Long Haired Corgi: A Fluffy Herding Dog Guide

Did you know Corgis live between 12 to 15 years? These dogs bring joy to families, especially the long-haired ones. Their fluffy coats and charming looks have won hearts for generations. The long haired corgi’s history goes back to Wales around 1200 BC. They have a special “fluff gene” for their long fur¹.

They are not just cute; they have a unique history and genetic trait. If you love their looks or personalities, knowing how to care for them is key. This guide will cover grooming, exercise, and more to keep your corgi happy and healthy.

We’ll also dive into their origins and how to welcome a long haired corgi into your home. For more on dog breeds, check out this comprehensive guide. It offers a deep dive into different dog types and their unique qualities.

Key Takeaways

• Long haired corgis are known for their fluffy coats and charming personalities.
• They require regular grooming and exercise to maintain their health and appearance.
• Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis contribute to the long haired variety.
• Their unique traits stem from genetics, including the “fluff gene.”
• Long haired corgis thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and stimulation.

Understanding the Fluffy Corgi

The fluffy corgi is a special version of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It has long fur that needs extra care. Knowing what makes a corgi fluffy can make you appreciate this breed more.

What Makes a Corgi “Fluffy”?

The long haired corgi comes from a rare genetic mutation. Both parents must have this gene for a fluffy corgi to be born. These dogs are not shown in competitions but are loved for their friendly nature.

Fluffy Pembroke Corgis shed less than others, making them easier to care for². Their fur needs regular brushing to stay fluffy. Brushing every two to four weeks helps prevent mats and keeps them comfortable³.

The Genetics Behind the Long Coat

The fluffy corgi’s long coat comes from a change in the FGF5 gene. When two standard coat corgis have the fluffy gene, their puppies can have different coats. Some may have fluffy coats, while others may carry the gene without showing it⁴.

At first, it’s hard to tell fluffy puppies from standard ones. But as they grow, their fluffy traits become clearer. The fluffy gene is safe and doesn’t harm their health, making it a good part of their care².

The Origins of Long Haired Corgis

The long haired corgi’s history comes from two breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both have their own stories and traits. These stories help us understand why they are recognized today.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi History

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi started in Pembrokeshire, Wales, around 1100 AD. They were first used by Flemish weavers to herd livestock. Over time, they have changed a lot.

By 2023, they ranked 11th among AKC-recognized breeds. This is a big jump from their 50th place in 1968 and 25th in 2004⁵⁶. By the early 1900s, they were less common on Welsh farms⁵.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America was founded in 1936. It helped popularize the breed in the U.S. English breeders, like ‘English Ch. Rozavel Red Dragon’, played a big role in shaping the breed⁵.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s history goes back over 3,000 years, brought by Celtic tribes. Like the Pembroke, they were used for herding. They also share ancestry with the Dachshund.

The Cardigan is known for its strong build and ability to adapt. This has kept it popular, along with the Pembroke. The long haired corgi variation likely came from mixing different herding breeds over time.

The breed’s history shows its value in herding and as a companion. It remains loved by many today.

What to Expect from a Long Haired Corgi’s Appearance

The long haired corgi is known for its unique and charming looks. It has a thick, double coat that makes it very fluffy. This breed is often seen with lively expressions and a playful attitude.

Both Pembroke and Cardigan corgis have short legs and fox-like faces. But the long haired corgi adds an extra layer of elegance to their looks.

Distinct Features of the Long Haired Corgi

A long haired corgi is about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) tall at the shoulder. Males weigh 22-26 lbs, and females weigh 20-24 lbs⁷. Their coat is medium-length and straight, with a dense undercoat for protection against the weather⁷.

The fluffy coat makes them beautiful but needs regular care. Using good corgi grooming tips can help manage their fur and reduce shedding.

Coat Colors and Patterns

Long haired corgis come in many colors like red, sable, fawn, and black and tan⁷. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have more colors, including brindle and blue merle. Pembrokes have fewer color options⁸.

Fluffy corgis also have unique white markings on their legs and neck. As they grow, their coat colors change, showing the breed’s amazing variety in appearance⁸.

General Care of a Long Haired Corgi

Caring for a long haired Corgi needs a lot of grooming and managing shedding. A regular routine makes them look good and stay healthy. Using the right corgi grooming tips helps them thrive.

Grooming Techniques for Fluffy Corgis

It’s key to groom a long haired Corgi often to keep their coat looking great. Brush them at least three times a week with a slicker brush. This stops mats, spreads oils, and keeps their fur in top shape.

Don’t overdo baths, as they should only happen once a month. This keeps their natural oils in. Also, trim nails and clean ears to prevent infections. This is all part of good corgi coat care.

Managing Shedding

Corgis shed a lot, so managing this is crucial. Brushing them regularly helps control shedding and keeps your home clean. Use top-notch de-shedding tools and grooming products for their coat.

Being consistent with corgi coat maintenance improves life for both you and your pet. It makes their coat healthy and easy to manage.

Grooming and shedding management are key for your long haired Corgi’s health and looks. For more on Corgi care, check out this Corgi care guide⁹.

