Long Haired Corgis: The Fluffy Variety of a Beloved Breed

With their distinctively elongated bodies, short legs, and foxy faces, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have long been cherished companions known for their lively personalities. But did you know this breed comes in a lesser-known "fluffy" variety as well? Long haired Corgis boast all the same wonderful traits as their short coated counterparts, with the added appeal of a lush, double-length coat. As a veterinarian and Corgi enthusiast, allow me to share some insights into these unique pups.

Breed Overview

Long haired Corgis are genetically identical to regular Pembroke Welsh Corgis, with one important distinction – they carry a recessive gene known as the "fluff" gene that results in a longer, thicker coat. Size-wise, they are considered a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 24-30 lbs and standing 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their double coat is soft and thick, with a longer topcoat and a dense, woolly undercoat that provides insulation. The hair is slightly feathered on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and hindquarters. Coat colors include red, sable, fawn, and black and tan, often with white markings on the face, neck, chest, and legs. One notable difference is long haired Corgis often have more prominent "pantaloons" or fluffy haunches compared to the tidier rear ends of short haired Corgis.

Origin and History

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Wales as early as 1107 AD, believed to be descendants of Spitz-type dogs brought by Vikings. For centuries they served as herding dogs, using their short stature to nip at the heels of cattle and avoid kicks. According to Welsh lore, fairies and elves used them to pull carriages and as mounts in battle.

Short haired Corgis have always been more common, but the long haired variety has likely existed for just as long, the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. While still rare, long haired Corgis started gaining attention in the 1960s. Both coat lengths are considered equally acceptable by many kennel clubs worldwide. However, the American Kennel Club only recognizes short haired Pembrokes, disqualifying long haired Corgis from the conformation ring.

Temperament and Personality

Looks aside, long haired Corgis share the same delightful disposition as their short coated siblings. They are known for being extremely intelligent, easy to train, affectionate, and adaptable to different living situations. Their loyalty and alertness also make them excellent watchdogs, though their barking can become excessive if not curbed.

As former herding dogs, Corgis have strong instincts to chase, nip, and herd. They may try to herd children, other pets, and even their owners, so it‘s important to cultivate gentleness and train them out of mouthy behaviors from a young age. Corgis have a stubborn streak and can be prone to pushiness if they sense their humans are pushovers. Firm and consistent training is key – fortunately their eagerness to please and quick learning abilities make this an enjoyable process.

Long haired Corgis are active, curious, and always up for an adventure, but they‘re also content to relax by your side when the day is done. They tend to be more easygoing and less hyper than some short haired Corgis I‘ve met. Of course, each dog is an individual, but my experience has been that the long coats seem to mellow them out a bit personality-wise.

Grooming and Care

The obvious difference in caring for a long haired Corgi versus a standard one is coat maintenance. That luscious fluff comes with great responsibility! Without regular grooming, they‘re prone to developing mats and tangles, especially in areas of friction like the armpits, groin, and behind the ears.

I advise my long haired Corgi clients to brush thoroughly at least 3 times per week, and more often during heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall. A slicker brush and metal comb are the best tools for the job. Start with the slicker to remove loose hair and work out minor tangles, then follow up with the comb to get down to the skin and ensure there are no mats forming at the base of the coat. Pay special attention to the feathered areas.

If mats do develop, never try to cut them out with scissors, as it‘s all too easy to accidentally nick the skin. Instead, use a mat splitter to gently divide the tangle into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be brushed out. For more extensive matting, seek help from a professional groomer.

Baths are only necessary every 4-8 weeks unless your Corgi gets particularly dirty. Use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. Thorough rinsing is a must to prevent itchy skin irritation. Many owners find that spritzing the coat with a leave-in conditioner in between baths helps keep the hair soft and tangle-free.

While some owners are tempted to shave their long haired Corgis in the summer for heat relief or to reduce shedding, I caution against this. Not only does it interrupt the natural shedding process, it leaves the dog vulnerable to sunburn and removes their cooling undercoat. Trimming the hair around the paw pads, ear tips, and sanitary areas for neatness is fine, but leave the rest of that beautiful coat intact.

Health Concerns

Long haired Corgis are generally a hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like all purebred dogs they have some genetic predispositions to be aware of. Their long backs and short legs make them susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition where the jelly-like cushioning between the vertebrae herniates and presses on the spinal cord. Symptoms range from mild pain to paralysis, and it can be triggered by jumping, rough play, or obesity. Keeping your Corgi fit and trim and using ramps instead of stairs can help prevent IVDD.

Other breed-related issues include hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that causes arthritis; vision problems like progressive retinal atrophy; and hypothyroidism. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, so if you‘re looking for a long haired Corgi puppy, be sure to verify what health certifications the parents have.

From a grooming standpoint, the dense double coat can make long haired Corgis more prone to developing hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, especially in warm climates. These painful, oozing sores are usually caused by an underlying bacterial infection exacerbated by moisture trapped in the coat. If you notice any red, inflamed areas on your Corgi‘s skin, have them evaluated by your vet right away. Clipping the hair around the sore and keeping it clean and dry is important for healing.

Are Long Haired Corgis Good Pets?

If you‘re seeking a clever, devoted, moderately active companion to share your home and heart, a long haired Corgi may be your ideal match. They thrive when given ample attention and opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds with interactive play, training, and adventures. While they can adapt to apartment life, a home with a securely fenced yard is preferable for burning off steam.

Long haired Corgis do shed quite a bit, so they may not be the best choice for neat freaks or allergy sufferers. But if you don‘t mind a little extra vacuuming and are committed to keeping up with grooming, the fluff factor is well worth it. They‘re also incredibly photogenic – your Instagram feed will never be boring with one of these magnificent pups as your muse!

As with any dog, early socialization is crucial for raising a well-adjusted Corgi. Make sure your puppy has plenty of positive experiences with new people, animals, places, and stimuli during the critical developmental window of 8-16 weeks old. A reputable breeder will begin this process before sending pups to their forever homes.

Finding Your Perfect Fluffy Corgi

Long haired Corgis are still quite uncommon, so expect to spend some time searching for a breeder that specializes in producing these pups. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, or anyone offering to ship a puppy sight unseen. Instead, look for a breeder who conducts health screenings, provides a written contract and health guarantee, and welcomes you to visit their facility to meet the parents and littermates.

When evaluating long haired Corgi puppies, take note of their coat texture and quality. The hair should be thick, soft, and moderately long, but not so profuse that it obscures the shape of the body. Steer clear of pups with thin, cottony coats, as this can indicate poor breeding. Temperament-wise, look for a puppy that is friendly, curious, and confident. A bit of initial shyness is normal, but they should warm up quickly with gentle encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Long haired Corgis may be a niche variety, but they‘re rapidly gaining fans around the world thanks to their endearing looks and larger-than-life personalities. These plucky pups are up for anything, whether it‘s showing off their smarts on the agility course, going for a scenic hike, or just snuggling on the couch binge-watching Netflix.

If you can handle a bit of extra grooming and are prepared to give them the time and attention they crave, a long haired Corgi will be a constant source of laughter, love, and fluff in your life for many years to come. And really, who could resist that adorable fuzzy face and heart of gold? They‘re truly something special!