What is a Fluffy Corgi? Aren’t all Corgis fluffy? Read more to learn about the Fluffy Corgi Dogs, Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis.
A Fluffy Corgi is a Corgi with a long coat. Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis can have a long coat or be fluffy Corgis. Fluffy Corgis have a certain gene that makes their coat longer than a regular Corgis.
In this article, you’ll find out all there is to know about Fluffy Corgis. First, you’ll read about what a Fluffy Corgi is and how it differs from a regular Corgi. Next, you’ll learn about what the Fluffy Corgi looks like and its personality. Finally, I’ll wrap it up with how to take care of a Fluffy Corgi and the different health issues this breed faces.
Table of Contents
What Is A Fluffy Corgi?
A Fluffy Corgi is a longhaired Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This long fur is caused by a recessive gene, known as the “fluff gene.” This gene is incredibly rare and doesn’t appear in most Corgis that exist today.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originates from Wales and dates as far back as the time of Vikings. It’s believed that the Corgi was developed by mixing multiple breeds such as the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow-Chow, Finnish Spitz, and Norwegian Elkhound.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi also comes from Wales but has a different ancestry than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Cardigans are believed to descend from the same dogs that created the Dachshund and Basset Hound. These ancient dogs were brought to Wales by Celtic tribes that came to Wales from Europe.
It’s more common for Pembroke Welsh Corgis to have fluffy genes compared to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. This rarity makes Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis more expensive than Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Today, only a small percentage of Corgis have long fur.
Fluffy Corgis vs Regular Corgis
You’ve probably seen a regular Corgi all over the internet, considering how popular this breed is. On the other hand, Fluffy Corgis aren’t as popular but just as sought after as their regular cousins. Both the Fluffy Corgi and Regular Corgi are adorable and lovable dogs.
Regular Corgis have a thick double coat that is medium in length. Their fur feathers around their neck, shoulders, chest, and butt. The most popular feature of Regular Corgis is their fluffy behind which quickly turned this breed into an online sensation.
Fluffy Corgis are basically the same as Regular Corgis except the feathering on their fur is longer. There is also feathering around the ears. Some Fluffy Corgis have fur that’s long enough to reach the ground when left uncut. Their feathering is exaggerated and similar to that of a Yorkshire Terrier.
What Does The Fluffy Corgi Look Like?
Appearance
Fluffy Corgis, like their name implies, have long and fluffy coats. Their fur coats have extreme feathering around the chest, ears, feet, legs, and rump. The facial features of a Fluffy Corgi depend on what type of Corgi it is.
Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis have fox-like heads. This makes them look similar to wild foxes because both of them have triangular heads. Their eyes are oval-shaped and medium in size. Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis have pointed or erected ears that sit on either side of their heads. Most Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis also have their tails docked to a point where they are hard to see.
Although they look similar, the Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgi has some differences from the Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi. In general, Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a harsher and coarser outer coat. Their heads are also fox-like but tend to be wider than a Pembroke’s. Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis have large, round, and wide-set eyes. Their ears are also larger and rounder than a Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s. Unlike the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigans usually have full tails that are long and fluffy.
Size
Fluffy Corgis have the same average size as regular Corgis. Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are medium-sized dogs but Cardigans are generally larger and have heavier bones. Some Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been bred to be smaller, which are known as the Mini Corgi but these do not follow the AKC’s standards for the Corgi breed.
Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis grow up to be 10 to 12 inches in height when they reach adulthood. They weigh about 27 to 30 lbs with male Pembrokes being slightly heavier and larger than female Pembrokes. On the other hand, Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis grow up to the same height of 10 to 12 inches but weigh up to 34 to 38 lbs.
This difference in size is due to the Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgi having heavier bones than the Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan’s muscular structure is also denser than that of the Pembroke’s, making a sturdier and more compact dog.
Coat Colors
A Fluffy Corgi’s coat colors will also depend on what type of Corgi it is. Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in different colors than a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have eight different colors and patterns while Pembroke Welsh Corgis can have five different colors and patterns on their coats.