Training and Socialization for a Long Haired Corgi

Training a long haired corgi is key to raising a well-behaved pet. Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential. Starting early is crucial, as Corgis, especially Pembrokes, can be stubborn if not guided right.

Agility training meets their physical needs and keeps their minds sharp.

Best Practices for Training

Using corgi grooming tips can make training easier by setting a routine. These dogs love positive reinforcement, which encourages good behavior. Short training sessions throughout the day keep them focused.

Consistent practice of basic commands builds a strong foundation for more learning.

Socialization with Other Pets and Children

Early socialization is vital for a long haired corgi to get along well with pets and kids. Corgis might nip, especially around smaller animals and children. It’s important to introduce them to different places and people slowly.

Regular playdates and visits to pet-friendly spots improve their social skills and calmness.

For more on early training for Corgis, check this resource. It outlines key developmental stages, including socialization from 4 to 12 weeks. Building a community of dog owners is also helpful for your pet, as shown in this guide.

By following these strategies, your long haired corgi will thrive in different settings. This will make your pet happy and well-adjusted¹⁰¹¹.

Health and Lifespan of Long Haired Corgis

Knowing about the long haired corgi breed means understanding health issues and how long they live. It’s key to take them to the vet often to catch and treat health problems early. This helps keep them healthy and long-lived. Long haired corgis usually live between 12 to 15 years, just like their short-haired friends¹².

Common Health Concerns

Long haired corgis face many health problems because of their genes. Some common issues are:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause arthritis and make it hard to move¹³.
• Eye problems like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness if not treated¹³.
• Degenerative myelopathy, a serious nerve disease that affects movement¹³.
• Heart diseases, like patent ductus arteriosus, which can affect young corgis¹³.
• Obesity, which can cause joint problems and harm their health, so it’s important to watch their diet¹³.

To keep your corgi healthy, think about their diet, living space, and the benefits of spaying or neutering¹². Regular vet visits help prevent diseases and match their life stages, from puppy to senior¹².

Lifespan Expectations

The life of a long haired corgi depends on many things. A good diet is key to a long and healthy life. With proper care, these dogs can live 12 to 15 years¹². A safe and interesting home also plays a big role in their health and life span. Keeping them at a healthy weight and treating health issues early can make their life better and longer¹².

Your dedication to regular vet visits and preventive care is crucial for your corgi’s health. This way, you can help them live a happy and healthy life.

Exercise Needs of Long Haired Corgis

Long haired Corgis are full of energy and love to play. They need at least one hour of exercise every day. This should include activities that match their energy and what they like to do.

Make sure to break the exercise into smaller parts if your puppy is still young. Their joints are still growing, and they need shorter playtimes to stay healthy¹⁴.

Daily Exercise Requirements

It’s good to mix physical and mental activities for your long haired corgi. Walking in winding paths can be fun for them. They also enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their minds¹⁵.

This mix helps prevent boredom. Corgis can get into trouble if they’re not mentally active enough¹⁴.

Types of Activities They Enjoy

Here are some favorite activities for long haired Corgis:

• Agility courses, which test their physical abilities and agility.
• Fetch games, allowing them to utilize their herding instincts.
• Participating in herding trials, which tap into their greatest skills.

Getting the best long haired corgi products, like quality leashes and toys, makes playtime better. Regular vet visits are also important. They help adjust your corgi’s routine as needed¹⁴.

With the right care, a Corgi can live a long and active life. They can live between 12 to 15 years¹⁵.

Suitable Environments for Long Haired Corgis

Finding the perfect home for your long haired corgi is key to their joy and health. These adorable dogs can live in apartments or rural areas, as long as you meet their needs. It’s all about understanding what they need and who they are.

Apartment Living vs. Rural Life

Long haired corgis do well in apartments if they get enough exercise and mental play. They weigh between 24 to 30 pounds, fitting into homes with weight limits of 25 to 50 pounds. They have moderate energy, needing at least 30 minutes of activity each day, like walks or playtime in the apartment¹⁶¹⁷.

They might bark a lot, which can be tough in small spaces. But, with the right training, you can handle this. In the countryside, they love to run around and explore, showing off their herding skills.

Creating an Ideal Home for Your Corgi

To make a great home for your corgi, focus on safety and structure. Make sure your home is free from dangers, so they can move around without worry. Use corgi grooming tips, like brushing their double coat, to keep them looking good.

Set up a routine that includes exercise, training, and lots of love. Long haired corgis are very loving and enjoy being close to their people. A warm and caring home is essential for their happiness¹⁸.

Conclusion

The long haired Corgi is a wonderful addition to any family. It’s known for its fluffy coat and fun personality. This breed, though not shown in dog shows, has won many hearts¹⁹²⁰.

With the right grooming, care, and training, your Corgi will be happy and healthy. This makes their life better and yours too.

Grooming is key for long haired Corgis to avoid mats and strengthen your bond¹⁹. Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis need fun games and social time to stay happy²¹.

Having a long haired Corgi means you’ll get a loyal and lively friend. Knowing their needs and caring for them will make your life filled with joy and love.

Source Links

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