The American Kennel Club standard for Pembroke Welsh Corgis is the short-haired coat length. However, due to a recessive gene, corgis can have a long-haired coat. These long-haired corgis are known as "fluffies." Because a fluffy corgi has to have two copies of the recessive gene, it can be difficult to find fluffy corgis and they have become increasingly popular due to their rare, unique look.
FLUFFY:
Fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a long-haired coat length, instead of the standard short-haired length. There are no health effects or other detrimental conditions associated with having a longer coat length. Fluffy corgis are essentially the same as their standard-coat counterparts, their hair is simply longer.
​
The long-hair coat in Pembroke Welsh Corgis is caused by the recessive “L-gene” known as the L Locus gene. All colors of corgis (tri, red, sable, and bluie) can carry the recessive L Locus gene. The dominate D-gene results in the standard short-hair coat length. Any dog with the (LL) locus will not be affected. Dogs with the (Ll) locus are carriers of the long-hair gene, but remain unaffected and will still have the standard short-hair coat. If a corgi has two recessive l-genes (ll), it will have a long-hair coat and is known as a "fluffy."
​
While fluffies are no different than standard-coat corgis in regards to healthiness or physique, because of their longer coat length, fluffy corgis can require more grooming. Their longer hair is more susceptible to matting, clumping, and holding moisture or dirt. The fluffy coats will need regular brushing and grooming, and they may shed more than standard-coats. Fluffies are beautifully unique with their long coats, but it is important to consider the greater grooming demands of a fluffy before adding one to your family.
​
See also:
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/172/
STANDARD COATS (FLUFFY CARRIERS & NON-FLUFFY)
Standard coat corgis have the short-haired coat length and are considered breed standard by the American Kennel Club. While they are short-haired, standard coat corgis still need regular brushing and grooming like their fellow fluffy corgis. However standard coat corgis will tend to have less problems than fluffy corgis with matting or carrying dirt or moisture in their coats.
Corgis with a standard coat can have no fluffy genes, or carry one copy of the recessive fluffy gene. A standard coat corgi that has one copy of the recessive L-locus gene (Ll) are called fluffy carriers. While they possess one copy of the fluffy gene, they will not have long hair. It is impossible to tell if a standard coat corgi is a fluffy carrier without genetic testing. Fluffy carriers can have fluffy corgis when bred to another fluffy carrier or a fluffy.
GROOMING
All corgis have a thick, waterproof double coat. The top layer is a coarse and covers the soft undercoat. Corgis shed regularly, with the most shedding occurring when they shed their undercoat, which usually happens twice a year. Regular brushing and grooming ensures a healthy coat and helps identify any problems with their hair quickly. Because corgis have a double coat, it is highly recommended that corgis are not shaved at any time. Consistent brushing will help keep corgis comfortable in any weather. As with any dog, corgis should also have their nails trimmed and ears checked regularly.
See also: