For some dog owners, owning a smelly dog is a non-issue; it’s something that either does not bother them or that they learn to live with. For others, it’s a deal-breaker, and only a dog that is not prone to smelling will only be considered. Either way, what is the Corgi dog breed like? Are they a breed with that infamous ‘doggy odor’, or are they more susceptible to stink? I spent some time researching the Corgi breed to find out for good. You’ll be able to get an overview of what I found here today.

So, do Corgis smell? Corgis are typically smelly dogs; their long double coat makes them more prone to smelling offensively. Many owners acknowledge that they carry a somewhat doggy smell. With that said, they are not a dirty breed as their coat is able to prevent dirt from building up and sheds frequently. Factors that can cause a Corgi to smell worse include the environment in which they live, how often they are given a bath and the amount of exercise a Corgi gets.

In case you are wondering, both the Cardigan and Pembroke Corgi have the same double coat that sheds a lot throughout the year. So, both dogs smell the same.

While it is true that some dog breeds smell less than others, all dogs do smell to some extent. This is something all owners must acknowledge.

Every breed will produce its own unique body odor and distinct scent.

Some, are naturally stronger than others – with the worst offenders being Hound breeds.

Beyond this, any dog can stink – but this is usually nothing to do with the breed and more to do with how they are living and their current state of health.

Being proactive with your dog is advised to keep any foul odor at bay.

For the Corgi, making sure you adopt a proper cleaning regimen at home is a must.

It is essential that you keep your house clean, and this should consist of all things belonging to your dogs, like their bed and blankets.

It is generally advised to bathe a Corgi with specialist dog products at least once a month.

Make sure to spot wash areas that get dirty quickly, such as the paws, the nails, and the undercarriage.

Perhaps you have recently got a Cardigan/Pembroke Corgi, or you may even be thinking of getting one.

Either way, let us now take a closer look at the Corgi breed and what to expect regarding their smell.

We will also be covering some of the main factors that can exacerbate their natural smell and some top things to counteract them.

So, be sure to keep reading to get all the information you need!

Do Corgis Smell Doggy?

Corgis are not the smelliest breed out there, but many Corgi owners would verify that their pooch has a doggy smell.

This dog breed is not considered a dirty breed because the coat repels debris and dirt, and they shed a lot.

Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis will shed the most at two distinct times during the year.

They blow off their old coat during the season’s change (spring and the fall) – this is done in preparation for the change in the climate.

However, they do still shed the rest of the year, albeit to a lesser degree.

Shedding is one such way that the coat remains clean, and it does help to keep odors at bay. As the coat is often carrying the smell.

As such, if your Corgi goes too long without a bath, they may begin to smell offensively.

So you must make sure that you bathe your dog at least once a month and spot wash the areas that get dirty very quickly such as the paws, the nails, and the undercarriage.

If your dog is out in the pouring rain, these areas can get mucky quickly.

Corgis, like all canines, perspire from their paws, and they release light perspiration from their hair follicles – this gives off a chemical smell, which is what gives the Corgi their signature scent.

What Can Cause A Corgi To Smell?

The most common reason Corgis will smell is that they are kept or exposed to a dirty environment, and not cleaned thereafter.

Environment

The environment in which your Corgi lives can easily make them smelly.

If their home is unkempt and not cleaned regularly, the bad odors will be transferred to them.

If the furniture, furnishings, floors, and any blankets/rugs are not cleaned regularly, this is likely to make any dog smell bad, as dogs lie on these frequently.

A Dirty Coat

If you take your dog out often to the park and it’s dirty and unkempt, all the dirt will collect into your dog’s heavy double coat, and it will begin to smell over time.

Some people liken the smell to rotten fish.

Unfortunately, bad odors can be stubborn to remove, and your Corgi may smell foul despite your best efforts.

In general, Corgis release a slight odor that smells doggy, it’s not a terrible smell, but it’s not entirely pleasant either.

If you exercise your Corgi a lot, you should use a scented doggy shampoo, this not only eliminates bad odors, but it relaxes your dog as well.

This all-natural brand is the one to get off Amazon.

If your Corgi’s coat gets wet or dirty at all, it is likely to smell bad – that wet dog smell.

Dirt can also gather in the nails and paws of your Corgi, causing him to smell bad; this is where a spot wash is required.

Your Corgi’s breath is another area that needs attention, as we will now discuss below, as it can get noticeably smelly.

Do Corgis Have Bad Breath?

Corgis, like any dog, are likely to have mildly bad breath. However, it should not be excessive and the cause does depend on your dog’s age and diet.

Many Corgi owners report their puppy having bad breath due to teething, the smell is described as a rotten fish smell.

Teething is a natural part of puppyhood, and the bad smell is only inevitable. The process of teething for a puppy begins when they are around three months old, and this is where they shed their puppy teeth and gain their adult teeth.

To make the whole teething process as easy as possible for your Corgi, you can provide them with suitable chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies.

It’s essential to care for your Corgi’s teeth from puppyhood to prevent bad breath. But equally, you want to ensure that they have excellent oral health throughout their life.

It would be best if you incorporate healthy eating into your puppy’s diet. Choose a properly balanced food that includes vitamins and minerals like calcium, as this helps your pup’s new adult teeth to grow normally.

For adult Corgis, bad breath could indicate something is up. Sometimes, it is just their food but at other times it could be a little more severe.

Keep in mind that canines can suffer from many of the oral health problems that affect humans, such as tooth loss and plaque/gum disease.

It would help if you took your Corgi to see a pet dentist for a dental visit – there, they can receive frequent oral x-rays, exams, and cleanings.

If your adult Corgi’s breath continues to smell very foul, chances are they may have gum disease. If this is the case, they will need a full dental examination and cleaning under general anesthesia.

After the dental examination, a chart will be produced, findings will be recorded, and decisions will be made.

If some areas are requiring further attention, you will be advised accordingly.

How often your Corgi needs dental care depends on their age and the home care that you provide. The more you do to promote your doggy’s oral health, the less his vet has to do.

How Do I Stop My Corgi From Smelling?

Corgis will smell somewhat naturally, and there is nothing you can nor should do to try and eliminate it.

However, a bad-smelling Corgi, or one that has begun to smell worse over time, could indicate poor health. You may need to discuss your concerns with your vet.

That being said, if your pet is healthy, make sure you have all the following necessary things in place to ensure a happy, healthy, and sweet-smelling dog:

Diet

Feed your Corgi a healthy balanced diet from puppyhood, with all the vitamins and minerals they need to live long and be in optimum health.

A healthy diet will keep your dog regular, reduce flatulence, give him energy, and will support a healthy, shiny coat and healthy teeth and gums.

You also want to be careful of any scraps or treats that you offer.

Some foods are high in seasonings which are not good for a dog’s health and can cause them to smell. Garlic and onions are two prime examples.

Bathing

Corgis may not be the smelliest breed around; they do have a heavy double-coat that keeps much of the dirt away.

Nevertheless, like many dogs, Corgi have a baseline smell that might be neutral in the beginning but can smell rotten or fishy over time.

For that reason, it’s essential to bathe your Corgi at least once a month using a scented doggy shampoo containing odor-neutralizing agents.

When you bathe your Corgi, make sure you wash them all over but give more attention to legs, paws, nails, underside, and ears. Those areas trap dirt and can stink over time.

Grooming

Frequent grooming keeps your Corgi clean and odorless.

Cleaning the legs, paws, and undercarriage of your pet can be done as often as once a day.

When your Corgi sheds a lot (spring and fall), regular grooming will keep their coat looking neat and tidy.

Grooming removes trapped dirt, debris, and loose fur. Loose fur often gets lodged with dirt and removing it will help your companion smell much better.

Spot Cleaning

You will need to spot clean your Corgi daily; this is essential, especially if you take your dog into dirty environments.

When you see dirt on your Corgi, you must clean it there and then.

Never let dirt sit on your dog’s coat or the coat will become matted and smell. Areas that require daily attention include the paws, legs, and undercarriage.

Finally

It’s helpful to know that the Corgi isn’t the smelliest dog breed, but they do have their unique scent, like every animal.

You can keep your Corgi smelling fresh every day by being proactive with ongoing care and maintenance such as frequent spot cleaning, grooming, and bathing.

Corgis are generally a clean dog breed; however, if you neglect to spot clean them and if they go for too long without bathing, they are likely to smell bad.

Or they are not properly potty trained, either.

And the problem is, this breed is known for being pretty stubborn.

First-time owners can find them especially challenging.

These dogs can begin to bark a lot. They shed often too.

That’s why, having previous experience of Corgi ownership is helpful, but it isn’t essential.

Support is available to help you raise a happy, healthy, obedient dog; your vet can point you in the right direction if you need assistance with your dog’s behavior or grooming.

There are many forums online, where you can seek help directly from experienced Corgi owners, many dog owners find these forums very helpful and informative.

Ultimately, how your Corgi smells will depend largely on how you look after their coat, environment, and how often you bathe them.

Other than that some naturally doggy smell should be expected.

Nonetheless, Corgis are fantastic companions; but they are far from being odor-free and hypoallergenic.

Do Corgis Smell? [Does This Breed Smell Doggy Naturally?]