TL;DR / Quick Insights:
- Corgis shed. Like a lot. Regular brushing (2–3 times a week) keeps your home less furry and their coat looking fab.
- Bathing every 4–6 weeks is enough as a good routine. Overdoing it can dry out their skin.
- Don’t skip nail trims. Long nails can lead to discomfort and even joint issues.
- Grooming is about fur, yes. But also about cleaning ears and teeth.
Let’s be real, owning a Corgi means living with a huge daily layer of fur on your floors, clothes, and probably your soul. But with the right grooming routine, you can keep your little fluffball looking fabulous and feeling great, and maybe even reduce the tons of hair in your house a little bit. Let’s get to it!
Managing That Double Coat: Brushing to Beat the Shed
Corgis have a double coat—a soft undercoat for insulation and a coarser topcoat for protection. But with great coats comes great shedding. Twice a year (spring and fall), they’ll blow their coat, which is code for “you’re about to find fur in places you didn’t even know existed.”
Brushing is Your Best Friend:
Invest in a good undercoat rake and a slicker brush. The rake pulls out loose undercoat fur, while the slicker brush smooths everything out. Max, my Corgi, loves our brushing sessions because they double as spa time. Plus, brushing helps distribute their natural oils, keeping their coat shiny and healthy.
Bathing Basics:
Corgis don’t need frequent baths—every 4–6 weeks is just fine unless they’ve had a mud puddle moment (Max’s favorite activity). Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo, and don’t forget to rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap can irritate their skin.
Pro Tip: Make brushing a bonding moment. Put on some chill music, grab their favorite treats, and make it a mini spa day. They’ll start looking forward to it—or at least tolerate it without giving you the side-eye.
Bath Time: Clean but Not Too Clean
Bathing your Corgi is less about keeping them spotless and more about maintaining healthy skin and fur. Overbathing can strip their coat of natural oils, leaving them dry and itchy.
Turn Bath Time into Fun Time:
If your Corgi isn’t a fan of baths, try adding some toys to the mix. Max used to run away in the livingroom and hide under the table at the sound of running water. Now, I toss in his favorite chewing bone, and suddenly, bath time isn’t so bad. End it with a cozy towel rub and some extra cuddles, and they’ll feel like royalty.
Pro Tip: Use lukewarm water and a detachable showerhead if you can. It’s less intimidating for your pup and makes rinsing a breeze.
Nail Care: Keep Those Paws in Check
Click-click-click on your floors? That’s your sign to grab the nail clippers or grinder. Long nails aren’t just noisy—they can mess with your Corgi’s gait and even cause joint pain.
How to Make Nail Trims Less Scary:
Start by getting your Corgi used to having their paws handled. Give them treats while gently holding and touching their feet. When it’s trim time, go slow and use a quiet nail grinder if clippers seem too intense. Max gets extra peanut butter for sitting still, and let me tell you, it works like magic.
Pro Tip: Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, or as soon as you hear that “click” on hard surfaces.
Don’t Forget Ears and Teeth
A healthy Corgi isn’t just about a shiny coat. Clean ears and fresh breath are equally important.
Ear Checks Are a Must:
Corgis can be prone to ear infections, so check their ears weekly for redness, wax buildup, or any strange smells. Use a damp cotton pad or a vet-approved ear cleaner to gently wipe them out.
Oral Care Isn’t Optional:
Does your Corgi have bad breath? That’s a sign it’s time to start brushing their teeth. Use dog-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste!) and aim for a few brushings a week. If brushing feels like too much of a fight, dental chews are a great backup.
Pro Tip: Start these routines young. Puppies might squirm, but the earlier they get used to it, the easier it’ll be down the road.
Why Grooming is Totally Worth It
Grooming isn’t just about making your Corgi look adorable (though, let’s be honest, they do look fabulous after a good brushing). It’s about keeping them comfortable, healthy, and happy. Plus, regular grooming sessions are amazing bonding opportunities. It’s your chance to check in on their overall health, catch any issues early, and remind them they’re the most pampered pup in the world.
Treat Your Corgi (and Yourself)
Grooming days deserve a little celebration. Check out our Official Corgi Fan Club Collection© for fun goodies like cozy Corgi hoodies, stylish dog bandanas, and more. Because let’s face it—a freshly groomed Corgi deserves to be shown off. Happy grooming!
