Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?

Written by Alan Lemus
Published: April 29, 2023
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Dogs are your friend, your partner in crime, and often your biggest supporter. They are the ones you look forward to after a stressful day. So it is without a doubt that you want the best for them too. 

However, choosing a dog breed is quite a difficult task. First, you want a dog you can connect with, but that is not all that is necessary! You need your environment and your budget to favor your choice. Corgis are one such choice that is quite common and popular among dog owners. They come in the list of top 15 dog breeds that are popular in the United States. 

If you are looking for a dog breed that is social, fluffy & small, makes great family pets, and has a beautiful pair of eyes, then corgis are the way to go. The one thing that might come as a concerning query to you is whether the corgis are hypoallergenic. 

The short answer is no, corgis are not hypoallergenic. In this blog, you will find all about the query and other burning questions that will make your adoption of a corgi easier. In this blog, you will explore the hypoallergenic breeds and important things that make a dog hypoallergenic.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Allergy Test

Allergies are common in the United States and plague millions.

©Microgen/Shutterstock.com

Allergies are a common nuisance in the United States, and more than 100 million people suffer from them. Almost every product has a label indicating if it is okay to utilize the said product for people who have allergies. Similarly, there are food products with hypoallergenic labels to help people with allergies shop safely. This is because of the allergies prevalent in America. 

The hypoallergenic label indicates that the product is less likely or unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. This helps people with allergies buy the products or eat the food that will not trigger their allergies mid-day. 

When it comes to dog breeds, they can also be hypoallergenic. However, these are the dog breeds that people are mostly after, so the allergy season does not have to be so daunting. 

Now, when you spot a label that says that a specific dog breed is hypoallergenic, do not be naive enough to think that it means 100% hypoallergenic. That is not the case at all. Instead, it means that the dog breeds won’t cause a triggering allergy as horrible as other dog breeds. Therefore, the effect won’t be as daunting if you want to put it in words. 

So, when buying or adopting a dog, make sure you know the dog’s breed and its relation to hypoallergenic symptoms. These are some of the dogs that are hypoallergenic.

These are only a few. There are more than 31 breeds that you can choose if you have allergies but wish to buy a dog. 

How Can Dogs Cause Allergies in Humans?

Allergies

Symptoms of hay fever include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.

©sruilk/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to dog allergies, your mind may probably wander off to dog hair. However, that is only one aspect of what makes you allergic to dogs. Their saliva and other dead skin particles may also trigger a series of allergic reactions. 

Dog hair is a problem for everyone, not just those with allergies. They can even cause the dog owner to reconsider buying another dog breed because it can get everywhere. In addition, the cleaning process becomes ten times harder, with dog hair getting into the smallest of cracks and places. However, it does not come close to dogs, whose saliva and dead skin can trigger people with allergies. 

All in all, you need a dog that does not create a mess for your allergies as much as other dogs would. However, these factors are only a few factors that can trigger your reaction. There are many other allergens that come with a dog adoption unless you opt for a hypoallergenic dog. 

Are Corgis Hypoallergenic?

A Corgi puppy sits next to his owners feet

Corgis aren’t hypoallergenic, but you might be able to live with them if you’re careful with their shedding.

©e-Kis/Shutterstock.com

Unfortunately, no, corgis are not hypoallergenic. They are one of those dog breeds that can cause a very bad allergic reaction because of their heavy hair shedding. Moreover, they lose extra hair during a few set seasons, making it harder for people with allergies. 

The two corgi breeds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi and the Cardigan Welsh corgi are both heavy shedders, with the former being the worst. The Pembroke Welsh corgi sheds hair all year round, with daily shredding as part of their routine and a serious cleaning issue for the owners. As a result, they have a thick coat with long and soft hairs.

The Cardigan Welsh corgi has its seasons of shredding, but even then, it does not cause heavy hair shedding. This may be because the Pembroke Welsh has two layers of hair. 

However, not all hope is lost with this. This does not have to be a toxic relationship if you are a corgi fan. You can make it work by taking a few allergy meds and establishing a few steps to make it easy. This includes giving the corgi regular baths to shed off the dead hair or brushing them to kill the dead skin. This, along with other similar measures, means you do not have to hide your love of a corgi in case you need to adopt or purchase one.  

Are Dogs Really Hypoallergenic? Is it a Myth?