Below are the different colors that a Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi can have:
- Black-Headed Tricolor
- Fawn
- Red
- Red-Headed Tricolor
- Sable
Below are the different colors that a Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgi can have:
- Black Brindle
- Black with Brindle Points
- Black with Tan Points
- Blue Merle with Brindle Points
- Blue Merle with Tan Points
- Brindle
- Red
- Sable
Regardless of the color or pattern it has, a Corgi will always have white markings on its feet, chest, tail tip, snout, and forehead. Most also have white markings on the back of their necks. Corgis normally look like they’re wearing a mask because of their color patterns.
The Personality of the Fluffy Corgi
Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active and high-energy dogs that love to spend time with their families. These furry pups do best in a home full of people that can hang out with them all day. Fluffy Pembrokes will gladly spend hours a day playing with you any time that you’re free. However, they can also become easily anxious if they’re left alone for too long.
On the other hand, Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more easygoing and laidback than their Pembroke cousins. Fluffy Cardigans are satisfied with just a bit of play every day and enjoy spending time with their people just lazing around. However, they are also capable of going on high-energy activities like long walks, trips to the beach, or hikes on challenging trails.
If you want a dog that is vocal and showy of its affection, then the Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi is for you. If you want a dog that’s calmer and quieter, then the Fluffy Cardigan Corgi is more suitable for you. It’s important to do research on which Fluffy Corgi is best for you because you need to have a great environment for raising your puppy.
Take Care of a Fluffy Corgi
Although it is similar to a regular Corgi, the Fluffy Corgi has needs that are specific to the breed. In general, Fluffy Corgis have the same needs as a regular Corgi when it comes to grooming, dental care, and exercise. It has different needs when it comes to grooming because of its long fur. The following sections will cover all you need to know about taking care of your very own Fluffy Corgi.
Feeding
Fluffy Corgis need about 2.5 cups or 0.8 lbs of high-quality dog food a day. While it’s still a puppy, it will only need about 1.25 or 0.4 lbs of high-quality puppy food. The best type of dog food for Fluffy Corgis is the kind that is formulated for a healthy coat. Fluffy Corgis can be prone to having unhealthy fur if fed an imbalanced diet so you should invest in food that will support your dog’s fur and skin health.
It’s important to divide your Fluffy Corgi’s food into 3 to 4 meals a day as a puppy and then 2 meals a day once it becomes an adult. You can expect your Fluffy Corgi to be fully grown by the time it’s 12 months to 18 months old. However, it will continue to grow bulkier until it’s 3 to 4 years old.
Below is a table comparing the best brands of high-quality food you can feed your Fluffy Corgi puppy:
Puppy Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hill’s Science | 30 lbs | 5 | $57.99 | $290 |
Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 5 | $74.39 | $372 |
Blue Buffalo | 30 lbs | 5 | $51.98 | $260 |
Instinct | 10 lbs | 15 | $39.99 | $600 |
AvoDerm | 26 lbs | 6 | $54.99 | $330 |
Below is a table comparing the best brands of high-quality food you can feed your adult Fluffy Corgi:
Dog Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hill’s Science | 33 lbs | 9 | $64.99 | $585 |
Blue Buffalo | 24 lbs | 12 | $55.98 | $672 |
Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 10 | $69.74 | $698 |
Instinct | 18 lbs | 16 | $69.99 | $1,120 |
AvoDerm | 30 lbs | 10 | $53.46 | $535 |
Dental Care
One of the most important parts of taking care of a Fluffy Corgi is caring about its dental health. A basic practice that can go a long way is brushing your Fluffy Corgi’s teeth once a day. Brushing your Fluffy Corgi’s teeth gets rid of plaque, tartar, and food buildup in its mouth. These can easily cause dental diseases if left unchecked.
