agriculturally blessed areas of Wales. The farmers of such regions required a breed that could keep track of their cattle herds. Also, as the cattle herds were pretty large, they needed a dog that had a shorter height and small size. Hence, they started domesticating a variety of German Dachshunds from Germany in Pembroke in the 10th century. 
  • The Cardigan Welsh Corgi came to Wales most probably from modern Scandinavia. The Scandinavian breed, known as Swedish Vallhund came to Wales and was crossed with Welsh Sheepdog. This is also assumed to be the source of the characteristic “Merle” color pattern of the breed
  • In the 19th century, they got immense popularity in Britain as pets. Queen Elizabeth II once owned approximately 30 Welsh Corgis. Corgis came to the United States of America in the early 1930s by Mrs. Lewis Roesler. The American Kennel Club first registered them in 1934. 

Facts about Corgis:

  • Corgis are attentive, loving, and smart. They are wonderful as family pets. They are energetic, agile, and grow tall up to 10-12.5 inches.
  • They are great for small spaces. They do not need a lot of exercise, either.
  • This Pembroke breed has long and powerful legs. 
  • They are affectionate and independent, as well. 
  • Unlike Pembrokes, Cardigans have short legs. They have a tail that is lacking in their brother breed. They are athletic and children friendly. They are well-socialized and live happily in small apartments and large spaces alike. 

Are Corgis hypoallergenic? 

No. Corgis are not hypoallergenic. It is hard to stay away from them as they jump around all the time trying to grab your attention. Therefore, it is recommended to stay away from them as much as possible if you are allergic.  

Why are Corgis not hypoallergenic? 

  • Corgis have a double-layered waterproof coat. Their upper coat consists of long hair and beneath that, there is a soft layer. It is a proven fact that double-coated dogs shed more.
  • Corgis specifically shed more during late spring when the undercoat hair gets dried and aged. 
  • They also produce a lot of dander or dead skin flakes, specifically during the winter and spring months. 
  • These are the major sources of allergens, as these contain dust particles and spores, although Corgis drool less compared to a British Bull Dog or a German Shepherd.

How to prevent allergies if you want to have a Corgi?

As dog lovers, we all love a few specific breeds the most. Unrealistically, no matter what happens to us, we want to have one pup of our favorite breed. If you are allergic to dander and fur but still want to own a Corgi, there are certain safety measures that you need to follow. Although if you are highly allergic, it is better to stay away from them.

Good Nutritious Food:

 Do not give oily food to your furry mate. Oily foods increase the chances of shedding. 

Keep your dog hydrated: 

Provide ample amounts of water to them for better digestion. 

Vacuum daily:

 No matter what you do, there will always be some hair follicles on the floor. Hence, vacuum your floor or carpet daily to decrease the chances of allergies. 

Brush your pup regularly: 

Brushing your Corgi’s coat gathers the loose hairs all at once. It also removes dander. But always wear a face mask and pair of gloves before brushing.

Regular baths: 

Bathing is very important for those breed which shed or dander a lot. Always bath your pup once in four to eight-week intervals. You can consult your vet for suggestions regarding shampoos. Good quality shampoos reduce hair fall.

Stay sanitized: 

Always wash your hands for 20-30 seconds after petting or playing with your bud. This will decrease the risks of allergens entering your mouth or nose. 

You can also consult an ENT specialist for anti-allergic drugs. This blocks the excessive secretion of histamine that enhances mucus secretion in your body, giving allergic responses. 

We all love Corgis for their active and fun-loving nature. Many of us cannot pet one due to allergic responses, unfortunately. In that case, we can get a Corgipoo as a substitute. These are hypoallergenic as Poodles are hypoallergenic in nature. They look just like Corgis and are of similar nature. 

 Staying safe is our main priority, even when around our pets. Hence, with proper precautions and guidelines, we should manage to enjoy life with our furry four-legged mates. 

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