Corgi dog smile and happy in summer sunny day

There is no dog that is 100% hypoallergenic.

©iStock.com/Tatomm

It is not a myth but is not 100% true either. There is no dog whose hair or saliva wouldn’t cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic. There will be some sort of allergic reaction that might trigger you. 

People believe that it is a myth generated by salesmen and pet stores to boost their sales. It is true to some extent, but there are certain dogs that can cause a severe allergic reaction rather than others. 

However, it is not all downhill if you are a dog lover with a certain issue of allergies. There are some factors you can seek to know if a dog is less likely to cause allergies than others. You might not have a lot of options, but you will have plenty to choose from. 

How Can Dogs Be Hypoallergenic?

Brushing a Corgi against a white background

You can look at the different features of a dog to tell you if it’s hypoallergenic.

©Ermolaev Alexander/Shutterstock.com

If a dog is hypoallergenic, it will have a few features that can point you in the right direction. You can seek out these features before you make an adoption or purchase.

Hair

If a dog has short hair, it is considered a dog that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, it is not just about the hair. Rather, it is related to hair shedding and how much hair is in their coats. 

A dog with a thick undercoat is more likely to be a cause for extra dog hair found around your couch rather than a dog with a thin coat of hair.

Dander

Dander is a group of microscopic dead cells produced by the oil glands in your dog’s skin. These can create an allergic reaction that may put the person in difficulty. However, there are some breeds that produce dander more than the other breeds.

If you want to get a hypoallergenic dog, it is best to seek one with a lower dander production rate.

Size 

Large dogs shed a large amount of hair, while small dogs shed a small amount of hair. That is as easy as it is to remember. The smaller dogs have a smaller surface area and a small coat, leading to a small shedding of hair. Plus, you won’t have to spend countless hours cleaning up after the dog’s hair.

Similarly, a larger dog has a bigger surface area along with a large coat. Unfortunately, they also often have double layers of coats that can put the whole house under an infestation of dog hair.

Odor Level

This may be a bit of a reach, but it can be a factor in a dog being hypoallergenic. The dogs are less likely to carry allergic reactions if there are low odor levels. Plus, a low odor works best for dog owners in various ways. For example, you can avoid attracting insects, fleas, and other parasites that may find themselves a home in your dog’s hair. 

However, you cannot tell if your dog has a low odor or not unless you have adopted it and lived with it. 

What if You Are Allergic to a Corgi but a Corgi Lover Too?

couple sharing their bed with their corgi

If you want to snuggle a corgi, remember they are not hypoallergenic and may irritate your senses.

©Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock.com

That is a difficult dilemma, but it does not mean that you cannot be near a corgi. However, it is advised to steer clear of a corgi in case it produces a severe reaction on your behalf. You can pet the adorable dog without triggering your allergies through a few protective measures. Here are a few things you can do;

Wear a Mask

Keeping a mask will protect you from many allergens, including the ones in the corgi’s fur. You can wear a mask and easily pet or play with them whenever you’re around them. You might get a small reaction if the Corgi breeds are varied. However, this will also protect you from dust and other insect allergies.

Take Antihistamines 

Antihistamines are a drug to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you are going to be near a corgi or have been in the vicinity of one, you can take these medications to avoid getting a serious reaction. However, it is best to take a doctor’s advice before taking any drugs or medications. Nonetheless, Antihistamines are the preferred medications for people who have allergies. People either take them before being near a corgi or after they are in contact with them. 

Prevent Being in Contact

If you have a serious reaction, you must avoid contact with a corgi. Keep a distance from them and prevent petting them or cuddling with them. People who have other allergies, like a dust allergy or a mite allergy, should also keep their distance from them. 

Key Takeaway 

All in all, a corgi is not hypoallergenic. Depending upon the corgi’s breed, you may encounter a breed that sheds a lot of furs or sheds hair seasonally. For example, the Pembroke Welsh corgi sheds hair daily, while the Cardigan Welsh corgi sheds hair based on the season. 

However, if you are a corgi Lover, you can pet a dog if you take a few certain measures. For example, you can avoid being in contact with them or take medications before being near them. In addition, if you have a severe allergic response, you should seek a few factors before buying a dog. It may not be 100 percent hypoallergenic, but a few dog breeds are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Tatomm

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About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

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