You should use a pet-friendly toothbrush kit when brushing your Fluffy Corgi’s teeth. Toothpaste for people can be dangerous for dogs because it has too much fluoride for dogs and several chemicals that are detrimental to your dog’s health. You should only use toothpaste that’s formulated for dogs because even if your dog swallows it, it cannot harm your dog’s digestive system.
Aside from brushing your Fluffy Corgi’s teeth, you can supplement its dental care by giving your dog water additives. Water additives are like a mouthwash equivalent for dogs. They’re formulated to keep your dog’s breath fresh but they also help prevent plaque buildup.
Exercise
The Fluffy Corgi is a medium-to-high energy dog so it needs regular exercise every day. Most Fluffy Corgis need just about 45 minutes of exercise a day. However, it’s important that you meet this exercise requirement every day because otherwise, your Fluffy Corgi can easily gain too much weight and become too heavy.
A good way to provide your Fluffy Corgi with enough exercise is by playing with it. Most Fluffy Corgis enjoy playing fetch so you can easily entertain your pup with a frisbee or ball. If you’re playing with your Fluffy Corgi outdoors, remember to have water ready to prevent your dog from overheating. Since it has long fur, your Fluffy Corgi can easily get too hot when playing outside for too long.
Grooming
Now it’s time to go over the most important part of taking care of a Fluffy Corgi. Fluffy Corgi coats are high-maintenance and will need special attention every day. You should comb your Corgi’s coat once a day with a stainless steel comb. Remember to follow the direction of your Fluffy Corgi’s fur to get rid of any knots and tangles.
You will also need to regularly clean your Fluffy Corgi’s ears because it has a lot of feathering in its ear fur. Having a lot of fur in its ears makes your Fluffy Corgi prone to having too much earwax buildup every day. A good way to clean your Fluffy Corgi’s ears is by using ear wipes. Simply wipe them over your dog’s ears once a day to get rid of dirt and wax.
For a deep clean of your Fluffy Corgi’s ears, you can use a dog-friendly ear cleaning solution. Pour it into each of your dog’s ears until it’s full and then massage the base of your dog’s ears to make sure that it breaks down the wax. Afterward, let your dog shake it out so it can get rid of the wax that the solution has broken down.
Fluffy Corgis need to have their fur washed once every four to six weeks. It’s important not to wash your Fluffy Corgi too often because it can diminish the necessary oils that keep your Fluffy Corgi’s coat soft and shiny. When bathing your dog, be sure to use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner.
What Are Common Health Issues in the Fluffy Corgi?
The good news is, the Fluffy Corgi is a generally healthy breed. It isn’t prone to too many diseases or health problems as long as you take good care of it. It’s important to take your Fluffy Corgi for a checkup at least two to three times a year to maintain its health. The most important tests to take for your Fluffy Corgi are the general physical exam, eye exam, and x-ray.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a disease that normally affects dogs in their old age. Dogs with short limbs, like the Fluffy Corgi are at a higher risk of this disease compared to other dogs. IVDD is a disease wherein a certain disc in a dog’s backbone becomes dehydrated. Fluffy Corgis are prone to this disease because their short limbs make them more likely to experience IVDD at an early age.
The symptoms of IVDD include limping, difficulty jumping or climbing, loss of energy, and poor control of the hind limbs. When a dog has a severe case of IVDD, it can experience paralysis or a complete inability to move and the inability to urinate. This disease tends to target a dog’s bladder and makes it difficult for a dog to control it.
To diagnose your dog with IVDD, your vet will have your dog undergo an x-ray and an MRI. This will help your vet identify which disc has been affected in your dog’s spine. To undergo an x-ray and an MRI, your dog will need to be put under anesthesia so be sure to get your dog tested to make sure that it will respond well to the anesthesia.
The treatment of IVDD can only be done through surgery. There are two types of surgery that are done to treat IVDD, depending on the case. The veterinary surgeon will either remove spaces between discs or remove a disc entirely. Surgery will help your dog regain its ability to walk and control its bladder.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a disease that affects your dog’s eyes. Specifically, it affects the retina which processes light that enters your dog’s eyes. When your dog has PRA, it means that its retinal cells are degenerating. There are two types of PRA: early-onset PRA and late-onset PRA. Early-onset PRA is diagnosed in puppies from 2 to 3 months old and late-onset PRA is diagnosed in adult dogs from ages 3 to 9 years old.
Early-onset PRA is caused by the abnormal development of a dog’s retina. Late-onset PRA is caused by a deterioration that happens in the dog’s eyes as it ages. This disease is congenital which means that if your Fluffy Corgi’s parents have or had PRA, it is highly likely that your Fluffy Corgi will have it too.
The primary symptom of PRA is night blindness. PRA tends to affect a dog’s ability to see at night first. Signs of night blindness include bumping into things in the dark, nervousness when entering dark rooms, and struggling to get around at night. You might also notice that your dog’s eyes become highly reflective when you shine a light on them.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA. Most veterinarians will prescribe your Fluffy Corgi with vitamins that can reduce the strain on your dog’s retina. PRA usually develops into cataracts and the vitamins can slow down this development. If your Fluffy Corgi develops cataracts because of PRA, your veterinarian will conduct surgery to remove cataracts and prevent vision loss.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes seizures, disorientation, and in severe cases, fainting or loss of consciousness. Dogs normally experience three types of epilepsy: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive epilepsy is normally a response to a problem in a dog’s organ systems such as ingesting toxins, low blood sugar, or dehydration. Secondary epilepsy is caused by an underlying problem like a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma to the head. Primary epilepsy is caused by genetics, or in other words, it’s inherited from a dog’s lineage.
This disease normally affects Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Fortunately, Fluffy Cardigan Welsh Corgis aren’t prone to epilepsy. Epilepsy can occur in a Fluffy Corgi as early as 6 months of age. When it comes to Fluffy Corgis, this is often an inherited health condition.
Diagnosing epilepsy will involve blood tests and MRIs. Your veterinarian will need to figure out if your Fluffy Corgi is experiencing reactive, secondary, or primary epilepsy because this will determine what type of treatment your dog needs.
If your vet finds that your dog has primary epilepsy, your dog will need to take lifelong medication which will minimize the chances of your dog experiencing seizures. However, the medication can’t totally bring the chances of your dog experiencing a seizure to zero.
When your dog experiences a seizure, make sure that it has plenty of space. Move away any furniture that might be too close. It’s also good to place a pillow under your dog’s head to keep it from injuring itself. Do not try to control your dog while it’s seizing because this can further injure your dog. If the seizure is going on for too long, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Final Thoughts
The Fluffy Corgi is an even more adorable version of the already adorable Corgi. With is long and lustrous fur, the Fluffy Corgi is sure to win you over. Although it is adorable, it can be difficult to find your own Fluffy Corgi because this breed isn’t often developed by Corgi breeders. If you’re interested in having a Fluffy Corgi of your own, you will need to specifically ask for it from a reputable Corgi breeder.
Since the Corgi is already a high-maintenance breed, taking care of a Fluffy Corgi can be challenging. This breed requires an owner that can provide it with a lot of time, attention, and high-quality pet supplies. Since it is a high-maintenance dog, it can be overwhelming to have one if it’s your first time taking care of a pet.
Whether you choose a Fluffy Pembroke or a Fluffy Cardigan, you’re sure to have a cute and loving dog. Be sure to be fully prepared before you decide to acquire your very own Fluffy Corgi. At the end of the day, if you are willing to provide this breed with its specific needs, your Fluffy Corgi can live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Hey there! I’m Matt and I’m a content writer from the Philippines. I’ve raised over 10 dogs and 5 cats. I love taking care of my rescue dog Kewpie and my two rescue cats, Misty and Rosy.